WIMBLEDON
ABSOLUTELY South West Wimbledon OCTOBER 2018 / £3.95
style
S E ASO NAL
N E W FA S H I O N F O R FA L L
OCTOB ER 2018
HOT
CHOCOLATE London’s finest chocolatiers
SUPPER CLUB Simple recipes from Yotam Ottolenghi
T H E A RT ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE FAIRS
ZEST.LONDON SW_COVER_October18.indd 5-6
ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT 02/10/2018 11:17
What are they going to see from down there, really?
PL.indd 1
03/10/2016 12:05
The heart wants what the heart wants. Discover penthouse flats with city views using keyword search.
PL.indd 2
03/10/2016 12:05
DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION • • • •
LOFT CONVERSIONS 3 BASEMENT EXCAVATIONS 3 REFURBISHMENTS 3 EXTENSIONS 3
SEE THE DIFFERENCE We are Normand Developments, a residential design and build company with an exemplary record. We specialise in extending homes with first-class basement excavations. Your one-stop-shop for... Concept design Planning Structural design Project management Construction Interior finishing
Call today for a FREE consultation 020 8541 2800 or email: enquiries@normand-developments.com
ND.indd 1
19/09/2018 09:23
normand-developments.com Normand Developments Limited, 133 London Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey KT2 6NH
ND.indd 2
19/09/2018 09:23
NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN FINE INTERIORS BESPOKE KITCHENS & JOINERY REFURBISHMENT & RENOVATION Unit 3, Derby Dell Buildings, Bentworth Rd, Alton, GU34 5RX
01386 84 10 60
SYMES.indd 1
symesinteriors.co.uk
21/09/2018 14:44
in collaboration with
COOKERY SCHOOL NOW OPEN BOOK ONLINE NOW! Come and join The Natural Cook Company on one of our many fun and inspirational cooking courses in our fabulous brand new studio kitchen in Alton
Personalised Gift Vouchers Available Unit 3, Derby Dell Buildings, Bentworth Rd, Alton, GU34 5RX
atsymeskitchen.co.uk
SYMES.indd 2
01428 86 22 86
21/09/2018 14:44
CUDONI.indd 1
27/09/2018 11:53
ABSOLUTELY
Contents OCTOBER 2018
34 56
102 12
C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES
FOOD & DRINK 56 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL
AGENDA
58 RECIPES
10 things we’re coveting this month
16
Diary dates for October
24 FRIEZE ART FAIR
October is the capital's art month
FA S H I O N 33 JEWELLERY Leaves for fall
34 THE SHOOT
Conceptual looks from Cos
H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 43 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL This month’s best beauty buys
45 HALLOWEEN GLAMOUR Make-up for October
News from the industry
From Ottolenghi: Simple
INTERIORS 68 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS News and views from the world of design
76
RUGS IN FASHION
Jonathan Saunders for The Rug Company
T R AV E L 102 GRAND CANALS
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.
Why winter is best in Venice
PROPERTY 122 LIVING THE DREAM
The most luxurious London properties
ON THE COVER hobbs.co.uk
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
Oct18_Contents.indd 9
9
28/09/2018 09:15
Replacing beautiful timber windows and doors, beautifully
EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR HELEN BROWN EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR ENXHI KOLECI EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE GROUP SALES DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES GROUP SALES MANAGER ANABELA KOLECI MAGAZINE MANAGER REBECCA FLEUR MAGAZINE MANAGER TOLGA SAYLAN ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN DESIGNER CATHERINE PERKINS MARKETING MANAGER LUCIE PEARCE FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI
Bring the outdoors in
CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR JAMES FUSCHILLO NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS EVA LEHOCZKY For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 3397 8706 or email: craig@zest-media.com
First Floor, 197 City Road, London EC1V 1JN T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 zest.london
www.ayrtonbespoke.com
020 8877 8920 enquiries@ayrtonbespoke.com
406 Merton Road, Wandsworth, London SW18 5AD 61- 63 Tottenham Lane, Crouch End, London N8 9BE New South East London Showroom (Opens October) 18 Forest Hill Road, East Dulwich, London SE22 0RR
SE_Oct18_Flannel2.indd 10
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
a b s o l u t e l y. l o n d o n
28/09/2018 09:12
Editor’s
LIBERTY X BLOOM Everybody loves a liberty print. Especially when your flowers are wrapped in one. page 71
LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S October issue highlights
1
O
ctober is art month. London's art fairs return en masse with their wide assortment of works by new as well as established artists. This year's Frieze comes with a strong focus on women in art in the wake of the release of some miserable statistics. Just 22 per cent of solo shows in London last year featured women artists, and 70 per cent of all artists shown in galleries across the world are men – this despite women art students outnumbering men. So Frieze is female this year, while the Other Art Fair and the Affordable Art Fair both champion the lesser known and the new artists. In this issue we're featuring some pieces of advice for new collectors as well as highlights from all the shows and we visit a London home designed with a view to displaying art. So it's an arty issue – though we also focus on an eclectic mix of subjects including Jonathan Saunders' new rug collection, board games, autumn fashions and make up, boutique chocolate brands and Ottolenghi's new simple recipes, which promise that they're easier/faster to make than his past ones, and include fewer ingredients. Phew. We hope you enjoy the magazine.
OTTOLENGHI: SIMPLE Hooray. Easier options from everybody's favourite chef page 58
2
FLOOR SHOW
Fashion designer Jonathan Saunders has created a beautiful collection of carpets for The Rug Company. page 76
ED LETTER_Oct18.indd 11
PENDLE HARTE EDITOR
5
4
FRIEZE ART FAIR The show returns page 24
3 CHOCOLATE All our favourite treats, in one place. page 62
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
11
27/09/2018 14:01
Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY
H E L E N B R OW N
12
EARN YOU R STRIPES Madeleine Thompson’s sumptuous cashmere jumpers and beanies are cult pieces among the fash-pack. The British designer of the eponymous brand has stuck to what she does best for AW18 with cosy staples and bold stripes. madeleine-thompson.com
POTIONS CLASS New startup brand Marvolio’s Nostrums has launched with three small batch liqueurs inspired by potion-making. They combine premium spirits with other fi ne ingredients to create complex flavours; £24.95 marvolios.com
BEST FOOT FORWARD
SWEET DREAMS
Joseph has come a long way from its beginnings as a small shop on the side of a King’s Road hair salon and its footwear is fi rst rate. The maroon leather of these boots puts a contemporary twist on a classic shape; £470 farfetch.com
Along with gorgeous lingerie, Amélie’s Follies is a one-stop-shop for beautiful nightwear. From the fi nest silk negligees to cosy winter PJ’s, you’re in for your most stylish sleep yet. ameliesfollies.co.uk
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
ABS_Oct18_Abs_Loves.indd 12
27/09/2018 13:53
ABSOLUTELY • LOVES
LEATHER HEAD Classic in style, progressive in mind, the Iona bag from Arran Frances embodies elegance and timeless beauty while fully embracing modernity; £545 arranfrances.com
TARTAN HERO Traditional tartans and heritage tweeds got reimagined by some of fashion’s biggest names and rising starts for AW18. Hullhuber has come up trumps on the trend with this classic pencil skirt; £79 hallhuber.com
RESIN RULES
Along with its signature bags, Cult Gaia's latest jewellry collection is guaranteed to wow. This chunky cuff is made from glossy resin in a rich hue that likens to amber. When it comes to styling, more is defi nitely more; £150 net-a-porter.com
LIFT OFF
From a Globetrekker chest to this Aviator Tomcat chair, Timothy Oulton's new global flagship showroom at Bluebird is fi lled with on-trend items that will bring the spirit of the skies to your home; POR timothyoulton.com
HERO PIECE
Alexander McQueen’s signature skull-print scarf is a cult piece in its own right and winds its way into the wardrobes of the fast-pack as soon as the temperature drops. Try it in red for an easy pop-of colour; £145 selfridges.com
EDITOR’S PICK
PATCH WORK
Adored for its signature otherworldly prints and sculptural shapes, Peter Pilotto's beautiful designs are walking works of art. This patchwork cotton blend sweater will be the perfect winter warmer; £825 net-a-porter.com
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_Oct18_Abs_Loves.indd 13
13
27/09/2018 13:53
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
All images and text copyright © Pullman Editions Ltd. 2018
View and buy online at w w w.pullmaneditions.com PULLMAN.indd 1
27/09/2018 12:05
C U LT U R E Lucille Clerc, Barbican-Pipes and Leaves; Handmade at Kew, handmadeinbritain.co.uk
What’s On 16 • Theatre Review 19 • Wimbledon BookFest 22 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
Oct18_Culture_Opener.indd 15
15
27/09/2018 14:00
The Agenda
LO N D O N ’S H OT T E ST H A P P E N I N G S
F E S T I VA L
Clapham Fringe 27 September - 14 October BREAD & ROSE S TH EAT RE
Now in its fourth year, this three-week festival boasts a fantastic roster of theatre, comedy, magic and musicals. Highlights include Made in Spain, a hilariously funny account of a Spaniard living in the UK, and Splinter, a poignant exploration of friendship, jealously and betrayal. 68 Clapham Manor Street; SW4; claphamfringe.com
ART
AFFORDABLE ART FAIR 18- 21 O C TO BE R • BAT TE R SEA PARK
The Affordable Art Fair returns to Battersea Park with a diverse and inspiring collection of over 1000 original and contemporary paintings, editioned prints, photography and sculpture from an array of UK and international galleries, as well as emerging talents. All priced between £100 and £6,000, it’s the perfect place to peruse and shop for all budgets and tastes. Queenstown Road, SW8; affordableartfair.com
16
T H E AT R E
To Have to Shoot Irishmen 2-10 October OMN IBUS THEAT RE
It’s Easter morning in 1916. Gunshots ring out around Dublin. Hanna ,mnbprepares for revolution while Frank calls for peace and John walks through his nightmares of the trenches. Inspired by true events, this absorbing production weaves live folk song into a stirring tale of militarism, corruption and the power of rebellion. 1 Clapham Common Northside, SW4; omnibus-clapham.org
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
SW_October18_Culture_Agenda.indd 16
27/09/2018 13:57
CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS
A RT
GALERIE PRINTS Ongoing
Around Town
GALERIE PRIN TS
Wall art specialist, Galerie Prints has teamed up with the V&A to launch an exceptional portfolio of over 200 images, carefully selected from the V&A’s collection. Conveyors and collectors of photography since 1852, the V&A today has over 500,000 works. Galerie Prints will showcase a selection from fashion, architecture, theatre and performance, available in various sizes and frames. 152 Arthur Road, SW19; galerieprints.com
S P ORT
ROYAL PARKS HALF MARATHON 14 October STARTS IN H Y D E PARK
The Royal Parks Half Marathon is one of the city’s most iconic races, with a route that takes runners through the city’s most picturesque green spaces. Whether participating or supporting, the day promises lots of fun and an unbeatable atmosphere. royalparkshalf.com
T H E AT R E
THE COLLECTION Until 13 October J O N ATH A N CO O P E R
This Month’s Must See
Rebecca Campbell returns the Jonathan Cooper with The Collection, an exhibition of 24 new paintings that accumulate in a joyful celebration of animals and birds in all their forms, from the domestic to the exotic. Delighting in wordplay and the richness of the English language, each painting is inspired by a collective name for wildlife, and is imbued with the artist’s signature warmth and humour. 20 Park Walk, SW10; jonathancooper.co.uk
BLOOD BROTHERS
C U LT U R E
MUSEUMS AT NIGHT 25-27 October VARIOUS LOCAT IONS
Soak up some culture after hours as museums and galleries throw open their doors after dark for Museums at Night. With late-night exhibitions, Halloween-themed events, quirky workshops and torchlit tours, the three-day biannual festival is a brilliant opportunity to discover London’s culture in a new and spookier light. Various participating venues; museumsatnight.org.uk
29 O C TO BE R • 2 N OVEMBER N EW WIMBLEDON THEATRE
B
lood Brothers begins its autumn tour with Olivier Award-nominated British actress Linzi Hateley debuting as Mrs Johnstone. It tells the captivating story of twin boys separated at birth, only to be reunited by a twist of fate and a mother’s haunting secret. . 93 The Broadway, SW19;
DR I N KS
LONDON COCKTAIL WEEK 1-7 October OLD TRU M AN BREWERY
Raise a glass to toast the return of London Cocktail Week. Now in its ninth year and spanning seven days, the festival is where enthusiasts can soak up the city’s delectable spirits, enjoy pop-up cocktail bars, unlimited £6 cocktails and more. 91 Brick Lane, E1; trumanbrewery.com
atgtickets.com
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
SW_October18_Culture_Agenda.indd 17
17
27/09/2018 13:58
10 Magical Days on W
imbledon Common
ildren’s Comedy • Music • Ch • r oi em M • n io ct Fi t affairs s • History • Curren ic lit Po • e nc ie Sc • Sport
Festival of Arts & Culture
018 2 r e b o t c O 4-14
Book tickets at wimbledonbookfest.org
Principal sponsor
WIMBLEDON BOOKFEST.indd 1
WBF18 JcDecaux.indd 1
21/09/2018 09:18
09/08/2018 21:36
CULTURE • THEATRE
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie Absolutely reviews the feel-good show that is breaking down barriers on the West End
S
B y PAO L A P E R A LTA
heffield, exam time, 2018. The West End’s hit new musical, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, tells the story of the life of a teenage boy as he navigates the trials and tribulations of what it means to become a man when sometimes, and only sometimes, he would rather be a woman. Following a short yet impressively successful run at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, the musical made the move to the Apollo
bringing with it all the glitz, glam, and loveable sass that’s had seats selling out nightly. Based on a true story, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie follows 16 yearold Jamie New who is in the midst of discovering who he is and where he belongs in a world where his dreams of being a drag queen seem a little too far out of reach – even in six-inch stiletto heels. The award-winning musical is a culmination of a real-life story as told by the popular BBC Three documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16 where Jamie Campbell is banned from his school’s prom for
More than sequins and glitter, this is the universal story of life
ABSOLUTELY reviews…
wanting to go in a dress. The cast is as refreshing as the tale, featuring a number of brilliant break-out stars – including the leading man himself. John McCrea is nothing short of a revelation in the titular role, receiving standing ovations every night. Joining him on stage and shining just as bright is an endlessly talented company of actors. Rebecca McKinnis may be a recent addition to the cast but has definitely proven herself to be an absolute powerhouse and a force to be reckoned with as Jamie’s mother Margaret New, and making her West End debut is Lucie Shorthouse, who’s performance as Jamie’s sweet yet sharp-as-a-whip best friend Pritti Pasha is an evening favourite. With the help of cutting-edge choreography, wardrobe and soundtrack Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is more than a story about sequins and glitter and drag queens: it’s the universal story of life, love and stepping out of the darkness and into the spotlight.
VERDICT
A coming of age story as timeless as it is fierce ★★★★★ E V E RY B O DY ' S TA L K I N G A B O U T JA M I E
APOLLO THEATRE Until 6 April 2019 everybodystalkingaboutjamie.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
Abs_OCT18_Theatre_Review.indd 19
19
27/09/2018 08:33
its in a r w ye No 0th 1
Olympia London 3 - 4 November
UK & Overseas Clinics | 50 Seminars | Fertility experts Support & advice | Adoption | Male Fertility | Counsellors
Book tickets now
Find out more fertilityshow.co.uk
www.quaillondon.com
• SW_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 1
27/09/2018 16:44
CULTURE • THEATRE
ROUND UP
Best in
SHOW
Get the most out of London’s theatre scene with our top stage picks for the month
Chicago ★★★★★
From 24 September PHOENIX THEATRE
MUST SEE
Star of stage and screen Denise Van Outen returns to Chicago to play Velma Kelly having previously played the role of Roxie Hart to critical acclaim in both the West End and on Broadway. Denise will join Alexandra Burke as Roxie Hart and Duncan James as Billy Flynn. Charing Cross Road, WC2H; atgtickets.com
By H E L E N B R O W N
I And You ★★★★★
From 18 October HAMPSTEAD THEATRE
Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams makes her stage debut in I and You as Caroline who, housebound due to illness, is confined to her room with only Facebook for company. That is until classmate Anthony bursts in – uninvited and armed with waffle fries. An unlikely friendship develops and a seemingly mundane piece of homework reveals the pair’s hopes and dreams. Eton Avenue, NW3; hampsteadtheatre.com
I AND YOU CHICAGO
Guys & Dolls
Don Quixote
19 & 20 October
From 27 October
ROYAL ALBERT HALL
GARRICK THEATRE
Adrian Lester, Jason Manford and Meow Meow will star in the Royal Albert Hall’s production of Guys and Dolls. This sizzling, New York tale of gamblers, gangsters and nightclub singers features some of Broadway’s greatest showstoppers, including Luck Be a Lady and My Time of Day performed by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Kensington Gore, SW7; royalalberthall.com
Award-winning poet, journalist and literary critic James Fenton has adapted Miguel de Cervantes’ iconic novel, Don Quixote, to be performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company. It tells of a labyrinthine world where rogues, merchants, shepherds, galley-slaves and windmills come together in a comical story of rampant and absurd adventure. 2 Charing Cross Road, WC2H; rsc.org.uk
★★★★★
★★★★★
Bullet Hole ★★★★★
2-3 October PARK THEATRE
Cleo was given her ‘gift’ at age seven – except that ‘gift’ left her with type three Female Genital Mutilation. Finding strength after this hideous act, Cleo resolves to seek reversal surgery. On her journey of healing, Cleo meets Eve, a fellow FGM survivor who is instantly drawn to her. Bullet Hole is a story of hope, love and human rights played by an all-female cast. Clifton Terrace, N4; parktheatre.co.uk
DON QUIXOTE
BULLET HOLE
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_OCT18_Theatre Roundup.indd 21
21
27/09/2018 08:34
1
2
3
4
BOOK CLUB Wimbledon BookFest, the festival for literary lovers returns to SW19. These are the highlights. By HELEN BROWN
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
22
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
Oct18_Wimbledon_USE.indd 22
27/09/2018 14:16
CULTURE • READING
P Pat Barker, Sebastian Faulks, Patrick Gale, Lionel Shriver, Imogen Hermes Gower and Hanan Al-Shaykh are just a few of the names welcomed at this year’s Wimbledon BookFest as the 10-day literary celebration returns. Taking place between 4-14 October in the Big Tent on Wimbledon Common, guests will be treated to a diverse programme of talks, debates, workshops, film, children’s events, music and more, showcasing all manner of literary names, politicians, current affairs and sport. This edition’s festivities kick off with broadcaster
“WIMBLEDON BOOKFEST BRINGS THE VERY BEST OF THE LITERARY WORLD TO SW19”
and bestselling author Graham Norton discussing his new novel, A Keeper, with Andrew O’Hagan. This year, there will also be an extended comedy programme headlined by Alan Davies, Ed Byrne and Mark Watson, while comedian, medic and author of 2018’s seminal read, This Is Going To Hurt, Adam Kay discusses his hilarious and heartbreaking account of being a junior doctor. Chef and cookery writer Yotam Ottolenghi celebrates the publication of his new book, Simple, while legendary musician Billy Bragg is in conversation with Radio X DJ John Kennedy. Sports fans won’t want to miss cricketing superstar Shane Warne and rugby legends Brian Moore and Rob Andrew as they spill the beans on their outstanding careers. As ever, the programme features a lively politics and current affairs strand. Alan Rusbridger and Samira Ahmed will be discussing the importance of journalism in a Fake News world while Stig Abell, Ayesha Hazarika and Jason Cowley discuss contemporary British politics. Guardian foreign correspondent Luke Harding and Sir David Omand (Former Director, GCHQ) will also be sharing their insights on Russia.
History lovers will welcome Simon Scarrow and Robin Waterfield as they explore the Ancient World, while Max Hastings examines Vietnam. Neil MacGregor will also be discusses his latest book Living With The Gods and Andrew Roberts will be on-hand to talk about Churchill. Former Cabinet minister and anti-apartheid campaigner Peter Hain will celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela on the 100th anniversary of his birth. On top of all of this, Radio 4 broadcaster and author Adam Rutherford and Nigel Shadbolt will be at the science stand to demonstrate how machines are transforming the world. Now in its twelfth year and with over 100 events on the festival site, there is guaranteed to be something for everyone. Whether a reader, a writer or simply looking to broaden your cultural boundaries, Wimbledon BookFest brings the very best of the literary world to SW19 in one unmissable event.
WIMBLEDON BOOKFEST Wimbledon Common, SW19; wimbledonbookfest.org
1. Afua Hirsch 2. Alan Davies 3. Shane Warne (copyright Julian Kingma) 4. Jamie Susskind 5. Imogen Hermes Gower (copyright Ollie Grove) 6. Greg James & Chris Smith 7. Lionel Shriver 8. Mark Watson 9. Billy Bragg 10. Cathy Newman 11. Yotam Ottolenghi (copyright Jonathan Lovekin) 12. Neil MacGregor
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
Oct18_Wimbledon_USE.indd 23
23
27/09/2018 14:16
FRIEZE FRAME Frieze Art Fair returns to Regent’s Park with a fresh showcase of contemporary works, this time with a focus on women in art
24
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
ABS_Oct18_FRIEZE ART FAIR.indd 24
27/09/2018 08:34
ART & CULTURE • ART
A
utumn arrives just in time for Frieze Art Fair, which turns all eyes onto the contemporary art world in and amongst the blazing burnt leaves of Regents Park. With its robust sales and top-notch roster of galleries it’s easy to see how London’s creative curiosity is piqued by this colossal contemporary art circus. This year Frieze London, the contemporary edition of the two fairs, reveals a fresh line up of 160 participating galleries, with a dedicated section around the theme of Social Work. It’s a development from the hugely successful Sex Works theme last year which focused on radical feminists. This year a panel of female art historians and critics are choosing 10 prominent women artists who explore the themes of identity, labour and visibility and neatly slipped under the radar of recognition during the 1980s when male artists dominated the market. The gender discrepancies are hard to ignore, with the highest price for a living female work of art being by Yayoi Kusama at $7.1million and for a male artist being Jeff Koons at $58.4 million. This year’s fair could be seen as a collective response to the hard hitting fact that 70% of all artists shown are men, so the scales are set for a balancing act. Aside from the expected string of blue-chip galleries, there is a particularly stellar line up from the younger galleries in London who have very much been rising through the ranks and gaining in confidence each year. Some star attractions include The Sunday Painter, Arcadia Missa and Seventeen Gallery who will be entering the main section after many years of
Critics are choosing a cluster of 10 prominent women artists being able to showcase their works in the subsidised emerging gallery section Focus for galleries under the age of 12 years. Rana Begum will have a solo show with Kate MacGarry coinciding with the jewel-coloured sculpture she is presenting in the Frieze Sculpture park. Her work explores how colour, light and form interact and the laminated glass work throws an exquisite rainbow onto the grass of Regent’s Park. Mary Mary Gallery from Glasgow will include works by Milano Chow who makes elegantly eloquent drawings of female figures set within neoclassical frames. A Robin Hood-style tax began at Art Basel this year and will continue at the inaugural Los Angeles version of Frieze next year with more established galleries essentially subsidising younger galleries. This shows just how integral these younger galleries are to the fabric of the art world, and the best way to support their younger artists is by beginning to collect their works. There’s a whole host of advice on starting a collection which is much more appealing with the lower price points that you can find on these younger gallery booths. A very good place to start is with Alexandra Donaldson from Kaleidoscope who helps advise collectors on what to buy specifically from emerging galleries and encourages a closer connection with the artists, collecting artists and not just their objects. In this way when you buy works, you are helping shape the artist’s career trajectory.
FRIEZE ART FA I R L O N D O N 4 -7 OCTO B ER 2018 Regent’s Park, London frieze.com
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_Oct18_FRIEZE ART FAIR.indd 25
25
27/09/2018 08:35
RG.indd 1
17/08/2018 11:36
ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION
illustrator Guillaume Cornet, and Swedish gallery Konstgruppen will be representing Bobo Wallmansson as he presents his playful sculptures for the first time at an Affordable Art Fair. For those looking to kickstart a collection, there will be an array of artworks available for under £500. Long-standing exhibitors Liberty Gallery are known for their walletfriendly limited edition prints, and what better way to bring that on-trend gallery wall to life than with one of their highly sought-after works by Maria Rivans? You can even make your very own masterpiece with a range of workshops from Mixed Media Portraiture to Sensory Still Life. If you are not ready to get hands on just yet, then there are various thoughtprovoking talks, on topics such as Art and Identity and Art Therapy.
ART HOUSE The Affordable Art Fair returns with some advice for new collectors Words E V E H E R B E R T
V
isit the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea Park this month to discover a diverse range of contemporary art from 114 galleries. Whether you are on the hunt for your next investment, or it is your first visit to an art fair, the friendly gallerists will be on hand to guide you through the process and help you find the perfect piece to bring your home to life. With a hand-picked selection of thousands of original artworks, and prices from £100 - £6,000, there is no better way to explore your taste, or think creatively about what will complete your space. If it is emerging artists you are after, visit the annual Recent Graduates’ showcase – with an abundance of fresh talent on display, it is a great opportunity for discovery. Alongside an established community of London exhibitors, a variety of international galleries will be bringing art from all around the world. US-based DECORAZON Gallery will be debuting work from French
TIPS FOR ASPIRING ART COLLECTORS G E T TO K N OW T H E A R TI ST
It is important to find out as much as you can about their status and background, their inspiration and motivations, and their techniques and materials.
E X A M I N E T H E M AT E R I A L S
Drawings can be a great way to buy an original piece at a more affordable price, because price points can vary due to the cost of the medium and materials used. If it is a painting you are after, keep in mind that acrylics could have a lower price tag than oils.
B E CO N F I D E N T I N IT S O R I G I N A LIT Y
All artworks sold at an Affordable Art Fair, or on affordableartfair.com, are original or limited edition. When it comes to limited edition prints, those made or designed by a maker are printed by hand and this is why they are usually more expensive than a giclée, which is printed by a machine.
A F F O R DA B L E A R T FA I R Battersea Park, 18 – 21 OCTOBER Tickets from £8 - £25 affordableartfair.com
FOR HALF PRICE TICKETS USE CODE ABSOLUTELY AT AFFORDABLEARTFAIR.COM (*Offer is based on on-the-door prices, excludes Charity Preview, and a small booking fee applies.)
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_Oct18_AFFORDABLE ART FAIR - ADVERTORIALindd.indd 27
27
27/09/2018 08:36
TRINITY.indd 1
27/09/2018 16:54
CULTURE • ART
LIKE NO OT H E R
The Other Art Fair returns with work by 140 global artists on show between two venues. Absolutely has a preview Wo r d s P E A R L B OY D ANNE LACHEINER-KUHN
Its aim is to be both progressive and accessible
CHARLIE OSCAR PATTERSON OLIVIER MARTYN
T
he Other Art Fair will be celebrating its 30th edition by taking over two Central London locations for the first time since its launch in 2011. The weekend of 4-7 October will see the fair return to the historic Victoria House in Bloomsbury, with a second exciting new programme at The College at Old Central St Martins on Southampton Row. Visitors will be greeted by a playful, psychedelic entrance installation by artist Hattie Stewart in her signature doodlebombing style. Alongside a host of interactive performances, both fairs offer free kids’ activities, live music and a superb restaurant and bar, guaranteeing a unique and immersive experience. This year’s guest artists are The Connor Brothers who will be creating a series of prints and two installations exploring men’s mental health in collaboration with mental health charity, Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). Previous guest artists include Tracey Emin, Gavin Turk, Martin Parr, Polly Morgan and Ben Eine. The programme will include a mix of works by the highest number of artists ever exhibited at The Other Art Fair, with 140 artists on the verge of global recognition. Featuring sculpture, works on paper, photography and painting, 140 contemporary artists from across the globe have been handpicked by a respected selection committee including Cob Gallery co-founder and director Victoria Williams, arts broadcaster Kate Bryan, internationally renowned curator Emma Dean and British artist Abigail Lane.
HATTIE STEWART
Since its launch in 2011, The Other Art Fair has welcomed more than 167,000 visitors from around the world to its fairs and facilitated total sales in excess of £5 million, while becoming an unmissable fixture of the London art scene. With its distinguished committee of experts and guest curators, The Other Art Fair has established itself as the fair of choice for London’s emerging collectors. Over 60% of clients at the 2016 fair were first time buyers. In keeping with its position as both progressive and accessible, The Other Art Fair is affiliated with the Arts Council’s Own Art initiative. This initiative allows buyers to spread the cost of a purchase over 10 months with an interest-free loan, enabling more art lovers to become collectors. theotherartfair.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_Sep18_OTHER ART FAIR.indd 29
29
28/09/2018 09:02
Melody Maison Mirrors | Furniture | Decor www.melodymaison.co.uk Call: 01302 741000 Use Code: MMAB10 for 10% Off! Expires 10th November 2018
MELODY MAISON.indd 1
19/09/2018 14:10
FASHION
FRENCH FOLLY O RW E L L + AU ST E N
As with all Orwell + Austen pieces, this cashmere sweater is a great timeless luxury piece. Emblazoned with a French idiom from the 1980's punk parody song by artist Plastic Bertrand, it's designed to be worn all season round and is the easiest way to incorporate French chic into your autumn wardrobe. orwellausten.com
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Jewellery: fall for fall 33 ¡ The shoot 34 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
Oct18_Fashion_Opener.indd 31
31
27/09/2018 14:02
FASHION • JEWELLERY
Fall for fall Turn over a new leaf with these luxurious autumnal jewellery pieces
SYDNEY EVAN
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
CAROLINA BUCCI
Extra Large Monstera Leaf 14-karat gold diamond necklace £6,750; harrods.com
Gold-plated, Swarovski crystal and faux pearl ring, £490; selfridges.com
Recharmed Lucky 18-karat yellow, rose and white gold and agate bracelet, £2,550; harrods.com
DOLCE & GABBANA
OSCAR DE LA RENTA
RANJANA KHAN
Gold-tone, resin and crystal earrings, £495 dolcegabbana.com
Gold-tone brooch, £140 oscardelarenta.com
Mangueira gold-tone, mother-of-pearl, crystal and feather clip earrings, £270; ranjanakhan.com
32
AMRAPALI
ETRO
POMELLATO
18-karat gold, sterling silver and multi-stone bracelet, £6,500; amrapalijewels
Crystal, bead and velvet clip earrings, £320 harrods.com
Ritratto 18-karat rose gold, jasper and diamond necklace, £5,940; harrods.com
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
Abs_Oct18_Jewellery.indd 32
27/09/2018 15:18
Fine Bespoke Jewellery
Will You....?
Happily Ever After Bespoke Fine Jewellery Designed & Hand-Crafted in-store by Master Goldsmiths An exceptional Personalised Service for New, Dated or Inherited Jewellery Complex Restoration Work & Valuations undertaken
www.michaelplatt.co.uk
Goldsmith & Jeweller in Wimbledon Village 1 Church Road | Wimbledon Village | London | SW19 5DW Tel. 020 8947 4772 | info@michaelplatt.co.uk
MICHAEL PLATT.OCT.indd 1
27/09/2018 16:28
Dark HABITS Cos is offering a conceptual and highly contemporary collection for AW18 co s s t o r e s . co m
October_18_Shoot_5pp.indd 34
27/09/2018 08:45
October_18_Shoot_5pp.indd 35
27/09/2018 08:45
October_18_Shoot_5pp.indd 36
27/09/2018 08:45
October_18_Shoot_5pp.indd 37
27/09/2018 08:45
October_18_Shoot_5pp.indd 38
27/09/2018 08:46
LINGERIE • NIGHTWEAR • SWIMWEAR • BEACHWEAR
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
AMELIES FOLLIES.indd 1
Tel: 020 7924 3826
www.ameliesfollies.co.uk
27/09/2018 14:16
SS.indd 1
21/09/2018 13:51
HEALTH & BEAUTY Beauty Notes 43 • Autumn beauty favourites 45 • Fitness Notes 50 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
Oct18_Beauty_Opener.indd 41
41
27/09/2018 13:59
HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES
BEAUTY
S A LO N REVIEW
NOTES
Travel essentials, a post-summer skin saviour and new launches B y K AT Y G I L L E T T
PACK IT A LITTLE FIND
Sick of having to travel with subpar beauty products? We know we are. That’s why we love A Little Find, where all its fine beauty, wellness and lifestyle products are under 100ml. That includes specially selected items for mum, dad, teens and littles. From £1.50-115; alittlefind.com
EDITOR’S PICK
POST-SUMMER RESCUE LUMITY
The warmer months can often leave your skin dry and dehydrated. Lumity Complete Nourishment Facial Oil replenishes and soothes your face using passionflower seed oil, green tea leaf extracts and many other natural ingredients. £48. lumitylife.co.uk
A NEW STORY HAIRSTORY
Hairstory aims to reinvent hair care through detergent-free cleansers and new styling products. That includes UNDRESSED (pictured), which promises sexy beach hair without any crispiness. It’s free of moisture-zapping salt and creates texture with a soft, lush finish. £42 (236ml). hairstory.com
42
Skinsmiths By H e l e n b r ow n
S
kBilled as a gym for your skin, Skinsmiths is the clever concept salon making waves in London’s beauty pool. Originating in New Zealand over 20 years ago, the innovative clinic is taking its expertise worldwide with the first of its UK branches having opened this year in London, with as many as 40 more in the pipeline to open across the UK over the next two years. We’re at Skinsmiths in Clapham to see what it’s all about. The strategy is a simple one but incredibly effective. Repeat customers are the goal of every beauty clinic so Skinsmiths offer annual membership packages from which clients can tailor-make their treatment plans. Three plans are on offer: Reformaskin, which promises to get you glowing skin and a squeaky clean complexion by way of conditioning facials and high-intensity treatments, Freedom, a laser hair removal plan and Amerase, which targets the signs of ageing with cosmetic injections and dermal fillers. Each plan is tiered and customers can tailor them depending on how many and what level of treatments they want per year. I get a taster of the Reformaskin plan with the Express Detox Treatment. This mini facial includes a cleanse, microdermabrasion and a lavish dose of hyaluronic. I leave with gorgeously glowing skin which is easy to maintain with Skinsmiths. I shall be back. SKINSMITHS 34 Abbeville Road, SW4;
skinsmiths.com
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
SW_Oct18_Beauty Notes.indd 42
27/09/2018 15:21
Follow us
>
Skyler London
skylerlondon skylerlondonappointments hairlover hairoer
SKYLER.indd 1
27/09/2018 12:06
n ow OPEN
5
Se rv i ces w e s p ec i ali s e i n: Face and body •Laser hair removal •Skin tightening
•Medical facials •Injectables
•Skin peels 0208 767 3888 | 0751 836 7219 7 Upper Tooting | Tooting Bec | SW17 7TS 5AVECLINIC.indd 2
5thavenueclinic.co.uk clinic@5thavenueclinic.co.uk 21/03/2018 16:41
HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND
FORNASETTI R.I.P scented candle, 300g £140; selfridges.com
WELLECO The Super Elixir, 300g £96; welleco.com
MARC JACOBS BEAUTY O!mega Shadow Gel Powder Eyeshadow - O!mg 550 £22; marcjacobsbeauty.com
ANGELA CAGLIA Detox Serum, 30ml £110; angelacaglia.com
RODIN
WHITE HEART V. 7 MAP OF THE HEART
Luxury Illuminating Powder - Siren £38; net-a-porter.com
100ml, £150; harrods.co.uk
LOUBOUTIN NAILS
EARTH TU FACE
Shade: Rouge Louboutin £38; eu.christianlouboutin.com
Honey + Coconut Mask, 30ml £43; alyaka.com
JULLIET HAS A GUN Liquid Illusion 100ml, £200; harrods.co.uk
PUMPKIN SPICE
PERRICONE MD Essential Fx Deep Crease Serum, 30ml £129; perriconemd.com
Treat yourself this Halloween with our beauty favourites for October
ORIBE Mystify Restyling Spray, 175ml £42; oribe.com
B y A N G I E KO L E C I
ILIA Color Block Lipstick Ultra Violet £26; iliabeauty.com
LIPSTICK QUEEN Method in the Madness Lipstick - Berserk Berry £22; lipstickqueen.com
HUDA BEAUTY Liquid Matte - Medusa £18; selfridges.com
ARTIS BRUSH Elite Smoke Palm Brush Mini £44; artisbrush.com
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
• ABS_Oct18_Beauty Notes.indd 45
45
27/09/2018 08:49
Make the most of
YOURSELF Enhance what nature gave you with Putney Dentists
E
veryone knows a beautiful smile starts with great-looking teeth. But if you missed out on braces when younger, or haven’t always taken the best care of your pegs, you might need a little extra help to achieve your ultimate desired look. If you’ve had dental problems all your life, you know how hopeless it can seem. You may have seen one dentist after another, but beyond simple palliative care, they haven’t been able to do much for you. You may have given up hope of ever finding relief. Is your case really impossible?
T H E M O S T D I F F I C U LT
In other cases, finances or phobias may have caused the patient to avoid all dental visits. Whatever the initial reason, such people frequently end up suffering from: Plaque build-up. Gum disease. Abscesses. Cracked, decayed or broken teeth. Malocclusions. Temporomandibular joint disorders. Any of these conditions can eventuate in tooth loss, and when they do, the problems will only multiply. The neighbours of a missing tooth will invariably attempt to fill in the gap. This shift in position throws the bite out of balance, resulting in stresses that lead to lost fillings, fractured molars, bone loss, periodontal disease and TMJ. Such situations often appear difficult or even impossible to rectify, and the patient can soon lose heart.
D E N TA L CA S E S
W I L L I T TA K E A
ome individuals breeze through life with perfect teeth and dental problems ranging from few to none. These people, however, are in the minority. Nearly everyone will require dental care eventually. Many dental problems arise through no fault of the patient. Some individuals have a genetic predisposition to disorders of the teeth and gums. Others suffer tooth and jaw damage as the result of an accident. Often, however, dental experts can trace the most complicated cases to one of two common reasons: misdiagnosis and inadequate dental care. A previous dentist might have applied an incorrect therapy or failed to catch an underlying problem.
M I R AC L E ?
S
46
R
ather than see such cases as hopeless, a competent dentist views them as a challenge. The best will find a way to resolve such problems and end the patient’s suffering. In truth, no two cases are alike. For some patients, a simple bite adjustment will do the trick. Others may require full mouth rehabilitation. This is where a competent dentist calls in the troops. Like a talented quarterback, he will coordinate with other specialists as necessary to obtain the best in care to suit the patient’s needs.
“If you’re a good candidate for dental implants, you can expect high success rates”
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
SW_Feb18_ADV_Sam Afshar.indd 46
27/09/2018 13:51
ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION Putney Dentists brings together a top team of dentists (including four King’s college teachers with master qualifications), hygienists, and dental nursing and care staff. The team has a caring and gentle approach, with particular emphasis on making nervous patients feel at ease. Using advanced dental techniques, such as: Latest orthodontic techniques (Invisalign, fast braces, inman aligners etc). Computer aided smile design. Latest periodontal treatments (for treatment of diseased gums including new grafting and gum contouring techniques). Latest equipment for same-day crowns (CEREC). Use of microscope to achieve an ultimate result when it seems impossible otherwise. Stem-cell techniques during surgical procedure. Lip enhancement. Facial rejuvenation techniques. The practice aims to ensure patients enjoy the best possible oral health, a great smile and teeth to be proud of. The long-term success of these sophisticated dental treatments is critically dependent on the quality of the final prosthesis that the clinic provides. Technology now allows robots to mill highly aesthetic individual ceramic enamel-like crowns and especially life-like gingival prostheses. The use of computer-generated personalised restorations adds to the natural aesthetics of the prosthesis and allows the restorations to maintain maximum integrity.
ADVANCED TECHNIQUES HELP YOU ACHIEVE A GREAT SMILE
Although your situation may seem hopeless now, there are always ways to improve it. With the help of a dedicated, knowledgeable and competent cosmetic dentist, just about anything is possible in terms of your smile and oral health.
S M I L E M A K E OV E R
A
smile makeover takes into consideration your facial appearance, skin tone, hair color, teeth (colour, width, length, shape and tooth display), gum tissue and lips to develop your ideal smile. Smile makeovers are performed for many reasons and customised according to your unique considerations.
MAKE A LIST
G
o ahead; make a list of everything you don’t like about your smile or your teeth. In all likelihood, there is a solution to each problem you point out. With all the techniques available today, there is no reason why you should remain unhappy wit your teeth. Some imperfections that patients often seek to change are: A ‘gummy smile’ that shows a disproportionate amount of gums to teeth. Cracked, chipped, or worn teeth. Missing teeth. Slightly crooked or asymmetrical teeth. Gaps between teeth. Stained or discoloured teeth.
F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N CDr Sam Afshar DDS (Swe) MSc(KCL London) Clinical Teacher KCL British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Accredited implant surgeon Principal Putney Dentists Tel 020 8785 6772 Fax 020 8246 6821 reception@putneydentists.co.uk putneydentists.co.ukyour
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
SW_Feb18_ADV_Sam Afshar.indd 47
47
27/09/2018 13:52
WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR HEALTH
WHY WAIT?
We offer Fixed Price Packages for a range of Health Conditions • Hip and knee replacements • Cataracts and other eye conditions • Women’s and men’s health
At Parkside Hospital in Wimbledon, as a Self-Pay patient you can access specialist care at a time that suits you.
• Cosmetics including varicose veins and breast augmentation surgery We also offer Private GP Surgery, Health Screening, Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine and Diagnostic services.
For a comprehensive list of our procedures and finance options visit: www.parkside-hospital.co.uk
Book your specialist consultation for a
£200 Fixed Fee Call: 020 8971 8008 Email: enquiries@parkside-hospital.co.uk
53 Parkside, Wimbledon, London SW19 5NX
PSH.indd 1
35 YEARS WELCOME TO EXCEPTIONAL HEALTHCARE
27/09/2018 11:59
HEALTH & BEAUTY • SCENT
PERFUME
Floral
FANCY Uplifting orals from down-under B y M I C H A E L D O N OVA N
F
loral fragrances can be tricky. Ask any woman entering our perfumery of her likes and dislikes and nine times out of ten she will proffer a list of classic blossoms that she would prefer to avoid. Once upon a time this would have made me panic as approximately eighty percent of our collection of over four hundred fragrances contain flowers. However, over the decades, I have learned to recognise the reality of the situation. What this often means is that she doesn't like 'girly florals', scents that are a little lightweight and generic; or it can mean that she has a specific, unpleasant floral fragrance lodged in her memory. This happened to me recently when a client came to find a new 'signature' scent, her only criteria is that it must not be based on the queen of flowers, the rose. We travelled around the shelves and I soon realised that she actually enjoyed floral fragrances very much but favoured very fresh, modern conjurings of classic blossoms. We finally came to the perfumes of James Heeley, a British perfumer that I enjoy very much, and just as an experiment I sprayed one of my favourites for her, covering the name of the scent with my hand. I recognised the light in her eyes immediately, when you connect with a scent in a fundamental way it is immediate and transporting and I knew that she had found 'the one'. I then had to reveal that the name of this olfactory elixir was in fact 'Hippy Rose'. I explained that what often happens is that we experience a truly terrible rendering of a beautiful bloom and this becomes fixed in the memory. This happens with roses quite a lot as there have been many fragrances that oozed Barbara Cartland, pink chiffon and back-lighting, something very powdery and reminiscent of the 1950's. Modern florals bear no resemblance to these fusty fragrances and I was reminded of this just the other day when a dear friend brought
A green garden kissed by marine breezes, dry woods and musk accords me a new collection from Sydney, Australia, 'GRANDIFLORA'. The vision of florist, author and all-round flower-goddess Saskia Havekes, this is the most exciting and modern conjuring of floral fragrances I have experienced in decades. Collaborating with three of the world's most talented noses, these are outstanding scents that realise the epic beauty of their subjects and reinvent them for the 21st century.
'Sandrine' is an olfactory realisation of the Magnolia Grandiflora by the late, great Sandrine Videault, a fragrance legend. Here she captures fresh magnolia first thing in the morning just as the dew is leaving its petals. The lemony tang is here but Sandrine has painted around it a green garden, kissed by marine breezes, dry woods and musk accords and it is heavenly. 'Michel ' is a rare offering from perfumer Michel Rouditska and an alternative realisation of the very same flower. However, this time the creamy scent takes on a much more sensuous character with layers of patchouli, vetiver and rose with just a hint of vanilla sweetness at the base. Both of these scents capture the vivacious, citrus notes of the Magnolia bracts but interpret the character of the tree in very different ways. 'Madagascan Jasmine', also from Michel Roudnitska, is a cut-above normal star jasmine and although this is not strictly a soliflore, she is definitely the star of the show. Deft touches of green leaves and woody stem add depth to this tropical beauty. 'Boronia' was created with my own mentor and the man with whom I realised my fragrance collection, the perfume deity Bertrand Duchaufour. It is based on the Boronia flowering shrubs native to Australasia and their scent, akin to lightly spiced fruit with green, hay notes, which Bertrand has dusted with cognac, caramel and warm resins to create an epic, perfumed poem. Monsieur Duchaufour has also produced the magnificent 'Queen Of the Night' a cactus flower of legendary carnality that blooms for just one night per year and relies on its intoxicating scent to attract insects once the sun has set. Around her he has gathered all of the most heavenly flowers - wisteria, gardenia, mimosa and sambac jasmine - to create an olfactory siren's call with the promise of paradise. If you enjoy floral scents then this collection will bring you great joy and if you think that you don't, then take my advice and try them, the scales will fall from your eyes - or should that be nose?! A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_Oct18_Perfume.indd 49
49
27/09/2018 08:50
HEALTH & BEAUTY • ACTIVE
FITNESS NOTES By H E L E N B R O W N
FRESH WHEELS Peloton is the at-home phenomenon taking the world of spinning by storm. Here’s what you need to know… eloton is the New York-based fitness company taking the spin world by storm with its high-tech, at-home spinning bikes. A favourite of Hugh Jackman and David Beckham, the concept is simple. Each Peloton bike is equipped with a 22-inch HD, sweat-proof touchscreen that lets you tune in and experience all the action and adrenalin of 14 daily live and 8000+ on demand-classes without leaving your house. This autumn, UK residents will be able to join the phenomenon as Peloton, which has £300m+ in funding and was recently valued at more than a billion pounds, will ship its bikes internationally for the first time, starting with the UK. A Peloton bike will be priced at £1995 for the bike, plus £39.50 per month for the unlimited class subscription, which includes cycling, as well as “beyond the ride” workouts such as stretching and yoga.
P
S W E AT I T We try out the latest in London’s line-up of boutique gyms
N
It seems a lot, but when you think that the average UK gym-goer burns £564 on membership every year or £20 on the average boutique gym class, the numbers seem to tally up. If it’s good enough for Becks, it’s good enough for us. onepeloton.com
50
ewly opened this year, Sweat It in Aldwych is the latest boutique gym adding to London’s wellness landscape with its unfiltered, raw approach to functional training. The Sweat It approach combines targeted strength training with intervals on the treadmill. If you’ve ever been to Barry’s Bootcamp or 1Rebel, you’ll know the drill. However the equipment is more high-tech, so first-timers are advised to get in early to catch a demonstration. The studio is centred around the mecca that is the bespoke functional rig, with a custom line up of equipment including landmines, free weights and resistance bands. The gym itself is a luxury, urban space lined with a fleet of treadmills. Each class works on speed, strength and endurance sessions with the promise to constantly switch up the class content to ensure each muscle group is
targeted. I’m here to try Engine Room, but I could have chosen from a range of inventively-named classes (Heart & Hustle, Machine Guns, Guts & Glory, Pillar Killer, Compound60). Engine Room is an explosive lower body session that works on the largest muscle group with speed and stamina. First up, it’s floor work. The landmine is a really effective piece of equipment and our coach is brilliant at ensuring we use it to its fullest potential. The session involves a range of weighted exercises including Hungarian split squats, lunges and deadlifts. With heavy legs we jump onto the treadmill where we complete interval sprints and hill climbs. We go through three rounds of this before leaving high on endorphins and pouring with sweat - the clue is in the name. This is a class that can torch fat and sculpt muscles. Sign us back up.
Smart S N AC K S
Our favourite proteinpacked treats BAREBELLS White Chocolate Almond Protein Bar, £2.49; postedprotein.co.uk
BREYERS Salted Caramel Cake High Protein Ice Cream, £4.99; asda.com
BOOST BALL Coconut Fudge Cake Protein Ball, £1.34; superfoodmarket.com
4 Lean Street, WC2B; sweat-it.com
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
Abs_Oct18_Fitness.indd 50
27/09/2018 08:54
UK’S NO.1 FITNESS EQUIPMENT RETAILER EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO CREATE YOUR DREAM GYM
TUFFSTUFF FITNESS INTERNATIONAL
CXT-200 Core Multi TUFFSTUFF FunctionalFITNESS Trainer with INTERNATIONAL CXT-225 Smith Attachment
IC6 Group Exercise Bike
Save £2,049.00 Our Price £3,949.00
MAX Trainer M5
Our Price £1,895.00
Save £300.00 Our Price £1,499.00
TF30 Folding Treadmill with XIR Console
Our Price £3,699.00
Here to help achieve your fitness goals!
SAVE 7.5%
WITH OFFER CODE
ABSOLUTELY*
When looking for fitness equipment for your home gym, you want to be confident you’re investing in high quality products that offer both outstanding reliability and high performance.
equipment is covered. With thousands of high quality products to browse in-store or online, Fitness Superstore can offer both the products and the premium service you need to create your dream workout space.
Fitness Superstore – the UK’s largest supplier of specialist home and commercial fitness equipment – offers an unrivalled selection of fitness equipment from the world’s leading brands. Treadmills, cross trainers, rowers, multi-gyms, weights – the full spectrum of fitness and strength
Need a consultation? Fitness Superstore offers trusted advice, thanks to our professional sales advisors, many of whom are personal trainers themselves. Pop into one of our 10 UK stores for advice and to try the equipment for yourself, or have a browse at over 200,000 products online.
167-173 Wandsworth High St, Wandsworth, London, SW18 4JB 0% FINANCE AVAILABLE* | TRY BEFORE YOU BUY | EXPERT IN-STORE ADVICE 1000s MORE PRODUCTS | VISIT ONE OF OUR 10 UK STORES | OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK ✔ In-store demonstration ✔ Buy Now - Pay Later ✔ Expert Advice ✔ Free Delivery ✔ Never Beaten On Price
Call 0203 3708 856 or visit fitness-superstore.co.uk *T’s & C’s apply, see website for more details. Code expires October 14th 2018. Price may vary, please see website for current prices.
FITNESS.indd 1
22/08/2018 10:59
Get skin
SAVVY
The Glasshouse Clinic’s Alison Telfer on what it means to be savvy with your skincare.
A
few years ago the ingredients list on the back of our beauty products might have read like a foreign language. Now however, skin A, B and C’s are discussed over lunch with questions like what vitamin A do you use? and does your facialist use BHA’s or AHA’s? We all seem to be getting super savvy with our skincare. We caught up with The Glasshouse Clinic founder Alison Telfer on the science behind the elixirs and potions that promise to eliminate those pesky lines. She fills us with hope on how to achieve picture perfect skin with her two must have’s.
improves cell communication refining pores and removing pigmentation and age spots.
A IS FOR VITAMIN A
Alison Telfer personally trials all of the latest and greatest products that come onto the market and only stocks products she knows truly work at The Glasshouse Clinic. The clinic is home to one of the widest ranges of cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical products ensuring that they can tailor and deliver the very best results time and time again with the help of leading brands such as Skinceuticals, Dr Levy, Obagi and Jan Marini.
WHAT IS IT?
Commonly known as retinol, an ingredient that promotes skin renewal while enhancing collagen production, which naturally starts to decline in your late 20’s. WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Improving skin quality, diminishing fine lines, wrinkles and bothersome breakouts. Known as an anti-ageing powerhouse, this smart vitamin
52
C IS FOR VITAMIN C WHAT IS IT ?
The most commonly used vitamin in skincare, vitamin c is a powerful antioxidant that works by neutralising free-radicals which our skin is exposed to daily. WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
This is a perfect preventative product, that helps to protect out skin from the sun and other environmental damage. It helps to promote and maintain skin health and is used to brighten the skin complexion as well as having antiageing benefits.
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
SW_OCT18_Glasshouse.indd 52
27/09/2018 13:50
ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION
ALISON TELFER
Join the Coolsculpt Club The Glasshouse Clinic is leading the way in Coolsculpting
T
he Glasshouse Clinic was named as having delivered the most treatments in Europe on one system last year.
WHAT IS COOLSCULPTING? With over 5million treatments preformed across the globe, Coolsculpting is the world's Number 1 FDA approved nonsurgical fat reduction treatment, which allows you to contour your body. The treatment can be used to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat from all over the body including the stomach, back, arms, love handles, bra area, thighs, chin and knees. After just one treatment you may see results as early as three weeks.
EVENT DETAILS
“Known as an anti-ageing powerhouse, this smart vitamin improves cell communication refining pores and removing pigmentation and age spots”
Due to limited spaces RSVP required to wimbledon@theglasshouseclinic. co.uk or 0203 968 0788 to receive an exclusive invite the The Glasshouse Clinic Sip and Sculpt Event with one time only treatment event pricing, a live treatment demonstration and complimentary assessments with a Coolsculpting Expert on the day.
THE GLASS HOUSE CLINIC 32 High Street, SW19 5BY For more information call 0203 968 0788 or visit theglasshouseclinic.co.uk email wimbledon@theglasshouseclinic.co.uk
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
SW_OCT18_Glasshouse.indd 53
53
27/09/2018 13:50
AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE IN WAITROSE, MAJESTIC, 31DOVER.COM AND UK DUTY FREE
SILENTPOOL.indd 1
13/03/2018 17:14
FOOD & DRINK
AUTUMN COMFORTS THE LIGHTHOUSE The Lighthouse in Wimbledon is a friendly neighbourhood with a modern menu that changes daily. Autumn warmers include the likes of harissa marinated lamb and treacle tart. lighthousewimbledon.com
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Food Notes 56 • Recipes: Simple dishes from Ottolenghi 58 • Chocolate 62 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
Oct18_Food_Opener.indd 55
55
27/09/2018 14:06
W H AT TO D R I N K
BAR NEWS
TASTING NOTES
London’s food news and most exciting openings this October By GEORGIA MCVEIGH
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE MONTH By Tom McNeile of A r l o ’ s R e s ta u r a n t s
WINE
The Arlo’s Great House Malbec 2017
Our Great House Red is a light and fruitforward Malbec, hand-picked in the dry warmth of the Argentinian Andes. It pairs perfectly with steak.
C O C K TA I L
An English Garden
A true celebration of summer (late, Indian, enduring or endless..!). We take Hendrick’s cucumber gin, mix it with crisp English apples and serve it with edible roses, elderflower and fresh mint.
Spice Story KAHANI C O C K TA I L
Vesper
We make our classic Vesper with Reyka vodka from Icelandic glacial meltwater, Hendrick’s gin, Lillet Blanc and a blend of Bordeaux grapes and citrus aged in oak barrels. ARLO'S Arlo’s is a relaxed neighbourhood restaurant specialising in grass-fed steaks and a delicious new vegan option of roast spiced cauliflower. The enticing bar menu features a range of cocktails, cold pressed juices, milkshakes, smoothies and Arlo’s own Great House Malbec. arlos.co.uk
56
From Chef Peter Joseph comes Kahani, a new 90-cover restaurant in Chelsea with a contemporary approach to Indian cooking. Kahani, which translates to ‘story’ in Hindi, is centred around Peter’s philosophy of community eating to celebrate, bring people together, break boundaries and share tales. 1 Wilbraham Place, SW1X kahanilondon.com
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
SW_Oct18_Food_Notes.indd 56
27/09/2018 16:56
FOOD & DRINK• NOTES Our pick of the best
LO N D O N R OA STS
H AW K S M O O R
If it’s beef you want then it’s Hawksmoor you must go. The restaurant is renowned for steak so it’s little surprise they serve up one of the best roasts on Sunday. With fluffy goose fat potatoes, a ginormous Yorkshire and a decent selection of traditional vegetables, it's a perfectly balanced plate of joy. thehawksmoor.com
SIMPSON'S IN T H E ST R A N D
QUICK BITE I S A B E L M AY FA I R
For those looking to hold a business lunch meeting or a quick catch-up with friends, Mayfair hotspot, Isabel, loved by stylish locals and food-lovers alike, is launching its new express lunch menu. Indulge in exquisitely prepared South American fare in no time at all from the newly-conceived menu which features pizzettes and the signature blackened chicken. 26 Albemarle Street, W1 isabelw1.london
A favourite haunt of Charles Dickens and Sherlock Holmes - alledgedly Simpson's in the Strand prides itself on its trolley service from which is served 28 day dry-aged roast rib of beef, Yorkshire puddings, Savoy cabbage, beef fat roast potatoes, gravy and horseradish sauce. simpsonsinthestrand.co.uk
BEST BRUNCH MEGAN'S BALHAM
Voted best brunch in London on more than one occasion and with deliciously Instagrammable interiors, Meghan’s is a welcome addition to the SW neighbourhood. Expect a beautiful flower wall, a tantalising all-day menu, one of the best brunches this side of the river and a year-round garden with a retractable roof. megans.co.uk
B L AC K LO C K
Founded by a couple of Hawksmoor old hands, this subterranean Soho hotspot delivers a carnivore’s dream dinner. Go “All-In” with a mix of Longhorn beef, Herdwick lamb and Middlewhite pork with Yorkshire puds, duck fat roasties, carrots, broccoli and bone marrow gravy. theblacklock.com
FRENCH FANCY CHEZ BRUCE HAWSMOOR
KIND COFFEE CRU KAFE
Finally, you can sip your morning coffee guilt-free with CRU Cafe, the Notting Hill-born producer of Nespresso-friendly organic capsules. They’ve launched the first ever capsules that are organic, ethically-sourced and - crucially - made from 100% recyclable material. crukafe.com
SIMPSONS IN THE SAVOY
Steering clear of gadgets and tricks in the kitchen, Chez Bruce serves exceptional modern European food in an informal setting. Be sure to save room for the cheese board which they take very seriously and is one of London's best. chezbruce.co.uk
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
SW_Oct18_Food_Notes.indd 57
57
27/09/2018 14:05
I
t was a little moment of revelation, I remember, when I first combined roasted cauliflower and raw grated cauliflower in the same dish. So different from one another, but working so well combined. This is lovely as it is, served as part of a spread, or spooned alongside some roast chicken or lamb. Don’t throw away the leaves of the cauliflower here. They’re lovely to eat, roasted and crisp, or grated raw as you would the rest of the cauliflower. If you want to get ahead, roast the cauliflower up to 4–6 hours in advance. Keep at room temperature and then just combine with the remaining ingredients when ready to serve.
Cauliflower, pomegranate and pistachio salad Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
Make it
SIMPLE Ottolenghi's new book is all about simplicity. Here are some dishes that fit his definition of 'simple' r e c i p e s YO TA M O T T O L E N G H I
58
• 1 large cauliflower (800g) • 1 medium onion, roughly sliced (130g) • 80ml olive oil • 25g parsley, roughly chopped • 10g mint, roughly chopped • 10g tarragon, roughly chopped • Seeds from ½ medium pomegranate (80g) • 40g pistachio kernels, lightly toasted and roughly chopped • 1 tsp ground cumin • 1½ tbsp lemon juice • Salt
METHOD 1
Preheat the oven to 200°C fan.
2 Coarsely grate a third of the cauliflower and set aside in a bowl. Break the remaining cauliflower into florets, roughly 3cm wide, and add these to a separate bowl with the cauliflower leaves, if you have any, and onion. Toss everything together with 2 tablespoons of oil and ¼ teaspoon of salt, then spread out on a large parchment-lined baking tray. Roast for about 20 minutes, until cooked through and golden-brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. 3 Once cool, put the roasted vegetables into a large bowl with the 50ml oil, the grated cauliflower and the remaining ingredients, along with ¼ teaspoon of salt. Toss gently, just to combine, then transfer to a platter and serve.
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
Abs_Oct18_Recipes_3pp 2.indd 58
27/09/2018 08:56
FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES
F
ew things bring me more pleasure in the kitchen than taking a set of familiar ingredients and seeing them in a new light. It’s happened here with this stew and also the Puy lentil and aubergine dish on page 166. The two ingredients lists are very similar – the aubergine, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic and oregano. Both dishes – though equally delicious – are completely different from one another. It’s one of the many reasons I love aubergines: they’re so versatile and can be cooked in such different ways to yield such different results. Serve the stew either as a hearty starter or a side, or else as a main, served with any grain you like. The stew can be made up to 3 days ahead and kept in the fridge – just warm through and add the crème fraîche, oil, chilli flakes and oregano before serving.
Puy lentil and aubergine stew Serves4 as a starter or side, 2 as a main
INGREDIENTS • 3 tbsp olive oil, plus a little extra to serve • 3 garlic cloves, finely sliced • 1 large red onion, finely chopped (160g) • ½ tbsp picked thyme leaves • 2 small aubergines, cut into chunks, about 5 x 2cm (420g) • 200g cherry tomatoes • 180g Puy lentils • 500ml vegetable stock • 80ml dry white wine • 100g crème fraîche • tsp Urfa chilli flakes (or ½ tsp regular chilli flakes) • 2 tsp picked oregano leaves • Salt and black pepper
METHOD 1 Put 2 tablespoons of oil into a large, high-sided sauté pan and place on a medium high heat. Add the garlic, onion, thyme and ¼ teaspoon of salt and fry for 8 minutes, stirring often, until soft and golden. Tip into a bowl, leaving the oil behind. Set aside. 2 Place the aubergines and tomatoes in a bowl and season with ¼ teaspoon of salt and plenty of pepper. Add the remaining oil to the same pan and, once very hot, add the aubergines and tomatoes. Fry for 10 minutes, on medium high, turning them often until the aubergine is soft and goldenbrown and the tomatoes are beginning to blacken. Return the garlic and onion to the pan, then add the lentils, stock, wine, 450ml of water and ¾ teaspoon of salt. Bring to the boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for about 40 minutes, until the lentils are soft but still retain a bite. 3 Serve warm with crème fraîche, a drizzle of oil and chilli flakes and oregano.
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
Abs_Oct18_Recipes_3pp 2.indd 59
59
27/09/2018 08:57
to book please call
020 8946 3031 mon to fri - 8am - 10.30pm sat - 9am - 10.30pm sun - 9am - 3.30pm
three course set dinner £23.50 offer available until the end of october - monday to thursday. mention offer when booking.
Tasty, seasonal cooking
tuesday nights - 2 rib-eye steaks, chips, salad and a bottle of house wine - £45 lightwimbledon.co.uk - 48 High St, Wimbledon SW19 5AX
BRUNCH • LUNCH • DINNER • COCKTAILS
From our Clarence Court eggs, hand-cut chips (every single one), organic Brixton sourdough, Maldon sea salt, Brindisa chorizo and – of course – our grass-fed British beef we are obsessed with only the finest ingredients. Meat-friendly, family-friendly, vegetarian-friendly & vegan-friendly. Seven days a week.
Join us and swap this card for any drink of your choice, from a cup of our fine Union coffee or cold pressed fruit juices to a glass of wine or a cocktail…*
Arlo’s Balham, 1 Ramsden Road, SW12 8QX 020 3019 6590 | balham@arlos.co.uk
Arlo’s Battersea, 47 Northcote Road, SW11 1NJ 020 3019 3737 | tom@arlos.co.uk
Proudly independent and family-owned.
*One free drink per main course ordered. Excludes the Little Arlo’s menu. Free drink excludes wine carafes and full wine bottles. Eat-in only. One drink per swap card per main course per person. You must swap an original copy of this advert to receive this offer. ARLO.indd 1
• SW_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 2
27/09/2018 12:52
27/09/2018 16:53
FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES
Iranian herb fritters Makes 8 fritters to serve 4–8 (depending on whether everyone is having one, in a pitta, or two as they are)
INGREDIENTS • 40g dill, finely chopped • 40g basil leaves, finely chopped • 40g coriander leaves, finely chopped • 1½ tsp ground cumin • 50g fresh breadcrumbs (about 2 slices, crusts left on if soft) • 3 tbsp barberries (or currants, see p.301) • 25g walnut halves, lightly toasted and roughly chopped • 8 large eggs, beaten • 60ml sunflower oil, for frying • salt
METHOD 1 Place all the ingredients, apart from the oil, in a large bowl with ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix well to combine and set aside.
These fritters are a bit of fridge raid, using up whatever herbs you have
T
hese can be snacked on as they are, at room temperature, or else served with a green tahini sauce and some extra herbs. If you want to make the tahini sauce then just blitz together 50g tahini, 30g parsley, ½ crushed garlic clove, 2 tbsp lemon juice and 1⁄8 tsp salt. Once this is all in the blender, blitz for 30 seconds and pour in 125ml water. Holding back on the water allows the parsley to get really broken up and turns the sauce as green as can be. This sauce is lovely spooned over all sorts of things – grilled meat and fish and roasted vegetables, for example – so double or triple the batch and
keep it in the fridge. It keeps well for about 5 days. You might want to thin it with a little water or lemon juice to get it back to the right consistency. These fritters are a bit of a fridge raid, using up whatever herbs you have around. As long as you keep the total net weight the same and use a mixture of herbs, this will still work wonderfully. The batter will keep, uncooked, for 1 day in the fridge. Alternatively, pile the fritters into pitta bread with condiments: a combination of yoghurt, chilli sauce, pickled vegetables and tahini works well. You’d just need one fritter per person, rather than two.
2 Put 2 tablespoons of oil into a large non-stick pan and place on a medium high heat. Once hot, add ladles of batter to the pan. Do 4 fritters at a time, if you can – you want each of them to be about 12cm wide – otherwise just do 2 or 3 at a time. Fry for 1–2 minutes on each side, until crisp and golden-brown. Transfer to a kitchen paper-lined plate and set aside while you continue with the remaining batter and oil. 3 Serve either warm or at room temperature.
OT TO L E N G H I S I M P L E by Yotam Ottolenghi with Tara Wigley and Esme Howarth is published by Ebury Press, £25
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
Abs_Oct18_Recipes_3pp 2.indd 61
61
27/09/2018 08:58
Choc SHOP
From ethically-grown bars to luxurious liqueurs, the latest from the world of high-end chocolate looks decidedly delicious By HELEN BROWN
Sustainable SWEETS
WINNING BIG
Eat Your Hat create delicious things out of sustainably-grown, organic ingredients. They’re also advocates of everything being ‘astonishingly fair’, and this starts with the trading process. From the Sri Lankan spices to the cocoa grown in São Tomé, everything is ethicallysourced and 100% Fair Trade. One small step for chocolate, one giant step for sustainability. eatyourhat.com
Dorset based, artisan chocolatier Chococo has scooped another six awards at this year’s Great Taste Awards. The Blackcurrant Beauty was the star of the show, winning a highlycoveted 3 Star Gold award, however Purely Pistachio, Salcombe Sundowner, 65% Madagascar Mega Milk bar and Chocolate Salami were also given gold stars. To celebrate, they’ve released a Limited Edition 2018 Award Winners Box (£11) which includes nine of the prize-winning treats. chococo.co.uk
E AT Y O U R H AT
62
CHOCOCO
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
ABS_May18_CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW.indd 62
27/09/2018 09:28
FOOD & DRINK • CHOCOLATE
Viva La VEGAN
PA N A C H O C O L AT E
Guilt-free and kind to the earth, Pana chocolate is created from raw, certified organic ingredients and is recognised by The Vegan Society as being 100 per cent vegan-friendly. Made from 36% cacao, coconut milk, maple syrup and roasted hazelnuts, the new Hazelnut bar (£3.90) is smooth yet crunchy, sweet yet salty and comes wrapped up in gorgeous little box. panachocolate.com
SNAP IT UP D O I SY & DA M
With no more than eight ingredients per choc and a healthy dose of superfoods in each, Doisy & Dam is healthy indulgence at its best. The Snaps (£5.50) are thin crunchy shards of chocolate, perfect for snacking and (if you must) sharing. Available in two flavours, they are vegan, gluten-free and made from single-origin Columbian chocolate. doisyanddam.com
Liquid GOLD
H O T E L C H O C O L AT
As the only chocolatier to run two bars (one in their Saint Lucian cocoa plantation, the other in Borough Market) Hotel Chocolat knows a thing or two about mixing chocolate with alcohol. After two years of intense experimentation, they came up with the Chocolate Cream Liqueur (£25), a creamy chocolate and mouth-watering vodka, finished with a splash of cream. hotelchocolat.com
STYLE FILE PIERRE MARCOLINI
Chocolate and fashion come together in one of the most stylish culinary conceptions this autumn. Victoria Beckham has teamed up with Pierre Marcolini to design a limited edition box of 16 chocolate hearts (£35) to celebrate the milestone 10th anniversary of her fashion house. Expect distinct and indulgent flavours like hazelnut praline caramel, salted butter caramel and white chocolate ganache with fresh yuzu. eu.marcolini.com/en
ZEST FOR LIFE R O C O C O C H O C O L AT E S
With a rich British heritage and over thirty-five years of expertise, Rococo Chocolates are renowned for creating innovative treats that are as pleasing to the eye as they are the the palette. The Chocolate Dipped Orange and Lemon Slices (£14.95) deliver a delicious zesty hit and make the perfect little gift. rococochocolates.com
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_May18_CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW.indd 63
63
27/09/2018 09:30
Located at One Tower Bridge. Prosecco House is London’s fist prosecco-specialist bar. It stocks Prosecco DOCG, from Veneto, the home of the drink, a creation of owner Kristina Issa, bringing the excellence of Italian prosecco to London. Kristina works with small family-owned vineyards, while the bar has over 20 varieties on the menu, hand picked by Kristina herself, from wineries such as Marchiori, Rivalta, Cirotto, Tasi Bio and Andreola.
PROSECCO HOUSE 1 Crown Square One Tower Bridge London, SE1 2SE @proseccohouse ProseccoHouseLondon
PH.indd 2
020 3034 1718 www.proseccohouse.com info@proseccohouse.com
20/06/2018 17:16
FOOD • SUBSCRIPTIONS
GET IT
WHY GO OUT WHEN THE BEST THINGS CAN ARRIVE ON YOUR DOORSTEP REGULARLY?
1
BEAN FIELDS WORKSHOP COFFEE
Workshop's variety of blends are roasted and packed at their Bethnal Green headquarters – subscribe and they'll send your favourite beans to your door as often as you like. We recommend the Cerro de Jesus espresso, with its notes of butterscotch and nougat. workshopcoffee.com
2
MEAT FEAST FA R M I S O N
1
D E L I V E R E D
2
3
Farmison's meat boxes have been voted the UK's best and the wise selection focuses on the best of British artisan butchery for feasting or freezing. There's a BBQ box, a couple's monthly box and a Full English breakfast box, among others. farmison.com
3
PLANT POST GEO FLEUR
Plant Post Club is a plant subscription service whereby subscribers receive a monthly surprise exclusive package of a unusual and beautiful plant, in ahandmade pot or plant-related accessories. How better to expand your plant collection? geo-fleur.com
4
THAT’S THE SPIRIT CRAFT GIN CLUB
4
5
Every month, the Craft Gin Club selects one of the world's finest small-batch gins, including rare and exclusive editions not available elsewhere, and pairs it with delicious mixers and treats to create the Gin of the Month box. Sign up for as often or as little as you like. craftginclub.co.uk
5
CHEESE COLLECTIONS
PA X T O N A N D W H I T F I E L D
Paxton and Whitfield’s cut cheese collections take the pain of choosing away and offer an excellent introduction to some of the best cheeses. Order online for delivery the next day. paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_Sep18_Insider Kit.indd 65
65
27/09/2018 10:56
Photography by Paul Craig
Engineered Walnut Pre-lacquered
Beautiful flooring, designed to last Over 100 designs | Expert advice | 20,000m 2 of stock | Express delivery SHOWROOM 20 Smugglers Way, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1EG 020 8871 9771
w w w.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk
NWF.indd 1
20/08/2018 13:09
INTERIORS IN ASSOCIATION WITH
TAILOR MADE ROSCAR DEVELOPMENTS Roscar Developments offer a fully bespoke refurbishment, renovation and restoration service. Each project is specifically tailored to meet their clients’ needs, with excellence and attention to detail as standard. roscardevelopments.com
Interior inspirations 68 • The Rug Company 76 • My Style: Kelly Griffin 87 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
OCT18_INTERIORS OPENER.indd 67
67
27/09/2018 14:07
INTERIORS NOTES
Ideas, designs and styles for your home By PENDLE HARTE
LIGHT MY FIRE KINDLE STOVES
As your local specialist, Kindle Stoves have a wood burner for every home. From contemporary to traditional, they are stockists of the super efficient Morso, Contura and Rais models and offer a full installation service. 1 Station Road, Teddington TW11 kindlestoves.co.uk
WARM GLOW MARBLE HILL FIREPLACES
Marble Hill Fireplaces is the go-to showroom for all your fireplace needs whether it is a real fire, decorative effect or balanced flue gas fire or a wood burning stove. Established in 1974 they have an unrivalled reputation for quality and excellent personal service. 0208 892 1488; sales@marblehill.co.uk
68
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
ABS_Oct18_Interiors_Notes 2.indd 68
27/09/2018 09:32
INTERIORS • NOTES
THROW DOW N All our favourite ceramic pieces
EDITOR’S PICK
NICOLA FASANO FOR THE CONRAN SHOP Oval Splatter Platter, £110 conranshop.co.uk
TIME PLEASE
THE CONTEMPORARY HOME Teal crackle glaze vase, £45 tch.net
THE WHITE KITCHEN COMPANY
HAY
Formerly known as Future & Found, Tufnell Park’s favourite design destination has rebranded as Insidestore. We are coveting their analogue clock by Hay, £89 insidestoreldn.com
PANTRY PEOPLE
KARLSSON Original ceramic wall clock, £35 hurnandhurn.com
The Larder Cupboard is making a long overdue and a welcome return to our homes and a must for the organised cook. The White Kitchen Company’s handmade solid wood pantry cupboards can be incorporated into any space as a beautiful and intelligent way to keep your kitchen clutter-free. thewhitekitchencompany.com
HABITAT Buzz vase, £35 habitat.com.uk
JONATHAN ADLER Druggist small canister with lid, £POA jonathanadler.com
BROSTE COPENHAGEN Nordic sea dinnerware, From £9 heals.com
HEART OF THE HOME BLADES HEATING LTD
Blades has been distributing AGA Cookers since 1929, with its cast iron ovens and gentle radiant heat, an AGA brings a loving warmth to any home. Now, with AGA electric ‘Control Series’, including the new eR3 ‘Every Day Cooker’, there is an AGA to suit any lifestyle. All models on display at our extensive Oxted Showroom. blades-aga.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_Oct18_Interiors_Notes 2.indd 69
69
27/09/2018 09:33
LUXURY HANDM ADE FURNITURE | GORGEOUS HOME ACCESSORIES LUXURY LUXURY LUXURY HANDM HANDM HANDM ADE ADE ADE FURNITURE FURNITURE FURNITURE | |GORGEOUS |GORGEOUS GORGEOUS HOME HOME HOME ACCESSORIES ACCESSORIES ACCESSORIES LUXURY HANDM ADE FURNITURE | GORGEOUS HOME ACCESSORIES
U S E T H E C O D E A B S O L U T E LY W S 1 0 F O R 1 0 % O F F * UU SE U S ESTEH TH E TH ECEC OO C DO D ED EAEA BS B AO SBO S LU O LU TL EU T LY ET LY EW LY W SW 1S01S01F0O FO F RO R1 R 01 % 01 % 0O%O FO F *FF *F * U S E T H E C O D E A B S O L U T E LY W S 1 0 F O R 1 0 % O F F * UNIT 15, THE ME TRO CENTRE, ST JOHN’ S ROAD, ISLEWORTH, T W 7 6N J UNIT UNIT UNIT 15,15, THE 15, THE THE ME ME TRO ME TRO TRO CENTRE, CENTRE, CENTRE, STST JOHN’S ST JOHN’S JOHN’S ROAD, ROAD, ROAD, ISLEWORTH, ISLEWORTH, ISLEWORTH, TW TW 7T6N 7W6N 7J 6N J J W W.SWEE A ANDWILLOW.COM 0345 257 2627 UNIT 15,WTHE ME TROTPE CENTRE, ST JOHN’ S ROAD, ISLEWORTH, T W 7 6N J WW W W.SWEE W.SWEE W W.SWEE TPE TPE A TPE ANDWILLOW.COM A ANDWILLOW.COM A ANDWILLOW.COM 0345 0345 0345 257 257 257 2627 2627 2627 W W W.SWEE TPE A ANDWILLOW.COM 0345 257 2627 *Cannot be used in conjunction with any other sales or promotions. *Cannot *Cannot *Cannot be be used be used in used conjunction in conjunction in conjunction with with any with any other any other other sales sales or sales promotions. or promotions. or promotions. *Cannot be used in conjunction with any other sales or promotions.
SP&W.indd 1
27/09/2018 12:09
T
he Liberty print has inspired everything from wellies to sweet wrappers and now Bloom & Wild has created a limited edition range of five stunning bouquets for autumn in collaboration with the iconic range of fabrics. In honour of the treasured British heritage brand, Bloom & Wild have matched seasonal bouquet designs inspired by each bespoke Liberty Print box. The Liberty Print patterns that grace the side of the boxes are Tana Lawn patterns designed by Phoebe & Jo, Rachel, Elysian Day and Ciara from the 1960 Liberty archives. The limited edition floral range will be available until 18 November. All five styles will be featured on bloomandwild.com, priced from £36 - £50
Words P E N D L E H A R T E
HOME is besotted with Bloom & Wild’s new collaboration with Liberty
FLORAL PRINTS
INTERIORS • FLOWERS
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_Oct18_Liberty/BLOOM .indd 71
71
27/09/2018 11:01
N O F I LT E R Absolutely meets designer Mike Rundell, the man behind this impressively colourful London home Words G E O R G I A M C V E I G H
72
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
ABS_Oct18_GABBY KHALIL.indd 72
27/09/2018 09:43
INTERIORS • DESIGN
T
here’s no doubt that the personalised architecture and design service, Rundell Associates, create eye-catching and different designs. And the latest project from the company that have created state-of-the-art schools and Tuscan Villas is no different. A refurbishment and extension of this west London House, the finished product is immediately captivating with its sleek, minimalist exterior, seemingly more of a Moroccan riad than a London home. Yet nothing prepares you for what can only be described as an explosion of colour inside. And we’re not talking safe hues of royal blue and emerald green emanating from a tastefully (but subtly) placed picture. We’re talking lime green sofas, hot pink lamps, and art-deco carpets, all on a sterile white background to create the impression of a blank canvas upon which a particularly whacky artist has been let loose. What makes the project all the more surprising still, is that it works. So what of the man behind it? Rundell Associates founder Mike Rundell believes that: “Colour is an essential consideration, but it has to be kept in perspective. For some projects, especially where the client has an existing collection of art and artefacts, the building has to provide the right background for that collection without seeking to compete with the objects on
“We’re talking lime green sofas, hot pink lamps, and art-deco carpets, all on a sterile white background” display. For that reason, most art collector’s houses are very neutral”. Rundell clearly has an excellent understanding of what makes a building work, made all the more surprising considering he has no formal architectural qualifications to speak of. He attributes his love of beautiful architecture to his youth, growing up in a “very grand Edwardian Hotel in the Swiss Alps”, his London home in Berkeley Square, schooling at Westminster and to his time at Oxford University. And yet, he started his early A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_Oct18_GABBY KHALIL.indd 73
73
27/09/2018 09:43
Monica Galetti, chef
C R E A T I N G
B E A U T I F U L
K I T C H E N S
S I N C E
1 9 8 1
Call 020 7486 1248 to make an appointment at your nearest showroom 120 Wigmore Street, London W1U 3RU 509 Uxbridge Road, Pinner HA5 4JS 77-79 Wycombe End, Beaconsfield HP9 1LX
www.halcyon-interiors.co.uk | info@halcyon-interiors.co.uk HALCYON.indd 1
27/06/2018 16:22
• DESIGN • XXXX INTERIORS CULTURE
“The project is eye-catching, yet it is not an art gallery and does not function as such”
career as an oilfield engineer in the Middle East. While he was there, Rundell began to help his father with the plans for their small family home in Cornwall, drawing up plans and posting them back to England. After a few years in Egypt, Rundell had saved enough money to go back to Art College and study Fine Art. He says, “I wanted to design houses to pay my way through life whilst simultaneously creating works of art.” Armed with degrees in Engineering and Fine Art, he feels that all an aspiring architect needs is “a true understanding of the way that space works, combined with visual curiosity, creative ambition and an understanding of structures.” Despite his modest tone, Rundell had his first big break working on the infamous Notting Hill restaurant Pharmacy with Damien Hirst in 1996 and from there he set up Rundell Associates in 1997. The company prides itself on its ability to work closely with the client and provide a bespoke and genuinely unique design; they have no
House Style. And so it is with this colourful project. Rundell says it was “bound by the client’s determination to create a space that would reflect her own tastes completely; an appreciation of exotic colour, a love of books and her background of travel. There was no compromise but the house had to be essentially practical. Our first challenge was to devise a floorplan that eliminated numerous long corridors and made use of each square foot wisely.” The result: a practical family home that at once combines an “esoteric art collection” with a distinctly exotic Moroccan touch. With interiors from Tim Gosling and landscaping from Gavin MacWilliam, it would be hard for anyone to argue that the house is not a work of art in itself, perfect both for long summer evenings on the softly lit terrace outside or a cup of tea in the sleek but cosy kitchen area. It is, in fact, a true testament to the Rundell Associates ethos that “great design appears effortless, inevitable and inspiring”, and Rundell’s own background in Fine Art, that “great art and great architecture share a common factor: they have to be experienced to be appreciated.” The project is eye-catching, yet it is not an art gallery and does not function as such. Instead, it exhibits the on-trend maximalist interiors trend, attention to detail and undoubtedly homely touches. As for the where Rundell is headed next? “I love new challenges. If anyone would like a great Motorway Service Station designed then please give me a call!” rundellassociates.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_Oct18_GABBY KHALIL.indd 75
75
27/09/2018 09:44
THE RUNWAY WALK Absolutely previews fashion designer Jonathan Saunders’ new collaboration with The Rug Company By P E A R L B OY D
76
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
ABS_Oct18_RUG COMPANY.indd 76
27/09/2018 09:46
INTERIORS • RUGS
A signature bright modernist palette has evolved
C
elebrated fashion designer Jonathan Saunders, renowned for his innovative use of print, pattern and colour, has collaborated with The Rug Company for a second collection of handmade rugs. Incorporating eight new rug designs, including four runners, the collection represents an exploration of the perception of colour. Saunders has been exploring translucency and light and how new colours can be created through this process, working with transparent layers of glass and resin to create the composition of the final designs. A signature bright modernist palette has evolved for this second collection with the unexpected addition of neutral tones of bone, clay and silver. Combining a series of deceptively simple square and rectangular forms in
Patterns that blend together create a flow – they don’t need to match
different shades of grey, Clark is an abstract interpretation of a tower. The monochrome mix is perfectly balanced so that the structure of the composition is clearly perceived. The subtle greyscale achieved is a remarkable feat by our dye master, with light neutrals being the hardest colours to match. Witton’s composition consists of planes of solid colours which overlap to create new tones and play with the illusion of perception. The design is available in grey with a shock of cerulean, as well as a kaleidoscopic palette of lemon yellow, intense orange, burnt ochre, turquoise and candy pink. Helio and Lewitt use patterns which evoke the process of weaving fabric, a classic starting point for Saunders, with bands which are interwoven instead of overlaid, criss-crossing over each other, to give the appearance of weaving. Each runner is available in a bright and a monochrome palette, allowing the viewer to focus on the careful composition of each design and the effect of colour on its appearance. Herringbone Neutral is a graphic transformation of the weaving technique, combining a neutral colour palette of cream and silver silk and wool yarns. The tones represent a departure from the bright colours which have become synonymous with Saunders’ designs, meaning that the focus has now become depth. Each design is handcrafted by weavers in Kathmandu, using fine Tibetan wool and silk. therugcompany.com
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_Oct18_RUG COMPANY.indd 77
77
27/09/2018 09:46
Grate Expectations - A Family run business established for over 30 years The UK’s leading suppliers of luxury gas fireplaces, wood burning stoves and bioethanol fires manufactured by DRU, Spartherm, Ebios, Dik Guerts, Gazco, Stovax and many more.
1-3 Station Buildings, Kingston Road, Wimbledon Chase, SW20 8JT 020 8540 8387 | sales@grateexpectations.com | grateexpectations.com
GREAT EXPECTATIONS.indd 1
14/09/2017 17:26
INTERIORS • PROMOTION
A LOVE OF THE CRAFT Robert Skiba, founder and owner of Roscar Developments, talks about his company
just small sections (we always get asked back to do more anyway). What makes the difference is the experience of our staff. Whether our labourers or me, it’s the years of learning that count – working out how to do something in a way that is cost-effective but achieves the result. Other companies come and go and make empty promises – but we deliver – ask our customers. We’re always there to discuss how the project is going and suggest what will work. I’ve worked in various areas of the country during my career but it’s the most recent ones working in London that have been the most exciting. With space so expensive it’s so important to use it well and that’s where the business is growing – converting whole spaces – whole house projects. I’m on with several at the moment and the team are ahead of schedule and on budget for them all – this gives us a great platform to grow the business.
F
rom the many years I’ve spent in the building trade I’ve always loved seeing a project move from concept to completion. We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver each and every project, no matter how big or small, to a high standard, on time and on budget. The handover to the client is always the most pleasurable part – seeing the transformation that we’ve made of their dreams coming true. That’s what continues to drive me to produce the best quality property work that I can. Even after 35 years, I still get excited about each new project: my enthusiasm has never waned. Using all those years
T E ST I M O N I A L of experience to solve the problems other people said couldn’t be solved and creating the space that customers yearn for. That’s what makes the difference – taking the project from the beginning, then recognising and developing the possibilities to use space effectively. We do this by using modern building methods and building materials while keeping as many original features as we can to create a blend for modern living. The range of products available today enables us to achieve whatever the client desires, whether it's a bathroom, kitchen, orangery, or just a cool living space in which to unwind, relax and enjoy some well-earned quality time. Our work tends to be in the residential sector where we take a property and work with the client’s or our own architect to create a workable plan of property conversion. This can be a whole house or
Robert and his team, Lukas, Maciek, & Zibi were superb. They are a great team, who went above and beyond in terms of the additional fixes/features of the build. R O S CA R D E V E LO P M E N T S 020 7043 1613 roscardevelopments.com
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
SW_July_RossCar_ADV.indd 79
79
27/09/2018 14:09
80
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
ABS_Oct18_PIRANA.indd 80
27/09/2018 09:55
INTERIORS • DESIGN
R E D A L E R T Absolutely tours Sella Concept’s newly designed restaurant, Pirana Words P E N D L E H A R T E
S
ella Concept’s new design for barrestaurant Piraña in Balham represents something of a new direction for the Gayle Noonan and Tatjana von Stein’s innovative design studio. With a bolder colour palette and a playfully retro style, the project fuses a range of distinct moods and atmospheres into a relatively small space. From the shell of a former restaurant, Sella Concept has conjured a fluid, immersive space, seamlessly subdivided into different areas, each with a subtly different mood. The owners were keen for the atmosphere to be casual and easygoing, with no sense of division between diners and drinkers, and this comes across in a layout governed by a feeling of flow rather than division. As is typical with Sella Concept projects, the design concept began by developing an understanding of how people will use the overall space, incorporating visual shifts and atmospheric transitions to accommodate changing behaviours within the venue. Light and welcoming, Piraña’s front room houses a chef’s table, a curved bar, a banquette-lined platform and a ‘secret’ snug with a private bar hatch. The back room is darker and more indulgent in tone, lined with cosy and intimate private booths, from which customers can call the bar directly. These distinct but connected zones
The fluid, immersive space is seamlessly subdivided into different areas, each with a subtly different mood A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_Oct18_PIRANA.indd 81
81
27/09/2018 09:55
Autumn 2018 Cheam CheamWindows Windowsremain remainone oneofofthe themost most experienced experiencedinstallers installersofofResidence ResidenceCollection Collection - the - thefinest finesttimber-alternative timber-alternativecomposite composite windows windowsand anddoors doorsininthe thecountry. country. Faithfully Faithfullyreproducing reproducingtimber timberjoinery joineryfrom fromthe the last last200 200years years- they - theycombine combinehigh highlevels levelsofofheat heat and andsound soundinsualtion insualtionalong alongwith withclass-leading class-leading security securityfeatures. features. The TheResidence ResidenceCollection Collectionisisregularly regularlygaining gaining acceptance acceptanceininconservation conservationareas areastoo too- their - their ultra-low ultra-lowmaintenance maintenancerequirements requirementsensure ensurethey they retain retaintheir theirlooks. looks. Pop Popinto intoour ourshowrooms showroomstotosee seethem themfor for yourself yourself- we - wethink thinkyou’ll you’llbebeimpressed. impressed.
Es Estatablis blis hed hedinin1991 1991
Cheam Cheam WINDOWS WINDOWS Visit Visitour our‘new ‘newgeneration’ generation’showrooms showroomsatatWorcester WorcesterPark, Park,Banstead Banstead&&Hampton HamptonCourt Courttoday todayor,or, call callususon onFREEPHONE FREEPHONE0800 0800802 8021880 1880ororonline onlineatatcheamwindows.co.uk cheamwindows.co.uk CHEAM.indd 1 Summer Time Time andand Leisure Leisure Summer 2018.indd 2018.indd1 1
27/09/2018 11/05/2018 11/05/201814:59 09:16 09:16
INTERIORS • DESIGN
For a studio known for its love of warm pastel pinks, the Pirana interior represents quite a departure
allow Piraña customers to use the space as their mood and preference dictates – whether they fancy sociable casual dining and drinking or a more private personal experience. Designed to catch the eye with its bold colour combinations, the exterior has been styled with mosaics of blue and white tile and striking window façades dominated by a red metal framework. Inside, Piraña’s playful, trend-agnostic aesthetic is created through the use of a rich, sensory palette of colours and materials, including a bespoke floor in jade terrazzo (created in partnership with a fabricator in Spain), micro mosaic tiling at the bar, and a deep, earthy red in the upholstery and the curved timber slats that ties the space together. For Sella Concept, a studio known for its love of warm pastel pinks, the Piraña interior represents quite a departure. Apart from the chairs and lights, every fixture and item of furniture has been custom-designed for the space by Sella Concept – including the booths, bar, banquette, tables, stools, floors and bathroom sinks – and, unusually, the studio worked directly with the building contractor on the renovation, without involving a thirdparty architect. Taking advantage of Gayle Noonan’s background in graphic design, Sella Concept has also created Piraña’s visual identity, deployed on menus, business cards and online – ensuring that the character and style of the restaurant carries smoothly onto all brand collateral. sella-concept.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_Oct18_PIRANA.indd 83
83
27/09/2018 09:56
www.castrads.com Book a home consultation or visit one of our showrooms for bespoke heating Cast iron radiators hand made in England UK stores in Chelsea, Wimbledon & Manchester +44 (0) 20 3397 7295 | +44 (0) 161 439 9350
CASTRADS.indd 1
07/08/2018 14:11
INTERIORS • WALL ART
PRINT RUN Absolutely admires the new collection of archive graphic art at Surface View Words P E N D L E H A R T E
I
nspired by the graphic styling of type and architectural studies, Architype showcases a selection of Surface View’s most treasured architectural designs from the illustrious Sir John Soane’s collections, alongside new editions of found ephemera from the passionate collectors at Land of Lost Content and a glorious medley of iconic poster imagery from The Royal Academy of Arts. These striking illustrations and vintage typographical slogans are further contrasted with show-stopping black and white photography from the Trunk Archive, resulting in a magnificent melting pot of graphic lines, monochrome shades and bold colours. Fusing architecture, typography and mid-century pop culture, this carefully curated edit introduces imagery from across the decades in a fresh and fun way, inviting customers to draw parallels and experiment themselves. Teaming a contemporary David Hockney exhibition poster with a 1970s typographic slogan or colourful illustration becomes easy as Surface View offers inspirational ideas and easy-to-use applications. With Surface View’s simple printing methods, customers can choose the size, scale and surface that suits their space. So canvases, cushions or wall murals can be contrasted or clashed with posters and framed prints. There’s even the option to create window film, ceramic tiles, blinds or lampshades with the easyto-use online customiser. surfaceview.co.uk
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_Oct18_SURFACE VIEW.indd 85
85
27/09/2018 10:01
INTERIORS • STYLE
MY
ST YLE Kelly Griffin of LaLa Loves Decor lalalovesdecor.com FAVOURITE DESIGNER
TO M D I XO N
I love his futuristic but simple lighting designs. They’re such a statement piece, I would love to own one but they’re a bit out of my current budget. My favourite is the gold melt ball design. I also think his recent sofa collaboration with IKEA is brilliant – the Delaktig, a bed that can be turned into a sofa with various add-ons; it’s so clever.
MY FAVOURITE PIECE OF ART Pax and Hart Frankie – I first discovered Pax and Hart on Instagram. I have Frankie and one of the newest designs, Petal, in my living room.
MY FAVOURITE AUTUMN ACTIVITY Visiting National Trust parks. They come into their own during autumn. Sheffield Park is my favourite during this season – it looks so beautiful.
WHAT INSPIRED LALA LOVES DECOR? I started Lala Loves Decor in 2016 when my twin girls started pre-school. I needed a creative outlet and hoped I could make some money too. Ideally I wanted to create a flexible career, and with hard work and determination I was able to do that. It took off solely through Instagram – I’ll always be grateful to that little app.
YOUR WORK’S BIGGEST INSPIRATION Vintage pieces. I really love mixing vintage with new in my own home. Most of my products are inspired by the natural world – clouds, planets, rainbows, flowers – but when coming up with the design I like to go back to old trends and see how I can revive them in a different way. For example, my flower mirror is inspired by vintage rattan, but adding a gold centre makes it more contemporary.
86
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
ABS_Oct18_Moodboard.indd 86
27/09/2018 15:25
K EY F E AT U R E S No foundations, mess or noise during installation. Rapid installation (and relocation if required!) No maintenance and very energy efficient. 2700 standard colour combinations plus unlimited other finishes. Interior design service available. NO APPROVALS REQUIRED.
MESS FREE CONSTRUCTION Designed to comply with Permitted Development Regulations
C a l l n ow fo r eve n m o re i d e a s ! 077 8858 2779 hello@ultimategardenroom.com ultimategardenroom.com
UGR_v3.indd 3
28/06/2018 09:48
CALL TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE AND SURVEY
0800 007 5733 OVER 20,000 INSTALLATIONS NATIONWIDE VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO FIND OUT MORE
www.resindrives.co.uk
Create extra parking space & amazing kerb appeal...
...or get the most out of your garden with a picture-perfect patio.
BUY
*
NOW PAY LATER
ORDER NOW AND WE'LL PAY YOUR VAT
Specialists in driveways, paths and patios. • A porous surface kinder on the environment. • Slip-resistant and wheelchair friendly. • Hand-trowelled for an impeccable finish. • Excellent traction ideal for driving. • Prevents flooding, puddles and • Available in a wide range of colours unsightly weeds. and styles.
✓ BBA approved installation process. ✓ Insurance backed guarantee. ✓ Over 10 years experience.
Approved Materials & Systems Cert No. 18/5476
*Resindrives.co.uk is a trading name of resindrives.co.uk ltd. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN743675) We are a credit broker and not a lender, we offer credit facilities from a panel of lenders. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.
USE.indd 1
21/09/2018 15:52
INTERIORS • GAMES
1
P L A Y
1
MUSIC GENIUS L AU R E N CE KI N G
These are regular playing cards made a little bit more interesting with the addition of Rik Lee's illustrated musical greats. So you can play Blackjack with Bowie or Patience with Prince. £8.99 laurenceking.com
2
T I M E THESE NEW GAMES AREN’T JUST ENTERTAINING – THEY’RE STYLISH TOO
STAY OR LEAVE? SCHOOL OF LIFE
Dubbed 'how to decide whether your relationship has a future,' this is a card game with more meaning that most. Answer each question with your gut feeling and build up two piles: stay and leave. The larger pile wins. £10 theschooloflife.com
3
AZUL PLAN B GAMES
A game for the design enthusiast, Azul is all about arranging Portuguese tiles. The tactile, pretty pieces come in a printed cloth bag and the overall look is pleasingly pattern-led. The awardwinning game requires strategy and mental agility for two to four players aged eight plus. £39.99 planbgames.com
4
3 4
5
THE WRITERS GAME L AU R E N CE KI N G
This is Top Trumps for literary heroes. Sylvia Plath scores 91 for Shock Factor but only 7 for Adaptations; Franz Kafka gets 90 for Adaptations but only 30 for Critical Acclaim; Agatha Christie trumps them both And so on. £12.99 laurenceking.com
5
DO YOU LOOK LIKE YOUR DOG? L AU R E N CE KI N G
Is your hair like your poodle's? Photographer Gerrard Gethings found 25 dog/owner couples with a striking resemblance to each other and shot them as pairs. Spot the matching duos in this hilarious memory game. £14.99 laurenceking.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_Oct18_GAMES.indd 89
89
27/09/2018 10:19
INTERIORS • FOCUS
Cosy up for winter
Now is the perfect time to address your fireplace. Absolutely gets the lowdown on Marble Hill Fireplaces Wo r d s E V E H E R B E R T
M
arble Hill Fireplaces was established as a family business in 1974. They have grown exponentially over the years but still offer the same personalised service from initial enquiry to installation and also offer a professional design service.
Marble Hill employ their own fitters and therefore have full control over the installations from start to finish and work closely with architects, designers , site foreman and private clients to ensure the fitting runs smoothly and on schedule. Their showrooms in south west London are well worth a visit as they have seven different show areas over four floors showing a wide range of their fireplaces, many of which are under fire. Their stone mantels are made in England from the best quality material, as are their marble mantels, and as such they are able to offer bespoke sizes and variations on many of their standard designs.
“Marble Hill remains at the forefront of the fireplace industry” 90
super efficient and offer extraordinary heat output, making them not just stunning to look at but also very green. Marble Hill also offer a good range of solid fuel burners and stoves, and a chimney lining service They are also agents for Planika fires who offer a range of Bio Ethanol line fires (which require no chimney at all). Planika also offer bespoke fires to your own design. Their enhanced designs create an exceptional atmosphere influencing our everyday life. If you are looking for exceptional service and quality products at competitive prices then make Marble Hill Fireplaces your first and last port of call. They have their own restoration department and undertake large restoration projects throughout London working closely with people such as English Heritage, Grosvenor Estates and large multinational developers and builders ensuring the work undertaken is of the highest standard and appropriate to the age and status of the building. Marble Hill have seen trends come and go over the years but have remained focused on offering the very best quality at competitive prices and the latest designs to stay at the forefront of the fireplace industry and its ever changing technology They are the main London agents for Bellfires balanced flue fire which do not need a conventional chimney and can, more often than not, be positioned wherever required to create a stunning focal point. These fires have an incredible flame pattern which is emphasised by the addition of their reflective back and sides. They are
MARBLE HILL F I R E P L AC E S 70-72 Richmond Road, Twickenham Middx TW1 3BE www.marblehill.co.uk
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
ABS_June18_MARBLE HILL FIREPLACES.indd 90
27/09/2018 10:13
Schools and Colleges
Specialist GCSE and A level provider Strong teaching and outstanding pastoral care.
The ISI awarded MPW
—The Good Schools Guide
most recent inspection.
MPW colleges are some of the country’s best known providers of bespoke fifth- and sixth- form education, offering GCSEs and A levels in
Phone us today or visit our website:
over 45 subjects. We are distinctive in many ways, not least in our small
www.mpw.ac.uk
London the highest grade in every category in their
classes of 9 or less students and our exceptional university preparation: over 70% of our leavers each year progress to top tier universities. Our mission is to turn academic aspirations into reality. MPW is a friendly, flexible college that offers an outstanding learning environment.
MPW.indd 1
London 020 7835 1355
27/09/2018 11:58
Where the magic begins... Find out more about how we prepare your daughter to flourish & fly at one of our open events, taster days or tours.
“Your school is like a breath of fresh air” - Prospective parent, 2018
Nothing should hold a girl back. Visit us to discover how we develop fearless girls, happy and confident about their futures.
A first-class education for girls aged 4-18, since 1887 Book online at www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net admissions@syd.gdst.net | 020 8557 7004 | 15 & 19 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL SYDENHAM.indd 1
27/09/2018 12:56
KIDS & EDUCATION
FRIGHT NIGHT THE LITTLE NATURAL CO We’re going batty for The Little Natural Co’s range of October-appropriate pieces – especially this outfit, which features a top and bloomers (£28 and £22) by Organic Zoo and bat wings (£29) by Meri Meri. thelittlenaturalco.co.uk
Small Talk: Brilliant books and up-cycled denim 94 · Education 97 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
Oct18_Kids_Opener.indd 93
93
27/09/2018 14:08
KIDS & EDUCATION • NOTES B RA N D F O CU S
Crown Jewels MAJULA
Flower crowns were everywhere this summer and the trend shows no sign of abating. If you worry that real blooms will prove too delicate, consider these beautiful linen creations from Lithuanian brand Majula, available in a range of stunning designs and colours. From €17. majulahandmade.com
PIPPINS
SMALL TALK Crowns, sneakers, upcycled denim and scary reads
TAKE THE MICKEY S U P E R GA X D I S N E Y
These striking Mickey Mouse sneakers are one of several designs produced to mark Superga’s second collaboration with Disney – and the ideal way to mark the mouse’s 90th anniversary year. £55;superga.co.uk
W
ith a focus on sustainability, Pippins Childrenswear is made by hand in Britain from re-purposed Levi’s jeans that were destined for landfill. The vintage clothes industry throws away huge volumes of denim every year when 501s are cut off to make shorts. By reusing and recycling the hardwearing iconic material, Pippins has created a collection of super-soft jeans and shorts. Clothing tags are made from cotton T-shirt scraps and the brand doesn’t use any plastic in their packaging. But it’s not only Pippins’ eco credentials that we love. The collection for little ones aged six months to six years is a departure from traditional children’s denim (that so often looks like it’s been designed for mini adults). Looser fits allow kids to run around and play in comfort and clever turn-ups mean that you’ll get more than one season’s wear out of them. All designs are gender-neutral, too, so they can be passed down. pippinchildrenswear.com
EDITOR’S PICK
LIGHTS OUT
THE KING WHO BANNED T H E DA R K By Emily Haworth-Booth The award-winning authorillustrator creates a charming modern fable about a prince who is scared of the dark. When he becomes king, he bans darkness – but with what consquences? £6.99; pavilionbooks.com
94
BOO!
MIDNIGHT MONSTERS By Helen Friel Just in time for Halloween, travel through Helen Friel’s intricate papercafted scenes to find the hidden monsters. Werewolves and Krampus are some of the spooky creatures you can expect to find hiding away. £16.99
laurenceking.com
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
ABS_OCT18_Kids_Notes_Single right copy.indd 94
27/09/2018 10:22
YES, IT’S A CRYING SHAME…
…that she left it too late to apply for Hurtwood House, because it’s simply the best for acting, dancing, singing, film-making – “A utopia for creative minds” – as the Good Schools Guide says. And crucially, this exciting school is equally successful academically. In fact, it’s statistically one of the top co-ed boarding schools in the UK. So, if you’re looking for a really exciting and rewarding change of school at 16 – don’t leave it too late. Contact Cosmo Jackson or visit our website for more information.
T: 01483 279000
E: info@hurtwood.net
hurtwoodhouse.com
HH.indd 1
24/07/2018 16:40
‘Achievement is excellent’ ISI Report
ACS.indd 1 4198_1408_ACS_AbsolutelySouthwestWimbledon_CE_HS_OpenDay_210x297_Ad_AW.indd 1
17/08/2018 15:39 11:37 14/08/2018
Push the BOUNDARIES The importance of letting children make their own decisions B y P H I L I P PA C AW T H O R N E
B
asic skills such as learning to hold and eat from a spoon are acquired through repeated effort (and a good deal of mess). If we came to the rescue every time food failed to make it our baby’s mouth, we’d be spoon-feeding them forever. A study of 400 children over eight years revealed that toddlers with the most controlling mothers had poorer social skills and academic performance at the age of ten; and that excessive adult intervention can result in passive, unmotivated and anxious young people deprived of the long-term ability to make their own decisions. There is a growing body of evidence that children need to be able to make their own choices, even if they aren’t always the ‘right’ ones. For example, nagging children to do homework may
be doing them more harm than good. If you allow them to choose not to do their homework, they have to go to school and face the consequences: a lesson in itself. When Bassett House was founded in 1947, Sylvia Rentoul was a pioneer in using Montessori methods in the classroom, teaching children to think and behave independently from an early age. We still use these methods in our nursery classes, where you’ll find our three- and four-year-olds expected to hang up their coats, wash up after activities and choose which learning opportunities they engage with. We believe that children learn more effectively when they are encouraged to do things for themselves, to think creatively and form their own ideas. A ‘can do’ attitude and growth mindset are in Bassett’s DNA. If you were to say ‘I can’t do that’ to one of our pupils they would inevitably bellow back ‘I can’t do that YET.’ This mantra,
Children need to be able to make their own choices, even if they aren't always the right ones
EDUCATION • FOCUS
often repeated at assemblies, has become a shorthand for understanding that resilience and perseverance pay off. It is embedded in every aspect of school life from our curriculum, classroom, staffroom and sports fields to the playground and outside-school activities. Our children are encouraged to do their own research, argue their own points of view and problem solve rather than learning by rote. They discover their opinion matters and feel free to step out of their comfort zone when faced with new challenges. Outside the classroom, our wide range of clubs, enrichment activities and residential trips allow children to push their boundaries and let their imaginations soar beyond the confines of the familiar. Leadership and team-building skills are encouraged with a host of club activities such as sports, orienteering, martial arts and drama, while experiences such as rigging a boat, cooking on a campfire and building shelters in the wild are the character-building stuff our residential trips are made of. Overall if you consider how many things your child has control over, you may be surprised how few real decisions they get to make. We encourage you to ask your child if there are things they’d like to be in charge of. Young children could be allowed to choose which clothes to wear and older ones have more of a say in their after-school activities, or have input into their senior school choices. We adults can help children to make the right decision by discussing each choice. We can point out it’s a good idea to have a Plan B if their decision turns out to be the wrong one. And, yes sometimes it’s good to let them go out without a coat, or turn up at school without the correct kit. Good decisions take practice. They need to experience the natural consequences of their decisions. PHILIPPA CAWTHORNE is Headmistress of Bassett House School bassetths.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_Oct18_ EDUCATION.indd 97
97
27/09/2018 10:24
Nigel_Hare_Absolutely_Half_Page.pdf
1
01/07/2016
15:47
A RANGE OF CANOPIES DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY TO ADD STYLE AND PRACTICALITY TO YOUR HOME.
Durable and attractive aluminium structures are available with a range of glazing or fabric covers, allowing you to choose the perfect structure for your setting and budget. SBI Ltd est. 1998 – Over 1000 customers – BBSA registered
C
CALL NOW 0800 0742 721 sbiproductsltd.co.uk
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
‘One school, two buildings, great teaching, and tip top facilities.’ The Good Schools Guide The Study is a leading prep school situated in the heart of Wimbledon Village. We identify and nurture each girl’s unique academic, creative and sporting skills in a caring and supportive community.
For further details and to book a school visit, contact Jane Davis on 020 8947 6969 www.thestudyprep.co.uk Registered Charity No. 271012
We welcome enquires about our scheme of assistance with fees for girls aged 7+.
Preparatory School for girls aged four to eleven
• SW_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 3 RB5708 Generic-SW&Wimbledon advert indd.indd 1
NIGEL12:10 HARE.indd 1 20/08/2018
01/07/2016 16:54 17:27 27/09/2018
KIDS & EDUCATION • AGENDA
School NEWS
W H AT ' S H A P P E N I N G I N T H E W O R L D O F E D U C AT I O N
400 YEARS YOUNG Dulwich College is revving up to celebrate its 400th anniversary next year with the Dulwich Olympiad 2019 which takes place in March.
OPEN DOORS
Fair Enough
Kensington Park School, a new day and boarding senior school, has welcomed girls and boys from 11 years. This follows the opening of the school’s sixth form last year. Headmaster Paul Vanni said: “KPS is a fantastic addition to the central London independent school scheme.”
Does your child need specialist learning support? If so, why not visit Cavendish Education’s Schools Fair where staff will be to answer all your questions. Saturday 6 October, 10am–2pm Cavendish Education, 23-31 Beavor Lane, Ravenscourt Park, Hammersmith W6 9AR.
E ATO N H O U S E BEST SUCCESS
PEREGRINES TA K E S F L I G H T
Eaton House Belgravia PrePrep has achieved its best results for 7+ and 8+ examinations in five years. The first set of results under the new headmaster, Huw May, just under 40% of the boys received offers from Westminster Under or St. Pauls.
Putney-based Falcons Family of Schools has opened its doors to new boy and girl pupils as part of its new Peregrines Pre-Prep School launch. After Peregrines, Falcons School for Girls and Falcons School for Boys offer places to pupils at Year 4.
Cricket Girls Broomwood Hall’s girls cricket team were placed second at the London & Surrey finals of Lady Taverner’s Indoor Cricket competition and were unbeaten at the SOCS finals in June. Broomwood's mixed rugby teams have also done very well this year, with sport growing in popularity amongst the girls.
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
OCT18_school news.indd 99
99
27/09/2018 10:25
JUMEIRAH BEACH HOTEL, DUBAI After a comprehensive transformation, Jumeirah Beach Hotel will reopen this October. With a striking wave-like design, this five star hotel is one of Dubai’s most stunning and instantly recognisable structures. Accommodation is in abundance with 599 ocean-view rooms and suites as well as 19 traditional Arabian styled beachside villas. Escape and unwind with an array of facilities including 15 restaurants, cafes and bars, five swimming pools and a private beach, floodlit tennis and squash courts, Talise Spa with saunas, massage rooms, hot tubs, Jacuzzi, steam room and plunge pool, as well as direct and unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark™ and Kids Club. You’ll find everything you’re looking for and much more at Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai.
5 Nights Half Board at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, from £1,715 per person Save up to 25% plus FREE half board upgrade Includes flights, travelling during November 2018
Call 0208 329 2678 or visit www.letsgo2.com Prices are per person based on 2 sharing. Available on various departure dates during specified travel period. Subject to availability. For full T&Cs visit letsgo2.com. Prices correct as of 17/09/18.
LG2.indd 1
TRUSTED MERCHANT 2018
20/09/2018 16:38
TRAVEL
CANALS & COCKTAILS VENICE
We explore Venice in the off season when the locals reclaim their streets from the swarm of summer tourists. From candle-lit walks to cocktails at Harry's Bar, these are the reasons to go now.
Venice in Winter 102 • UK Getaway: The Grove 107 • Morocco 108 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_Oct18_Travel_Opener.indd 101
101
27/09/2018 14:10
102
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
ABS_Oct18_VENICE_use.indd 102
27/09/2018 10:27
TRAVEL • ITALY
A Winter’s
TALE We beat the summer heat and the tourists to discover the magic and charm of Venice in winter By HELEN BROWN
F
or all its Old World charm, narrow cobbled streets and twisting canals, Venice can be tricky in summer. In the warmer months, the city belongs to tourists who swarm the streets eating ice cream and snapping away on their iPhones. In winter when it's misty and moody and the sun casts deep, dramatic shadows, Venice feels deserted. High-season rates are slashed and landmarks like Saint Marks basilica sit blissfully empty. It really is the best way to get the most out of the city. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up the reasons to book now for a winter weekend break. From exceptional accomodation and high class food, to historical landmarks and gondola rides, Venice has it all. We suggest you go soon when you can have it all to yourself.
TOP N OTCH ACCOM M ODAT I ON
No place in Venice does 5 star luxury quite like the Baglioni Hotel Luna. Tucked away behind the pretty Giardini Reali and just seconds from St Mark’s Square with views across the water to San Giorgio Maggiore, this hotel exudes opulence and extravagance. It dates back to the 12th century and is decorated by frescoes from students in the 18th century. A superior suite has all the trappings of a high-end stay, plus palatial size and typically Venetian decor. Expect silk brocade wall linings, rich window drapes and original Murano chandeliers. The food at Baglioni Hotel Luna is first rate too. Winner of both the Fogher d’Oro and Gambero Rosso awards, Canova Restaurant offers a mix of local Venetian dishes plus some regional specialities updated with the utmost modernity. Caffe Baglioni faces a small canal running A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_Oct18_VENICE_use.indd 103
103
27/09/2018 10:28
At Cumnor House School, children are given opportunities to grow their academic potential where success is based on personal achievement. Our long held school values, ‘The Cumnor Way’ underpin the ethos and curriculum at Cumnor House School. Our children strive to achieve their academic potential by expanding their sense of curiosity, understanding the importance of perseverance, critical thinking, objectivity and reflection. Starting their journey in our nursery before moving in to our two single sex Preparatory Schools, our pupils develop skills as lifelong learners; to be resilient, courageous and to endeavour to succeed. Our co-curricular provision in the arts, music and sport are second to none; with success at National level in cricket, swimming and football and boasting an illustrious alumni across our main sports. Our scholarship resultsat 11+ and 13+ speak for themselves, with 73 senior school scholarships awarded in 2017/18, to leading senior schools across the South.
Visit us for a private tour or for one of our monthly Open Mornings www.cumnorhouse.com 0208 645 2614 admissions@cumnorhouse.com
CH.indd 1
21/09/2018 15:35
TRAVEL • ITALY
Head to the square before the sun is up to see the grandeur domes illuminated by sunrise TE AT RO L A FE N I C E
A trip to Venice would be incomplete without enjoying the spectacular acoustics at Teatro La Fenice, one of Europe’s oldest and most beautiful opera houses. Built in 1792, the venue has played host to Rossini, Bellini and Verdi, and still to this day offers a rich and diverse programme. From January to July and September to October, opera season is in full swing. If you can't attend a performance, it's possible to explore the theatre either with an audioguide or by way of one of the venue’s fantastic guides who can share stories of its chequered past.
alongside the hotel and offers a pleasant view of the famous Giardini Reali, the Royal Gardens of Venice. It’s an idyllic place to cosy up with a hot chocolate or cocktail.
CO C KTAILS AT H A R RY ’S BAR
Long frequented by the well-heeled and a favourite of Ernest Hemingway, Harry’s Bar is synonymous with Venice and renowned world-over as the birthplace of the Bellini. Endowed with a fabulous location - it was opened in 1931 by bartender Giuseppe Cipriani right on the St Mark’s waterfront it’s one of Venice’s top spots for an aperitivo. But for the constant flurry of tourists taking snaps by the signage, there must be more? And there is. Since opening its doors, Harry’s Bar has had a long and colourful history, with a clientele ranging from Lord Byron and Marcel Proust to Orson Welles, Charlie Chaplin, Kenneth Branagh and George Clooney. Oh, and it also invented beef Carpaccio. Even in winter, the bar is exceptionally busy and the atmosphere brilliant.
SAINT M ARK’S BASILICA
As one of Italy’s most famous Byzantine cathedrals and one of immense magnificence, Saint Mark’s Basilica draws crowds all year round. But certainly in the off season the crowds are significantly smaller. With less street vendors and snap-happy tourists swarming the square, it’s easy to get lost in the opulence of this sumptuous church, once home to the Doge of Venice. Astonishingly, more than 8,000 square metres of mosaic cover the walls, vaults and cupolas of the basilica, developed through eight centuries of the building’s history. To catch the cathedral at its most spectacular, head to the square before the sun is up and barely a soul walks the streets to see the frothy stone, grandeur domes and imposing bell tower illuminated by sunrise.
GONDOLA RIDES
Weather permitting, winter can be one of the most magical times to experience a gondola ride. During the off seasons, the canals are hauntingly quiet, shrouded in mist and twinkling in winter light. Wrap up warm and head for the gondola stops along the small, narrow side canals for an afternoon of total tranquility.
DISCOVE R THE C I T Y BY CAN DLE LI GH T
Certainly the most spectacular time to explore the city is at night when the shops are shut and the last few street vendors and stragglers are making their way home. The Codega Experience with Baglioni Hotel Luna is a walking tour through the cobbled streets led by a Codega. The Codega was a professional guide and protector with perfect knowledge of the intricate maze of narrow streets and squares of Venice. He would accompany wealthy visitors, merchants or noblemen around the city with a lamplight. The Codega Experience exactly mimics this and is a magical way to explore the hidden corners of the city.
B AG L I O N I H OT E L L U N A Baglioni Hotel Luna, Venice offers 3 nights from £1320 on B&B basis booked through Abercrombie & Kent (01242 547 708, abercrombiekent.co.uk). The price includes accommodation, flights and private transfers. For further information about the hotel, please visit baglionihotels.com/ category/luna-hotel-baglioni-venice
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_Oct18_VENICE_use.indd 105
105
27/09/2018 10:28
PICTURE YOURSELF AT
James Allen’s Girls’ School
PORTR AIT OF A JAGS GIR L
PORTR AIT OF A JAGS GIR L
Award winning film-maker, talented artist, chess player… and humane
Enthusiastic karate student, budding ski-er, gymnast... and humane.
DISCOVER MORE AT OUR OPEN MORNINGS 26 SEPTEMBER*
6 OCTOBER
18 OCTOBER*
Additional tours available at Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior School 100% bursaries available from 11+ *11+ only
FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.JAGS.ORG.UK
JAMES ALLEN’S GIRLS’ SCHOOL 144 EAST DULWICH GROVE LONDON SE22 8TE | 020 8693 1181 JAGS is a company limited by guarantee and incorporated in England number 6618970, registered charity number 1124853
/ JAGSschool
JAGS.indd 1
27/09/2018 11:08
D
espite having the look and feel of a country house hotel, The Grove is practically in the city. It may take a leap of faith for the average Londoner to consider Watford as a minibreak destination, but even after travelling here by Overground with our oyster cards, psychologically we are almost in Devon. Lying by a pool in the sunshine watching a casual game of beach volleyball on the sand next to us isn’t what you'd expect from Watford.
THE ROOM
A
large balcony, vast and comfortable bed, a luxurious bathroom fully equipped with towels and bathrobes (even in child sizes). The aesthetic is modern and angular, with a focus on slightly odd art installations. Along the corridors, hollow perspex tables are filled with rubber ducks, or feathers, or watering can roses.
WHAT TO DO
A
ctivities for children are endless. On arrival our two – aged 9 and 12 – head off on a treasure hunt, following clues around the hotel. Borrow a bike – or a Segway – and tour the 300 acre grounds, in which you’ll find giant games of Jenga and Connect 4. There’s an indoor kids’ pool as well as a marvelous (and slightly heated) outdoor pool, and in school holidays there are special events galore, ranging from rounders and football to arts and crafts, jewellery making and even a display of birds of prey. In summer, a fake beach (the sand is real) is strewn with deckchairs and buckets and spades. For adults, there’s an impressive spa and gym too. So leave your children in safe hands while you enjoy some free time and then take them to dinner – this is a very familyfriendly place.
weekend
THE HOTEL
DESTINATIONS
TRAVEL • UK GETAWAY
“For half term, the choice of children’s activities is endless”
THE GROVE HOTEL HERTFORDSHIRE
For family-friendly luxury that’s hardly outside London B y PENDLE HARTE
THE FOOD
I
ndecisive? Dinner at The Glasshouse is for you. This buffet restaurant offers food from all over the globe – and you can mix it up as you like. Start with sushi, salad or tapas, move on to Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, gnocchi or design your own stir fry in the Asian section. Pudding options are cleverly designed in miniature.
DOUBLE ROOMS IN OCTOBER START AT £251 THE GROVE HOTEL The Grove, Chandler's Cross, Hertfordshire, WD3 4TG 01923 807807 thegrove.co.uk
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_OCTOBER18_UK Getaway.indd 107
107
27/09/2018 10:29
Moroccan F L AVO U R S Absolutely ďŹ nds foodie heaven at the Royal Mansour in Marrakech Wo r d s H A N N A H H O P K I N S
108
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
ABS_Oct18_Marocco.indd 108
27/09/2018 10:42
TRAVEL • WANDERLUST
“Aubergines glistening with oil, tender lamb coated with local herbs, snails overflowing from buckets and olives from the Atlas mountains”
I
f you were booking a holiday just for the food, where would you go? Thailand, Greece, Italy or Spain are some of the places that spring to mind. But Morocco, a mere three and a half hours from London, is often glossed over. While we all know that tagines and couscous are utterly delicious, Morocco’s culinary melting pot - a combination of Arabic, Andalusian, Berber and Mediterranean cuisines - harbours so many more exceptional and underrated dishes that this flavourful cuisine is bound to leave an impression on every visitor. Whether it’s aubergines glistening with oil, tender lamb coated with local herbs, snails overflowing from buckets (trust us), olives from the Atlas mountains or rich, fragrant stews, Morocco - and in particular - Marrakech, is the destination that foodies in-the-know go gaga for. Nowhere is this more evident than at the Royal Mansour, the gold standard of luxury hotels in Marrakech, which sits on the eastern edge of the city’s medina. Commissioned by King Mohammed VI, there are 53 individual riads for guests to stay in, dotted among four hectares of fragrant Moorish gardens. There are also four stellar restaurants that are destinations in themselves: French haute cuisine, traditional Moroccan, international ‘La Table’ and the outdoor ‘Le Jardin’, all of which are under the consultancy of Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. In fact, so amazing is the hotel and its culinary exploits, that it was one of just six chosen to star in the first series of the BBC’s Amazing Hotels programme, fronted by food critic Giles Coren and MasterChef judge Monica Galetti. The foundation of almost every meal (and basically life) in Morocco is bread and mint tea. It’s no surprise then, that both items kick off an arrival dinner at La Grande Table Marocaine, the hotel’s gastronomic centrepiece, which serves time-honoured recipes from the region. I delve into platters of unfamiliar dishes, from Sh’hiwates, a medley of salads including aubergine zaalouk, mallow (a wild plant) and pumpkin with medjool dates, to Briouates, triangular puff pastries filled with spinach and cheese or chicken and honey. The killer dish though, is the mouthwatering pigeon pastilla, an elaborate meat pie that melts in the mouth. Lamb shoulder, cooked Méchoui-style A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_Oct18_Marocco.indd 109
109
27/09/2018 10:43
Life at your own pace.
Exceptional villas, local knowledge, personal service thethinkingtraveller.com +44 (0)20 7377 8518 S I C I LY •
PUGLIA •
IONIAN ISLANDS
SPORADES ISLANDS •
TTT.indd 1
CORSICA
12/12/2017 15:01
TRAVEL • WANDERLUST
“At La Table du Chef the kitchen team wow with high-end French cuisine”
(spit-roasted) is equally good, with couscous perfumed with verbena to soak up the juices. One thing is for sure: at the Royal Mansour, you’ll never go hungry. Back at my riad, a three-floor house with its own private roof terrace and plunge pool, my complimentary snacks had already been replenished by a ninja-like butler, who had accessed my room while I was out via the warren of tunnels beneath the hotel, guaranteeing the utmost privacy. After what can only be described as the best night’s sleep I’ve ever had at a hotel, it was spa o’clock. I followed the palm-lined path to a temple of filigreed serenity where a therapist wafted me through high ceilinged, screened vestibules where white rose petals floated in a vast bowl. I had the ‘ceremonial’ massage, a relaxing treatment using argan oil and monoi butter. It wasn’t long before I drifted off to sleep. A few steps away from the spa are the beautifully landscaped gardens of the hotels’ new hub - Le Jardin. Crafted by celebrated landscape gardener Luis Vallejo, the gardens and pool area take notes from the traditional agrarian landscapes of Morocco with olive trees, palms, shady zones and sun-dappled clearings, perfumed daturas, orange flowers and night-blooming jasmine. There are poolside pavilions that you can rent for the day and naturally, yet another restaurant, serving up Asian-inspired plates and slow-cooked sharing dishes, inspired by the writing of 14th Century voyager Ibn Battuta, who brought coal back from Morocco.
If you can tear yourself away from the hotel, the main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa and the souks, are quite literally on the other side of the hotel wall. The hotly anticipated YSL Museum is nearby, which can be followed by a stroll around the Jardin Majorelle and at the lesser know Nectarome Gardens, you can see how argan oil is made. Of course, if you’re a more adventurous type, the hotel is on hand to organise everything from day visits to the Atlas Mountains and Bedouin tented dinners under the stars to camel rides on the sand dunes or seeing the sun rise over the Sahara from a hot air balloon. But, back to the food. Our final night is a multiple course feast at La Table du Chef, a private dining area where you can view the chefs at work, and where the kitchen team wow with high-end French cuisine. Memorable dishes include an almost-too-pretty-to-eat avocado and celeriac mille feuille with grated coconut and chia (sounds weird, but it works) and king crab salad with pea, cream and onion emulsion. Desserts are decidedly dreamy, ranging from the coconut surprise in a meringue shell to a light and fluffy hazelnut souffle. It’s a fitting end to what has proved to be a truly gluttonous and very enjoyable trip. From the moment you arrive until you depart, Royal Mansour Marrakech takes exclusivity, luxury and privacy to a whole new level in the heart of one of the world’s most exotic cities. Not to mention, taking your taste buds to a whole new world of flavour.
R OYA L M A N S O U R 1 bedroom riads start from £900 per night; royalmansour.com
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_Oct18_Marocco.indd 111
111
27/09/2018 10:43
CHALET ROYALP, VILLARS
HIGH FLYERS Why families in search of activity holidays should head to the mountains, whatever the season Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E
112
P
icture the scene. A mountain path, the sun shining, the sky felt-tip blue, the mountains impossibly green, the fir trees identically tall and the wild flowers blooming. It’s as if we have fallen through a portal and into a Disney animation that shows an idealised version of Switzerland living its best life, only this is the actual world and it really is like this. It’s kind of sad that the clarity of the air, the luminosity, the perfect colours and the sheer natural beauty around us is so overwhelming to our group of jaded Londoners that our only point of reference is a digital simulation. These are the Swiss alps, a destination widely perceived to belong to winter, due to the British travel industry's insistence that mountains are only for skiing. This means that travelling to the Swiss Alps in summer has all the advantages of low
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
ABS_Oct18_Puglia_SWISS TRIP.indd 112
27/09/2018 10:31
TRAVEL • EUROPE
ALPINE LAKE
OFF-ROAD SCOOTING
“While winter offers one main activity, summer offers countless different ones” season – no crowds, cheaper flights, availability – while retaining everything that you need from a family summer holiday: hot weather, beautiful scenery, outdoor activities and delicious food. There is a strong tradition of summering in the mountains but as long as people continue to focus on beaches as the summer imperative, the alps will retain their slightly off-piste feel when there’s sunshine instead of snow. Villars Sur Ollon has a long-standing history as a ski resort but in summer it takes on a new identity. While winter offers one main activity, summer offers countless different ones. So, what to do? When there’s a mountain around, it’s natural to want to ascend it and in Villars the train takes you straight up to the ski station at 1300 metres, which is an excellent starting point for a hike. Small groups of cows with gently tinkling cowbells have been perfectly positioned, the wild flowers artfully styled by nature and the path designed to lead to an insanely
beautiful lake, with a dreamy restaurant alongside it. You could spend the day here but we’re after a little more adventure, so we hire mountain scooters. Picture a mountain bike without a seat and pedals, and you can have the scooter. The idea is that you stand up, bend your knees a bit and hurl yourself down the mountain. It looks innocent enough: my nine-year old daughter and I are confident cyclists and are fully expecting to master this quickly. But off-road mountain scooting is more of an extreme sport than we’re quite ready for. The terrain is – by definition – steep and the track is by turns rocky, gravelly and grassy. The scooter lurches downhill and my instinct is to brake heavily, but brakes are a further challenge. Brake too much and you’ll skid, potentially throwing yourself at the rocky ground, but without braking you’ll build up terrifying speed and still potentially hurl yourself off balance. There’s no easy option, but neither is there time to think because you have to keep your entire brain on the scooter as the world whizzes past you. Of course it’s
partly an age thing: these fears are not shared by my daughter, who is careering down the mountain without a backwards glance, entirely unburdened by thoughts of whether she’ll fall, how much to brake or whether she’s likely to skid. Her fearlessness is exhilarating. This is a lesson in confidence as much as in balance and co-ordination. Back in Villars, there is a beautiful public pool which has slides and beautiful views as well as an onside spa. Also on site is a year-round outdoor ice rink. We are staying at the Chalet Royalp, which provides us with Free Access passes that get us in everywhere. Our next day is spent visiting a cheese farm and sampling the mountain dairy offerings before heading to Parc des Diables for a high ropes course in the forest. And so it goes on. Lakes, mountains, forests. Our activity-filled days are laced with fondues and showstopping scenery. Who needs snow?
Absolutely was a guest of the Lake Geneva Region (lake-geneva-region.ch) Rooms at Chalet Royalp & Spa available from CHF290 (£230) per night, b&b, based on two sharing (chaletroyalp.com.) mySwitzerland.com
•
SWISS offers more than 170 weekly flights from London City, Heathrow, Gatwick (seasonal), Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Dublin to Zurich, Geneva or Sion (seasonal).
•
One way fares start from £67 including all taxes, fees and surcharges. For more information visit swiss.com The Swiss Travel System provides a dedicated range of travel passes and tickets exclusively for visitors from abroad. swisstravelsystem.co.uk
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
ABS_Oct18_Puglia_SWISS TRIP.indd 113
113
28/09/2018 09:07
MADE IN GERMANY TO MEET YOUR DESIGN NEEDS Built in Kitchen Specialist
• KITCHENS REVOLUTION.APR.indd 1
Kitchen Revolutions Ltd 580 Kingston Road, Wimbledon SW20 8DR T 020 3302 6266 E info@kitchenrevolutions.co.uk W www.kitchenrevolutions.co.uk WE ARE OPEN Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm | Sun 11am - 4pm
17/04/2018 16:45
PROPERTY Living the Dream 122
BALHAM PARK ROAD SW12
ÂŁ3,650,000
spectacular five bedroom, double-fronted family house of substantial proportions, located on a pleasant corner plot. Featuring a south-facing garden, garage and convenient access to the rear. Balham Park Road is quiet, yet ideally located a short walk to the shops and restaurants of Bellevue Road and Balham High Road, as well as the green, open spaces of Wandsworth Common.
A
KNIGHT FRANK Wandsworth 020 8682 7768 Sam.sproston@knightfrank.com
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
SW_OCT18_PFC.indd 115
115
27/09/2018 17:03
The home with entertaining space.
6
4
5
Warren Road, Kingston KT2 • Built some 10 years ago by renowned bespoke developer Lifestyle Projects • Beautifully landscaped garden, with terraces and hidden seating areas • Extensive off-street parking behind secure electric gates
Our Wimbledon expert, Dominic Pasqua, looks forward to helping you. dominic.pasqua@knightfrank.com 020 8946 0026 07795 454 022
The house is situated on a private road within the sought after Coombe residential area which has the added benefits of having two golf courses and excellent schools. knightfrank.co.uk
Guide price £5,250,000
Freehold
Connecting people & property, perfectly.
Connecting people & property, perfectly.
Klea Avenue, SW4
5
A handsome and well-proportioned terrace house situated in Abbeville Village.
2
• Beautifully refurbished • Bright open plan living
• Converted basement • Approximately 2,314 sq ft
Guide price £1,925,000 rebecca.higgins@knightfrank.com
020 8115 4912
Fitzwilliam Road, SW4
3
A charming terrace house arranged over three floors located in Clapham Old Town.
1
• Dual aspect reception • Period features
3
2
• 43 ft rear garden • Approximately 1,539 sq ft
Guide price £1,300,000 rebecca.higgins@knightfrank.com
020 8115 4912
Park Lofts, SW2
3
A unique penthouse apartment with a private roof terrace and two parking spaces.
1
• Stylishly designed • Views of the skyline
• Gated school conversion • Approximately 1,239 sq ft
Guide price £1,000,000 rebecca.higgins@knightfrank.com
020 8115 4912
Sisters Avenue, SW11
6
A substantial, semi-detached Victorian home moments from Clapham Common.
3
• Excellent ceiling height • 33ft rear garden
3
4
• Cellar with ample storage • Approximately 3,847 sq ft
Guide price £2,800,000 rebecca.higgins@knightfrank.com
020 8115 4912
Connecting people & property, perfectly. Rosenau Crescent, Battersea SW11 5
4
2
• On the doorstep of Battersea Park • A short walk to Chelsea • Private garden and balcony An exceptional home finished to the highest standard throughout. matt.smith@knightfrank.com 020 3641 5936
Guide price £2,750,000
York Mansions, Battersea SW11 3
2
1
• Direct park views • Lift access • Located close to the river and Chelsea A beautifully presented apartment located within the popular York Mansions on Prince of Wales Drive. Guide price £2,100,000
matt.smith@knightfrank.com 020 3641 5936
The house with the fun basement.
5
4
2
Fullerton Road, Wandsworth SW18 • Generous, bay fronted reception room • Landscaped, south-facing patio • Large basement with playroom/cinema room Fullerton Road is a quiet, residential road located in the heart of 'The 'Tonsleys'. There are a host of excellent shops and restaurants on the Old York Road, with the Southside Centre nearby. Wandsworth Town mainline station offers excellent transport links into Waterloo and Victoria, via Clapham Junction.
Guide price £1,450,000
Freehold
Your Wandsworth expert, Toby Turnage, looks forward to helping you. toby.turnage@knightfrank.com 020 8682 7775 07468 727 540
knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.
The penthouse with park views.
3
3
1
The Bridge, Battersea SW11 • Large reception/dining room fantastic for entertaining • Floor to ceiling windows flooding the apartment with natural light • Private parking Queenstown Road is just a short walk from Battersea Park and Clapham Common and benefits from all the amenities in this vibrant area in south-west London.
Your Battersea expert, Jack Alisiroglu, looks forward to helping you. jack.alisiroglu@knightfrank.com 020 3866 2925 07773 258644
knightfrank.co.uk
Guide price 1500 per week
Connecting people & property, perfectly.
Available furnished All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. There will also be a £48 charge to register your deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme if applicable. (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees. Knight Frank is a member of the ARLA Client Money Protection Scheme and our redress scheme for consumers is Property Redress Scheme.
Move Did you know? We sell and let homes just like yours, every day. Knight Frank Battersea Unit C1 Vista 346 Queenstown Road London SW11 8BY 020 8033 9673 battersea@knightfrank.com
We’d love to help you. knightfrank.com
361078 KF_Oct18_AbsolutelyBattersea.indd 1
Connecting people & property, perfectly.
26/09/2018 13:36
LIVING THE
DREAM The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market
1
CLAPHAM COMMON
SW 4 , GUIDE : £1 ,70 0 PW
A
n attractive, five storey, Victorian family house with spectacular views across Clapham Common. Comprising a generous bay-fronted double reception room with intricate ceiling plasterwork and a large fireplace. To the rear is an extended kitchen/dining room, featuring an extensive range of granite fitted units and cupboards with fully integrated appliances. French doors open into a private southwest facing paved garden. KNIGHT FRANK Clapham, 020 3667 6757 harry.anthony@knightfrank.com
AYKON, LONDON ONE SW 8 , £1,6 61,000
P
ositioned in one of London’s most exciting new highrise residential developments, is this luxury two-bedroom apartment in Aykon London One. Featuring extraordinary views of the city skyline, enjoyable from floor-toceiling windows in every room. With interiors by Versace, the exclusive development includes access to roof gardens, a state of the art gym and a swimming pool located on the twenty-third floor. FEATHERSTONE LEIGH Battersea, 020 7228 2278 featherstoneleigh.co.uk 1
122
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
USE.indd 122
27/09/2018 17:49
PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET
ALGARVE ROAD
EMBANKMENT, PUTNEY SW 1 5, £ 2 , 4 5 0,0 0 0
A
HOLDEN STREET
SW 1 8 , £ 1 ,1 5 0,0 0 0
A
rare opportunity to purchase a beautifully designed four storey, four bedroom, Victorian family home in this prime West Putney location. Complete with a roof terrace, this stunning property enjoys a highly desirable position, fronting the River Thames. It is conveniently located close to Putney High Street and transport links including Putney Bridge tube and Putney overground stations.
stunning freehold house, recently refurbished by the current owners to a high standard. Offering 1741 sq. ft. of accommodation and located within the heart of Earlsfield, it is close to all amenities and transport links. Comprising a cellar, downstairs WC, an extended kitchen and four double bedrooms including an impressive master suite with dressing room and ensuite shower.
KFH
KFH
West Putney, 020 3792 4551 kfh.co.uk
Earlsfield, 020 3792 4501 kfh.co.uk
SW 1 1 , £9 75 ,0 0 0
T
his surprisingly spacious Victorian cottage in Battersea features four bedrooms, a double reception room and a contemporary open-plan extension with kitchen/diner. Equidistant between Battersea Park and Clapham Common, residents are spoilt for choice with the green space to enjoy. Clapham Junction is just a fifteen minute walk away – perfect for city professionals.
VIEWS OF THE CITY SKYLINE, ENJOYABLE FROM FLOORTO-CEILING WINDOWS IN EVERY ROOM
FEATHERSTONE LEIGH
Battersea, 020 7228 2278 featherstoneleigh.co.uk
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
USE.indd 123
123
27/09/2018 17:50
Clapham Common North Side
£7,200,000
An absolutely magnificent Grade II Listed Victorian Town House measuring in excess of 8800 sq ft, located on Clapham Common North Side. This unique property was designed in 1863 by architect James Knowles who wanted to create a landmark with a classical tribute to the Great Victorian Age. The interior has been designed with modern family living in mind, whilst retaining lots of beautiful original features. The finish is exceptional with high quality fixtures and fittings used throughout. Six double bedrooms • 7th bedroom/ gym/ playroom • Open plan kitchen / dining room • Family room / Media room • 42ft ballroom • Wine cellar • 120ft Garden • Off street parking
Trinity Road
£3,395,000
A fantastic Victorian family house with a considerable garden measuring in excess of 88 ft. The property is beautifully presented throughout and offers 4811 sq ft of accommodation arranged over four floors. In addition, this impressive six-bedroom house sits on a particularly wide plot and benefits from an excellent sense of lateral space.
Six double bedrooms • Double reception room • Family/ media room • Kitchen/ breakfast room • Four bathrooms (two en suite) • Wine store • Large garden • Off street parking
RAMPTON.indd 1
27/09/2018 15:11
Devereux Road
£3,250,000
This incredible house was built in 2013 with a stunning period style façade and a high end contemporary interior. The internal space has been cleverly designed with modern day family needs in mind from the start. It is obvious that the modern design not only makes for the perfect layout, but also exploits the flow of natural light throughout the building.
Five bedrooms • Kitchen family room • Reception/ Drawing room • Five bathrooms (four ensuite) • Media/Playroom • Utility room • Wine room • Gym • Garden
Montholme Road
£1,475,0000
This superb five-bedroom house is positioned on this sought-after residential street between the commons. It is beautifully presented and benefits from a great sense of light and space throughout, retaining many of its original features.
Five bedrooms • Double reception room • Kitchen dining room • Two family bathrooms • Cellar • Garden
RAMPTON.indd 2
27/09/2018 15:01
PROPERTY • FEATURE
TIMELESS ELEGANCE Handley House and Matcham House launch at Sovereign Court, Hammersmith
W
e ll-connected, everexpanding and in one of the trendiest spots in the City, we are excited to announce the new developments, Handley House and Matcham House at Sovereign Court, Hammersmith. Designed by leading architects Lifschutz and Davidson Sandilands, these stunning developments have one, two and three bedroom apartments and penthouses available,
“ Building on the existing success of Sovereign Court, we are delighted to announce the release of Handley and Matcham House”
incorporating urban interiors and timeless elegance. Residents can enjoy landscaped courtyard gardens, providing private areas to unwind and relax. With the benefit of 24-hour facilities and amenities, residents have all they need at their doorstep including a concierge service and private gymnasium with air-conditioning and the latest fitness equipment. Sovereign Court is located sensationally well for transport, with Hammersmith’s two underground stations, serving four tube lines between them, as well as South Kensington and Heathrow Airport nearby. With easy access to Hammersmith’s bustling town centre, an array of shops, bars and restaurants, are all stone’s throw away, fantastic for fashionistas and foodies alike. For those who wish to dwell in nature, Hammersmith is a short stroll away from a variety of wonderful green spaces, including Ravenscourt Park, offering tennis courts, basketball courts, an all-weather pitch and a walled garden. Craig Carson, Managing Director, St George West London, commented: “Building on the existing success of Sovereign Court, we are delighted to announce the release of Handley and Matcham House as the next chapter for this established development. These exclusive new homes offer the very best of London living, with impressive finishes throughout. Hammersmith is an exciting neighbourhood which is fast becoming one of the best places to live in West London.”
For more information about the launch, please visit the Sovereign Court Sales & Marketing Suite: Sovereign Court, Hammersmith, W6 0BT. Call 020 8741 2400 or visit sovereign-court.com
126
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
ST. GEORGE.indd 126
27/09/2018 17:00
DISCOVERY HOUSE FINAL OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE AT BATTERSEA REACH Battersea Reach is an award-winning development situated on the banks of the River Thames. With excellent transpor t links into the City and a host of on-site facilities and amenities, this thriving community is the perfect place to enjoy London riverside living. A selection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apar tments available. Prices from ÂŁ638,000* Call now for further information or to arrange your private appointment 020 3918 7137 or email batterseareachsales@stgeorgeplc.com Battersea Reach Marketing Suite and Show Apartments: Unit 3 KingďŹ sher House, Juniper Drive, Wandsworth, London SW18 1TX www.batterseareach.com Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies
Computer Generated Images are indicative only. *Prices and details correct at time of print.
ST.G.indd 1 STG_BR_Absolutely_Battersea_297x210_Oct18.indd 1
26/09/2018 21/09/2018 09:49 15:14
Wimbledon Village
ÂŁ5,450,000
A handsome early Victorian house in the heart of the Village with generously proportioned and versatile accommodation and beautifully laid out gardens designed by Arabella Lennox-Boyd. Entrance hall, 2 reception rooms, study, bespoke kitchen, family room, gym, au-pair bedsit with bathroom and kitchen area, master bedroom with e/s bathroom and dressing room, 4 further bedrooms, 2 further bath/shower rooms, large garage and gated drive, potential for loft conversion (stpp) ER/E.
Wimbledon Village 020 8947 9833 ROBERT HOLMES.indd 1
27/09/2018 16:40
www.robertholmes.co.uk
Wimbledon
ÂŁ2,495,000
A very well maintained and smartly presented detached house with potential for extensions subject to planning permission, with a lovely garden and separate double garage, located in a quiet cul-de-sac off Copse Hill within walking distance of Wimbledon Common and local schools including King’s College school. Galleried reception hall, 2/3 reception rooms, library/sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, master bedroom suite with balcony, 4 further bedrooms, 2 further bath/shower rooms, beautiful wide garden, double garage and parking ER/C.
Offices also in Coombe & Mayfair ROBERT HOLMES.indd 2
27/09/2018 16:40
MYSORE ROAD, LONDON Generous four bedroom house on a sought after residential street close to Clapham Common and Clapham Junction. The kitchen has been recently refurbished yet has further potential to extend STPP, this would also include the loft space in terms of adding to the footprint. EPC = D
4
2
1
GUIDE PRICE
£1,250,000 BATTERSEA 020 7228 2278
QUEENSTOWN ROAD, LONDON Stunning two double bedroom modern apartment next to Chelsea Bridge and Battersea Park. The terrace overlooks the promenade to the rear of the building so there are literally no compromises to this property. EPC = B
2
2
1
GUIDE PRICE
£850,000 BATTERSEA 020 7228 2278
FSL.indd 1
27/09/2018 15:00
Chiswick Hammersmith West Kensington Fulham Chelsea
Battersea Clapham Putney Barnes Richmond
Kew Sheen Twickenham Teddington Kingston
featherstoneleigh.co.uk
LINDORE ROAD, LONDON Stunning three bedroom duplex apartment set within a grand period house. The property comprises, three double bedrooms, two bathrooms, a separate kitchen which opens onto a balcony and a large bright reception room with light flooding front to back. Positioned a short walk from Northcote Road and its boutique shops and restaurants, a host of Ofsted outstanding rated schools and the transport hub of Clapham Junction, this is a must see property. EPC = C
GUIDE PRICE
ÂŁ899,950
FSL.indd 2
3
2
1
BATTERSEA 020 7228 2278
27/09/2018 15:00
COME IN-STORE TRY BEFORE YOU BUY THE LARGEST FITNESS EQUIPMENT SHOWROOM IN SURREY.
OPEN 7
EQUIPMENT
DAYS A
FOR ALL BUDGETS!
WEEK
HERE TO HELP ACHIEVE YOUR FITNESS GOALS!
0%
FINANCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE*
FIND TOP BRANDS AT
THE BEST PRICES
TUFFSTUFF FITNESS INTERNATIONAL
167-173 Wandsworth High St, Wandsworth, London, SW18 4JB
TUFFSTUFF FITNESS INTERNATIONAL
0% FINANCE AVAILABLE | TRY BEFORE YOU BUY | EXPERT IN-STORE ADVICE 1000s MORE PRODUCTS | VISIT ONE OF OUR 10 UK STORES | OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK ✔ In-store demonstration ✔ Buy Now - Pay Later ✔ Expert Advice ✔ Free Delivery ✔ Never Beaten On Price
Call 0203 3708 856 or visit fitness-superstore.co.uk *T’s & C’s apply, see website for more details.
OBC.indd 1
23/08/2018 17:18