Absolutely South West September 2019 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

SOUTH WEST

South West

SEPTEMBER 2019 / £3.95

LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL Focus on innovation and creativity

S EPTEM B ER 2019

Education SPECIAL 36 pages ﬁlled with schools' news and views

FASHION

WEEK Spotlight on Positive Fashion

Style on the

MOVE FA S H I O N F O R A N I N D I A N S U M M E R

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The heart wants what the heart wants. Discover rural cottages with acres of space using keyword search.

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ORIGINAL, LIMITED-EDITION ART DECO POSTERS

Limited to editions of 280, our newly-commissioned Art Deco posters feature glamorous holiday destinations around the world, ski resorts in the Austrian, French and Swiss Alps, and the world’s greatest historic automobiles. Over 100 designs to choose from, all printed on 100% cotton fine art paper, measuring 97 x 65 cms.

Priced at £395 each.

Private commissions are also welcome.

Pullman Editions Ltd 94 Pimlico Road Chelsea London SW1W 8PL www.pullmaneditions.com Tel: +44 (0)20 7730 0547 Email: georgina@pullmaneditions.com

Our central London gallery

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents SEPTEMBER 2019

97 C U LT U R E 12 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 59 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

16 AGENDA

66 BEAUTY LIST

10 things weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re coveting this month

Diary dates for September

18 LONDON DESIGN FAIR Highlights from the show

This month's best beauty buys

The best plastic-free products

HOME 73 SHINE A LIGHT

FOOD & DRINK 28 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

32 RECIPES

91 SEATING PLAN Absolutely's favourite chairs

News from the industry

Game-changing ways with game

Lamps for every room

76 KITCHEN STYLE Ledbury Studio's shiny metal units

FA S H I O N 44 CATWALK SPY

T R AV E L 94 CITY OF ART

53 CUFF LOVE

E D U C AT I O N S P E C I A L 105 SCHOOLS FOCUS

Highlights from London Fashion Week

Connie Nam talks about launching successful jewellery brand, Astrid & Miyu

Going beyond the Biennale in Venive

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 AW19 lisou.co.uk

A special section dedicated to education

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EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR HELEN BROWN EDITORIAL INTERN VICTORIA PEAKE DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES EDUCATION SPECIALIST ANDY MABBITT ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNER MIKE ROBERTS MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN MARKETING MANAGER LUCIE PEARCE FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR JAMES FUSCHILLO DIRECTOR LEAH DAY NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS EVA LEHOCZKY For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 3397 8706 or email: craig@zest-media.com

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

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

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5 LETTER Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ABSOLUTELYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S September issue highlights

LIGHTING UP

September is the best time to visit the Venice Biennale page 94

One of the city-wide festival's highlights page 18

eptember is probably the most eventful month of the year in London. Everything happens now. The long-awaited London Design Festival finally arrives, with its multiple events and venues that position London at the centre of the design world. This will be the festival's 17th year and its diverse programme will burst onto the scene on 14 September, with installations and exhibits all over our urban sprawl. The dates overlap with London Fashion Week, which begins on 13 September and is set to focus strongly on Positive Fashion and its principles of sustainability, ethnicity and craftsmanship. Meanwhile, for young people, September marks the beginning of the new school year and all over London there will be children buckling their new school shoes and packing their fresh pencil cases in excitement and anticipation of their new classes. That's why this issue includes our Education special, with more than 30 pages of ideas, features and information for anyone tasked with choosing a school for their children. We hope you enjoy the magazine.

EQUUS

There's still time to catch this impressive production of Peter Shaffer's play. page 20

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

Beautiful lamps and lights for the home page 75

VENICE - CITY OF ART

LONDON DESIGN FAIR

GAME CHANGE

Creative recipes for game season page 32

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

H E L E N B R OW N

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

SWEET D R EAMS Pour Les Femmes is a socially conscious sleepwear label from actress and activist Robin Wright and designer Karen Fowler. Upon learning of the struggles that women face in Eastern Congo, they came up with a beautiful product that could be sold to support women in conflict regions around the world. plfdreams.com

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

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

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

B E ST O F B R ITI S H

HEAD SMART

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

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

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

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

PERFECT FIT

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

Maison Lejaby has been designing beautiful, meticulously detailed lingerie in its Lyon workshop for nearly a century. Each piece is made from high-quality, European-sourced fabrics and precisely cut to flatter your figure, MissLejaby body £85; ameliesfollies.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

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

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3 - 13 October 2019

10 Magical Days on Wimbledon Common with a stellar line-up of celebrity writers and literary stars BOOK NOW WIMBLEDONBOOKFEST.ORG WBF.indd 1

PRINCIPAL PARTNER

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C U LT U R E

KINSKA, MY OPERA HOUSE; NOW GALLERY

What's on 16 • London Design Fair 18 • Theatre review 20 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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The Agenda

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

DE S I GN

Junya Ishigami

Ongoing SERPENTINE GALLERIES Japanese architect Junya Ishigami has designed the Serpentine Pavilion for 2019, making him the nineteenth architect to accept the invitation. With his unique dream-like visuals, Ishigami has taken inspiration from roofs, the most common architectural feature used around the world. The design is made by arranging slates to create a single canopy roof that appears to emerge from the ground. Kensington Gardens, W2; serpentine galleries.org

T H E AT R E

ONE F RO M 3 0 S E PTE MB E R • BAT TE R S EA ARTS CEN TRE

Uniquely blending humour, brutality and clowning, acclaimed performers Bert and Nasi will have you on the edge of your seat as they attempt to overcome what divides them in this surreal show for our surreal times. Locked in a deadpan double-act and a polarised world, Bert and Nasi are looking for a way to be together. But they get distracted by squabbles, insults, tap-dancing and one-upmanship. How will it end? You decide. Lavender Hill, SW11; bac.org.uk

T H E AT R E

LIT

17-21 September O M N I B U S T H E AT R E The problem with love is that it’s different for everyone For Bex, love is a flirt in detention and the promise of a date at a Chinese buffet. She doesn’t even like Chinese. How long can she keep searching for love before she ends up burnt? Sophie Ellerby‘s focuses on the complexities of working class and explores the turbulent teenage years of a girl looking for love in all the wrong places. 1 Clapham Common Northside, SW4; omnibus-clapham.org

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

DESIGN

T H E AT R E

HOW LOVE IS SPELT

4-28 September S O U T H WA R K P L AY H O U S E Peta is new in town and ready for whatever London has to throw at her. She’s looking for romance, for friendship, for exciting people to lead her on big adventures. But being an independent woman in the new millennium isn’t easy, especially when there’s a constant reminder of the life you’re trying to escape. From Susan Smith Blackburn Prize-winner Chloe Moss, How Love is Spelt captures perfectly what it is to be young and alone in the capital, but with refreshing humour and assured writing. 77-85 Newington Causeway, SE1; southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

DATES F U R N I TUR E

DESIGNJUNCTION 19-22 September KING’S CROSS designjunction returns to King’s Cross with an unmissable line-up of the breakthrough brands shaping design today. From the world’s leading designer to undiscovered brands, the event brings together the newest and most forward-thinking furniture, lighting and accessory designs of 2019. King’s Cross, N1C; thedesignjunction.co.uk

TR AD E

100% DESIGN 18-21 September O LY M P I A L O N D O N Celebrating a quarter century of unearthing some of the industry’s most influential people, 100% Design returns as the largest and longestrunning design trade event for industry professionals UK. This year's show will be an unmissable destination for design and innovation with all the biggest names in design and architecture. Hammersmith Road, W14; 100percentdesign.co.uk

T H E AT R E

PRELUDES From 6 September S O U T H WA R K P L AY H O U S E Sergei Rachmaninoff has it all; world-wide fame from a single composition, commissioned to write his first symphony at 20 and engaged to the love of his life, Natalya. But at 21 he is crippled with a depressive paranoia and anxiety. As his world implodes, he can’t even lift a pencil to compose a simple melody. Based on Rachmaninoff’s true story, Preludes is an extraordinary new musical exploring how music can be used to restore a person back from darkness. 77-85 Newington Causeway, SE1; southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

This Month’s Must See

LONDON DESIGN FAIR

EVITA U NTI L 21 S E PTE MB ER • REGEN T ’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE

im Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical, Evita, follows the ambitious namesake lead as she divides the Argentinian people with her patriotic speeches, becoming the world’s first major political celebrity. Expect a chart-topping score including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, Oh What A Circus, and the Oscar-winning You Must Love Me. Regent's Park, Inner Circle, NW1; openairtheatre.com

F E S T I VA L

LONDON DESIGN FAIR 29-22 September OLD TRUMAN BREWERY This four-day event brings 550 eThis four-day event brings 550 exhibitors from 40 countries to the creative heart of east London. Expect independent designers, established brands and international pavilions, , along with the very latest in furniture, lighting, textiles and conceptual installations from around the world. 91 Brick Lane, Spitalfields, E1; londondesignfair.co.uk

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LONDON DESIGN FAIR,GUEST COUNTRY, IRTHI CONTEMPORARY CRAFTS COUNCIL

LONDON DESIGN FAIR, THE BATHROOM GALLERY, LAUFEN

FA I R

TRADE As The London Design Fair returns with all new collaborations and exhibitions, Absolutely picks out the highlights

Wo r d s V I C TO R I A P E A K E

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CULTURE • LONDON DESIGN FAIR

“A collaboration inspired by the surface of the moon”

he London Design Fair attracts 29,000 visitors to the muchloved Old Truman Brewery. The fair, will undoubtedly inspire, fascinate and enthral each member who attends. The fair aims to attract a wide audience and will accommodate the global tastes of many with a hand-picked line-up showcasing the best of contemporary design. Visitors can expect to see over 550 exhibitors from 40 countries with a comprehensive mix of country pavilions, brands, features, experiences, new launches and new talent. In addition there is an opportunity to view the design world’s latest artistic endeavours. Debuting at this year’s fair is The Bathroom Gallery, an entirely new element in partnership with ELLE Decoration UK.The exhibition will be designed by architect and artist Ioana Lupasc. The brands will be given a space to transform and are encouraged to think carefully and provide an insight into the features that shape modern bathrooms. This truly bespoke exhibition will spotlight some of the world’s most celebrated bathroom brands, including Laufen and Roca. Adorno is also presenting something new and innovative, Crossovers. Crossovers is 10 curators, 10 collections, 10 global design scenes which has been billed as ‘a cross-cultural collectible design journey’. Curators of all different nationalities, including Denmark, Mexico and Turkey, will celebrate global designers and communities from around the world that are striving to preserve to local design and craft alive. Paola Bjaringer will curate Sweden’s presentation. Born in Stockholm, Bjaringer opened one of the first galleries in Paris to focus exclusively on contemporary collectible design. This year's fair’s Guest Country Pavilion is presented

LONDON DESIGN FAIR,DRAGA AURIEL, ADORNO CROSSOVERS, ITALY

LONDON DESIGN FAIR,STUDIO HANNA WHITEHEAD, ADORNO CROSSOVERS, ICELAND

LONDON DESIGN FAIR,KOHLO BY MATTHEW DAY JACKSON FOR MADE BY CHOICE IN COLLABORATION WITH FORMICA

by the United Arab Emirates. Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council will represent the UAE by debuting its first exclusive product collection. Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council operates a pioneering programme of creative, cultural and commercial initiatives. Their main aim is to empower women through craft with another focus on preserving and promoting indigenous craft heritage. Over 40 female artisans have made an inspiring collection of handmade items for the audience to enjoy. A collaboration we are very much looking forward to is between American artist Matthew Day Jackson and leading surface solutions company Formica. The pair have created Kolho, a series of tables and chairs for the Finnish design brand Made by Choice. For this collaboration, Jackson has been inspired by the surface of the moon, while Formica has developed bespoke steel press plates which creates a textured laminated surface with depths. They have also played and manipulated plywood forms. LONDON DESIGN FAIR

takes place between 18-22 September at Old Truman Brewery. Spitalfields, E1 6QR londondesignfair.co.uk

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CULTURE • THEATRE

ABSOLUTELY reviews…

PETER SHAFFER’S

EQUUS A strikingly visceral production at Trafalgar Studios By PENDLE HARTE

his impressive production of Peter Shaffer’s intense drama is stark, physical and visceral. With its empty stage, atmospheric lighting and emotional performances, this is a strange and hardhitting drama that first premiered in 1973 yet still feels contemporary. Inspired by a true story, Equus sets out to explore the complex relationships between devotion, myth and sexuality. When teenager Alan Strang’s pathological fascination leads him to blind six horses in a Hampshire stable, psychiatrist Martin Dysart is tasked with uncovering the

motive behind the boy’s violent act. As Dysart delves into Alan’s world of twisted spirituality, passion and sexuality, he begins to question his own sanity and motivations. While the action centres around Strang’s incarceration in a psychiatric hospital, the play gives equal weight to exploring Dysart’s sense of identity and self-doubt where his career is concerned, and the play poses some deep questions about psychiatry, religion and sexuality. Ethan Kai’s performance as Alan develops gradually as the play unfolds. We meet him silent, mysterious and brooding and as he begins to talk, he is emotional and agonised, confident with the play’s famed nudity. Much of the action plays on

Actors play horses using their bodies and movement an empty, curtained stage, with a metal hospital bed at its sole, cold object, yet clever use of coloured lighting and motion creates a lot of visual interest. There are no horse masks in this production; actors play horses mesmerisingly using just their bodies and movement, giving enormous sensuality to the relationship between Alan and Equus. This story of teenage angst and sexuality, religion and repressionmay not be a cheerful one but it makes for a memorable and striking piece of theatre.

VERDICT

Intense, gripping and disturbing ★★★★★ EQUUS CONTINUES UNTIL 7 SEPTEMBER AT TRAFALGAR STUDIOS

trafalgarentertainment.com

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CULTURE • THEATRE

ROUND UP

Best in SHOW Get the most out of London’s theatre scene with our top stage picks for the month By H E L E N B R O W N

THE LIFE I LEAD

From 16-21 September

MUST SEE

AN INSPECTOR CALLS

6-14 September

CHURCHILL THEATRE

Written at the end of the Second World War and set before the First, An Inspector Calls is the tried and tested story that begins when the mysterious Inspector Goole calls unexpectedly on the prosperous Birling family home, shattering their peaceful family dinner party with his investigations into the death of a young woman. Stephen Daldry takes to the director’s chair again, having already won a total of 19 major awards for his run with the play. High Street, Bromley, BR1; churchilltheatre.co.uk

THE LIFE I LEAD

W YNDHAM’S THEATRE

Best remembered for playing loveable English gent, Mr Banks in Disney's Mary Poppins, David Tomlinson had an incredible life full of adventure and heartbreak. He was deﬁned by his relationship with his own father - a remote eccentric who was hiding an extraordinary tragi-comic secret. The Life I Lead sees Miles Jupp, one of Britain's leading comics and actors bring David Tomlinson's remarkable story to life in this richly comic and moving tale of fathers and sons across generations. Charing Cross Road, WC2H; lifeileadtour.com

THE WEATHERMAN

GROAN UPS

Until 14 September

From 20 September

PARK THEATRE

VAUDEVILLE THEATRE

Beezer and O’Rourke live on the fringes of society in a dingy London ﬂat, struggling to make ends meet. When their dodgy landlord, Dollar, makes them a ‘business’ proposition, O’Rourke ﬁnds himself selling out for the cost of a few months’ rent. The price? Take care of a mystery special package for a few months. Sounds easy. Until the weight of a heavy conscience becomes too much to bear. Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, N4; parktheatre.co.uk

Groan Ups is the latest offering from the company that brought you the smashing West End hits The Play That Goes Wrong and The Comedy About a Bank Robbery. This social comedy takes us from the classroom to the adult world with the company playing a disorderly group of kids, the rebellious teens they become and the adults who return to a school reunion to see how much they've all changed. 404 Strand, WC2R; groan-ups.com

ANGELA’S ASHES

From 24 September

ANGELA’S ASHES

ASHCROFT THEATRE

The critically acclaimed Irish production of Angela’s Ashes – The Musical makes its UK premiere this autumn, With music and lyrics by Adam Howell and book by Paul Hurt, this major musical adaptation of Frank McCourt’s best-selling memoir tells the remarkable story of the author’s childhood in Limerick and of the McCourt family’s inspirational rise from adversity to triumph during 1940s Ireland. Park Lane, Croydon, CR9; fairﬁeld.co.uk

GROAN UPS

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LINGERIE • NIGHTWEAR SWIMWEAR • BEACHWEAR AMELIES _FOLLIES_V2.indd 1

Lingerie and swimwear measuring and fitting service available all year round without appointment from A to J cup (size 8 to 20) GIFT VOUCHER AND GIFT WRAPPING AVAILABLE

34 Webb’s Road, London SW11 6SF Tel: 020 7924 3826 www.ameliesfollies.co.uk

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CULTURE • FOCUS William Blake, Europe: a Prophecy, c1794

William Blake, Pity, c1795

DON'T MISS

Radical and

REB ELLI O U S Experience William Blake’s visionary art the way he wanted it to be seen at Tate Britain Words V I C T O R I A P E A K E William Blake (1757-1827) Albion Rose c. 1793 Courtesy of the Huntington Art Collections

his autumn, Tate Britain brings the largest showcase of William Blake artwork to the UK for the first time in twenty years. Showcased are over 300 original works some rarely seen - over multiple mediums, depicting a lengthy period of the artist’s life. William Blake was a man of many talents. A visionary painter, printmaker and poet, he has created some of the most iconic and renowned images in British art. The art is a direct representation of Blake’s struggles to be understood and appreciated throughout his life, periods of political terror, oppression, revolution and war, all manifested into masterpieces with his unique imagination. Throughout

his career, he depended on the unwavering support of friends, family, patrons, but most importantly his wife Catherine. Visitors will experience Blake's ambitious art the way he intended. Here you can immerse yourself in a recreation of the exhibition space where Blake first previewed his art in 1809, an ill-fated attempt to create a public reputation for himself as a painter. This allows you to see the impact these works had when they were first showcased. Ambitious, Blake had a dream that was unfortunately never realised: to showcase his work on a larger scale. He envisioned vast frescos sprawled across walls. The Tate has made this dream a reality, utilising digital technology to enlarge and project selected paintings onto the gallery wall. These projections will reinvent Blake as a visual artist within the 21st century. The exhibition will also have a focus on London, the city in which Blake was born and lived for most of his life. The capital was a constant inspiration for Blake, he saw a place where harsh realities could merge with his unique imagination. One of our favourite paintings is Albion Rose; we are excited to see this piece in pride of place at the opening of the exhibition. It is an exuberant depiction of the mythical founding of Britain. Blake’s creation contrasts with the commercialism, austerity and crass populism of the times. Over many years Blake has been an inspiration to many artists, musicians, writers and performers and we are sure this exhibition will influence all that come and enjoy.

WILLIAM BLAKE William Blake is open between 11 September 2019 to 2 February 2020 at Tate Britain. Millbank, SW1P; tate.org.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

BAKE OFF BREAD AHEAD

This month sees the Bread Ahead International Bakery School open its doors on Pavillion Road, Chelsea. Here you can master the art of sourdough and discover what it takes to make the perfect doughnut in a range of workshops that are taught in four languages. breadahead.com

Food notes 28 • Eating out: Kew Pavilion 31 • Recipes for game season 32 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news Wine recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this September By HELEN BROWN

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

2018 Berry Bros. & Rudd Australian Chardonnay by Frankland Estate  £12.95 Sourced from the Frankland River in Western Australia, this wine embodies a glorious purity of fruit, reﬂecting the region’s cooler climate. The palate is poised; white peach and citrus layer with vibrant acidity and a touch of creaminess.

2016 Frog’s Leap, Zinfandel, Napa Valley, California  £25.50 This Zinfandel from our friends at Frog’s Leap is rich and concentrated, with black and redcurrant fruit layered with red plum and spice. The nose offers bramble fruit and hints of red liquorice, sweet spice and a lively core.

2017 Berry Bros. & Rudd Reserve Red by Collovray & Terrier  £8.95 This Merlotdominated blend has Syrah and Grenache in support, resulting in a juicy red wine with a crunchy fruit proﬁle. A barrel-aged parcel adds complexity to lots from varying altitudes.

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

Bargain Hunt DA R BY ’ S I N B AT T E R S E A

An oyster bar, bakery and grill all rolled into one, Darby’s is Robin Gill’s latest venture serving an Irish-inﬂuenced menu that caters to everything from a full Irish breakfast through to Dexter beef for dinner. To celebrate Native Oyster season which starts this month, the Battersea eatery is offering half a dozen oysters and a pint of Guinness for £10, or half a dozen oysters and two glasses of champagne for £30. No. 3 Viaduct Gardens, SW11; darbys-london.com

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Food for THOUGHT

FOOD & DRINK• NOTES

Our picks for Organic September…

FA R M AC Y

Twice As Nice

Founded in 2016, Farmacy has blossomed into one of London’s most well-regarded plant-based restaurants. On the menu are vegan and vegetarian dishes, inspired from all corners of the globe and made entirely with organic ingredients, courtesy of a biodynamic farm in Kent. 74-76, Westbourne Grove, W2; farmacylondon.com

BONNINGTON CAFE

Since opening in the early 80s, Bonnington Cafe has been a single site affair, serving the Vauxhall populace delicious vegetarian brunch, lunch and homemade cakes. Throughout summer and September, Bonnington Cafe has branched out with a pop-up on Thessaly Street with an ever-changing menu that includes the likes of Sri Lankan curry, a naked chickpea burger and pasta with pistachio pesto. Yvonne Carr Centre, 2 Thessaly Road, SW8; bonningtoncafeonthessaly.com

IMAGE: DIANA J. SERBAN

SNACK AT TAC K DOISY & DAM

British chocolatiers, Doisy & Dam have added a new range of nut butter cups to their delectable product line-up. Available in two flavours (hazelnut and almond), low in sugar, palm oil-free and vegan, the cups consist of a silky smooth dark chocolate outer shell with a flavoursome nut butter filling. £1.35 doisyanddam.com

GALLERY CAFE Environmentally-conscious and vegan, Gallery Cafe uses organically-grown herbs from their own garden, source most of the ingredients locally and feature British seasonal produce as much as possible. 21 Old Ford Road, E2; stmargaretshouse.org.uk

PERFECT PA I R I N G WRIGHT BROTHERS

WASTE NOT SMALL CHANGE , BIG DIFFERENCE

Small Change, Big Difference has launched a series of free, pop-up cookery classes across the capital to help Londoners looking to up-skill in the kitchen, while reducing food waste. Each workshop is run by inspirational chefs who will showcase simple ways to help save the planet. Mandy Mazliah will be cooking with potatoes on 25 September in Loughborough Junction’s The Platform Cafe. For more information and to book a free place on a cookery workshop, visit smallchangebigdifference.london

WILD FOOD CAFE Wild Food Cafe owners, Joel and Aiste, believe in eating and serving food in a way that causes the most benefit and the least suffering to the earth. Every dish has a colourful, global and eclectic edge, created with the London's best local and organic ingredients. wildfoodcafe.com

This month sees seafood and oyster specialists, Wright Brothers partner with Piper-Heidsieck to create a brand new signature champagne Piper-Heidsieck Essentiel by Wright Brothers. The extra brut has been created to pair perfectly with oysters and shellﬁsh. Available in all Wright Brothers sites; thewrightbrothers.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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020 8543 2828 343 - 345 Haydonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Road Wimbledon | SW19 8LA

The best kept secret in SW19

Serving up classic Chinese dishes since 1992

Book your table now

www.mcchinaeating.com MCCHINA_NEW2.indd 1

27/06/2019 09:30

FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“It’s nice to note that all herbs are sourced in Kew Gardens ”

The PAVILION Kew Gardens’ newest food offering is simple and stylish

FOOD Burgers, salads, grills

B y PENDLE HARTE

isit Kew Gardens before 27 October and you’ll be able to see the Chihuly exhibition of striking, natureinspired glass sculptures scattered around the gardens. And you’ll need to stop for lunch, obviously. The gardens’ longstanding Pavilion restuarant, with its tired building, was demolished some time ago and in its place is the shiny new Pavilion Bar and Grill. This is a stylish, steel-framed, contemporary low rise building on the original site, with lots of outdoor seating, landscaping and views over the gardens. Floor-to-

ceiling glass, dark walls and sleek lighting create architectural interest and a modern feel, while an informal, busy vibe makes this a comfortable place to stop. Sitting outside on a summer’s day, this is undoubtedly one of London’s finest spots. The menu is unfussy and simple. Pub-style, you order at the bar and dishes appear when they’re ready. There’s a strong focus on healthy an sustainable dining here, with a note on provenance on the back of the menu (it’s nice to note that all herbs come from Kew Gardens) – and the menu is diverse enough to span BBQ pork belly ribs, vegan burgers and fermented cabbage. We try a Josper beef burger – infused with

DECOR Architect-designed glass and steel

PRICE Mains £8.50-£18.50

VERDICT It’s a winning spot for a Kew day

Kew seasoning – which is classy and satisfying, and a salad of salt-baked salmon, barley and rocket, which is generous and tasty. From the children’s menu, our daughter raves about the sweet bbq chicken wings. We are tempted to order a family sharing board, which comes as a meaty or vegetarian option – meaty including spatchcock chicken, brisket and ribs, vegetarian featuring grilled asparagus, mushrooms and vegan halloumi – but can’t agree, so stick to individual ordering. There are lighter plates too as well as sandwiches, cakes and pastries, which are available all day. The Pavilion is Kew’s mid-range eaterie; it’s smaller and more stylish than the Orangery, which focuses on quick bites, salads and quiches, and it’s more sophisticated than White Peaks with its childcentric offerings. The Botanical is the gardens’ most formal eaterie, with bookings and fancy afternoon teas, while the new Food Village with its street food vibe specialises in pulled pork on the weekend. Remember: Chihuly is only showing until 27 October, so if you haven’t seen it yet, plan lunch and a visit now. PAV I L I O N B A R & G R I L L kew.org

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Game on It’s game season and in the run up to the Eat Game Awards, here are some ways with game

IMAGE BY STEVE LEE

Wo r d s E AT G A M E AWA R D S . C O . U K

Three-Bird Wellington by José Souto Serves 10 Prep time: 35 minutes Cooking time: 40 to 55 minutes

INGREDIENTS • 9 long slices of streaky bacon • 3 skinned pheasant breasts

• 260g Cumberland sausage meat •9 0g dried apricots (preferably organic) •2 0g pistachio nuts, shell removed •4 skinned pigeon breasts •4 skinned partridge breasts • 1 kg puff pastry • 1 egg, beaten for egg wash

METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/375°F/gas mark 4. 2 Lay the bacon slices vertically on a large piece of clingfilm, so that they overlap slightly. Starting from the edge of the bacon, lay the three pheasant breasts

horizontally on top, again, overlapping them slightly. 3 Divide the sausage meat in half. Put each half between two pieces of clingfilm and roll out until they’re the size of the three breasts. Place one onto the pheasant breasts and sprinkle with half the pistachios and apricots. Then put the four pigeon breasts on top, followed by the second piece of sausage meat, and the rest of the pistachios and apricots. Top it off with the four partridge breasts. 4 Carefully roll everything up, wrapping the bacon around the breasts and sausage meat. Then, roll everything in clingfilm,

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Mallard with Radicchio and Roasted Grapes by Rachel Green Serves 4

INGREDIENTS • 2 mallards, oven-ready • Sea salt flakes • Freshly ground black pepper • 2 fresh rosemary sprigs • 4 fresh thyme sprigs • 1 small onion, peeled and cut into wedges • 2 cloves garlic, peeled • 2 oranges, zest and juice • 2 small pieces of cinnamon stick • 50g butter, plus a little extra for placing in the cavity • 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 medium radicchio • 350g red grapes • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

METHOD

Game still doesn't get the recognition it deserves – and the Eat Game Awards are determined to change this twist the ends to give you a long sausageshaped joint and chill for 20 minutes. 5 On another piece of clingfilm, roll out a piece of puff pastry to a 3-4mm thickness. It must be long enough to cover the meat and overlap by 2cm underneath, and about 5cm wider. Brush a little water over the top end and along the edges to help it seal later. Take the meat out of the fridge, remove the clingfilm and place it at the bottom edge of the pastry. Roll the meat in the pastry until you meet the top edge. Tighten the roll and seal the dough on the sides by gripping the clingfilm on each side and squeezing slightly. Remove the clingfilm and pierce

any air pockets to ensure the pastry is well set around joint. Lay it on a well-greased tray with the seal on the bottom and brush the top with egg wash. 6 Roll another piece of puff pastry to a 3mm thickness and then roll a lattice cutter along it. Place this over the top of the joint, trim off any excess and egg wash it. 7 Finally, make three small holes at the base, along each side of the joint, to allow any juices to escape. Place into a preheated oven at 180°C for 30 minutes, then turn up to 200°C for a further 15 minutes. Allow to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven and before cutting.

1 Preheat the oven to 240°C/240°C fan/475°F/gas mark 9. 2 Season the cavity of each duck with salt and pepper and stuff with the sprigs of herbs, onion, garlic, orange zest, cinnamon stick and a large knob of the butter in each. Season the top of each duck with salt and pepper and leave to one side. 3 Heat the oil in a casserole over a medium-high heat and brown the ducks well. This will take around 10-15 minutes – take time over this to really get a nice colour all over the ducks. Place the ducks breast-side up in the casserole, pour over the orange juice and roast in the preheated oven for around 10 minutes. Cut the radicchio into quarters and snip the grapes into little bunches. Add the radicchio and grapes to the casserole and roast for a further 10 minutes, turning halfway through. Check that the ducks are cooked by giving the breasts a gentle squeeze – they should be firm yet giving. 4 Take the birds out of the casserole and put onto a carving board. Drizzle with balsamic, cover loosely with foil and leave to rest for 15 minutes. Add the rest of the butter to the casserole and put it back on a high heat until the butter has melted. Bring the juices to the boil and check that the radicchio and grapes are warmed through. 5 Carve the ducks and serve immediately with the radicchio and grapes with the juices drizzled over.

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Discover Barbados There’s so much to love about the Caribbean island of Barbados: the weather’s near-perfect, the food is top-notch, the history is fascinating and the people are warm and welcoming. There’s a lively nightlife scene on the south coast, wild surf on the untouched east coast and some of the world’s finest resorts on the fashionable west coast. Barbados is famous for its picture-perfect beaches, but there’s lots to see and do right across the island. As one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, you can happily explore everything it has to offer. Stick to the coast and you’ll have access to all kinds of watersports, from snorkelling to surfing and sailing. Head inland and you’ll come across old plantation houses, magnificent gardens, quaint chattel villages and limestone caves.

Book now for fabulous savings on 2020 holidays.

4 + Colony Club by Elegant Hotels

4 Sugar Bay Barbados

5 The Club Barbados

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• Plantation-house style on the west coast • Health and wellness orientated • Exclusive: FREE Resort Credit

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£1,549pp

• Boutique all-inclusive resort • 4 restaurants included • Great for couples, families and friends

from

£1,629pp

• Adults-only relaxation on the west coast • Watersports included • 2 restaurants, 4 bars included

Call 0208 329 2679 or book online letsgo2.com Prices are per person based on two people sharing and include return flights. Available on selected departures June 2020. Subject to availability. For full T&Cs visit letsgo2.com. Prices correct as of 12/8/2019.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

wine vinegar, and crushing together in a pestle & mortar or a herb blender • 4 tbsp (60g) peanut butter • 2 tsp sesame oil • 2 tsp mirin • 2 tsp rice wine vinegar • Pinch of caster sugar • Pinch of paprika • 1 onion, ﬁnely diced

Bang Bang Pheasant Salad by Rob Green Serves 2 for lunch or 4 as a starter

• 2 tbsp olive oil • 3 sprigs of coriander, roughly chopped • Maldon salt flakes • 2cm fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped put into a heatproof bowl and pour boiling water over 1 medium strength and size red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped them. Leave to stand for 10 seconds and then drain through a tea strainer or small sieve • 2 tsp sesame seeds • 60g blanched peanuts

FOR THE SALAD

FO R TH E SAU CE

• 2 large pheasant breasts •2 tsp soy sauce • 1 40g bean sprouts •8 0g breakfast (long) radishes •4 spring onions • 1 20g watercress

Approx. 50g chilli garlic paste– if you can’t find the paste anywhere, we suggest taking 4 cloves of garlic (peeled), 2 roughly chopped medium sized, medium strength red chillis (seeds removed) and a tablespoon of white rice

1 Bring a small pan of water to the boil and add the soy sauce. Put the pheasant breasts into the liquid and turn down to a simmer. Poach for around 4 minutes until just cooked. Remove from the poaching liquid, drain in a sieve and keep to one side. 2 Put the peanuts and sesame seeds into a small frying pan and, on a very low heat, toast them gently, mixing them around from time to time so that they don’t catch. Keep an eye on them because they can burn easily. Once the peanuts are a light brown colour, put them into a bowl and save for later. 3 For the salad, top and tail the radishes and spring onions and finely slice them lengthways. Mix the watercress, bean sprouts, ginger and chilli in a shallow serving bowl, and season with salt and olive oil. 4 Put all the sauce ingredients into a small saucepan on a gentle heat, and warm through. Roughly chop the pheasant into bite-size pieces and put into the sauce to warm through. When warm, scatter the pheasant pieces and sauce onto the salad and then add the spring onions, chopped coriander and radishes on top. Finish by scattering the toasted peanuts and sesame seeds on top.

Public nominations for the Eat Game Awards are open until 1 November 2019 Launch of public finalist voting: 15 November to 10 January 2020 Awards dinner in central London: Tuesday, 11 February 2020 eatgameawards.co.uk/nomination

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Monica Galetti, chef

C R E A T I N G

B E A U T I F U L

K I T C H E N S

S I N C E

1 9 8 1

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

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

DRINKS CABINET

What to drink and how to drink it By ANNABEL FULLER

PIRATE’S DELIGHT DEAD MAN’S FINGERS

A bunch of run fanatics in Cornwall have launched one of the world's first hemp rums. They are on a mission to shake-up the stale world of premium rum by creating Dead Man’s Fingers, a unique rum with an enticing golden colour and flavourful hints of smoky coffee, cola, hops and pine give way to a mind-expanding grassy herbal back note. £27 for 70cl; harveynichols.com

SIZE MATTERS FISHERS GIN

Fishers, the coastal spirit from Suffolk has increased its bottle size from 50cl to 70cl while keeping the original RRP the same. They've also taken the opportunity to update the brand, keeping the striking geometric pattern but changing the colours of the logo. Fishers Gin is made in a classic London Dry Gin style infused with a botanical line-up. £39.99 for 70cl; ﬁshersgin.com

GET FRUITY THE ENGLISH WHISKY CO

The English Whisky Co has released two new liqueurs which take inspiration from some of the UK’s lesser-known fruits. The Norfolk Quince Whisky Liqueur and The Norfolk Redcurrant Whisky Liqueur blend English single malts with traditional British fruits for two exciting and delicious new liqueurs. £19.99 for 50cl; englishwhisky.co.uk

PREVIEW

Back to the future Shake it like it’s the 60s at The Donovan Bar’s new cocktail masterclass B y H E L E N B R OW N

et a ﬂavour of the Swinging 60s in the iconic Naughty Corner of The Donovan Bar where, as of this month, the expert bartenders will be on-hand to teach you all there is to know about the cocktails of this hedonistic decade. Book your spot on the A Taste of the 60s cocktail masterclass and you’ll learn to master the art of creating classic 60s cocktails, while enjoying a tipple or two and some tasty canapés along the way. The one-hour masterclass, which can be booked for small groups of up to 10 guests, will include a demonstration of three classic 60s cocktails, with the opportunity to recreate and sample the drinks as the evening unfolds. After the class, guests will enjoy one the Our Generation cocktails in the bar – the menu was created by cocktail-maestro Salvatore Calabrese to pay homage to the famous faces that Terrance Donovan photographed throughout his career. We recommend the Black Trinity, an artful concoction of Hennessy cognac, Martini Riserva Speciale Rubino, port, Disaronno and cantaloupe melon foam. The A Taste of the 60s cocktail masterclass launches on 19 September. Tickets are £75 per person and guests will leave with cocktail recipe cards and a Terrance Donovan photography booklet.

THE DONOVAN BAR Brown’s Hotel, Mayfair, W1S;

roccofortehotels.com

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CHEF’S BRIGADE We catch up with Phil Howard and Sam Astley-Dean as they prepare for the opening of their new restaurant, Church Road Wo r d s H E L E N B R OW N

F “A head chef has got to be a great craftsman, a great leader and a great teacher”

or 33 years neighbourhood restaurant, Sonny’s positioned itself as a cornerstone on Barnes’ culinary map. Iconic and esteemed, it hosted everyone from the Rolling Stones to the Spice Girls and fed generations of the same family from 1986 until its closure earlier this year. It was the first venture from restaurateur Rebecca Mascarenhas and its closure was bittersweet, to say the least. But as ever, when one door closes another one opens, and so it is that Barnes welcomes Church Road. Set to open this month on the same site, Church Road is owned by Rebecca and Michelin-starred veteran of the food industry, Phil Howard, who have worked together for 30 years on an impressive list of successful restaurants. Intended to fill the Sonny’s-sized hole, Church Road is first and foremost positioned as a neighbourhood. What makes such a restaurant great? There are stalwarts on London’s culinary scene – Franklins in East Dulwich, Trullo in Islington, Brawn on Columbia Road – that have a certain je ne sais quoi, enticing the

same customers again and again. According to Phil, it’s all in the simplicity. He sits across from his kitchen partner and protégé Sam Astley-Dean who will be heading up the chef’s brigade. With Church Road, Rececca and Phil were keen to encourage the next generation to take the reigns, giving capable young chefs and waiters an opportunity to get ahead in the game. As such, Sam has been enlisted from Elystan Street where he worked as Phil’s sous chef, along with General Manager Alan Parry to head up front of house. “Sonny’s has been a project Rebecca has run for over 30 years and I’ve been on board for the last five. It felt like it was time to invest in some of the talent in our other restaurants,” Phil says of Sam. The two are aesthetically opposite - Phil is clean cut with thin wire-frame glasses and cutting cheek bones while Sam, tattooed, bearded, sports a look that is Shoreditch chic. But the two share a common food philosophy. “It doesn’t have to be fancy,” Phil says, “20-25 years ago, most good chefs went on to get multiple Michelin stars by opening multiple tins of caviar - it was fancy and technical food. Food has moved on, I have certainly moved on and this restaurant is just not about that. It’s about offering the food that people love.” In the kitchen, Sam will be overseeing simple, brutally seasonal, ingredient-led cooking. “It’s not groundbreaking but it’s the obvious answer. It’ll be really delicious, wellmade, comforting but also… yes just great

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FOOD & DRINK • PROFILE

PHIL HOWARD

food,” he says. Most of the menu will be familiar territory. “Anything that is new or radical will go down like a sack of shit,” says Phil. But having said that, they’ve still got to outshine their neighbours. “It’s handy to have two or three things that stand out on the menu - even in writing - for people to say ‘that's cool, that’s different, or I wouldn’t have expected that,’” Phil explains. “It might be something that they’re familiar with, we’ve talked about a curry which would be the first in one of my restaurants in 30-odd years,” he continues. Phil talks with clarity and decisiveness that only comes with years in the industry. He worked for the Roux family before spending a year each at London’s Bibendum and Harvey’s. In 1991 aged 24 he opened The

Square, before partnering with Rebecca in Kitchen W8 and Sonny’s. Next came Elystan Street in Chelsea and now this. The idea is that Phil will oversee the culinary direction of Church Road but it’s predominantly Sam’s project. “One of the most enjoyable parts has been coming up with endless ideas,” Sam says of the venture. “My mind goes a million miles an hour, so the challenge is in restraining it. That’s where Phil and Rebecca’s experience comes in, their level-headedness keeps things in check,” he says. Having started out in a gastropub, a country house hotel and Manchester’s Harvey Nichols, Sam moved up the ranks in the kitchens of the Chester Grovener, Claridge's and Elystan Street, where he was Phil’s sous chef for two years. “Sam has his own skill to bring, he has it in him to make this great,” Phil says. The ability to throw together a decent dish is one thing, but knowing how to helm a kitchen and handle a team is something entirely different. “When it comes to recruiting someone for the role of head chef, it can be tricky. You need someone who is in command of their trade,” Phil explains. “They’ve got to be a great craftsman, a great leader and a great teacher. Those three things you don’t often get in one person,” he says. As well, “It doesn’t matter whether it’s a burger or a langoustine with truffle sauce or a great bar of chocolate or a scoop of ice cream, a good chef needs a strong palate and the ability to appreciate good food in its simplicity,” Phil says. That’s not to say that the role won’t come without its demands. “As a chef, you are taught most skills but being manager is a completely different,” says Sam. “But the main part of my job is the cooking, making sure the food is great. To carry on pushing that forward is much like being a sous chef. But the managing side is definitely the biggest difference between the two roles. There’ll be different people, different scenarios that I’ve not come across before, but it’ll be a great challenge,” he continues. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FOOD & DRINK • PROFILE

you’ve got a head chef screaming at you all day,” he explains. Sam agrees. “The biggest thing is time, because we work to time. In any other job you can prioritise tasks and if anything goes wrong you can talk about it and fix it. But in this industry, you have to do it then and there.” Phil continues, “If you were to go and stand in the kitchen of a busy restaurant, and you stood and watched the chef for the 16 hours that he is there that day, it’s outrageous. But it’s also the very thing they come back to everyday. I am humbled so often, most days actually, when you get to my position where the stresses are very different. You just watch how hard people work for you. It is extraordinary.” The pair are clear about what they want to do together here. They won’t be reinventing the wheel but they’re ambitious. “Now more than ever, I appreciate the need to get it right,” Phil says. “Who are we feeding? What do we need to do? We have the right intentions and we’ll create something that is really special with a team of people who are going to have a great time doing it.”

SAM ASTLEY-DEAN

So with head chef and a tight core kitchen troupe in place, the pair are on track for the opening this month – but by no means will it be a leisurely ride. The restaurant industry is notoriously highpressured, both economically and in what it demands of its workers. “In the last two months I’ve just felt that there are not enough hours in the day. Some days, some weeks I’m like a pinball bouncing all over the place trying to get everything done,” Phil says. “But there is also the very palpable pressure of being a chef. A chef de partie in an ambitious and disciplined kitchen is expected to produce food of a certain standard. That simple defined role is hard: come in, do the mise en place and then deliver. That alone is hard, especially when

C H U R C H R OA D 94 Church Road, Barnes, SW13 0DQ churchroadsw13.co.uk

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TEL. 01798 344481 07831 886402 A L A N _ C O R D E RY @ YA H O O . C O . U K

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C L IE N T BRAND DAT E DO C U M E N T P R IN T P RO C E SS

S I LEN T PO O L D I S T I LLERY S I LEN T PO O L LO G O 04. 11. 2016 S PG _ LO G O _ W H I T E. a i x

CYAN

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FASHION

RED ALERT MAJE

Maje's AW19 collection is French style at its finest, with a 1970s feel and lots of stylish attitude. uk.maje.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

London Fashion Week 44 · Q&A Astrid & Miyu 53 · Jewellery 55 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Setting the

S T A N D A R D S

For this month's London Fashion Week, sustainability and ethics are at the fore Wo r d s V I C TO R I A P E A K E

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FASHION • PREVIEW COURTESY OF ROBERTS | WOOD, AW19 PRESENTATION

RICHARD QUINN, FOH, LFW, AW19, BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL, PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHAUN JAMES COX

LO N D O N FA S H I O N W E E K Friday 13 to Tuesday 17 September. For more information visit londonfashionweek.co.uk

The positive fashion initiative is designed to develop connections

n September, London will yet again become alive and saturated with culture. Fashionistas from all over the world will swarm to London to view the collections from the best creative talent; from emerging designers to heritage labels and internationally recognised fashion houses. London Fashion Week is known for its creativity and innovation and along with the British Fashion Council (BFC) and pride themselves on being on the forefront of culturals times, being the first to promise fur free and now they are the first to open the doors to the public. This will further blur the lines of what was traditionally known as a global trade platform. This year the BFC along with The Designer Exhibition have continued their pledge to focus on the #Positive Fashion Movement. This is an initiative with a platform that has been designed to celebrate industry best practice and encourage future business decisions to create a positive change. The movement is underpinned by three key themes: Sustainability, Equality & Diversity, Craftsmanship & Community. The theme of sustainability focuses on the social, environmental and business governance that will drive a more sustainable fashion future. The BFC is actively encouraging designers to

use environmentally friendly materials that are energy efficient, chemical management, reduced pollution and products that do not harm animals. An extremely important aspect is equality and diversity. This focuses on the representation of people, from the product makers to the staff, students and models who represent the brands. The BFC has found themselves setting the standards for an industry that has begun to strive to represent equality and diversity on a global platform, they have consistently championed the importance of every person working within the industry and that everyone is entitled to be treated with respect. The last pillar is craftsmanship and community. The aim of this is to support the community of talents, skills and craftsmanship that make up the British fashion industry by celebrating the wealth of talent and capability. The positive fashion initiative is designed to develop connections and an understanding between the designers and manufacturers. British designer Katie Roberts-Wood who is behind the studio Roberts Wood has been championing the Positive Fashion movement. As a design studio they are committed to developing sustainable, flexible production methods, valuing a

RIXO, LIBERATED TERRITORY, NORA NORD IMAGE

hybrid of technology and artisanal making. Her designs have a determined femininity that blends tactile poetry and dreamlike curiosity with structure, strength and form. Rixo is the brainchild of best friends Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskeys, founded in their London house. The brands philosophy is to always be inclusive and empowering. Rixo’s designers have created a fusion of hand-painted prints and timeless silhouettes to flatter every woman, irrespective of age, size, nationality, season or time of day. Diversity is a huge part of RIXO’s LFW presentations, including models of all ages, sizes and backgrounds. Another British designer, Richard Quinn creates garments with intense attention to innovative fabrics. He focuses on his ability to combine unique handcrafted skill, with a refined high fashion sensibility. Quinn launched his own open access print studio in South London, where he created and prints his eye-catching design. Quinn has been honoured for his value to the community, offering affordable print services to students and emerging designers, with the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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D R E A M L A N D Australian brand AJE pays homage to the country's quintessential coastal and urban style A- J - E .CO M . AU

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FASHION • Q&A

Q&A

Modern

MUSE

Connie Nam heads up the cool and contemporary jewellery brand, Astrid & Miyu Interview H E L E N B R O W N

Q How did you get the brand up and running? A I found a few suppliers from Seoul, hired a freelance web developer for £500, and a PR agent, which was the biggest investment. In less than two weeks our pieces were featured in Stylist and Grazia shopping lists. During the first year I was doing most things on my own including packing and delivery out of my flat. .

huggies, pearl huggies and the simple huggies permanently stuck to my ears.

Q What are your best sellers? A We are known for decorating ears

Q Who is the Astrid & Miyu customer? A She (or he) is fun, smart and in the

for celebrities and it-girls. We started designing ear cuffs when no one else was and naturally became the go-to place for ear cuffs and dainty earrings. Q Talk us through a typical

Q You started out as an investment banker, how long had you been visualising Astrid & Miyu and where did the idea come from? A I’d always thought about starting my own business. When I quit my banking job and came to London for my MBA, I struggled to find a jewellery brand that met my needs in terms of quality, design and price. Back home in Seoul I used to go to a small jewellery boutique every week to get my jewellery fix or just to browse - they had trendy pieces at prices below £200 equivalent - and the owner was so friendly I sometimes went in just to have a chat. I wanted to create a cool brand that does this for the world.

day in your life. A I normally wake up at 7am, do a 10 minute stretch or yoga, clear up my emails and visualise my priorities for the day. I grab coffee from my favourite local cafe and I’m in the office by around 8:30am. I have to be home by 6:30pm (when my nanny leaves). Q Do you have a favourite piece? A I love all the huggies. I have the shell

know. She’s a trend leader among her friends and will always be young at heart. She is cosmopolitan and well-travelled. Q What is the Astrid & Miyu team like? A We have a very fun, young, international,

hardworking and down-to-earth team. No one takes themselves seriously, everyone is happy to roll up their sleeves and help, average age is around 27 (it would be lower if I excluded myself), and more than 15 different languages are spoken. Q You’ve really harnessed Instagram what is it that people find so engaging? A I think it comes from how we speak to our customers across all our channels, not just on Instagram. I always tell our retail and customer services teams that they need to have fun with customers. I think this ethos overflows to all areas of the business including Instagram.

A ST R I D & M I Y U currently have boutiques in Covent Garden, Shoreditch and Oxford Circus. astridandmiyu.com

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

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Coin Couture Decorative coins in the spotlight

ANISSA KERMICHE

ANNOUSHKA

DE BEERS

Louise d'Or Coin 18-karat gold diamond hoop earring, £745 net-a-porter.com

18ct Yellow Gold, Diamond & Sapphire Love Diamonds Evil Eye Pendant, £795; annoushka.com

Talisman 18ct yellow-gold large medallion £16,400 debeers.co.uk

VERSACE

TABBAH

MONICA VINADER

Large Medusa Medallion Necklace, £490

18k yellow gold set with 61 diamonds, POA

harrods.com

tabbah.com

Alta Capture gold vermeil charm bracelet, £499.99 monicavinader.com

THOMAS SABO

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

TIFFANY & CO

Paradise Colours 18ct yellow gold-plated gemstone pendant, £498 selfridges.com

Gold-tone clip earrings, £235.78

Cobblestone platinum, diamond and sapphire medallion pendant necklace, £14,000 westgate-london.com

oscardelarenta.com

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

STATE OF THE ART CHELSEA HARBOUR CLUB With everything from fantastic group exercise classes and top-of-the-range gym facilities, to tennis courts and a luxury Amida Spa, the newly-renovated Chelsea Harbour Club has everything you could possibly need from a wellness destination. harbourclub.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Beauty notes 59 • Treatment reviews 61 • Plastic-free beauty 63 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Beautiful skin from the inside Skincare innovation in a drink

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

Joelle - March 2019

2 weeks to Wow! “The difference was clear after 2 weeks! I am now in my 2nd month of Skinade and the suppleness in my skin is incredible. I have noticed a marked difference in the hydration and texture in my face. I am hooked!”

Andrea - March 2019

The brand trusted by professionals, and loved by you... The inside-out approach to skincare is becoming an increasingly appealing and effective way to achieve visible results. As we age, our collagen production slows down, affecting the appearance of our skin. Skinade’s active ingredients work together to produce a daily drink aimed at nourishing and supporting the skin from the inside for beautiful skin on the outside.

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

Claudia - February 2019

skinade.com

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#BelieveTheHype

24/04/2019 15:40

HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

Night-time skincare and body biffing hero products B y H E L E N B R OW N

THE REVIEW

Heaven SCENT

Tried & tested Native Deodorant

BY R E D O

With top notes of rose petal and a warm and inviting base of log cabins, crackling fires and cedar wood, Byredo’s Super Cedar is our go-to transeasonal scent. Hints of silk musk and Haitian vetiver add complexity for a beguiling finish. £110; spacenk.com

B y V I C TO R I A P E A K E

EDITOR’S PICK

F SKIN

Perfect PIXI

Affordable beauty brand, PIXI has launched four new retinol products to form a skin-perfecting family for the muchloved Retinol Tonic. The line now includes a Retinol Jasmine Cleanser, a Retinol Eye Cream, Retinol Jasmine Lotion and an Overnight Retinol Oil. From £18; pixibeauty.co.uk

BRIGHT THING

S A I N T I R I S A D R I AT I CA

Maintain that summer glow well into the colder months with the Purity Paste from Saint Iris Adriatica. This award-winning exfoliator is a three-minute tour de force for brightening and retexturing dull skin. The earthy, naturally warming mask gentle shifts impurities and dead surface cells, leaving skin rejuvenated and glowing. £48; siadriatica.com

or years it's been common knowledge that there our conventional deodorants pose potential health problems. Antiperspirants contain synthetic fragrance and aluminium which is deposited directly onto the thin skin of your underarms. While there are many on the market, alternative products were for a long time unreliable or did not last beyond the initial scents... until now. Absolutely has tried and tested Native Deodorant, and we’re sold. Native believes in creating personal care products that do not harm your body. They have formulated a deodorant that is free from toxins like aluminium, parabens and sulfates. Native’s core ingredients are products that you can understand: coconut oil, shea butter, and baking soda. We were pleasantly surprised by the smell of the women’s deodorant, ﬁnding the coconut and vanilla lovely, after trialing some non-toxic deodorants lacking in perfume. When applied, the cream texture is smooth and leaves no residue or deodorant stains. Native also survives a busy day in London, without need for reapplication even after rush hour on the Central Line. If you do need to top up, you have the option of buying a small travel-sized deodorant which ﬁts perfectly into any purse. nativecos.com

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • REVIEWS

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

TO P T R E AT M E N T S

MAYFIVE

APOGII CLINIC

INSTANT GLOW FACIAL BY DR BARBARA STURM MAYFIVE

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

MAYFIVE CUT & FINISH

W o r d s R A C H E L AV E R Y

ucked away off the main high street of Chiswick, new boutique salon, MAYFIVE, is a whirring hive of activity. Salon owner Katie is in charge of revamping my tired locks with unruly ends and a grown out fringe, it needs polishing up. Equipped with lovely Davines products (which smell incredible) Katie washes, cuts and then styles. I watch in awe as she effortlessly tames my locks with a hairdryer and barrel brush, with the sort of technique I could only dream of replicating at home. But it’s no surprise that Katie is a pro, as she has been dreaming of hairdressing and even owning her own salon from the age of just 15. Katie thanks Instagram for giving her the confidence to actually take the plunge and start her own business, describing it as a virtual shop window for potential customers. And her love of Instagram is clear when it comes to the impeccably put together interiors of the salon - from the neon signage to the hanging plants - it’s a millennial’s dream. Recently shortlisted for Creative Head’s ‘Best New Boutique Salon’ award, we suggest you get booking at MAYFIVE now before word gets round that this is the coolest place in town. Ladies cut & finish from £49

ewly opened in July, Aogii Clinic is one of the latest additions to Notting Hill’s wellness scene. I’m here for the Instant Glow facial by Dr Barbara Sturm, a treatment available exclusively at Apogii. Dr Sturm is the woman behind the now famous vampire facial so I’m expecting good things. I meet my facialist downstairs and she begins with a thorough cleanse using an enzyme cleanser. Steam is applied to open the pores and impurities are removed by extraction. Next, Dr Sturm’s ultra-moisturising Hyaluronic Ampoules are applied for a much-needed dose of hydration. This is massaged on with thoughtful pressure in soothing rhythmic motions. It’s undoubtedly the most relaxing part of my week. The finishing touch is the application of the nutrient-rich, Glow Drops, which do exactly what it says on the tin. My skin maintains it’s fresh, radiant glow for days after. For a good, old fashioned facial, this one can't be beaten. £150 105 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, W2 apogiiclinic.co.uk APOGII CLINIC

44 Devonshire Road, Chiswick, W4 mayfivehair.co.uk

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

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

Exceptional care in your home Many of us need a little help, some a little more. We’ve been serving your community since 2012.

Kind and friendly hospice-trained staff Experts in dementia and complex care 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

Comprehensive range of services 020 8768 4648 personalcare@stchristophers.org.uk www.stcpersonalcare.org.uk Any profits made are returned to St Christopher’s Hospice

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REGI

Founded 1553

FLAIR DISCIPLINE

Open Mornings Prep School (ages 7 - 13) : Saturday, 28th September Senior School (13+): Saturday, 12th October

Individual visits welcome. Please contact Admissions for details

01527 579679

admissions@bromsgrove-school.co.uk

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ACADEMIC RIGOUR Co-educational, Boarding and Day “The school is highly successful in fulﬁlling its aim to produce pupils with strong creativity, morality, motivation and self-discipline, who enjoy learning.” ISI Inspection 950 pupils aged 13-18 720 pupils aged 3 - 13 Over 500 boarders from the age of 7

23/08/2019 15:59

HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

ONE OCEAN BEAUTY

BEN & ANNA Natural Deodorant, £7.16; ben-anna.com

Revitalizing Sea Serum, 30ml, £78; net-a-porter.com

BYBI Babe Balm, £18; Bybi.com

FACE HALO OHNE 100% Organic Tampons, £5.90; ohne.co

Reusable makeup remover pad, £7.50; Boots.com

ALCHEMY OILS Grapefruit Hair Remedy, £35; anthropologie.com

ECO WARRIORS

ZAO MAKEUP Aloe Vero Mascara, £20.75; gloworganicbrighton.co.uk

LUSH Shampoo bar, £8; Uk.lush.com

Meet the plastic conscious brands working towards a more sustainable future FLORAL STREET Neon Rose Eau De Parfum, 50 ml, £58; floralstreet.com

By ANNABEL FULLER

YES TO SKINCARE Cucumber wipes, £4; Asos.com

UP CIRCLE Chai Soap Bar Double Trouble 2 x 100g, £9.99; upcirclebeauty.com

EDITOR’S PICK

BY SARAH LONDON Green Cleansing Balm, £29.50; bysarahlondon.com

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Marble Private

Production | Planning | Music | Lighting

Marble Private provides the platform for extraordinary occasions. Our team of event planners have been producing elegant, jaw dropping on point celebrations of every kind for over 15 years. Our planners specialise in outrageous yet delicately beautiful private events. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wedding on a Boeing 747 aeroplane, a breathtaking birthday in the Italian countryside, or a custom built pergola for a 3 day festival bonanza on a private estate. City, Country, UK or Europe, our home is London but of course our clients take us around the globe. What matters the most to us is ensuring your character and personality is brought to the forefront of your celebration.

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

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@marbleprivate

23/08/2019 14:52

HEALTH & BEAUTY • SCENT

PERFUME

Billet Doux (Love Letters)

Romantic scents through the ages B y M I C H A E L D O N OVA N

y favourite perfume house of the early 20th century has to be Caron. While Coty and Guerlain were magnificent, the founder and nose of Caron, Ernest Daltroff, created seminal scents that defined a period in history and still resonate today. Daltroff was a self -taught perfumer and I think that this is why his work appeals to me. I am a huge fan of passionate perfumers that have educated themselves in the incredibly complex alchemy of fragrance. These individuals do not know the rules of the perfume schools and therefore break them often, teaming scents that do not work on paper but in reality are game-changers. Fortune is said to favour the brave and I believe that, in this case, Caron's Master Perfumer was utterly fearless. Ernest Daltroff had an inspirational muse, Félicie Wanpouille, whom he worshipped, and each and every beautiful scent created by him for Caron is a thinly disguised love letter to her. Felicie, who was an extremely talented stylist, contributed to the success of the scents by collaborating with the finest designers to realise equally beautiful flacons to house them. This is a story of a great love resulting in some of the finest fragrances every made. Take Narcisse Noir (still the only fragrance to have had a film named after it - 1947's 'Black Narcissus' starring Deborah Kerr and Jean Simmons), an elegantly erotic Floriental created in 1911 to celebrate the titular flower. This glorious celebration of glamour, with orange blossom, rose and jasmine supporting the leading lady, was also the favourite of screen legend Gloria Swanson who demanded that her film sets

with spritzed with the scent before she appeared. N'Aimez Que Moi (1916) became the scent given by soldiers to their sweethearts before they headed off to the trenches of WW1, and is a classic chypre with romantic notes of lilac, rose and violets. Tabac Blond (1919) is perhaps Daltroff's most celebrated scent and the first feminist fragrance – a historic departure from florals for women and featuring carnation, lime and leather over musk, patchouli and vanilla. This fragrance was adopted by the flappers of the 1920s as it represented a much more demonstrative view of female sexuality and is extraordinary in that, while it smells of the eponymous sweet, golden tobacco, it contains none at all. En Avion (1932) also celebrated girl power, in this case pioneering French aviatrices like Hélène Boucher, who wore it on her flight across the Atlantic stating that "without this perfume I might not have reached the end." With its heart notes of spiced orange and neroli this is an exciting scent full of confidence and adventure. Experience just how the other half lived with Royal Bain De Caron (1927), a scent said to emulate the experience of bathing in champagne, an indulgence said to be practised by the lovers of Wall Street's millionaires of the 1920s. This scent contains a hit of benzoin which opens the airways and allows a little more oxygen to reach the brain so it possesses the effervescent uplift of a glass of bubbly. Finally there is Pour Un Homme de Caron ( 1934) one of the first fragrances ever created for gentlemen and still the finest lavender scent in the business. Cool, minty and debonair, this is a classic scent for men that don't have to try too hard. There are many more exceptional scents in the Caron archive that are worth investigating and form the lasting legacy of a man who proves that great talent is timeless. Here's to you Monsieur Daltroff ! A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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23/08/2019 11:54

THE WORLD NEEDS NEW THINKING. GET READY. COME AND SEE CURIOSITY AT WORK.

• Girls

At ACS we prepare our students to be ready. Ready to ask new questions and demand better answers. Ready to innovate and create. Ready for cultures that crossover, boundaries that blur and ideas that interconnect. We ready them for a world that demands a new kind of learning – and a new kind of citizen.

COBHAM | EGHAM | HILLINGDON Visit acs-schools.com/opendays

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and boys aged 2 –18 Baccalaureate (IB) • Advanced Placement Programme (AP) • Bursaries and scholarships • Extensive busing • International

23/08/2019 15:35

HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

SWEAT IN ST YLE Absolutely gets a sneak peek as Harbour Club Chelsea unveils a new look

arbour Club Chelsea, London’s iconic premium health and fitness club, has undergone stylish and ultramodern renovation in keeping with its luxurious surroundings and exclusive membership base. The extensive new look to the club includes the refurbishment of five of its studios, and the creation of a new one to house the hugely-popular BLAZE high intensity classes that combine cardio, strength and combat, complete with MYZONE heart rate monitoring technology so every workout is different. Other improvements include a larger and upgraded Mind & Body studio for holistic classes, a newly refurbished High Energy studio offering all the latest workouts and a larger Group Cycling area offering even more instructor-led

Words E V E H E R B E R T

and virtual classes. The two Reformer Pilates studio have also been renovated. The changing facilities have been completely refurbished and have Anyah toiletries, GHD hair straighteners, stunning marble-finished shower cubicles, super sleek gold-effect mirrors, spacious lockers and private changing areas for individuals and families. Spanning two floors, the gym has been completely overhauled and updated with the latest high-tech equipment including five mobility/stretching massagers, Woodway Performance treadmills, Stages Solo bikes and Eleiko performance dumbbells. The luxurious renovation has extended to five of the 12 existing tennis courts and they have been resurfaced with improved lighting to help visibility during play. Anyone attending the club will first notice the changes on their arrival with a new layout of both the reception and entrance area. Other facilities include

three luxurious swimming pools, a spa area with nine stylish rooms offering a range of treatments using Murad and Elemis. At the heart of the club is a relaxing lounge with adults area, family zone and outdoor terrace area serving food and drink throughout the day. The club also offers some of the best children’s swimming and tennis coaching programmes in the UK, a timetable packed with children’s classes, crèche, soft play, after-school and holiday clubs. There is also an on-site dry cleaner, hairdresser, complimentary valet parking and a sports clothing and racquets shop, where equipment can be re-strung.

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

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

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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 L S E A | N OT T I N G H I L L

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

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INT E R I OR S

SIDE ORDER E R CO L

Ercol combines practicality with looks in the copious storage of their sideboards, shelving units, bookcases and display cabinets, the comfort of their studio couch and chairs, plus the utility of our coffee tables, lamp tables, desk and media units. ercol.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Interior inspirations 70 • Spotlight on lighting 73 • Metal in the kitchen 76 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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

WA L L STORIES ACCESSORIZE

This stylish Mozambique Wallpaper will make a great feature to rooms of your home. The design is simple yet effective, it features a pattern of beautiful palm leaf outlines in soft metallic silver, set on a mustard yellow matte background. ÂŁ30 worldofwallpaper.com

I N D I A N D E LI G H T JOHN LEWIS

The Luke Irwin Patterned Sari Silk is made using the excess material which is otherwise discarded during traditional Sari making. The beauty of these rugs is that every single piece is completely unique. This Pattern Saffron Rug incorporates a repeating geometric pattern. ÂŁ2,000 johnlewis.com

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

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INTERIORS • NOTES

ON THE TILES Stylish ceramics for walls and floors

OTTO TILES Coral Gammon, £4.80 ottotiles.co.uk

STRUCTURAL SUPPORT

S E A B LU E

CLAY BROOK STUDIO

IITTALA

Haven Mosaics Cove, £31.25 claybrookstudio.co.uk

The pressed 75mm glass Alvar Aalto bowl is a versatile serving bowl for snacks, sweet treats and condiments. The Alvar Aalto glass bowl could also make the perfect gift. This sea blue colour is a serene shade that works all year round. The bowl’s shape was originally designed by the iconic Alvar Aalto. £33 iittala.com

HAND & EYE

The A-Beam is a combination of craft and precision engineering that have come together in this unique suspended light. The result is a product that adds warmth and imperfections of a deep red terracotta to a highly engineered architectural beam light. £995.00-£1,320 handandeyestudio.co.uk LONDON TILE COMPANY Retromix Cube, £11.75 londontile.co.uk

AZTEC PRINTS LILLA RUGS

WALLS AND FLOORS Scintilla Paprika Orange Star, £4.99 wallsandfloors.co.uk

The Colourful Kilim Rug series comes in a wide range of patterns, colours and prices, each rug is also unique. Lilla Rugs has quickly become renowned for taking a personal approach to rug hunting. £POA. lillarugs.com

ORIGINAL STYLE Whinchest Clover Field Tile, £POA Black Large Honeycomb, £POA originalstyle.com

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

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

The Fireplace Specialists & Consultants

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

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23/08/2019 16:27

INTERIORS • TREND

LIME LACE Gemina Pendant Light, £138.00 limelace.co.uk

NAKED INTERIORS Davey Lighting School Wall Light Green £219.00 naken.co.uk

DAR LIGHTING GROUP Trombone 10 Light Pendant Copper, £478.80 darlighting.co.uk

CUCKOO LAND Zuiver Retro Ceiling Light, £169.00 cuckooland.com

RED CANDY Haipot Pendant Light Kousa Red, £124.20 redcandy.co.uk

SCHNEID

EDITOR’S PICK

Left; Junit Lamp Dia, £249.00 Right; Junit Lamp Pan, £249.00 schneid.org

MADECOM

FRITZ FRYER LIGHTING The Grafton Globe Pendant Light, £1,012.00 fritzfryer.co.uk

LIGHTBULB MOMENT

Albert Floor Light, £79.00 made.com

All the most stylish pendants, lamps and spots By P E N D L E H A R T E

ATKIN THYME Valentine Table Light, £89.00 atkinandthyme.co.uk.com

CHAPLINS FURNITURE Jolie Pendant Light, £4,392.00 chaplins.co.uk.

DOWSING AND REYNOLDS Connaught Ceiling Light, £539.99 dowsingandreynolds.com

DECOVILLE Mind the Gap Peacock Feathers Pendant Light, £199.oo decoville.co.uk

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

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Great ideas set in stone

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

diespekerliving.com

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15/08/2019 15:44

INTERIORS • DECOREX

D E S I G N T I M E Decorex International returns with another stellar line-up Words V I C T O R I A P E A K E

WRAPPED BIRCH BY HAZEL THORN, BRITANNIA SILVER & GILDING-METAL 2015 PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNON TOFTS BLOCK THROW AND STAMP THROW FROM BEATRICE LARKIN

ecorex International is back with new dates, a new venue and brand new exhibits. Taking place at Kensington Olympia between 6-9 October, the event showcases the very latest in high-end design with an exceptional speaking programme and a highly anticipated curation of exhibitions. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover new collections and commissioned pieces from a staggering 400 established and new markers who are the leading names in luxury interiors from across the world. Hugely successful exhibit Future Heritage has been reimagined by critic and curator Corinne Julius. This exhibition is the UK’s leading platform for British crafts and it supports established and emerging makers. Within this exhibit is Hazel Thorn, who creates beautiful and intricate sculptural objects from

Britannia silver and gilding-metal which when combined create distinct textures. Debuting this year is Design Encounter, which brings together a diverse group of interior designers to explore how interiors and technology can combine to offer a personalised experience. The exhibition is curated by architect, John Allsopp, who will be collaborating with six other designers to create installations in six rooms. These six are all leading studios and will offer unique concepts. We are looking forward to seeing what Allsopp and Zachary Pulman, one of the six collaborators imagine up together. Decorex will also showcase the distinct design trends of 2019. The grey tones trend which has been popular in modern design for a long time, due to its ability to enhance interiors, will play a major part within the showcase. There has also been a rise in green tones, which can add drama and an essence of opulence to interior schemes as their correlation to nature creates a sense of calm and serenity. The trend for warmer metals adds elements of luxury to contemporary interiors.

AENEAS COFFE TABLE FROM ANAKTAE

MANDARINS WALLPAPER FROM CHARLOTTE GAISFORD

D E C O R E X I N T E R N AT I O N A L takes place between 6-9 October at Kensington Olympia. Hammersmith, W14 0NE; decorex.com

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

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INTERIORS • KITCHENS

“For the splashback, pure silver leaf was applied to the reverse of toughened glass and antiqued”

M h

E e

T a

Zinc and aged pewter are stylish finishes in this bespoke kitchen Words P E A R L B OY D

A d

L s

esign excellence and the highest-quality materials are at the heart of every Ledbury Studio kitchen, and this latest design from the Metallics Collection is no exception. Designed by Charlie Smallbone, the founder of Ledbury Studio, the success of the new kitchen is rooted in its artful mixing of unusual materials. Sheet metals zinc and aged pewter score highly — skilfully welded into a stainless steel frame for maximum stability. These contrast beautifully with the painted units, shown in two shades of soothing grey. Handsome concave handles bring another point of difference, fashioned from stainless steel that has been blasted to dull the shine and darken its appearance.

To lighten the scheme, Charlie has skilfully worked Bianco Macaubas Quartzite into the mix. Harder than granite with rich, marble-like veining, Quartzite boasts a luxurious looks as well as longevity making it a savvy choice for long stretches of worktop and moulded sinks, as shown. Adding to the effect is the bespoke splashback, which was created using an effect called Verre Eglomise, whereby pure silver leaf is applied to the reverse of toughened glass and antiqued. Charlie has lavished just as much love and attention on what you don’t see in this kitchen. Cupboards and drawer interiors are available in a choice of walnut or oak veneer. They can also be customised with cutlery inserts, utensil organisers and plate-stacking systems to make sure these essential spaces work as hard as possible. ledburystudio.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

a totally coordinated look across their collection of furniture and home accessories. All their products suit a large variety of moods and express current trends.

Dream

HOME

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

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

YOUR STYLE

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

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

CUSTOMISE YOUR INTERIOR

When browsing through BoConcept's designer furniture, there is a whole line of unseen possibilities behind everything you see. You can create your very own unique home with a wide range of customisation available for each product. Customise every detail with BoConcept's staggering selection of high-quality fabrics and a vast range of finishes. With more than 140 finishes for sofas, dining chairs and bed headboards. As well as a variety of sizes and options across wall cabinets, wardrobes, dining and coffee tables - the combinations are almost endless. There's no doubt you will be spoilt with choice.

FULLY COORDINATED COLLECTION

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

FREE INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE

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

WALLPAPERS, CURTAINS, RUGS & HOME ACCESSORIES

In addition to BoConcept selection of Danish furniture and accessories, they offer a coordinated collection of contemporary bespoke curtains and blinds combined with a measuring and fitting service. To complete your stylish home BoConcept have many stunning wallpapers to choose from, the collections are a mix of modern classics, opulent silks, delicate florals and bold geometrics. Finally, you can discover rugs such as luxurious shag and lustrous cowhide or classics like rounds and freeform abstracts to suit all homes. Visit one of their stores and see their wide range of multifunctional design furniture, and get professional advice about modern living and interior design. Stores located at Battersea Reach, Finchley Road, Notting Hill, Tottenham Court Road, Kingston, Guildford and now Westfield London or online at boconcept.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS â&#x20AC;˘ ARCHITECTURE

D M

A T

E R I W O R

A L L D

This Victorian townhouse in Notting Hill has been stylishly reconfigured as a vertical loft Words P E A R L B OY D

esigned for a film director and her husband, the scheme completed by 23 Architecture comprised the innovative refurbishment of a Victorian terrace house in Notting Hill, with complete reconfiguration/reworking of the internal arrangement and contextual rear additions to create a dynamic modern single family dwelling. The design is conceived as a vertical loft apartment, with a series of stacked open- planned and interconnected rooms resulting in a dramatic adaptation of the traditional narrow and deep plan, typical of these Victorian townhouses. At the centre of this configuration, a sculptural and sweeping stair stands within a theatrical triple-height void of the closet wing volume; a delicate ribbon of polished plaster that ties the home together, mediating visual and physical thresholds between adjacent spaces. Inspired by a Barbara Hepworth sculpture, 'Pelagos', the elliptical form of the staircase creates a visual A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Hawkesdown House School

The Walnut Tree Nursery For girls & boys from 2 years

OPEN MORNING Thursday 26th September 2019, 9.15 am or 10.15 am. Please telephone the School to register for a place. 27 Edge Street, Kensington, London W8 7PN Telephone: 0207 727 9090 Email: admin@hawkesdown.co.uk www.hawkesdown.co.uk

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INTERIORS • ARCHITECTURE

“A DELICATE

RIBBON OF POLISHED PLASTER TIES THE HOME TOGETHER ”

exchange between flowing surfaces and clearly defined edges, while its contrasting materials – timber and white polished plaster – are echoed throughout the house, building layer upon layer of open plan space. Internal partitions have been removed and rooms are perceived as freestanding objects; the open plan allows for dual aspect every level, drawing in light and creating a bright yet tranquil interior. Windows that once served smaller compartmented rooms have been retained and recall the memory and history of the Victorian house. 23 Architecture collaborated with Fran Hickman Design on the interior design of the project. Throughout the material palette that is calm and restrained and predominantly natural stone, polished concrete, timber and ceramics, with details that come into contact to the human touch embellished, lending a sense of warmth and quality, such as a sculpted oak handrail or waxed bronze door handle. Robust yet refined detailing resonate with the industrial heritage of the loft aesthetic and combine with bespoke joinery and lighting fixtures to create a characterful and urbane family home. The project has just been longlisted for a Dezeen interiors award 2019. 23 ARCHITECTURE

Project completed by 23 Architecture (23+GS/318) 318.studio

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

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HANDMADE TERRAZZO STOOL

MARTE BRAUTER’S MARBLE AND PLYWOOD SIDE TABLE

Living with D I E S P E K E R From the UK’s leading supplier of terrazzo and marble comes a new and exciting range of custom designer pieces

A DIESPEKER’S CONSOLE TABLE

s far as expertise with natural stone and terrazzo is concerned, Diespeker has got it covered. After all, the business has been working successfully with these materials for over 130 years. While many of Diespeker’s clients come from architect and designer communities, the company also works with residential clients, in particular supplying custom-made countertops for kitchens and bathrooms as well as cladding, and interior and exterior flooring. But there’s more to Diespeker than countertops, walls and floors. There’s

Words E V E H E R B E R T

a huge amount of creativity within the experienced team which has seen the production of many bespoke projects such as terrazzo artwork, marble plinths for sculptures, an LED terrazzo wall for a Chelsea Flower Show garden and a stunning working lapis lazuli terrazzo fountain.

G E T T I N G C R E AT I V E Experimentation is at the heart of the business, and while developing these beautiful pieces, the Diespeker team became aware of the potential for a new range of individual furniture and accessories. Clever ideas from the factory floor took shape and started to appear in the

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

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INTERIORS • FOCUS

“There’s more to Diespeker than countertops, walls and floors” Diespeker office, catching the eye of showroom visitors and customers. These ranged from small terrazzo coasters and trays to sizeable terrazzo stools. And so Diespeker Living was born, a new venture that brings to market smaller scale furniture items and accessories, perfect for clients wanting a touch of luxury. The launch range offers a combination of Diespeker Living’s own terrazzo and marble products designed and created in-house together with products made in collaboration with accomplished designers and creators who have been Diespeker clients for many years. Scandinavian designer Marte Brauter initially came across Diespeker though a fellow furniture designer. Marte remembered terrazzo from her grandparents’ flat in Oslo and was inspired to create her ideal side table. She felt terrazzo to be a ‘remarkable surface’. Using a simple plywood base with a circular terrazzo table top, Marte designed a beautiful piece that will work in any home. Loving the marble element of the terrazzo, Marte also styled a side table using marble instead of terrazzo, to provide TERRAZZO SIDE TABLES BY THEO WILLIAMS

ARCHITECTURAL CONSOLE TABLES

a choice for customers wanting a timeless, classic look. There are two options of marble side tables in green and white. Another designer featured in the Diespeker Living range is Theo Williams of Another Brand. Theo originally approached the company with his concept for a set of solid terrazzo side tables. The challenge was on and the collaboration produced a beautifully crafted set of tables in Diespeker’s signature TE007 terrazzo.

IN-HOUSE DESIGN Further items direct from Diespeker’s artisan in-house team include a series of striking handmade terrazzo stools. Although appearing solid, the inside of the stool is in fact hollow, so the product is light enough to be moved easily. It also works as an unusual side table and is available in a variety of terrazzo colours. Diespeker’s own console tables, each with striking architectural design features, are available in grey and orange. These make fascinating additions to the home. For a unique addition to gardens and patios, Diespeker’s outdoor table with a metal base and green terrazzo top comes in three sizes, perfect as a single piece or

together as a statement trio. Diespeker has also displayed an element of its kitchen and bathroom furniture design heritage with the creation of a funky terrazzo sink. This wonderfully evocative feature is a stunning addition to any home or workspace, as well as being a practical product.

T H E S TA R T O F SO M ETH I N G B E AUTI F U L Diespeker Living is a hand-picked collection of beautifully made pieces for discerning clients who seek contemporary style with a touch of luxury. The entire range is custom made to order, allowing customers to specify their exact requirements and giving Diespeker the opportunity to be flexible with size and colours.

DIESPEKER For more information on the Diespeker Living range, visit diespekerliving.com where you will find details and images of all the products currently available for order. Please note these products cannot currently be purchased online. diespekerliving.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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TECHNOLOGY • ESSENTIALS

C A R RY O N

URBA NEARS

The Ralis portable speaker is perfect for home and or away. The speaker has over 20 hours of wireless playtime, it has multidirectional sound and features a streamline versatile design. The design includes a carrying strap and a water-resistance rating. £169.99; urbanears.com

H O T T E C H

CHARGE UP

AQ UA R E L L E AQ UA

STYLISH GADGETS AND ACCESSORIES

This is a premium 1.2 meter, tanglefree mobile charger, sync cable that has been specifically designed to connect to an IPhone and or IPad. The Aquarelle Aqua has custom printed connector shells to suit your personal taste and are thinly wrapped in knitted fabric. £24.50; lecord.com

SAFET Y FIRST CLIC TERR AZZO

The hand-crafted terrazzo case is the best way to make a statement while protecting your phone. The phone case is hand-crafted from jesmonite. This one-of-a-kind case adds a unique pattern to your device while providing protection in a slim and lightweight form. £49.41; nativeunion.com

SOUND ON

BA NG & OLUFSEN

Keep the music playing for up to 24 hours with the Beoplay A1. Its flat cylinder shape is cute and compact. The textures are smooth and soft with a convenient hanging strap, so that you never lose it. £230; bang-olufsen.com

GO OUTDOORS LEICA CA MER A

This limited-edition, collectible Leica M10-P Safari has been inspired by adventure and the great outdoors. The latest model in the Safari Editions olive body and silver controls contrast in an elegant and timeless manner, suiting the camera’s compact and versatile design perfectly. £6,900; leica-camera.com

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markilux 6000

ESCAPE THE INDOORS IN STYLE

Designer awnings – Made in Germany Put only the best between you and the sun. Create the most seductive shade in the world. markilux designer awnings are a symbiosis of innovative technology and the pinnacle of quality and have received both acclaim and multiple awards. For additional information visit your markilux specialist dealer or markilux.co.uk

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• STYLISH • AESTHETICALLY PLEASING • SUSTAINABLE • MANUAL SYSTEMS • SEMI-ELECTRIC SYSTEMS • FULL SERVICE: SURVEY, MANUFACTURE & INSTALLATION

Stira knows that people are beginning to understand the long term effect of a disposable consumer culture, and have refused to consider competing in the disposable loft ladder market. Instead, Stira continue to produce highly engineered, robust and long lasting loft ladder systems, which means they can offer an unmatched 10 warranty to their customers because of the quality of the loft ladder systems they produce.

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London region: 0800 9178672 / 01474 852227 International: +353 (0)93 38055 info@misterloftladder.co.uk www.stira.com

23/08/2019 14:58

INTERIORS • PROMOTION

Your loft ladder needs to feel safe, strong and stable

TH E FO RG OT TE N LO F T Are you using your loft to its full potential? Installing a Stira loft ladder will allow you to access your roof space with ease

e often need more space to store our belongings. While some people consider a new shed or one of the many storage companies, the answer could be just above your head. Your loft presents a large area that’s just waiting to be utilised and it can often be a substantial underutilised storage space within your home. As your loft is not in daily view, it can very quickly and easily be turned into a practical space that doesn’t require the decor, care and attention afforded to the rest of your home. One of the key aspects to consider when transforming your loft

space is the access. Why is it so important? Because most of the time you won’t have both hands free when carrying something into your loft or carrying something down. Therefore, your loft ladder needs to feel safe, strong and secure underfoot so you are comfortable and confident as you climb into your loft or descend from it. How safe you will feel entering and exiting your loft space will determine whether you utilise this space effectively, (or end up using it to simply get the Christmas decorations down once a year). The more you use your loft space, the more you will appreciate the quality of the loft ladder you have installed. See Stira advertisement on opposite page for safe, secure loft ladder options. After safe access has been addressed,

the next thing is flooring. An OSB floor is quick and easy to put down and can generally be installed in an evening. You might want to just floor the area you wish to utilise initially instead of the whole loft. Lights. There are two ways of doing this. Installing a socket in your loft, or using battery LED lights. The advantage of LED lights is that they can be installed by anyone and you have light straight away. However, as you utilise the space more it may be worth investing in a qualified electrician to install power sockets and powered lighting. Shelving is the next stage in creating a modern storage space. Installing some simple shelving will transform your loft into a highly practical and tidy storage space in very little time for a small investment. If storing your items in boxes, a good idea is to use clear, stackable storage boxes so you can see what’s in them without having to open them or move them. And if storing items in plastic bags, again use clear plastic bags/ refuse sacks for the same reasons. There are lots more clever loft storage ideas on Pinterest. In summary, the four things to consider are: A safe access and egress system, your flooring, how to illuminate the space, and how to store your belongings. The Original Stira Folding Attic Stairs have been providing safe and secure access to attic spaces for over 36 years, with over 130,000 Stiras fitted. stira.com

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

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Energy Efficient, Timber Window and Door Specialists Beautiful timber windows and doors manufactured with the modern benefits of double glazing, while preserving the character of your home.

Trusted trader

01344 868 668 www.sashwindow.com

Antique Fireplaces

Grate Expectations Antique Fireplaces have procured a huge collection of beautifully unique original fireplaces of many years through our sister company Grate Expectations Fireplaces. Each of our fireplaces has been restored to their full former glory in an extremely careful manor. Antique victorian and georgian fireplaces in our new showroom and salvage yard 333 Kingston Road, Wimbledon Chase, SW19 8JX 020 8540 8387 | sales@grateantiquefireplaces.co.uk grateantiquefireplaces.co.uk

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INTERIORS • TREND

CULT FURNITURE Harrington Wooden Bistro Chair, £99.00 cultfurniture.com

CUCKOOLAND Bold Monkey So Curvy Lounge Chair, £589.00 cuckooland.com

SWEETPEA AND WILLOW Lene Bjerre Ratia Chair, £550.00 sweetpeaandwillow.com

ABODE LIVING Rattan Chair Natural, abodeliving.co.uk

BEAUMONDE Emmy Cane Chair, £339.00 beaumonde.co.uk

DOMKAPA

SEATING PLAN

MOBELARIS The Rocking Chair, £1,326.75 mobelaris.com

Kelly Chair, £POA domkapa.pt

Take a seat in one of these stylish chairs

CHAPLINS FURNITURE

EDITOR’S PICK

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

Butterfly Chair by Cuero, £860.00 chaplins.co.uk

CHARLIE CAFFYN FURNITURE The Iford Library Step CULT FURNITURE

Chair, £885.00 charliecaffynfurniture.co.uk

Poppy Wooden Dining Chair, £89.00 cultfurniture.com

MOBELARIS Lucas Dining Chair, £149.25 mobelaris.com

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

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DISCOVERMORE

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

Open Days

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

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

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@kewhouseschool

27/06/2019 09:47

TRAVEL

CANAL DREAMS VENICE

Venice's extensive art scene extends far beyond the Biennale, as Absolutely discovers.

Art in Venice

94 • New

Year in Tokyo 98 • Weekend bags 102 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Water COLOUR There’s more to art in Venice than the Biennale. Absolutely visits the Fondation Valmont By

PENDLE HARTE

GRAND CANAL, VENICE

here’s no denying Venice’s staggering beauty. Walking through its squares and canals, you’re faced with a new vista at every turn. The city’s magical combination of glittering water, crumbling palazzos, paint colours and improbable angles makes it unlike anywhere else. Stylish lettering on shopfronts and street signs, endless architectural details and artfully designed window displays mean that there’s always something new to discover and something beautiful to look at. And that’s before you even think about the art. Venice has always been a city of art and the 2019 Biennale, on the intriguing theme May You Live in Interesting Times, is attracting visitors from all over the world as it blazes a trail of art all over the city. Insiders say that October is the best

month to visit (the Biennale closes in November) due to fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. One of the city's biggest fans is beauty industry insider-turned art patron Didier Guillon. As founder of Foudation Valmont, he believes that Venice is perhaps the world’s most important place for contemporary art. Because the Biennale is not and has never been a selling show, “there’s more freedom without the economic element. 50% of people might hate your work, but it doesn’t matter.” This precedent defines the city's relationship with art and for this reason, he focused on Venice as the base for his foundation. Its mission is to discover and nurture young artists in the beautiful and inspiring headquarters of Palazzo Bonvincini. Guillon says: "Art is perfect for me because it is intemporel - it doesn’t suffer age." Unlike beauty, of course. The idea is to

HANSEL AND GRETEL

Art is perfect because it is intemporel – it doesn't suffer age

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TRAVEL • VENICE HANSEL AND GRETEL: WHITE TRACES IN SEARCH OF YOURSELF

DIDIER GUILLON

discover emerging artists and to show their work in Venice as well as all over the world, but not to sell art. Guillon plans to hold artists’ workshops in Greece and to curate site-specific pieces for the Palazzo himself. Currently on show is his creation Hansel and Gretel: White Traces In Search of Yourself, which takes the form of an intriguing, hypnotic journey through the beautiful rooms, with their ornate marblework and terrazzo flooring. Each room is dedicated to a life stage as we are taken through childhood, loss of innocence, percieved threat and questions of identity, intertwined with the story of Hansel and Gretel. "I gave the artists the frame and asked them to fill it," explains Guillon. His frame was the fairy tale – and next year's piece – Alice in Doomland – will continue the theme. "We don’t sell. It’s just to show. The piece was made for this Palazzo and at the end of the exhibition we will destroy the work." Guillon studied law and started his career in a Paris firm before discovering quite quickly that law wasn’t his calling. Instead, he joined his family business and moved to Lausanne, where he aquired perfume brand Valmont. Today he and his wife Sophie, who joined the business from Oscar de la Renta, run Valmont

together in a partnership that he says is well-matchend. "She is fascinated by new developments in anti-ageing, while I am an entrepreneur – but deep down inside me is the need to develop my artistic heritage." This, he says, is not something that you can do in Switzerland. Even though life is safe there. He enjoys coffee and a view of Lake Geneva every morning, before reading the New York Times and then ripping out the pages to draw his signature mask on them. "Then I do my sketching. Gorillas. After my daughter wanted to set Ivo the gorilla free from Berlin Zoo, I came up with the solution to transform him into an artwork. So now I draws him everywhere, with no frame so no cage." For Guillon, art is a solution. "We are lost today - our politics are lost – who has the answer? Art is peaceful. Nobody will shoot you because you don’t like something. A museum is a peaceful place where people can feel emotion without wanting to destroy things. That's why it's important."

HANSEL AND GRETEL

FAC T F I L E Venice Biennale labiennale.org • Hansel and Gretel: White Traces in Search of Yourself Until 24 November, Palazzo Bonvicini, Calle Agnello 2161A, Santa Croce, Venice fondationvalmont.com • La Maison Valmont will open a London store in late 2019 valmontcosmetics.com

PALAZZO BONVICINI

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

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THE HOTEL

ounded a decade ago as a cookery school in a barn next to owner Caryn Hibbert’s manor house, Thyme’s success prompted its transformation into a ‘village within a village’. More than 30 guest rooms are discreetly arranged across a variety of renovated farm buildings and a Victorian lodge. The grounds are impeccably laid out, with dinky orchards, lush meadows and sun-dappled lawns framed by mossy stone walls.

THE ROOMS

ooms at Thyme combine traditional rural charm with contemporary comfort, ensuring everything stays elegantly upscale without veering into twee. Larger groups can stay in one of the two cottages. We stayed in Rivermint, a spacious attic room in the lodge, with a large master bathroom and luxurious sleeping quarters separated by a sitting room perfect for an afternoon nap.

THE FOOD

ong a pioneer of organic, seasonal and local produce, Thyme now has a restaurant that exemplifies its culinary vision. The Ox Barn menu is overseen by head chef (and Caryn’s son) Tom Hibbert, late of Quo Vadis and a master at harnessing pure flavours. We enjoyed possibly the best meal of our lives, with potage soup and a vibrant pea risotto followed by the farm’s own, deliciously tart rhubarb.

he Meadow Spa occupies a sheltered spot in Thyme’s charming gardens, with eight rooms offering botanical treatments from British brand Aurelia Probiotic Skincare. The springwater-fed heated outdoor pool looked inviting even on the day of our visit, when massing clouds drifted in its dark water. I loved the calm atmosphere and jade accents inside the spa, as well as the expert massage. In a sense, the spa embodies the very essence of Thyme – a considered tranquility inspired by and infused with nature.

weekend

THE SPA

D ESTINATI O N S

TRAVEL • UK GETAWAY

THYME GLOUCESTERSHIRE By H E L E N BA R O N

A sustainable and stylish Cotswold estate ROOMS AT THYME START AT £325 PER NIGHT INCLUDING BREAKFAST

Southrop Manor Estate, Gloucestershire thyme.co.uk

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

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A D V E N T U R E S

Wo r d s P H I L C O U Z E N S

Asian

Experience New Year's Eve in Tokyo, a thriving capital that is alive with culture 98

okyo is undoubtedly one of the world’s most fascinating cities. It's a hub for hi-tech innovation and a poster-capital for modernity, yet it manages to retain the soul of traditional Japan. The city has a reputation for being extremely comfortable and immensely luxurious, but at the same time is deemed mysterious and exotic to even the most well-travelled bodies. Begin your trip with a trek up Mount Fuji. As Japan’s tallest mountain, it's an iconic symbol for the country and the nearly-perfectly shaped volcano has been worshiped as a sacred mountain for years. The experience of climbing through the early hours and the exceptional views of Fuji-san from the neighbouring Mitake-san area will make the journey to the summit completely worthwhile. If you are a self-confessed shopaholic, Tokyo has it all. Highly recommended is the Ginza, home to the city’s luxury boutiques and treasured department stores, such as the classic Mitsukoshi and avant-garde Dover Street Market Ginza. For jewellery magpies, Japan has a fascinating heritage as the birthplace of pearl cultivation when, in 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto, founder of the famous jewellery company, successfully managed to coax a semi-spherical gem from an oyster for the first time. Japan is renowned for its Akoya Pearls, made famous by Marilyn Monroe whose iconic look featured a Mikimoto necklace. Culture vultures will be thrilled to discover that Tokyo is full of timeless art pieces. Don't leave without paying a visit to The Myth of Tomorrow by Tara Okamoto which is displayed in Shibuya Station. It's a beautifully haunting 30 meter-long piece of art that depicts the horror of the atomic bomb exploding over Hiroshima. For a true taste of Japanese heritage, get yourself a seat at a sumo wrestling match. Tokyo's Rygoku Kokugikan

stadium is the sporting centre of sumo culture within Japan and is the perfect place to witness this event. Although the structure is not the original that was built in 1909, it's still an architecturally impressive sight and well worth a visit.

NEW YEAR'S EVE

New Year's Eve in Tokyo is like nothing you will have seen before in London. Here, celebrations are entirely familyoriented are citizens are given time off to go to their hometown, visit their families and engage in an extensive set of traditional customs and rituals. The iconic Palace Hotel is a central hub for celebration. Each year it plans a vast array of activities, inviting guests and locals to immerse themselves in one of the country’s most symbolic and sentimental holidays over three days, known as oshogatsu. It's the perfect opportunity to partake in local culinary customs such as toshikoshi soba, which is the eating of ‘year crossing’ soba noodles just before the clock strikes midnight. Another tradition is the ritual of osechi-ryori, a box of symbolic and traditional foods which are chosen for consumption within the first three days of the year and are presented by the Palace’s esteemed Japanese chefs.

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

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TRAVEL • TOKYO

“THE SUNSET AGAINST THE URBAN SKYLINE AND THE LANDSCAPE OF THE IMPERIAL GARDENS IS A MESMERISING SIGHT” A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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OPEN MORNING Junior & Senior School Saturday 5th October 2019 9.30am - 1.00pm Register online www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net We are an outstanding GDST and HMC girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; school with an exemplary reputation for academic results, sport and music. In a green and leafy environment with space to grow, our girls make rapid progress academically and socially. School bus services operate throughout South East London, Bromley, Croydon and Kent.

L E A R N I N G

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TRAVEL • TOKYO

The Palace Hotel

“THE PALACE'S COCKTAIL PARTY IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR” During this time of year, the hotel also puts on an array of musical performances. Perhaps most enjoyable is the distinct sound of koto, a traditional Japanese instrument, which can be heard from the lobby of the hotel throughout the celebratory week. Also not to be missed is the shishi-mai. These lion dancers are guaranteed to liven up your holiday and are an iconic feature in Japan's New Year's celebrations. The Palace's countdown cocktail party is known to be one of the best places to ring in the New Year. Guests get dressed up to enjoy free-flowing drinks and enchanting live performances all evening. Arguably

one of the most memorable moments of your trip will be to witness hatsuhinode, the first sunrise of the New Year from the Palace Hotel. The sun setting against the urban skyline and the natural landscape of Imperial Gardens is a mesmerising sight. This is one holiday snap opportunity you will not want to miss.

N E W Y E A R ' S D AY

The next day's celebrations are again, superb. The Palace hosts a dinner concert hosted by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the hotel's ambience and interior set-up are spectacular. While there, guests also have the opportunity to witness hatsugama, the first Japanese tea ceremony of the year, a beautiful event which takes place across the country and is traditionally celebrated between tea masters and their students. In fact, it is the only time when the master will serve their student, a reversal on the usual status. Hatsugama is also unique due to its festive mood, the especially fine cuisine that is served alongside and the display of curved braided willow branches that are hung in the alcoves of venues. New Year’s is a fantastic time to be in Tokyo, and with its seemingly unlimited choice of celebrations, shopping, entertainment, culture and dining, there's more than enough to get your teeth stuck into. Prepare to be truly dazzled.

The Palace Hotel Tokyo commands some of the city’s most exclusive real estates. It sits across from the Imperial Palace which remains the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. The inner grounds of the Imperial Palace are not open to the public, bar a couple of special days in the year. The 2 January is one such day and lucky guests are able to experience it over the holiday season. The other grounds are open for guided tours throughout the year. They are particularly beautiful and we would highly recommend taking a look. Here, you'll take in incomparable views of Tokyo’s natural landscape and urban skyline. The interiors throughout the hotel are an exemplar in sophistication and authentic Japanese style. Leafy carpet motifs, earthy colour palettes and a cosy atmosphere are the mainstay of the 276-room, 12-suite property. Each room and suite has been spectacularly designed. We are particularly fond of the balcony in our room which offers beautiful views of the Imperial Palace and Marunchouchi Naka Dori, a memorable tree-lined boulevard. Foodies will be in their element at The Palace Hotel where there is a total of ten bars and restaurants. Before starting our New Year’s celebrations, we dined in the Grand Kitchen which serves as the hotel’s lively, all-day dining experience. We were sat in the main open dining area, where we were able to watch the theatre of the kitchen while enjoying the delicious cuisine that came out of it. We also enjoyed regular trips to Sweets & Deli which is the Palace’s in-house pastry shop. The intriguing sake cake is a must-try. This is a Palace House original and is incredibly mellow with a distinct taste of sake. One of the many things to be enjoyed during your stay.

T H E PA L AC E H OT E L Rates start from around £ 619 per room per night. Esterre is a new concept Alain Ducasse restaurant which is set to open in the hotel on 1 November. en.palacehoteltokyo.com

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

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TRAVEL • ESSENTIALS

LUXU RY L E AT H E R

SMYTHSON

Smythson represents over 130 years of luxury British craftsmanship. For us, the best travel bag is durable and functional with a semblance of style and will add a touch of luxury to every trip that is why this Zip Guard Holdall is so perfect. £1,195; globe-trotter.com

W E E K E N D W A R R I O R S

L E AT H E R L E AT H E R L A N D

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CLASSIC CLIPPER M U L B E R RY

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NEED FOR T WEED C H A PM A N BAG S

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T R AV E L O F MY EYE

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

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EDUCATION

EDUCATION SPECIAL September's annual education special celebrates the start of a new school year with 36 pages of news, discussion and information for parents and anyone interested in schooling children in the UK.

Malvern College

Schools news 107 Back to school essentials 111 Discovering the Key Clinic 119 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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“Conclusive proof that all-girls education from an early age can be simply brilliant.” The Good Schools Guide 2018

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EDUCATION • NEWS

Schools

NEWS Success stories from the world of education Wo r d s V I C TO R I A P E A K E

SEE THE FUTURE A place where futures are made At Cumnor House our aim is for all children to ‘be their best selves’, for pupils to build on their strengths, believe in themselves, dare to be different and challenge themselves with high expectations. Join us for one of our upcoming Open Mornings, or contact us for a personal tour – admissions@cumnorhouse.com

R ecord Breaking Sixth Form students at ArtsEd celebrate the school’s best ever results in BTECs with a superb 100% Triple Distinction and above, with 85% achieving Triple Distinction! A levels also saw a 100% pass rate with 30% of all A level results at A* / A, and overall 78% of all results were A* - B, which is their highest figure on record and significantly above the national average.

OUTBOUND HOUND Children at Barrow Hills School proved their commitment to the local community via the Haslemere Hounds Community Arts project. They created the unique Barrow Hills Outbound Hound. It’s one of 100 hounds produced by local artists and schools: each piece will go on parade this month until September 2019 in the Haslemere Museum.

SONGS OF PRAISE Francis Holland School, Sloane Square finalists at the BBC Songs of Praise Young Choir of the Year 2019. Their incredibly talented Senior Chamber Choir, comprised of 27 girls from Years 9 to 13, stunned judges and viewers with their heartfelt performance of Doerksen’s ‘Faithful One’ and were heavily praised for their technical assurance, expressive nuance and confidence.

Ar t Success Student Mia Dyson from Blackheath High School has had her artwork selected to be displayed at the Royal Academy of Arts in their summer exhibition. From over 6,000 works submitted, two of Mia’s pieces were selected to be amongst the 329 that form the prestigious online exhibition. Another piece of Mia’s was chosen to be exhibited in the Royal Academy itself as part of the inaugural Young Artists’ Summer Show.

“I would rather entertain and hope that people learned something than educate people and hope they were entertained” WA LT D I S N E Y

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

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EDUCATION • NEWS Serious talk Emmanuel Jal – a former child soldier, TIME magazine figure of the year, spokesperson for Amnesty International and UNESCO spoke to and performed for pupils from schools across the Borough of Southwark at Dulwich College this term. He delivered a message of encouragement and an invitation to pupils to understand and empathise with different perspectives.

NEW APPOINTMENT The Board of Governors are delighted to announce the appointment of Ben Evans as Headmaster of Windlesham House School on the retirement of Richard Foster in summer 2020. Ben is currently Head at Edge Grove School, where he has been since September 2012, and has previously worked as Head of the British School Colombo (Junior) and as Deputy Head at Bramdean College, Exeter. Ben will be joined by his wife Alex, who is looking forward to playing a full role in school life, and their two boys. They look forward to the opportunity to continue Windlesham’s development as one of the country’s top coeducational boarding schools.

W E L L D E S E RV E D Gresham’s School has awarded two places to talented and deserving Year 11 students from eastern England, Shahd Abdelrahman and Jasmine Loades. Gresham also welcomed alumnus Sir James Dyson's donation of £18.75 million to enable a new centre for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics education.

Graduating In Style Departing Year 13 and Year 14 students from DLD College London are the only students to ever to have their Graduation Ceremony at the Houses of Parliament. The students processed across Westminster Bridge to the ceremony, along with a police escort to obtain awards for all their exceptional achievements.

S H I N E AT SHAKESPEARE Pupils from Falcons School for Girls have improved their arts abilities, during a Drama and Music workshop at the RHACC Theatre in Richmond. Budding young actresses in Year 5 and 6 from the Putney-based school, joined the boys from Falcons Prep to explore the iconic Shakespeare play, Romeo and Juliet.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” NELSON MANDELA

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

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NORTHWOOD SCHOOLS ALL SITES OPEN DAY Friday 11 October 9am-2pm

Tours, talks and an opportunity to see all of the schools in action. More information and registration at https://northwood-schools-open-day-2019.eventbrite.co.uk BROOMWOOD HALL LOWER SCHOOL

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w extraordinarily lucky they are is foster in all our pupils at Broomwood Hall dge, and that will continue at NorthWood py has always formed a central part of what has been raised since 1984, and in recent ted our own charity, NAEF (Northwood Foundation) which has set up and runs a. St George’s School, in the province of educates 400 children aged 5-12 to the our schools in London, completely free

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EDUCATION • ESSENTIALS

B A C K T O S C H O O L Carly Glendinning rounds up everything they’ll need for heading back to class in style

EDITOR’S PICK

BAGS OF FUN STICKY LEMON Going back to school doesn’t seem so bad when you’ve got a stylish backpack. We love the block colour styles from Dutch brand Sticky Lemon, which come in an array of hues and sizes. stickylemon.nl

FIT IN

S M A L L S TO R I E S Practical and stylish, the range of backpacks from Small Stories has plenty of room to fit everything from books to lunchboxes. We just wish they made them in grown-up sizes. smallstories.co.uk

RAINY D AY S M U D DY P U D D L E S For days when they are splish splashing their way to the school gates, we love the range of colourful rainwear from Muddy Puddles. Their brilliant selection of insulated waterproofs will keep them warm and dry whatever the weather. muddypuddles.com

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

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EDUCATION • ESSENTIALS

5 of the best

ESSENTIALS NAME IT MERI MERI Meri Meri’s glitter alphabet stickers are the perfect way to personalise everything – from school books to pencil cases. They’re pretty useful for learning your ABC’s too. merimeri.co.uk

1 STEP UP

YO U N G S O L E S Inspired by childhood memories, Young Soles make classic British heritage shoe styles with a twist. Ultralightweight and ultra-cool in equal measures. youngsoles.london

TO P M A R KS DJ ECO Make sure their pencil cases are stocked up with Djeco’s cute range of stationery. The brand has lots of fun learning toys too, which are great for sparking little imaginations. djeco.com

1. Liewood, Lunch Box, £24.95 scandiborn.com 2. Meri Meri, Backpack, £36 merimeri.co.uk 3. Rockahula Kids, Hair Clips, £6 rockahulakids.com 4. Kickers, Mary Janes, £45 kickers.co.uk 5. Fabelab, Pencil Case, £14.95 scandiborn.com

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

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

GUY SANDERSON

PUPILS AT ELTHAM COLLEGE

A NEW VISION

The Head of Eltham College explains the schools' decision to become co-educational B y GUY SANDERSON

f you were to open any school prospectus you will undoubtedly see the same vision outlined: that the school in question aims to prepare children for adult life, both academically and socially. And yet some people still seem to believe this can be achieved in the highly artificial environment of a single-sex school. The number of single-sex private schools has halved in the last 20 years amid a long-term shift towards co-education. Girls’ schools make up just 13% of the ISC’s membership, with boys’ schools only representing 9%. Meanwhile, the number of schools with approximately equal proportions of boys and girls has more than doubled over a similar period. The question of whether a single-sex or co-educational model works best has been rehashed time and time again and

any amount of research can be wheeled out to support the argument on both sides. But as Tony Little (who before becoming the Head of Eton was for many years Head at a thriving co-ed school) notes: “What makes a good school is so much more than its organisation by gender.” Forty years ago, Eltham College welcomed girls into its Sixth Form in what was then a radical move. So radical that one parent sued the school on the grounds that the introduction of girls would disrupt his son’s schooling. Since then, from County and Regional Netball Champions to Head Prefects, and also articulate and brilliant academic students, Eltham’s Sixth Form girls have flourished, and, in turn, boys have benefitted from their presence in the classroom, on stage and in the concert hall. What matters most for students is to find the school best suited to prepare

each young person in and out of the classroom for life as an adult in an equitable society, where men and women work together easily, respectfully and collaboratively. What struck us here at Eltham College was that we were operating an increasingly outmoded half-way house which welcomed girls and their contributions in only one part of the school. In many ways, this is an odd time to consider a change. Eltham College had its best ever GCSE results last year, is currently oversubscribed by six applicants to every place and enjoys a reputation for not only academic excellence but wonderful co-curricular and pastoral care. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” is a persuasive cry. However, our governors and senior teachers saw that continued excellence requires a willingness to ask big questions and to act on the answers. Knowing the power of an excellent education to shape futures, we asked ourselves why were we limiting access for girls to the wonderful opportunities at Eltham and limiting access for boys to the invaluable opportunities to work with girls as equals? Why were we limiting opportunities for students of both sexes to learn with and from each other until the final two years of school? And, in 2019, there was not a good answer to those questions. And so we made the decision to prepare our students better for the world in which they are growing up by welcoming both girls and boys not just in Year 12 but at all our key entry points with a view to being fully co-educational within six years. My vision for our school in ten years’ time is probably not far off many people’s vision for our society as a whole. It is a place in which young women and men at all stages of primary and secondary education learn together, laugh together and learn from each other with equal access and opportunities to develop their potential and contribute to their communities. Getting there will no doubt have its challenges but any goal worth pursuing usually does.

GUY SANDERSON Headmaster, Eltham College elthamcollege.london

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

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EDUCATION • DYSLEXIA

W SARAH WARLEY

BLOCK BUSTER Could retained reflexes be at the root of your child’s dyslexia? Psychologist Sarah Warley argues that simple physical exercises can be the solution By PENDLE HARTE

e’re in a stylishly converted barn in Berkshire and my 10-year old daughter is being instructed to stand on one leg. And to close her eyes. Next she’s asked to crawl across the floor on her stomach; then to walk backwards in a straight line. All of this is part of a neurodevelopmental assessment, but we’re not here with any physical concerns – we’re concerned with her poor spelling, reading and handwriting. The connection between standing on one leg and literacy isn’t immediately apparent, but we’re here because nothing so far has explained her inability to learn in the same way as her peers. My daughter has always been spirited. That’s a euphemism for difficult. I was used to her not wanting to wear certain socks, not liking any change of plan, and permanently feeling hard done by, thanks to an overdeveloped – even forensic – sense of justice. She’s vocal, outspoken, angry. She’s also funny, warm and insightful, but the council’s educational psychologist didn’t say anything about that. When she entered Year 5 with a reading age well behind her peers, no pen licence and an absolute inability to spell any of the High Frequency words, her confidence was at an all time low. “I’m a rubbish girl. There’s no use to me,” she told me one night, heartbreakingly. It was in Year 2 that we had been told about her Specific Learning Difficulties. Probably dyslexia, but they weren’t keen on labels. We’d known, of course. She’d always been different from her elder sister and there were lots of dyslexics in our families: my partner, my brother, my cousins and likely previous generations of undiagnosed people. Now they’re just adults with illegible handwriting and erratic spelling, but the main force of dyslexia is that it makes the process of learning things difficult. I had resisted tutoring for the reasons expressed by famous dyslexic AA Gill in his memoir Pour Me. He complains: “The medicine given to dyslexic children is more work, extra writing, remedial reading, more numbers… the answer to all learning A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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EDUCATION • DYSLEXIA

“95% of children diagnosed with dyslexia have a retained reflex” difficulties is more teaching. It always comes down to the nice plump woman who sits with you and in a kindly, prodding voice, suggests you try again…” Why force a child into more spelling when spelling just doesn’t work for her? Our attempts to revise for spelling tests always ended in tears, even when her set words got progressively easier – Year 2s routinely come home with lists of ambitious spellings (champagne, indecent, occasionally) which are intended to build on core words already learnt, but none of this works for someone who simply fails to see how combinations of letters make words. Child psychologist Sarah Warley agrees. Her Key Clinic is interested in helping children with learning issues by getting to the root of the issues, rather than focusing on the symptoms. With a background in experimental psychology, her work in neuroplasticity focuses on the brain’s ability to heal itself, defying commonly held theories that learning becomes impossible as you age. Not true, she says – “the brain is plastic from cradle to grave.” Her research shows that certain reversible neurological blockages can lead to learning difficulties,

and clearing these blockages will remove the difficulties. According to her, it’s extremely simple. Ideally, she’d like to see children routinely treated in schools with methods that SEN departments could implement easily. And this is why my daughter is standing on one leg. A variety of observations reveal her static balance to be poor and overall, the assessment reveals neurodevelopmental delay, with the persistence of many of the early, primitive reflexes which should have integrated by six months of age. These are what are ‘blocking’ the regular functioning of many of her systems. We’ll never know why this is, though the fact that she never crawled suggests that there was a missed developmental stage early on. In particular, a retained Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) is shown to be interfering with her horizontal eye tracking and her hand/eye coordination. These are needed for reading and writing – interestingly, 95% of those diagnosed with dyslexia have a retained ATNR. This means that much additional cognitive effort is required to read and write, which makes it hard for an affected child to also have to think about the content of what is being written or read, which makes a lot of sense in the context of my daughter. Over the following few months, each retained reflex is addressed individually

SIMPLE EXERCISES CAN TREAT BLOCKAGES THAT MANIFEST AS LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

with a series of simple, targeted exercises which take about 10 minutes at home each evening. Return visits to the clinic reveal distinct improvements in her hand/ eye co-ordination, her static balance and her spatial awareness. At each visit, her progress is assessed and we are given new exercises. We come and go for a few months and on our final visit, her eye tracking, both horizontally and vertically, is normal, her reflexes no longer present as retained and her balance is vastly improved. She has begun to read of her own accord. Now that she’s not having to work so hard simply to keep her balance, her cognitive faculties are free to focus on things like spelling. The clinic advises that changes in her learning will take place over the next six to 12 months and she’ll be seen again after that. We’re not the only ones to feel well looked-after. The Key Clinic has an impressive book of effusive testimonials from overjoyed families, where children with a huge variety of diagnosed conditions including Asperger’s, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia, while Warley continues her research into making these methods more widely available and understood.

THE KEY CLINIC The Key Clinic opens on 2 September at 36 Devonshire Place, W1 to provide neuroplastic, auditory and nutritional treatment and cranial osteopathy. thekeyclinic.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Lathallan

our school castle by the sea

• Small class sizes • New science centre • On-site school farm • Boarding in a Scottish castle • Exceptional outdoor learning

Direct flights from London

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CROSSING the DIVIDE

The transition from boarding professional to boarding parent is harder than you think W o r d s R O B P AV I S

hen I was appointed Deputy Head at Gordon’s School, a day and boarding school in Surrey, a few years ago, I crossed a significant divide: from boarding professional to boarding parent. This meant a move away from my job at a school where my children attended. They were thrilled at my promotion, adding: “But we will be staying here, won’t we?” This was very difficult to argue against. I have lauded and advocated the benefits of boarding to thousands of families, and this seemed a very obvious move. The transition from boarding professional to boarding parent was not quite as straightforward. There were two surprises:

After 25 years working with parents and their families, dealing with the tears at drop-off time – the parents’ tears rather than the child’s - I knew that a child is quickly distracted, finding a game of football or a Wii dance-off to immerse themselves in within five minutes of their parents driving out of the school gates. To be the parent whose eyes were still welling up 45 minutes later after dropping-off was something of a shock – and it didn’t get any easier for a very long time. While I was aware of the financial sacrifices made by parents for a boarding school education, I was unprepared for what this actually meant. Having now been through the last four years of sacrifice and compromise, my respect and admiration for many of our boarding parents has risen exponentially. I now

“I just can’t put a price on the enormous amount of fun that my children experienced as boarders”

EDUCATION • FOCUS

understand why parents want the very best outcomes for the investment they are making. Certainly any thoughts of replacing my 12 year-old car were quickly shelved and I found myself a good mechanic instead. Finally, the bit I always knew and trusted. The enormous amount of fun and achievement that my children experienced as boarders is something that I just can’t put a price on. The idea of weekly boarding fell by the wayside from the phone calls on Thursday evenings asking if they can “stay in boarding this weekend” meant that we resigned ourselves to them being full-boarders very early on. Where are we now? Both of my children achieved their full academic potential (without me being the one to do the nagging – something that has been worth so much more than I ever imagined) and are now at their first choice universities. More than that, they became the confident, independent, go-getting young people that I had always seen (and envied) in my Year 13s when bidding farewell to them at the end of every year. As for me, well the car is now 16 years old and with university education to pay for, the search is on for an even better mechanic.

R O B PAV I S Deputy Head Gordon’s School, West End, Woking, Surrey GU24 9PT gordons.school

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

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Open Evenings 2019 Fueling passion for performance and a zest for learning Sixth Form Open Evening | Tuesday 24 September 2019, 6pm Day School Open Evening | Wednesday 25 September 2019, 6pm Boys Day (For Sixth Form) | Saturday 12 October 2019

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EDUCATION • PROMOTION

CREATIVE SPACE

Samantha Price, Headmistress of Benenden School, on why it’s important to harness creativity through entrepreneurship

hen considering all the life skills that schools teach their pupils, such as public speaking, digital skills and leadership, creativity is rarely front of mind. Yet creativity transcends everything that is required of a professional in the modern workplace. Creativity is how you come up with new ideas, and how you solve the challenges that we all face on a daily basis. With our uncertain economic and political times, the ability to find creative solutions is more important than ever – and this is true whether you’re in a boardroom, on a building site or even in the House of Commons. With this in mind, schools need to educate and

empower young people to learn and use their knowledge in a creative way. One of the best ways we have found to harness creativity within the context of a modern workplace is through entrepreneurial endeavours. A highlight of the Spring Term at Benenden is the Enterprise Challenge. Part of our Professional Skills Programme, which teaches Sixth Formers the skills they need to thrive in the workplace, this challenges Year 12 girls to set up and run their own businesses with a start-up fund of £100. The standard this year was particularly high, with the 12 teams embracing the Enterprise Challenge and turning the School into a hive of marketing activity and entrepreneurial endeavour over six weeks. After a huge amount of research, planning,

product development and website crafting, the girls launched their businesses and then battled it out with digital campaigns, posters, presentations in morning assembly and face-to-face marketing. After a round of preliminary pitches, internal judges whittled the 12 teams down to five who would take part in the Dragons’ Den-style final. This event, the culmination of the Enterprise Challenge, involved each team giving an eight-minute pitch in which they presented their product, marketing plan, sales, consumer response and financial details. Each presentation was then followed by in-depth questioning from the panel of Dragons, made up of successful businessmen and women from the Benenden parent body. This year’s winner had a remarkably simple concept – designing and selling navy tracksuit bottoms with Benenden printed across the backside in pink – but it was executed superbly and they amassed an impressive turnover of £6,500. Even though the Enterprise Challenge is now over for another year, the team are continuing with their venture. They are expanding outside of Benenden and have already taken their first orders to make trackies for other schools. The Enterprise Challenge is designed to be fun but also, in many ways, it is the ultimate test of their creativity. It pushes the girls out of their comfort zone and requires them to creatively apply their knowledge from across the curriculum to a real-life, pressurised situation. Numeracy, literacy, use of technology and artistic flair are all combined with learning vital professional skills, including collaboration, leadership, adaptability, learning from their mistakes and developing a talent for seeing how their business could grow in the future. All the girls who took part in this Enterprise Challenge learnt a huge amount that they will be able to draw on in the future and talk about in interviews for university, internships and jobs. Most importantly, they were given the freedom to be creative – which is one of the most important skills for life a school can teach.

SAMANTHA PRICE Headmistress Benenden School benenden.school

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

“We want to give girls a taste of life beyond the school gates”

THE PUTNEY SOAPBOX

REAL SKILLS

Thinking differently is firmly in residence at Putney High School GDST

ost educators would acknowledge that academic achievement is key to opening many of life’s doors, but in an increasingly automated world, a fantastic set of exam results is not always an indicator of work readiness. Increasingly employers are on the look out for the softer, “human skills” that really set the achievers apart, and more often than not, those are not learnt in the classroom. At Putney High School, we believe that above all, education should be relevant. We know that teaching real-world skills is essential if we are to help pupils embark confidently into the working world equipped to achieve their future ambitions, whatever those may be. Teamwork, leadership, listening - these are all valuable life skills that can certainly

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be learnt at school, on the Head Girl team, on the sports field, at School Council – these can all be great training grounds. But at Putney we wanted to give students a taste of the world beyond the school gates by offering them unprecedented access to specialists in their fields through a Residency programme to inspire them to think differently. Putney’s Residency programme has for several years now been offering students the chance to work directly with an array of professionals, keen not only to share their knowledge, but to instil the kind of work-ready attributes that are valued by universities and employers. So far, our students have had the opportunity to learn from a Writer-, a Poet-, an Orchestra-, an Entrepreneur- and a Director in Residence. Last autumn we welcomed our first Orator in Residence to work on a programme of public speaking and help embed debating more firmly within the curriculum - intellectual agility and the ability to articulate ideas with courage and

PUBLIC SPEAKING

conviction being valuable tools not only for life, but for learning in any subject. The impact in the last year alone has been remarkable. From “Power Poses” to the “Putney Soapbox,” new oratorical initiatives have sparked the imagination of a generation of enthusiastic public speakers and seen our debaters excel in countless competitions. As universities and employers cry out for school-leavers with knowledge and abilities beyond the academic, we are finding ways to deliver the kind of curious, creative thinkers they seek, equipped not only with A*s, but with the agility to adapt to and respond quickly to a fast-changing world. Collaborative problem-solving; resilience and teamwork are skills that are quite rightly highly prized, whether you’re leading a FTSE 100 company or navigating uncertainty in the unchartered waters of your first start-up. This autumn, a new Entrepreneur in Residence joins the school to teach the resourcefulness, can-do attitude and the famous “bounce-backability” that successful business leaders so often credit for their success. The new appointment will allow us to instil in our students the kind of thinking that will set them on the path to success, wherever their interests take them. These are lessons they will remember.

PUTNEY HIGH SCHOOL 35 Putney Hill, London SW15 putneyhigh.gdst.net

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AV N O W A I N I LA B LO N O RT L E ND H ON

WORKSHOPS Creative Writing

Handwriting Exam Preparation Mock Exams Interview Skills Reasoning

Open Morning for Years 3-6 (ages 7-10) Saturday 12 October 9.30 – 12 noon (entry via Hunts Slip Road) Parents and boys will tour the College with our current pupils, meet staff and hear the Master, Dr Joe Spence, talk about Dulwich College and Dr Toby Griffiths about the Junior School.

No appointment is necessary. The offer of a place in the Junior School is the offer of a place at Dulwich College to age 18. Mid-week visits are also available by appointment. Please call Junior Admissions on 0208 299 8432 or visit dulwich.org.uk/junior-school

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Bespoke and informed advice to demystify the complex Bespoke and advice to complex British Education System. Ensuring optimumthe educational Bespoke and informed informed advice to demystify demystify the complex British Education System. Ensuring optimum educational choicesSystem. are made at the optimum right time.educational British Education Ensuring choices are are made made at at the the right right time. time. choices

Open Morning for entry into Year 7 Saturday 5 October 9.30 – 12 noon Tour the College with boys, meet staff and hear the Master, Dr Joe Spence, talk about Dulwich College. No appointment is necessary. Other opportunities are available to visit the College during the school day. Dates can be found on the Admissions section of our website, www.dulwich.org.uk, or please telephone the Registrar’s Office on 020 8299 9263.

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EDUCATION • FOCUS Environmental and Sustainability Society), is at the heart of the School’s environmental efforts. Run by the girls, MESSy works hard to educate their peers, staff and parents alike. Their most recent success was raising enough money (with a matched contribution by the school), to buy a beehive and a nucleus of Buckfast bees. As well as providing honey, which will be sold to raise funds for MESSy initiatives and to maintain the bees, the girls can learn about the bees’ lifecycle and gain a greater understanding of these amazing insects. Similarly, at Farm Club, which is run by girls in Years 7 and 8, students learn about sustainable farming methods and how to care for the animals. Over the last three years, Farm Club has reared pigs, turkeys, lambs and chickens, which have been used in the school kitchens, and the eggs have either been sold or used in the kitchens. The girls are hoping to use the wool from the sheep and alpacas in their textiles lessons. MESSy also promoted Mayfield Earth Hour around the School, to coincide with the global WWF Earth Hour in March. All non-essential electrical items, including lights, were switched off for an hour to save electricity and demonstrate how it is possible to dramatically cut energy usage. For many years, the school has been using low energy and LED light bulbs, there are light sensors in areas of low footfall, and double and triple glazing has been installed in Mayfield’s historic buildings. Promoting recycling is at the heart of MESSy’s activities and the School has worked hard to reduce waste and recycle where possible. Water fountains have been installed around the School to reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles and cups; the Food and Nutrition Department donates all waste products from their lessons to Farm Club, who compost it for growing vegetables; the School’s general waste is separated out into food waste, which is collected in compostable bags, recyclable and nonrecyclable waste; and the groundsmen grow herbs for the School kitchen, and flowers for bedding from seeds which all helps to reduce the School’s carbon footprint. MESSy Prefect, Year 13 Clara, said: “We are working hard to achieve the EcoSchools Silver Award, having received the Bronze Award last year. We are constantly carrying out environmental audits and improvements, including recycling and clean ups, as well as educating the other students and the wider school community about the environment. At Mayfield, actions really do speak louder than words.”

“The girls raised money to buy a beehive and a nucleus of bees”

EARTH

MATTERS Mayfield girls take action on climate change

t Mayfield School, our motto – Actions not Words – could not be more appropriate when it comes to caring for the environment. From Farm Club to Earth Hour, from recycling to the new hive of Buckfast bees, the School encourages a number of important environmental initiatives to ensure the girls are educated about climate change and encouraged to develop and support initiatives to address this important issue. A number of Mayfield’s Sixth Form students were inspired by former Irish President and climate justice campaigner Mary Robinson, this year’s recipient of the prestigious John Maynard Keynes Prize at

the Charleston Literary Festival. Mayfield School sponsored the prizewinner’s lecture, in which Robinson reminded the audience of Ban Ki-moon’s message that ‘there is no plan B because we do not have a planet B’, and encouraged everyone to make a positive change to help reverse global warming. The girls at Mayfield have been working hard to do just that, and MESSy, (Mayfield

M AY F I E L D S C H O O L Mayfield School is a leading Catholic independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18 located in Sussex. mayfieldgirls.org

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A thriving independent day, weekly and flexi-boarding co-ed prep school for children aged 3 - 13

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GROUND WORK

The Headmaster of Lathallan School on studying in a Scottish castle

By RICHARD TOLEY

hese are just some of the comments from our boarders who enjoy the immense physical and emotional well-being benefits of studying at the 19thcentury Brotherton Castle, on the tip of the North Sea: “Living and studying in a Scottish castle by the sea has inspired my music” and “I never even dared to dream that one day I could live and study in a Scottish castle but here I am today.” As someone who grew up in the south east coast of England, I appreciate how lucky I am to live and work at Lathallan. We are a truly unique school, based in the north east of Scotland. A place that gives pupils a break from the hustle and bustle of city life while offering endless opportunities for learning on our expansive grounds.

Outdoor learning is a hugely important part of the curriculum we deliver at Lathallan. Our 2018 inspection report by Education Scotland describes Lathallan as providing a ‘high-quality outdoor learning provision, where teachers and instructors enable every child and young person to benefit from a rich and engaging outdoor learning environment beyond the school classroom.’ Outdoor learning can be incorporated into all subjects, using Lathallan’s luscious grounds. From Biology and Environmental Science students taking samples from the estates burn, English being taught in our treehouse to sports stars honing their skills across our vast playing fields and aiming to join the 20 per cent of pupils competing regionally or nationally, there are endless opportunities at Lathallan.

“Living and studying in a Scottish castle by the sea has inspired my music”

EDUCATION • FOCUS

Our classrooms offer unspoiled views of the North Sea, which is just a few hundred yards from our school door and we have expansive 60-acre grounds where pupils enjoy the fresh sea breeze while studying in many of our outdoor learning areas, a treehouse classroom, zipwires and an on-site school farm where pupils rear pigs and harvest potatoes to feast upon during a healthy, freshly-made lunch. Through our sector-leading Outdoor Education, our pupils gain the confidence to achieve their full potential. From scaling Mount Kilimanjaro to taking part in our forthcoming sailing expedition from the North Sea to the Mediterranean, our school has the highest percentage of participation and completion of DofE of any independent school in Scotland. Weekly Personal Development Afternoons offer pupils a range of activities from rock climbing to shooting, golf, skiing, volunteering, knitting or photography, while talented stage performers can excel at LAMDA and budding musicians can learn a wide array of instruments – including bagpipes and the marching drums. Lathallan is a non-selective school, where individuals are inspired to achieve their full potential. And we are much closer than you think, with daily flights from Heathrow to Aberdeen.

L AT H A L L A N S C H O O L To find out more, visit our website lathallan.org.uk

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EDUCATION • BOOKS

WE LOVE

From a ﬁrst foray into classical music, to learning about art, little creatives will love this month’s reading Wo r d s C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

ANOTH ER PL AN ET THE SMEDS AND THE SMOOS By Julia Donaldson and Axel Schef f ler

MINI M OZ A R T S M OZ ART LIT TLE M U S ICAL WO N D E R By Yoyo Books

Mini readers can take their fi rst steps into the world of classical music with this beautifully illustrated board book. Part of a series, hone their musical ears with six famous compositions to listen to over and over again. £7.99  shop.roh.org.uk

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By a lobular lake on a far-off planet there lived a young Smed and her name was Janet. Not far away, on a humplety hill, there lived a young Smoo by the name of Bill. With imaginative and vivid illustrations, little ones will be captivated by this timely love story of inclusivity. £12.99 scholastic.co.uk

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EDUCATION • OPINION

DAYS

The Head of Cumnor House extols the virtues of flexible boarding

B y CHRISTIAN HEINRICH

gnoring, just for a moment, Brexit, the uncertainty of the London housing market and the British economy, the appeal of a country prep school with a flexible approach to boarding has never been greater than it is right now. Successful country prep schools that offer boarding do it extraordinarily well and pastoral care is exemplary. There are, of course, model facilities spanning theatres and dance studios, swimming pools, sports pitches and creative spaces for music, art and design technology. But we go beyond the core offer and give the children in our schools such a wide range of opportunity. To benefit from all that and to make the most of our

wonderful facilities we need a long day – more 8 to 6 than 9 to 5 – and after that there is a diminishing return for many parents to a daily school run and journey home. Once flexible boarding is accepted as a viable option, then the real benefits begin to become evident to all: getting to know children more fully outside of lessons; becoming, as a child and a young adult, more independent; managing your own time and your own workload to a greater extent; learning about sharing and borrowing and developing tolerance, patience and compassion. Boarding is no longer about a monastic existence, but seeks to promote self-confidence, matched to compassion, and create a society where people take note of the

“Children need a mix of nurturing and pushing, of boundaries and freedom”

SCHOOL

feelings, concerns and priorities of others. Let's add to this the re-emergence of the prep schools’ social conscience as predominantly charitable institutions. The vast majority of prep schools do not exist to stockpile resources or funds. They wish, in that hackneyed but valid phrase, to ‘make a difference’. Indeed, their potential to make a truly transformational difference to children from disadvantaged backgrounds should not be ignored or understated and can only have a positive influence on the pupil and parent body as a whole. My 40-year stint in teaching has coincided with the rise of so-called ‘pushy parents’, ‘tiger moms’ and ‘helicopter parents’. What I now hope for is the rise of the Cecil Day-Lewis generation – the Poet Laureate wrote a poem "Walking Away" about his son's first day at school that should touch the souls of all parents of young boarders. He set out the territory for those parents who see the wisdom of 'letting go' at the point when the child is ready, to let their children know that they love them and allow them to make their own successes and mistakes as they mature. Children need a mix of nurturing and pushing and of boundaries and freedom. Country prep school boarding can offer exactly this while still leaving weekends, half term and extensive holidays for the mutual child/parent 'love bombing' that has a greater impact when the daily traumas of after-school prep and lengthy car journeys have been removed.

C H R I ST I A N H E I N R I C H Headmaster, Cumnor House Sussex To find out more about flexible boarding at Cumnor House Sussex and their escorted weekend transport to London, visit cumnor.co.uk.

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

OPTIMAL Single Sex

Is there a third way between single sex and co-educational learning? Eaton House The Manor operates a 'one site two schools' system B y O L I V E R S N OW BA L L

ne of the fundamental decisions for parents is between co-ed and single sex education. There are many benefits to single sex education, not least the fact that boys and girls tend to develop and mature at different rates. There is also an argument to say that boys can be more expressive around their peers and girls less plagued with gender stereotyping when they are educated in single sex schools. It helps that both girls' and boys’ schools are free to develop their curriculums with the sex that they are teaching in mind. Girls who are educated separately tend to be confident and strong, believing that nothing is beyond them. At Eaton House Schools, which only educates children in single sex schools outside the nurseries, girls have won 33 Academic, Art, Music, Drama and Sports scholarships in the last three years. They are actively encouraged to express their opinions using challenging, open-ended questions. This system allows Eaton House girls to construct a belief system that stands the test of time. Notwithstanding these benefits, parents sometimes wonder if co-ed is somehow more reflective of society. Yet when they visit Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School they are often won over by the experience. This is because we offer an ‘optimal’ single sex education at our 1.5 acre site. It is optimal because boys and girls are educated in separate schools by separate Heads but

“Parents benefit from the ease of one drop-off and a co-ed nursery”

come together for important activities such as after-school clubs, drama and certain trips. Parents benefit from the ease of one drop-off and a co-ed nursery. The ‘one site two schools’ approach allows boys and girls to give their siblings and friends a wave in passing between classes or on Clapham Common. It works tremendously well, as in a friendly, familyorientated area like Clapham, boys and girls socialise after hours. Three Eaton House The Manor girls benefitted this way, in a Drama Club, in Debate and on a residential trip. Lottie, aged 10, has two brothers in the Manor Prep, Tom, 13, and Oliver, 12. A handful of girls chose to join 15 boys to put on ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ for the school’s Shakespeare Project and Lottie really enjoyed herself, as she was cast as Hermia. Her brother Tom was also cast as a lead character.

Celia, 10, who is off to a boarding school with an active MUN, was happy to take part in after-school MUN with boys, especially as she is interested in the key debate topic of climate change. She enjoyed the camaraderie of the group and always felt treated as an equal. The team was evenly balanced, with around 5 girls to 3 boys. Georgia, 7, went off to a Hilltop Adventure Camp. She has no brothers and was amused to discover that some of the girls were braver on the high ropes and better at archery. She made a few good friends and afterwards they had a reunion dinner. That’s a pretty optimal result as far as I’m concerned.

O L I V E R S N OW B A L L Oliver Snowball is Headmaster of Eaton House The Manor Girls' School eatonhouseschools.com

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Eaton House The Manor offers separate Boys’ and Girls’ Schools on the same 1.5 acre site. Wellbeing is at the heart of all we do. Our non-selective entry at 4+ allows children to blossom both academically and emotionally, and our excellent results speak for themselves.

Pupils receive a range of scholarships and attend many prestigious senior schools, including Westminster, St Paul’s School, Dulwich College, James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS), Charterhouse, Winchester, Wycombe Abbey and Eton.

Come and visit us and discover for yourself what makes us so special.

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EATON HOUSE SCHOOLS Celebrating 120 years of excellence

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