Absolutely South West November 2019

SOUTH WEST

South West

NOVEMBER 2019 / £3.95

SPECIAL All the best dresses, venues and more

NOVEM B ER 2019

AMAZING

SPACE

Colour WAYS

Fabulous fashion with Zandra Rhodes

At home with stylist Marianne Cotterill

Strong

SHAPE BOLD LOOKS FOR WINTER

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MENS | WOMENS | MODEST | FASHION | CLOTHES JEWELLERY | FOOTWEAR | CLUTCHES

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents NOVEMBER 2019

44

112

8

C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES

10 things we’re coveting this month

12 AGENDA Diary dates for November

14 ZANDRA RHODES

A retrospective at the Fashion and Textile Museum

FOOD & DRINK 26 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL News from the industry

32 RECIPES Comfort food from the Pasta Grannies

WEDDINGS

51 WEDDINGS SPECIAL 24 pages of ideas and inspirations

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y 80 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL This month's best beauty buys

85 BEAUTY LIST

All the best new lipsticks

INTERIORS 96 DECK THE HALLS

Start thinking about Christmas trees...

Stylish stationery

106 NEW COLOURS

44 SHAPE SHIFTERS

T R AV E L 112 MALAYSIA

How Minimus made the boiler suit stylish as well as fun

Conceptual looks from Hellessy

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.

105 WRITE STUFF

FA S H I O N 41 BOILER ISSUES

26

Farrow and Ball's museum collection

ON THE COVER Hellessy Resort 2020 hellessy.com

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

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EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR HELEN BROWN EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ABBIE SCHOFIELD EDITORIAL INTERN ZOË DELMER-BEST COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES MEDIA CONSULTANT ANABELA KOLECI EDUCATION SPECIALIST ANDY MABBITT ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNER MIKE ROBERTS MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN MARKETING MANAGER LUCIE PEARCE FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS LEAH DAY, 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 3981 7187 or email: craig@zest-media.com

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

We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters.

All rights reserved.

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

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5 LETTER Editor’s ABSOLUTELY’S November issue highlights

1

LIP SERVICE

Fashion, venues and gifts in our 24-page wedding special page 51

Fabulous 50 years at the Fashion and Textile Museum page 14

N

ovember means one thing at Absolutely: weddings. If you're thinking of getting married in 2020, then this issue is for you. We look at trends in dresses and venues, admire rings and invitations and focus throughout on finding the perect way to plan your big day. Our weddings special features 24 pages dedicated entirely to wedding planning – you'll find it on page 51.

Also this month we're excited about the Fashion and Textile Museum's wonderful new exhibition about Zandra Rhodes, the woman who founded the museum and who has a body of work stretching back over 50 years to display in it. Rhodes' signature floaty fabrics and colourful prints mark her out as an original in the world of fashion. Her theatrical flourish makes many of her creations timeless – in fact, some classic pieces are still in production today. Read all about the exhibition in this issue – alongside our usual mix of stories about fashion, beauty, interiors, education, food, property and other aspects of life in London. We hope you enjoy the magazine.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

All the best lipsticks page 85

WEDDING SPECIAL

ZANDRA RHODES

2

4

FADED GLAMOUR

Pearl Lowe's favourite interiors page 98

3 LIGHT UP

New lighting by Curiousa and Curiousa page 92

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

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love

CONSCIOUS DRESSING Stella McCartney's winter '19 collection blurs the lines between masculinity and femininity. The brand has joined forces with ethical agency Good On You to give shoppers the power to choose positively when they shop the line; Faux leather trim coat, £2,730 farfetch.com

LUXE LI ST In a nod to a time when travel by car held prestige, Johnstons of Elgin’s Integral Cut Car Coat puts a contemporary twist on a traditional design. Made with 100% pure new wool and fully lined in silk charmeuse, this striking, loose fitting coat is the ultimate winter luxury; £1,250 johnstonsofelgin.com

C H E C K M AT E

A L L T H AT GLITTERS

With many a drawn in evening ahead, we’ll be sharpening our skills on the chess board. A beautiful addition to any home, this L'objet set is a modern take on the classic game; £1,540 harveynichols.com

Glittered leather and the label’s signature red in the lining make Christian Louboutin’s Panettone wallet stand out. The small size makes it perfect for stowing in mini bags and coat pockets; £235 net-a-porter.com

COMPILED BY

H E L E N B R OW N

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES HAN D BAGS & GL AD R AGS We’re lusting after all six limited edition designs from Whistles’ collaboration with luxury, architectural bag brand Mlouye. Each bag has been handcrafted in Turkey with a colour palette of soft nudes, bright yellow, glossy black and rich emerald green; from £250 whistles.com

EDITOR’S PICK

C O C K TA I L HOUR Shaken or stirred? Now it doesn’t matter. Buveur, a London based brand making bottled cocktails, has launched in Selfridges with a temptatious range of four classic drinks including a vegan White Russian; £7.49 selfridges.com

HAPPY FEET Sophia Webster puts the fun into footwear with these elegant Toni Mary Jane flats made from supple black suede with shimmering crystals and faux pearls. We're wearing them with tailored trousers; £325 net-a-porter.com

P R I N T WO R KS For winter '19 Andres Sarda designed Durero as an exclusive capsule collection.

It features four stunning garments that fit like a dream. Our favourite is the bodysuit, available from Amelie's Follies. ameliesfollies.co.uk

SPECS APPEAL

GA M E C H A N G E R Lark & Berry has been disrupting the jewellery industry with cool, clean designs since its launch in 2018. Now the brand has segued into the world of fragrance with three crisp new scents.

We love White Dawn which is bursting with citrus; £75 larkandberry.co.uk

For chic optical frames that are as comfortable as they are stylish, head to Alexis Amor. The eponymous Richmondbased eyewear brand offers precision eye testing and dynamic handmade frames in the highest quality materials; COCO Black Havana Tortoise frames, £245 alexisamor.com

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

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Celebrate your love at the magniďŹ cent Hampton Court Palace hrp.org.uk/hire 020 3166 6507 Dress by Naomi Neoh

hrp.indd 1 - Absolutely W&SW - Nov 2019 issue.indd 1 HRP's HCP

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C U LT U R E

CRANS-MONTANA: 'AIRBORNE SKIER' BY PULLMAN EDITIONS; PULLMANEDITIONS.COM

What's on 12 • Zandra Rhodes 14 • Theatre round-up 20 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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The Agenda

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

MU S I C

Ben Payne

15 November OSO ARTS CENTRE A fresh voice on the London jazz scene, Ben Payne's new show 'It’s All in Black and White' tells the story of a hopeless romantic wandering the streets of New York. Ben has residencies at various venues including Olympic Studios, and his acclaimed style is inspired by Chet Baker, Kurt Elling and Tony Bennet. Despite influence from the greats, Ben's talent is distinct and charming.

49 Station Rd, SW13 osoarts.org.uk

T H E AT R E

SH*T-FACED

SHAKESPEARE NOV E MB E R 15- 16 • TH E E XCHAN GE

The hugely popular theatre group Sh*t-Faced Shakespeare are staging A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Twickenham. The multi sell-out Fringe phenomenon combines Shakespeare’s plays with plenty of alcohol, to hilarious effect. Prepare to see the Bard’s masterpieces performed like never before.

75 London Road, TW1 exchangetwickenham.co.uk

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T H E AT R E

Oh Yes Oh No 12-23 November B AT T E R S E A A R T S C E N T R E Award-winning performance artist Louise Orwin explores navigating sexuality, identity and power after surviving sexual violence in 'Oh Yes, Oh No'. Created with the help of real-life candid stories about relationships and sex, this bold show interrogates the politics of desire in a post #MeToo world.

Lavender Hill, SW11 bac.org.uk

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

A RT

SAKE BAR SERIES 7 and 28 November ROCHELLE CANTEEN Rochelle Canteen at the Institute of Contemporary Arts will host a series of food, drink and art takeovers within Rirkrit Tiravanija’s sake bar. The celebrated artist unveiled his Japaneseinspired installation earlier this year; on 7 November there will be a Sushi Takeover, and on 28 November there will be a Lillet Watercolour Masterclass.

The Mall, St. James's, SW1Y ica.art

A B S O L U T E LY

UNMISSABLE OPE R A

THE MAGIC FLUTE 1-27 November R OYA L O P E R A H O U S E Mozart’s brilliant and enchanting The Magic Flute tells the story of Prince Tamino, who promises the Queen of the Night that he will rescue her daughter Pamina from the enchanter Sarastro. He begins his quest, accompanied by the bird-catcher Papageno - but all is not as it seems...

Bow Street, WC2E roh.org.uk

P H OTO GR A P H Y

THE MAGIC FLUTE

WILDLIFE PHOTOGR APHY COURSE

This Month’s Must See

15 November WETLANDS CENTRE A wildlife photography course at Barnes’ WWT Centre is happening this month, allowing amateur capturists to hone and improve their nature photography skills. With the chance to learn about lighting and exposure, bird flight photography, advanced composition, advanced camera settings and more, this is a fantastic opportunity for intermediate hobbyists.

WWT London, Queen Elizabeth's Walk SW13 wwt.org.uk

A RT

LEONARDO: EXPERIENCE A MASTERPIECE From 9 November N AT I O N A L G A L L E R Y ‘The Virgin of the Rocks’ is one of Leonardo Da Vinci’s best-known works, and The National Gallery have created an immersive exhibition to lead you through the artist’s mind as he conceived the masterpiece. Each area of the exhibition invites visitors to see the painting in a different way.

Trafalgar Square, WC2N nationalgallery.org.uk

1984 7 - 16 NOV EMBER • QUE STORS THEATRE

G

eorge Orwell’s explosive modern classic is coming to Questors Theatre to celebrate 90 years of the playhouse. The year 1984 may have long passed, but Matthew Dunster’s brilliant adaptation shows the novel’s concerns remain relevant. The tale of Winston Smith and the terrifying dictatorship he lives in is as gripping as ever.

12 Mattock Lane, W5

E XHI B I TI ON

PORTRAIT PRIZE From 7 November N AT I O N A L P O R T R A I T GALLERY This year’s shortlist for the prestigious Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize has been announced as Enda Bowe, Garrod Kirkwood and Pat Martin.

In the wider exhibition, a total of 55 portraits from 31 artists have been selected for display.

St. Martin's Place, WC2H npg.org.uk/photoprize

questors.org.uk

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DAME ZANDRA RHODES. PHOTOGRAPH BY SIMON EMMETT

PINK

L A D Y

A new exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum is dedicated to the designs of its fabulous founder, Zandra Rhodes. Absolutely pays a visit

Wo r d s P E A R L B OY D

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CULTURE • FASHION

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nown for her pink hair and colourful presence, Zandra Rhodes is the subject of a new retrospective at the museum she founded in Bermondsey.

This comprehensive retrospective covers 50 years of a fascinating and varied career, presenting influential looks, original textiles and archive material from a true design legend.

Re-imagined in authentic Dame Zandra style, the Museum’s Main Gallery features walls dripping in the designer’s classic gold, reminiscent of her iconic lamé gowns. This space hosts 50 looks, one from each year of Rhodes’ career – from a 1969 ankle- length kaftan, screen-printed in silk chiffon to a 2018 fan pleated jumpsuit in a dramatic shimmer satin.

A central, multi-tiered plinth presents more than 30 ensembles against a backdrop of pink and red, while individual golden plinths highlight signature pieces against walls hung with chiffons. Having worked closely on the development of the exhibition, Dame Zandra’s hand is recognisable throughout.

Taking inspiration from Rhodes’ own unmistakable style, The Mezzanine Gallery is transformed into a forest of chiffons. More than 30 hand-designed, screenprinted textiles hang in rows, filling the space from floor to ceiling and allowing visitors to wend their way between original versions of some of the designer’s most iconic prints from throughout her career. Across

MODELS WEARING GARMENTS FROM ZANDRA RHDOES A/W 1976/78 ‘MEXICAN’ COLLECTION

ZANDRA RHODES PHOTO FOR THE POSTER FOR THE S/S 1986 ‘SPANISH IMPRESSIONS’ COLLECTION. PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBYN BEECHE

“Dame Zandra’s pink hair, statement make-up and wearable art jewellery stamp her identity on the fashion world” the gallery is a display of costumes from The English National Opera’s production of Aida, co-produced with Houston Grand Opera and San Francisco Opera, famously designed by Rhodes in 2007. Described at the time by Rhodes as ‘a dream world of gold, turquoise and ultramarine’, the costumes re-imagine Giuseppe Verdi’s classic tale of Ancient Egypt.

The Fashion Studio presents a collection of Zandra’s original drawings alongside larger-than-life reproductions of her illustrations. Famously, Rhodes is a constant creator, using her sketches of daily life to create her prints, which in turn inform her garments. The rare examples, displayed for the first time as part of 50 Years of Fabulous, offer new insight into a design process that has remained largely unchanged across the last 50 years.

Additional key pieces on show include AW 1972’s Shell Collection silk chiffon gown, still produced today for Matches; examples of AW 1981’s Gold Renaissance collection, looks from which are currently featured in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibition Camp: A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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CULTURE • FASHION

ZANDRA RHODES, 1977.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN SWANNELL

“1972’s Shell Collection silk chiffon gown is still produced today for Matches”

ZANDRA RHODES SS19 LOOKBOOK. PHOTOGRAPH BY BRIDIE O’SULLIVAN

Notes on Fashion; 1976-77’s highly influential, punkinspired Conceptual Chic and the now-iconic quilted calico coat from 1969’s Ukraine and Chevron Shawl collection. Further must-see pieces include examples of designs worn by some of the biggest names in royalty and rock and roll: Diana, Princess of Wales, Freddie Mercury, Elizabeth Taylor, Debbie Harry, Kate Moss and HRH Princess Michael of Kent.

Dame Zandra’s unique use of bold prints, fiercely feminine and instantly recognisable patterns and theatrical colour palettes have sealed her place in design history, while her pink hair, statement make up and wearable art jewellery continue to stamp her personal identity on the international world of fashion. 50 Years of Fabulous explores the design skill and personal brand of Rhodes’ vast and remarkably successful career, via five decades of era-defining pieces.

ZANDRA RHODES: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS MODLES IN RUCHED JERSEY DRESSES BACKSTAGE AT THE A/W 1982 ‘THE INDIAN’ COLLECTION FASHION SHOW. PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBYN BEECHE

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Exhibition continues until 26 January 2020; Fashion and Textile Museum, 83 Bermondsey Street, SE1 ftmlondon.org

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

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CULTURE • THEATRE

ABSOLUTELY reviews…

LUCY EATON PHOTOGRAPHER MARC BRENNER

FROM LEFT: CLAIRE SKINNER, TOBY STEPHENS, STORME TOOLIS. PHOTOGRAPHER MARC BRENNER

T H E AT R E

A DAY IN THE DEATH OF JOE EGG Trafalgar Studios

By PENDLE HARTE

P

laywright Peter Nichols, who based A Day in the Death of Joe Egg on his own experience of bringing up a disabled child, died shortly before this production of his 1967 play opened. This puts a melancholy spin on watching it, not least because from the outset we're feeling how dated the play is. The naturalistic set is all 1960s middle class: pine sideboard, teak coffee table, sludgy-coloured upholstery, assorted contemporary knick-knacks, all placing us firmly in the context of a normal family.

Toby Stephens is manic as Bri, a disillusioned teacher, and Claire Skinner is calm, perceptive and rational as his wife Sheila. What we don't know yet, during the

domestic conversations that dominate the first act, is that their daughter is a disabled wheelchair-user, subject to frequent fits and requiring constant care, and that this task sets the agenda for Bri and Shelia's lives. The play addresses in a humane, comedic way the realities of bringing up a disabled child, something which was in 1967 a taboo subject and which remains a rarely visited subject for theatre.

Bri and Sheila have developed a complex role-playing language in which they assign comments and attitudes to their speechless daughter Joe, an exchange which locates them very much in a claustrophobic world of their own. Their conversation is littered with unique references and memories, much like any couple's, though intensified with the projected contributions assigned

The task of caring for their daughter sets the agenda for their lives by them to their daughter. When their guests arrive in the play's second act and we see them in relation to other people, their behaviour is both more and less relatable: their lives are so far removed from the petty concerns of their friends, yet their behaviour sets them apart too.

Toby Stephens is enormously energetic as Bri, switching between voices and characters as he re-enacts Joe's story, while Claire Skinner is honest, confiding in the audience and absorbing her husband's anguish. It's an intriguing and unusual play, at once funny and tragic.

VERDICT

Engaging, funny and true ★★★★★ A DAY I N T H E D E AT H O F J O E E G G UNTIL 30 NOVEMBER, TRAFALGAR STUDIOS, 14 WHITEHALL, SW1

trafalgar-studios.com

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

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CULTURE • THEATRE

ROUND UP

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

MUST SEE

& JULIET

From 2 November

SHAFTE SBURY THEATRE

This ambitious production retells the story of Juliet Capulet, imagining the Shakespearean heroine’s famous ending as just her beginning. With the music of acclaimed songwriter Max Martin, a dazzling set design and eclectic choreography, & Juliet is a joyous remix of the most famous love story of all time.

Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2H; andjulietthemusical.co.uk

By A B B I E S C H O F I E L D

SYDNEY AND THE OLD GIRL

SYDNEY AND THE OLD GIRL

Until 30 November PARK THEATRE

Sydney and the Old Girl, by up-andcoming playwright Eugene O’Hare and starring Miriam Margoyles, follows mother and son Nell and Sydney Stock, who are at war - and it's mutually assured destruction. After 50 years cooped up in the same shabby East London house where ghosts of a hard life still linger, the points scored in never-ending arguments continue to bind the pair together.

Clifton Terrace, N4; parktheatre.co.uk

FIJI

LUNGS

19-24 November

Until 9 November

OMNIBUS THEATRE

THE OLD VIC

Fiji is a dark comedy revolving around the relationship between Nick and Sam, played by Edward Stone and Pedro Leandro. The two men are bearing a huge secret so taboo it could never be acted upon - until this weekend. Asking how far a pair of consenting adults will go for desire, this gruesome, gorgeous and unorthodox love story is a horrifying yet enticing watch.

Clapham Common North Side, SW4; omnibus-clapham.org

The ice caps are melting, there’s overpopulation and political unrest; everything’s going to hell in a handcart – why on earth would someone bring a baby into this world? Lungs, starring The Crown's Claire Foy and Matt Smith, interrogates the true impact of having a child in this thought-provoking production which addresses the most pressing anxieties of our time.

Upper Ground, Lambeth, SE1; nationaltheatre.org.uk

MY BRILLIANT FRIEND

MY BRILLIANT FRIEND

From 12 November NATIONAL THEATRE

Based on the celebrated novels by Elena Ferrante, My Brilliant Friend is an epic story of love, violence, and ambition. When famous author Lenu's lifelong friend Lila goes missing, Lenu is forced to look back on their tumultuous 60-year relationship.

Upper Ground, Lambeth, SE1; nationaltheatre.org.uk

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CULTURE • SPOTLIGHT

EXTRA CURRICULAR Buddhism will be accompanied by a programme of events and an illustrated book, Buddhism: Origins, Traditions and Contemporary Life.

P E A C E O F A R T

The British Library takes a deep dive into Buddhism through the medium of art

By HELEN BROWN

B

uddhism takes centre stage at the British Library in a new exhibition that explores the roots, philosophy and contemporary relevance of what is the world’s fourth largest religion. It was formed in the 6th century BC and spread throughout Asia, promulgating the teachings of Buddha who aimed to put an end to what he considered is man’s greatest burden: repeated cycles of suffering.

Throughout the centuries, Buddhism has amassed an estimated following of 500 million people and continues to inspire diverse artistic expression and lifestyles with the concept of mindfulness becoming mainstream. It has also given rise to some remarkable cultural achievements from decorated temples to delicate miniatures.

This major exhibition at the British Library, open now until 23 February 2020, showcases the art of Buddhism and it promises to be a fascinating show.

Exhibited is a collection of vibrant and rare scrolls, painted wall hangings, intricate illuminated manuscripts, temple banners, bejewelled books and prints on

silk and palm leaves, all dedicated to the life and teachings of Buddha. The display will span 2,000 years with items hailing from 20 countries, bringing the story of Buddhism right up to the modern day.

Visitors will get an understanding of the three main schools of Buddhism – Mahayana, Theravada and Vajrayana - and how they’ve diversified across 20 countries over 2,000 years. Alongside this, the exhibition will highlight the theory, practice and art of Buddhism, examine the enduring iconography of Buddha and consider what it means to be Buddhist today.

Encompassing one of the richest collections of Asian manuscripts in the world, the British Library holds finely illuminated copies of Buddhist scriptures, literary works, historical narratives, and works on Buddhist cosmology, ceremonies and ritual practices.

From sacred scriptures written on tree bark, palm leaves and gold to silk scrolls of major sutras, Buddhism was pivotal in developing writing and printing techniques to transmit ideas and educate people across Asia.

B U D D H I S M AT T H E B R I T I S H L I B R A RY The exhibition is open until 23 February 2020.

96 Euston Road, NW1; bl.uk

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

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24/10/2019 11:33

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FOOD & DRINK

COAST TO COAST FOLIE

Discover the dining culture of the Riviera, from Marseille to Portofino, St Tropez to Nice in new restaurant Folie. Designed by Studio KO, the interiors resurrect the sensuality and glamour of the 60s and 70s, while the menu will take cues from the humble recipes of the coastal coves of southern France and Italy. folie.london

Food notes 26 • Food review 29 • Recipes: perfect pasta 32 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news Wine recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this November

By HELEN BROWN

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

2017 Berry Bros. & Rudd Good Ordinary Claret by Iain and Jane  £10.95 For the annual limited edition label, we’ve collaborated with award-winning artists and filmmakers Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard, who have used the forgotten Victorian art of “multigraphs” to conjure a visual illusion.

2017 Berry Bros. & Rudd Bourgogne Côte d'Or Pinot Noir by Benjamin Leroux  £23.50 This wine offers remarkable complexity with pretty, floral top notes accompanying the charming red berry fruit.

Elegant and delicate, this is Burgundian Pinot Noir in its most elemental expression.

2018 Vouvray, Spring, Sec, Vincent Carême, Loire  £14.95 Characterised by green apple and citrus aromas, this fresh white wine has a steely mineral character on the palate.

Bottled with very little sulphur, it’s a wine to enjoy over the next couple of years as an apéritif or with an assortment of shellfish.

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

bbr.com

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New ground R O S A’ S T H A I

Having made a name for itself for the dishes inspired by owner Saiphin Moore’s childhood in northern Thailand, Rosa’s Thai will open a new site on Clapham’s Northcote Road. Expect familiar favourites like fiery drunken noodles, alongside dishes less frequently found in the UK such as stir-fried aubergine in chilli and basil.

54 Northcote Road, SW11; rosathaicafe.com

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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES London’s best

SUNDAY ROASTS

K E N S I N GT O N PA R K H O T E L

Perfect pairing

The well-loved and recently refreshed KPH has a refined and indulgent Sunday roast menu with all the trimmings, perfect for friends to enjoy with a bottle of wine. Options for mains include mouth-watering 45-day aged sirloin, mushroom, spinach and feta Wellington and braised Cotswold lamb shoulder. thekph.co.uk

SILENT POOL DISTILLERS

WINTER WA R M E R BAILEYS

Our favourite drink just got a delicious update for the winter months: say hello to Baileys Salted Caramel. The velvety smooth Baileys original has been expertly blended with rich caramel and a hint of salt for an indulgently decadent drink that is utterly irresistible. £16; groceries.asda.com

Silent Pool Gin has joined forces with the Coln Valley Smokehouse to create an indulgent gin-infused smoked salmon. Smoked and cured in one of England’s last traditional smokehouses, rolled in gin botanicals and infused with handcrafted Silent Pool Gin, it’s a flavour sensation packed with floral and citrus notes. £12.50 for 200g; silentpooldistillers.com TEN GREEK STREET Sunday lunches at Ten Greek Street are a foodies’ dream; head chef Cameron Emirali’s menus change each week and feature some of the best seasonal produce available. Think dishes such as Hereford beef with new potatoes, and sweet treats like hazelnut dacquoise with lemon curd.

10greekstreet.com

PUB GRUB THE HUNTER’S MOON

Travel diaries PARADISE

This winter Paradise will contemporary Sri Lankan cuisine to the heart of Soho. On offer is ingredient-focused cooking with a fiery island accent, all served in a stripped back, brutalist setting. Dishes will draw from the nation’s many diverse regions, taking cues from Portuguese, Malay and Dutch cuisines.

61 Rupert Street, W1D; paradisesoho.com

T H E P E M B U R Y TAV E R N This pub in the heart of Hackney has officially relaunched its sellout Sunday roast. Every dish is cooked to perfection: crispy on the outside, yet fluffy on the inside potatoes, puffed-up Yorkshire puddings, roasted, crunchy veggies, rich, top-quality meat, and, of course, bucket-loads of gravy. pemburytavern.co.uk

Rustic, chic and stylish, The Hunter’s Moon is the newly opened pub and dining room in South Kensington. Expect a dailychanging menu of modern European dishes for brunch, lunch and dinner, and an unmatched Sunday roast with prime cuts, perfectly crisp roast potatoes and an extensive wine list.

86 Fulham Road, South Kensington, SW3; huntermoonlondon.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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COMING

SOON

Absolutely Weddings Spring/Summer Issue Published February 2020

best

100

VENUES 2020

Find your perfect wedding setting A B S O L U T E LY-W E D D I N G S . C O . U K

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“My friend is rendered speechless after his first mouthful”

Copper & Ink Exceptional ingredient-led cooking in Blackheath

I

FOOD Plates packed with flavour and theatre

B y H E L E N B R OW N

f you live in Blackheath or you’ve a penchant for cooking shows, you’ll likely recognise the characterful moustache and vivaciousness of Tony Rodd, BBC MasterChef finalist, Blackheath local and chef patron of Copper & Ink. His cooking style and chocolate work captivated audiences while his energy and enthusiasm no doubt made him a producer’s dream. He brings both to Copper & Ink, a modern British restaurant founded with charming co-owner Becky Cummings, and with fellow MasterChef alumni, Rob Parks as head chef. The team put together a monthly-changing five-course taster menu which can be enjoyed with wine pairing. Ours starts with a delicately

presented plate of mushroom paté paired with a crisp Grenache Blanc.

Adorned with pickled mushrooms and onions, slivers of crostini and bites of roasted root vegetables, the dish is a textural delight. The paté itself is earthy without dominating, while a sweep of beer adds yet another layer which lasts long after the plates have been cleared. For me, the next dish is the star of the show. My friend, wittering on about his latest Netflix fling, is without exaggeration rendered speechless after his first mouthful of quail breast. It’s served on top of the silkiest of celeriac purées and besides a confit leg. But the thing that really does it is a quail’s egg pickled in vinegar. Just as the marinated egg in a bowl of ramen elevates the dish

DECOR Warm, muted hues with pops of local art

PRICE Taster menu £40, wine pairings £30

VERDICT Exceptional and exciting

tenfold, this pickled element makes the dish truly exceptional. It’s paired with a vanillery Chardonnay which enrobes it all in a velvetiness to match the purée.

Next up is a hearty halibut dish. To make this the rich and robust dish it is, butter is smoked with wood chips from Blackheath, and used to cook leeks in until they are translucent and melting. Girolle mushrooms transform the dish into something quite autumnal. The fish itself flakes apart so perfectly that a spoon might have been a more effective utensil and a silky oyster veloute puts the eater beside the sea.

Of the two desserts, our favourite is the spiced apple fritter, served with apple numerous ways: caramelised, in a sorbet, dehydrated. It’s the sort of dish that does well on MasterChef, expertly balancing sweetness with tartness, and softness with crunch.

The espresso parfait and the delicious port wine it’s matched with are very good: the parfait is light in texture, not too sweet and delivers just the boost needed to get us out of our seats. If you live in Blackheath, lucky you. If not, this is a restaurant worth travelling for.

COPPER & INK 5 Lee Road, Blackheath, SE3;

copperandink.com

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The best kept secret in SW19

Serving up classic Chinese dishes since 1992

BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW

www.mcchinaeating.com

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020 8543 2828 343 - 345 Haydon’s Road Wimbledon | SW19 8LA

25/10/2019 09:49

FOOD & DRINK • COLUMN

RIBOLLITA Serves 6 Preparation time 30 minutes Cooking time 45 minutes (plus the beans)

On the

MENU The perfect winter warmer from Guy Awford of Hand Made Food Wo r d s G U Y AW F O R D

R

ibollita is a hearty Tuscan soup that is substantial enough to be served as a main course. Its name literally means “reboiled”. This classic peasant dish proves two things; that even the humblest of ingredients can be transformed into something truly special, and that everything sounds better in Italian.

There are many variations of ribollita but it always includes beans, cabbage and a selection of inexpensive vegetables. A proper ribollita is thick, like stew, not brothy like minestrone. The soups’ body traditionally came from adding old bread, but I am using pureed beans to thicken it instead.

Cavolo nero is the authentic, and to my mind best cabbage for ribollita. It has a slightly bitter mineral flavour and a gorgeous

CHEF-PATRON GUY AWFORD

dark green, almost black colour. It has a strong visual impact against the white beans and the red of the tomatoes. Savoy cabbage is a good alternative if you can’t find it.

I finish my ribollita with a glug of Tuscan olive oil and a generous sprinkle of pecorino. This is rustic comfort food at its best; tasty, filling and very economical.

Even the humblest of ingredients can be transformed into something truly special

INGREDIENTS • 200g dried cannellini beans (plus 1 onion, 2 bay leaves, sprig thyme) • 1 onion – finely chopped • 2 carrots – finely chopped • 2 sticks celery – finely chopped • 2 cloves garlic - chopped • 1 leek – sliced • 400g – chopped tin tomatoes • 300g cavolo nero – stems removed and shredded – not too thin • rosemary & parsley - chopped • 6 slices of sourdough

METHOD 1 Soak 200g of cannellini beans overnight. Drain and put into a large pot. Cover with cold water, adding a chopped onion, 2 bay leaves and a large sprig of thyme. Bring to the boil and simmer until soft, about 1 hour.

Drain, reserving the cooking liquid. Blend half the beans with some of the liquid until they reach a coarse puree.

2 In a large pot heat a little olive oil and gently cook the onions, celery, carrots, garlic and leeks, with a generous pinch of salt, until soft.

3 Add the tomatoes and simmer for a few minutes.

Add the pureed beans, whole beans and about 500ml of cooking liquid and bring back to the boil. Add the cavolo nero. Simmer for about 30 minutes. The soup should be thick but not dry so add more cooking liquid if needed.

4 Stir in chopped rosemary and parsley to taste. Season with salt and pepper and ladle into soup bowls. Sprinkle over some grated pecorino and a generous drizzle of olive oil. Serve with a few slices of sourdough.

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MAURIZIO’S

Pesto Alla Genovese Serves 2

M

aurizio Valle is Pesto World Champion and has been collecting pestle and mortars for years. He has handhewn ancient Roman ones through to modern machine-made examples. To make the best basil pesto, you need the best basil, and the cultivar is called basilico Genovese. And absolutely the best place for it to grow is a little town further to the west of Genoa called Prà.

Maurizio has his own favoured nursery, overlooking the sea, which he thinks helps with the flavour. This pesto can be mixed into pasta, soups, cooked vegetables and salads.

INGREDIENTS • 1 garlic clove, preferably one that has not developed its ‘anima’ or green shoot • 1 /2 teaspoon rock salt •5 0 g (2 oz) fresh basil leaves, stems removed •3 tablespoons Italian pine nuts • 1 /2 tablespoon grated Pecorino Sardo, •4 tablespoons grated Parmigiano Reggiano (18 months old at least) •4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil from Liguria (not a spicy one from Tuscany)

METHOD

Comfor t

FO O D

Satisfying recipes from the author of Pasta Grannies: The Secrets of Italy's Best Home Cooks Wo r d s V I C K Y B E N N I S O N • P h o t o g r a p h y E M M A L E E

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1 To make Maurizio’s pesto, use your pestle and mortar to crush the garlic with the salt to make a sludgy purée.

2 Add the basil, pine nuts and cheeses and muddle and crush with a circular movement of the pestle (don’t bash as if it were a hammer), until you have a thick paste.

3 Then stir through the oil. ‘You are aiming for a harmony of flavours,’ Maurizio says. (You could also just blitz the ingredients in a food processor).

F O R T H E T O M AT O S A U C E • 1 onion, diced •3 –4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 1 kg (2 lb 4 oz) passata (sieved tomatoes) •2 0 g (3/4 oz) fresh basil leaves, plus extra to serve • 1 /2 teaspoon salt

METHOD 1 Make the tomato sauce by softening the onion in olive oil in a saucepan, then adding the passata, whole basil leaves and salt.

2 Leave the mixture to simmer for 30 minutes and remove the basil at the end of cooking.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES SELVINA’S

Gnocchi Con Salsicce Serves 4

F

or many years, Cremona was just one of those signs I saw on the motorway on the way to Milan, too busy worrying – teeth gritted, hands gripped on the steering wheel – about the tailgating speedster behind me to consider visiting. But it’s definitely worth a detour: just outside, in a little village scattered along what feels like a Roman road to nowhere, lived Selvina Bertuzzi. She passed away in April 2019. I am most sorry she didn’t get to see her story in this book.

We piled into her kitchen one Sunday morning in early spring to film Selvina making potato gnocchi.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE GNOCCHI • 1 kg (2 lb 4 oz) old, floury potatoes •2 50 g (9 oz/2 cups) plain (all-purpose) flour • 1 egg FOR TH E SAUCE • 1 onion, finely chopped • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil •4 good-quality plain sausages, skins removed 00g (14 oz) tin of tomatoes •4 • Salt TO S ERVE •G rated Parmigiano Reggiano •K nob of unsalted butter

METHOD 1 Peel the potatoes and boil them whole or in halves.

Leave them to cool just a little before passing the pieces through a potato ricer. Spread the mash out to let it cool further. You want warm, not steaming hot, potato.

2 Sprinkle the flour over the mash and crack in the egg. Mix it quickly and gently so everything amalgamates. Then stop – this is not like making bread or pasta. On a floured surface, roll the mixture into ropes and cut into pieces the size of large green olives.

3 In a frying pan (skillet), sauté the onion in olive oil until soft but not coloured. Crumble in the sausage meat and smash it down into the onion. Fry it for another couple of minutes and then add the tomatoes.

4 Break up the tomatoes, season with salt and let it bubble down

to a chunky sauce. This will take around 20–30 minutes.

5 When you’re ready to cook your gnocchi, bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Warm a serving platter and have it ready. Add the gnocchi to the water – in batches if necessary, depending on the size of your pan as you don’t want to gnocchi to be overcrowded. Once they bob to the surface, wait another 30 seconds and then scoop them out with a sieve or slotted spoon.

6 Place on the warmed dish, sprinkle the Parmigiano Reggiano over the top, then fold through the sauce, followed by a generous knob of butter. Eat immediately.

PA STA G R A N N I E S : T H E S E C R E T S O F I TA LY ’ S B E ST H O M E C O O K S

by Vicky Bennison (Hardie Grant, £20)

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AWARDED DOUBLE GOLD AT THE SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION 2018 marylebonegin

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FOOD • PROMOTION

“Oxley has a bright, crisp and fresh flavour that is truly unique”

Embrace

the COLD

As temperatures drop and winter sets in, migrate south of the city to Bermondsey this November and discover the unbelievably cold Oxley Gin, distilled at -5°C

C

old distilled gin, Oxley, has partnered with bars across SE1 to chill down cocktails and freeze flavour with a series of limitededition menus and events throughout November. From one of the world’s favourite cocktails, the citrus-fresh Gimlet, to Insta-worthy botanical ice blocks, you can experience the transformative effect of cold on flavour.

With an unquenchable thirst for innovation, Oxley set out to change the world of gin as we know it. With nature as their muse, and flavour as their cause, it took eight years of experimentation to

perfect Oxley Gin. With its frozen fresh citrus peel, including oranges, lemons and grapefruit, Oxley has a bright, crisp and fresh flavour that is truly unique.

From a dedicated gin-pairing menu at Garrison complete with icy accents, to the ultimate gin masterclass at Chapter 72, where a carefully designed menu of martini cocktails and G&Ts will bring to life the flavour of this sippably smooth and bright spirit, there is an experience waiting for you.

For a truly glacial experience, for the final three Fridays of the month, Bermondsey Bar and Kitchen will showcase beautifully designed ice blocks filled with Oxley’s unique blend of frozen fresh botanicals, highlighting the sub-zero temperatures and flavours of the bar’s limited edition, month-long slushy menu.

Find Oxley Gin at a bar near you throughout November, including Loyal Tavern, Garrison, Hakata, HIDE Bar, Bermondsey Arts Club, Nine Lives, Pique-Nique and many more.

OX L E Y G I N Find Oxley Gin at a bar near you throughout November oxleygin.com

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S RE R O FE ST OF IN E K NC AS INA F R

FO

Affordable choice.

Naturally.

- Stunning solid oak kitchens made in the UK - Choose from the complete range of Farrow & Ball paint colours, to ďŹ nish the look of your kitchen - The largest range of solid timber worktops in the UK

www.solidwoodkitchencabinets.co.uk 70 CHALK FARM ROAD, CAMDEN, LONDON, NW1 8AN

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02074 857203

13/03/2019 09:06:20 21/03/2019 17:04

FOOD • GOING OUT

S K AT E , D I N E , B OW L How a night out at Queens covers all the bases

By EVE HERBERT

W

ith so many of our friends and co-workers having recently taken to Instagram to share their nights out at Queens Skate Dine Bowl, I felt a trip in the name of research was due, so we mustered a small team and headed down one Wednesday evening.

Queens boasts 12 bowling lanes in the main hall, five more in a private VIP room, two bars, retro arcades areas and a whopping diner by MEATliquor as well as the famed ice rink, central London’s only year-round rink.

Our friendly hosts directed our group to the bar by MEATliquor whose achingly cool interior design stylings have spread out across the whole venue. Everywhere was covered in a heady array of geometric prints and hand-drawn sketches of skating, bowling and curling characters. Set against the red light, exposed brick and industrial features, they gave the whole venue a refreshingly edgy vibe, miles away from the classic Americana that so many bowling alleys seem to adopt.

We settled in for a few cocktails; Game Over, MEATliquor’s alarmingly named tipple, was the group favourite: a heady blend of vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, pisang ambon, absinthe, fresh lemon juice, served long and topped with redbull tropical. Lane 8 came complete with a little extra luck and our game got off to a

roaring start, accompanied by great music, some neon art and table service. Bowling complete, we headed to the rink where grown-ups and kids alike were enjoying themselves – and there were a few lanes of curling set up down one end of the rink. We managed to persuade the staff to squeeze us on for a curling crash-course after our skating. We didn’t expect to enjoy skating as much as we did, especially as we were so out of practice, but we had a brilliant time.

Back in our normal footwear we sauntered around the rink to the Sin Bin Bar – overlooking the whole rink, the Sin Bin is an almost-secret drinking den, perfect for pre-curling courage and decked out with ice hockey memorabilia and even an old school jukebox. We were talked through the scoring and curling process and after putting on some clever over-the-shoe rubber ice-grips we ventured on the rink. It was a good laugh and surprisingly easy to get

“They are unlike any bowling lanes I've ever seen” the hang of – although I was terrible at it.

We headed back to the famed adult-only Liquor Lanes for our final game of bowling, which are unlike any bowling lanes I’ve ever seen. Think ruby-red lanes, floor to ceiling psychedelic decor, and plush velvet seating areas. We loved every second, perhaps in part thanks to more drinks and some of MEATliquor’s to-good-tobe-true burgers and chicken wings.

QUEENS 17 Queensway, W2 4QP www.queens.london

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FA S H I O N

SHOE HORSE PENELOPE CHILVERS

Penelope Chilvers has worked with emerging photographer Will Waterworth on a campaign celebrating her love of the Bloomsbury Set. Featuring a group of young creatives, Chilvers and Waterworth have reimagined imagery from the 1920s, taken in the walled garden at Charleston Farmhouse. penelopechilvers.com

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FASHION • Q&A

Q&A

Jump

TO IT

Rhi Lennon-Smith has launched a collection of boiler suits with a spirit of freedom. Absolutely quizzes her Interview P E N D L E H A R T E

H

ouse of Minimus, founded by fashion-industry veteran Rhi LennonSmith, is a playful collection of adults’ a nd children’s boiler suits with a unique ethos. The boiler suit, according to Rhi, is a symbol of unlimited possibilities, representing life and creativity, encouraging everyone to colour outside the lines and create whatever causes a revolution in their heart. Her concept is to allow people to feel free to be whoever they want to be.

Nast and Hearst. From 2009 to 2012, I was Tom Ford’s executive assistant. In 2012 I started my own company and soon after, Tom Ford bought exclusivity for him to be my only client, and I project-managed all of his residential houses around the world. I didn’t go to university – I gained the best possible schooling working with Tom Ford, who was like a mentor to me.

My business partner and design director, Evi Pross, was design director of Burberry Womenswear pre-collections. She has also worked for Tom Ford, Balmain, Nicole Farhi, Aquascutum and Alexander McQueen.

Q What is your background?

A I have been in the fashion world all my

Q How did you come up with the concept for House of Minimus?

A My inner child has always loved a boiler suit, and the whole concept of HoM came from my own personal life experiences.

When I was at prep school, I pulled on a boiler suit whenever I could and it allowed me to dream and be whatever I wanted to be – I want to recapture that magic. House of Minimus’s hero piece, the boiler suit, became a symbol of embracing unlimited possibilities. Picasso once said: “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once they grow up.” I want to create a movement. We live in a world craving self-gratification. Instead of a “like” on Instagram, I want to create a feeling. I want people to be proud of who they are and who they want to be. “Fortune favours the brave” is my family's motto – and this is something I believe more than ever at the

working life. My journey began at Condé

40

moment; launching a start-up to compete with the higher end of the fashion market is not for the faint-hearted. But I believe in my company’s ethos and I am passionate about my product. It’s two-fold: the time to get children playing outside again is now, and the time for beautifully made, durable clothes that will last for years is now.

Q Why are boiler suits so great?

A My hopes and dreams for HoM is for

children and adults to feel free to be whoever they want to be. The boiler suit, which will be referred to as a ‘canvas’, allows the wearer the freedom to express themselves as they wish without having to conform. It represents life, promoting creativity and imagination, and allows the wearer to throw as much paint at it as they wish. The other part of my collection is a series of Animal Spirit badges, which children can attach to their canvas. Finding their own special animal and wearing it with pride will give them the confidence and freedom to be who they want to be without feeling intimidated Q What’s the best answer if someone asks you “where is your spanner?”

A There’s always one! I would cheekily tell them:“In a compartment you’ll never be able to find.” The subtext being: they have obviously never allowed themselves to think outside the box.

houseofminimus.com

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Easy as ABC Alphabet jewellery to spell out your style

TABAYER

MONICA VINADER

ANNA LOU

Custom-made 18-karat white gold pendant, POA; tabayer.com

Alphabet diamond pendant charm, £150; monicavinader.com

Black alphabet necklace, £30; annalouoflondon.com

ANNOUSHKA

TIFFANY

18ct Yellow Gold & Diamond Chain Letters Studs, from £420; annoushka.com

Mini alphabet tag charm, £770; tiffany.co.uk

Gold-plated zircon letter mismatched hoop earrings, £90; libertylondon.com

THEODORA WARRE

42

ALEX MONROE

PACHEREE

JENNIFER MEYER

Silver floral letter alphabet necklace, £105; libertylondon.com

Alphabet gold-plated pearl necklace, £420; net-a-porter.com

18-karat gold letter necklace, £1,595; net-a-porter.com

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C O N C SE TPY TL E Stripes, volume and strong asymmetrical shapes characterise this new look from Hellessy H E L L E S S Y. C O M

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SPECI A L ISSUE a b s o l u te l y - w e d d i n g s .c o . u k

Bridal DRAMA

DAALARNA

Luscious embroidery, fine tulle, elegant silhouettes and pops of iridescence and colour are hallmarks of Daalarna’s new Rebelle collection, which is designed for the bride who wants a bold and individual take on wedding-day style. daalarna.hu

In this sect ion R U N W A Y L O O K S 52 W O R K I N G T H E B O W T R E N D 55 T H E R I N G 58 S T Y L I S H S T A T I O N E R Y 61 H O T C A K E S 65 V E N U E S G U I D E 69

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6

Runway looks

WE LOVE From new-season ballgowns to ethereal metallics and a ruffled mini, here are six runway looks we love for the new season Photography VA L M O N T B A R C E L O N A B R I D A L F A S H I O N W E E K ; LO N D O N B R I DA L FA S H I O N W E E K

1 2 3

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WEDDINGS • FASHION

4 56 1

3

5

SMOOTH CUT

RUFFLES UP

FA I R Y S T O R Y

With hi-lo hemline, flowing cut and short sleeves, this cool update on the empireline gown is by Salamanca designer Fely Campo. It would be perfect for the city or destination bride and we love the metal appliqué flowerheads on the bodice. felycampo.com

Barcelona designer Lorena Panea taps into the current passions for flounces and midriff-revealing cut with this fun wedding dress. With an angled cutaway bodice and fabulous tiered and ruffled mini skirt, it also has sweet ruffles on the sleeves. lorenapanea.com

Metallic elements are in many collections in 2020 and Marco & Maria’s fairytale gown captures the trend perfectly. The bodice with spiderweb detail is paired to a floaty skirt with jewel belt detail. Its stockists include The Wedding Club. thewedding-club.co.uk

Fely Cam p o

2

Lore n a Pa n e a

4

Ma rco & Mari a

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SILK DRESSING

C O O L L AC E

F LOW E R G A R D E N

In peachy silk, this strapless wedding dress opened the Barcelona show of Spanish design talent Simone Marulli – and it’s one of Absolutely’s favourites from VBBFW. On trend for the new season with its dramatic and flowing ballgown shape, it also features an exaggerated ruffled back detail. simonemarulli.com

Lace remains a key trend, but it is being used in new ways. This elegant slimline gown with silver belt shown at London Bridal Fashion Week features a lovely lace panel with feature sleeves tapering to a lace cuff and buttonhole. Ivory & Co London stockists include BOA Boutique. boa-boutique.co.uk

Flower motifs are always in the bridal mix, but Victoria Sanders’ gown mixes old and new beautifully. Retro botanical blooms are the backdrop, while the sleek cut and halter-neck feel modern, and perfect for the cool destination or high-summer bride. victoriasandersstudio.com

Sim one Marulli

Ivory & Co

Victoria San de rs

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WEDDINGS • FASHION

HOW TO

work it

Bow TIED The bow is big and bold in bridal for 2020, adding a jaunty flourish to weddingday dressing

Isabel Sanchis styles her sharp tailored trouser suit with a big bow corsage. isabelsanchis.com

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ymbolising union and celebration, bridal bows have been around forever. But in 2020 they are having a bit of a moment. Worn on the waist or even as corsages and hair ties, these exaggerated – even super-sized – flourishes are cropping up across collections. If a bow-dressed gown doesn’t feel right for you, don’t tie yourself in knots because there are endless options to add a flourish on shoes, bag or wedding jewels.

Pronovias’ 2020 Atelier collection is bow-licious – we love this silk gown featuring upturned bow with attitude. pronovias.com

Cymbeline’s cute tulle two-piece of hoop skirt and crop top is dressed with bows and flowers. cymbeline.com

RUNWAY IMAGES: VALMONT BARCELONA BRIDAL FASHION WEEK

Lebrusan Studio gold filigree bow and tassel earrings. £268; lebrusanstudio.com

Emmy London Florence Misty Rose suede heels with duchesse satin bows. £465; emmylondon.com

Jag headpiece featuring ombre bow on ribbon band by Awon Golding Millinery. £130; awongolding.com

Rachel Simpson Summer Daze white leather bag with bow. £160; rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WEDDINGS • HACKS

WEDDING HACKS The experts at Marble Events’ wedding planning team reveal some of their favourite hacks to keep things on track and make your day feel truly special

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ith so many brilliant ways to spend your wedding budget, knowing when to pause and maybe rethink the plan and then do things your own way can be tough. We have helped many couples plan and host their perfect party – here are four favourite hacks for staying on track.

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ne of the main things planners have to do is manage and control each client’s budget – and the brilliant thing is that working the budget harder makes the day more creative and unique. So, decide on areas that aren’t key and instead make them intimately personal by doing them yourselves or asking a friend/family member to help out. Take on the stationery design and print at your local printers or hand the task on to one of your artsy friends. Challenge a family member or friend to make a simple wedding cake.

We’ve had couples use buskers as reception entertainment and get friends to sing during the signing of the register. The talent’s out there, you just need to ask.

e realistic in what you want to spend and understand that you may have to forego some items from your wishlist.

First things first, you know you’ll need a venue, some food and some booze, but are you happy to go for a rustic finish rather than a lavish one if it means booking that band you’re desperate for? Pinpoint your priorities and accept that this might change up the format of the wedding. We worked with one couple whose priorities were flowers and music. This meant they chose a burger van to cater the wedding at a greatly reduced cost (only one course), producing a very relaxed and playful atmosphere – the personalised bibs were a fantastic napkin alternative too!

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on’t fancy implementing a receiving line but want to see all your guests? We see couples wrestle with old traditions and contemporary informalities in order to find the right balance for them. If you love the traditions, definitely stick with them, but we would suggest keeping them slick and snappy. Brief your

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photographer thoroughly to make sure those group shots are quick and painless. Keep the MC but lose the formalities. Ensure this person is up to speed with the day, is bossy enough to get guests moving (in particular to their dinner seats) but keep them laughing when disturbed by announcements. We’ve seen fun and fast group-photo ideas, speeches during the reception and couples take their first dance before dinner, thereby sticking with the traditions but making them work to a new schedule.

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t’s quite likely the environment is your jam (as it is ours). We’re seeing a big trend towards environmentally thoughtful weddings. One area is flowers. Couples are increasingly choosing seasonal and local over out-of-season imported or large-scale farmed. Florists are creating their own smaller florist farms where they grow and pick the majority of flowers they work with. Using potted blooms also works – giving you the opportunity to plant some of the flowers from your special day.

M A R B L E P R I VAT E is the wedding and party planning sister of award-winning event company Marble LDN. To find out more, visit marbl eprivat e.com

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WEDDINGS • JEWELLERY HARRIET KELSALL

LEBRUSAN STUDIO

Featuring an unusual champagne diamond, encircled by brilliant white diamonds and set in rose gold, this bespoke design is created by Arabel Lebrusan, an award-winning designer of bespoke and ethical jewellery. POA; lebrusanstudio.com

A modern twist on the classic halo shape, this organic design features a soft peachy-coloured morganite encircled by 10 brilliant-cut diamonds.

From £2,295; hkjewellery.co.uk

LONDON ROCKS

D O M I N I C WA L M S L E Y

This stunning rich blue sapphire and diamond three-stone ring is a bespoke design created by the team at Hatton Garden jewellery studio London Rocks. POA; londonrocksjewellery.co.uk

A stunning alternative to sapphire, this deep blue-mauve tanzanite and diamond baguette ring in a yellow gold and white gold setting was designed for a client by bespoke jeweller Dominic Walmsley. POA; dominicwalmsley.com

CARRIE ELIZABETH

This hexagonal 14ct ring by Carrie Elizabeth features a rose-cut central moonstone surrounded by diamonds.

It’s made to order and is available in white, yellow or rose gold. From £850; carrieelizabeth.co.uk

REBUS

SHAUN LEANE

Part of the award-winning Entwined collection by Luxury Jeweller of the Year Shaun Leane, this made-to-order diamond and platinum ring is designed to symbolise the eternity of love. £5,500; shaunleane.com

Signet ring specialist Rebus also creates lovely keeper rings.

Perfect worn alone or layered, you’ll find a variety of stones and metals, including this whie gold design with white diamonds. £1,100; rebussignetrings.co.uk

Love lines From the rich blue tones of sapphire to glittering diamonds, our pick of romantic treasures

EMMY LONDON

A lovely diamond solitaire set in white gold, this Deco-influenced ring is designed by Emmy London exclusively for H. Samuel; £899 hsamuel.co.uk

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SWEET PEA FINE JEWELLERY

Combining a brilliant cut and baguette diamond, this open ring is part of the fine jewellery collection by Primrose Hill boutique jeweller Sweet Pea. £825; sweetpeajewellery.com

BOODLES

This multi-gem Watercolour design from Boodles’ fabulous Raindance collection features tsavorites, tanzanites and aquamarines in a white gold setting and is designed to replicate ocean colours. £4,500; boodles.com

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Discover the home of gift lists.

Townhouse now open, 312 Fulham Road.

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Queen’s Stairs, Hampton Court Palace

Celebrate your love at the magnificent Historic Royal Palaces hrp.org.uk/hire 020 3166 6399 Dress by Naomi Neoh

Hampton Court Palace • Banqueting House • Kensington Palace • Kew Palace • Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

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WEDDINGS • STATIONERY COLOUR STORY

B U T T E R F LY B A L L

Leeming Brothers’ bespoke stationery is perfect for smart occasions and you can liaise with the team to create something unique to match your wedding colours or motif. This nature-inspired suite features floral elements, and with striking laser-cut butterfly invitation. leemingbrothers.co.uk

The Colour Infusion collection

by Ananya was inspired by the marigold, long considered of symbolic significance at weddings and events.

Featuring bright hand-drawn marigolds on one side and a brush-stroke gold pattern on the other, this is a romantic and distinctive wedding choice. ananyacards.com

WRITE LINES

A collaboration between Papier and the London-based designer Matilda Goad, this Diagonal Rick Rack design offers Scandi chic with its minimalist curved lines. It’s part of an imaginative selection of wedding stationery by leading and upand-coming design talent. papier.com

DREAM MAKER

This Dreamcatcher suite is from Love Invited. Featuring Native American symbols of positivity and transformation, the collection is available in this turquoise blue or on a white background. There are also lots of opportunities to tailor stationery to suit your occasion or to opt for bespoke elements. loveinvited.co.uk

Place card

Emmy Designs can create a bespoke stationery suite with illustrations of you, your venue, the place you met or anything else that forms part of your love story. This elegant invitation shows the venue, beautiful Aynhoe Park House in Oxfordshire. emmydesigns.co.uk

COPPER CHIC

This classic copper foil-decorated invitation is by award-winning Lancashire designer Jess Dick, who creates delightful wedding stationery for couples across the UK. There are lots of ideas on her website and bespoke creations are a speciality. jeccabox.co.uk

Fine lines

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

SPOT ON

Spots are on-trend in bridal fashion, and we love them for stationery too – adding a fairytale retro style.

This design is by ImagineDIY, which gives you the opportunity to custom-create your own designs – and with lots of ‘how-to’ tips for perfect stationery creations. imaginediy.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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TIME FOR TEA Quartz teacup, £18

ON ICE Rose gold ice bucket, £40 TIME FOR TEA Quartz teacup, £18

HOME FROM HOME The Townhouse in Fulham

HOME MAKER The Wedding Shop’s Fulham Townhouse is the perfect place to make yourself at home and compile the allimportant gift list, with inspiration and exclusive gifts to browse at leisure A FOR AMARA Elegant home funishings and accessories

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WEDDINGS • GIFT LIST

BAR BUDDIES Rose gold bar set, £30

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he Wedding Shop’s Fulham Road Townhouse is perfect antidote to a world of frenetic bridal shopping – an immersive space where you can make yourself at home and pick the perfect home treasures for your gift list at your leisure.

This summer it is collaborating with luxury interiors brand Amara, which has taken over the top floor of the property to showcase a range of home objects – from barware and china to soft furnishings and crockery – from its A for Amara collection.

This is the third ‘takeover’ at The Townhouse; previous collaborations have seen Soho Home and OKA redesign spaces. Amara is an online homeware specialist, offering designer names such as Tom Dixon, Calvin Klein and Missoni Home. Its luxurious and quirky A for Amara in-house collection is available exclusively via The Wedding Shop.

How it works

When you visit The Townhouse, you have your own ‘gift guru’ on hand to give you expert advice on compiling your perfect list.

With over 3,000 curated products from over 400 brands, this is an opportunity to create the perfect personalised list to ensure friends buy you something you will love.

While you can also compile part or all of your wedding list online, here you can see and touch the objects – and see how they look in situ.

As you explore, kitchen, reception spaces, bedrooms and bathrooms, you get a really good idea of how objects might work in your home.

Of course, you can also add honeymoon contributions, subscriptions, charity funds and a whole host of other elements to the list. The Wedding Shop even supplies an app with barcode scanner to give you unlimited choice. So if you see something you love in any UK store, simply scan it there and then and it can be added to your list.

To find out more about The Wedding Shop and make an appointment at its Fulham Townhouse or another showroom, visit

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s t f i G s u o e g r Go

From gin-infused smoked salmon to beautifully scented candles, you’ll be sure to find the perfect festive gifts from the Silent Pool Gin collection. silentpoolgin.com

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WEDDINGS • CAKES WILD BOUNTY

London-based artisan baker Lucy Burton works closely with clients to mastermind delightful bespoke celebration cakes incorporating seasonal fruits and flavours.

We love this gorgeous harvestthemed semi-naked design. lucyburtoncakes.com

P U R P L E PAT C H

Dressed with oversized purple flowerheads and trailing pink blooms, this gold and cream wedding cake is by award-winning cake maker Rosalind Miller. It makes the perfect centrepiece for a cake table. rosalindmillercakes.com

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

Super-talented baker Yevnig Davis can create everything from a gilded centrepiece to a stunning cake table.

We love this design with a festival theme. Cakes can be made in a dizzying array of delectable flavours. yevnig.com

W H I T E M AG I C

IN THE GREEN

Rose dressed

This elegant and unusual four-tier Sophie design is by celebration baker GC Couture.

It has chic corrugated-effect icing and is dressed with autumnal berries and greenery. gccouture.co.uk

We love the simplicity of a pure white wedding cake and this La Belle Cake Company design is high impact. Featuring five tiers, it has an iced flower base with beaded and gilded effects and a lavish white bloom on the top tier. labellecakecompany.co.uk

This Gilded Rose design is by Fiona Cairns, who created the cake for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding. Choose from fruit cake, chocolate or golden sponge. fionacairns.com

GILDED GLAMOUR

A dramatic centrepiece for a wedding feast, this gilded design is by the team at Elegateau, whose chefs are expert at creating showstopping iced effects. All wedding cakes are bespoke, giving endless options for colours and flavours. elegateau.co.uk

Top

TIERS

From classic tiers to dramatic gilt, flower dressed and luscious buttercream, these creative cake ideas are perfect for celebrating in style

CREAM DREAM

With a lavish buttercream decoration, this moreish design dressed with flowers is by the team at artisan bakery Daisy Cake Company.

Like all its made-to-order cakes, it’s available in a wide range of flavours. daisycakecompany.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Marble Private

Production | Planning | Music | Lighting

Marble Private provides the platform for extraordinary occasions. Our team of event planners have been producing elegant, jaw dropping on point celebrations of every kind for over 15 years.

Our planners specialise in outrageous yet delicately beautiful weddings. We have been helping couples design and coordinate elegant, jaw dropping & on point celebrations of every kind around the world for over 15 years. Whether it’s a wedding on a Boeing 747 aeroplane, a beautiful affair in the Italian countryside, or a custom built pergola for a 3 day festival bonanza on a private estate, our creative production team have done it all.

City, Country, UK or Europe, our home is London but of course our clients take us around the globe. We know high-end, we know well-done and we know style. www.marbleprivate.com | info@marbleldn.com | +44 (0)203 011 5388 |

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WEDDINGS • PARTNERSHIP

Wedding Belles Bentley Garment Care will ensure your bridal finery is cleaned, restored and preserved.

Absolutely Weddings speaks to Claire Bedworth to find out the method behind the magic

Often you may think that you have totally ruined your dress, especially as it is white or pale neutral, however we are able to treat most staining and damage to restore your dress for you.

Q What are the most common kinds of damage?

A Food, wine, make-up and general ground-in dirt and mud are the most common stains that we treat and, in terms of damage, heel holes and torn lace are very common.

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wedding dress is probably one of the most expensive purchases a bride will make, and more than that, it holds great sentimental value. For these reasons, it is imperative to see a specialist wedding dress cleaner for dress repairs, to avoid further damage to the garment and to ensure it is perfectly preserved.

Bentley Garment Care is a thirdgeneration family-owned business with many years' experience in the care of wedding dresses. The team are able to clean all wedding dresses, whether they are made of delicate lace, silk, organza, or embellished with beading and diamanté. They can even clean dresses labelled ‘do not dry clean’.

Once cleaned and restored to the best possible standard the wedding dress is then packaged into your choice of personalised storage box and wrapped in acid-free tissue to avoid ageing and fading.

Q How can a bride prevent her dress from getting damaged?

A I don’t think there is much you can do, as it is most often a guest or family member getting enthusiastic on the dance floor or spilling something on you. Just have fun and enjoy wearing your beautiful dress and leave the worrying to us after your special day.

Absolutely Weddings speaks to Bentley Garment Care to understand the method behind their magic and what a bride should do in the face of wedding-day disaster.

Q What should a bride do if her dress gets damaged?

A Ideally nothing. We know it is tempting to make an 'improvement' on the day, but it does usually make it harder for us to remove or repair after the wedding.

Q Can you even get stains such as red wine out of garments?

A Yes, we can remove the majority of staining as long as we know what the stain is and it hasn’t been previously treated.

We cannot guarantee with every dress that we will remove all staining as some fabrics are very delicate and we will not risk any damage to the dress. This is where our experience helps us achieve the best results possible.

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What can Bentley Garment care do if a bride finds she has damaged her wedding dress?

A We professionally clean and repair your dress for you – we hand treat each stain separately gaining the best results possible.

B E N T L E Y G A R M E N T CA R E 27 Page Street, SW1 020 7828 6019 bentleygarmentcare.com

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©2019 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is the ultimate romantic location for the perfect beach-front wedding, chapel wedding or honeymoon on the romantic island of Cyprus. Idyllically positioned on the beach, with luxury accommodation for honeymooners, such as our exclusive Park Suites with private pools, the Parklane Resort really is a paradise retreat like no other. With so many options to choose from, our on-site Weddings Co-ordinator is available to guide and assist you with planning your perfect wedding.

RESERVATIONS@PARKLANECYPRUS.COM EXPLORE THE DESTINATION AT PARKLANECYPRUS.COM UK SALES OFFICE - INFO@HOTELMARKETINGCO.COM / 01384 273224

25/10/2019 14:55

WEDDINGS • VENUES

London calling

These top venues go above and beyond to make your day not just extra special, but totally exceptional

By ISABELLA ECKETT

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ne of London’s most exclusive members clubs, quintessentially British and full of charm. Enter through the grand gates and you’re transported into a tranquil oasis, surrounded by 42 acres of stunning scenery. Hold an intimate ceremony in the breathtakingly beautiful Terrace Room, flooded with natural light thanks to mirrored walls and floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Guests can spill out onto the terrace for an alfresco drinks reception or play a spot of croquet on the manicured lawn. For extra wedding wow walk down the aisle in the glassdomed Palm Court accommodating up to 800 for your big day. hurlinghamclub.org.uk/private-events A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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BA N Q U ETI N G H O U S E

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legant and discreet, the Lansdowne Club is located just off Berkeley Square – making it perfect for a romantic and timeless party for up to 150 guests. Decor blends classical elegance with Art Deco flourishes. The favoured spot for wedding celebrations is the gorgeous ballroom with ornate vaulted and gilt-bedecked ceiling. The Adam Room is used for ceremonies and there’s also an enclosed courtyard with retractable roof, making this space useable year-round – and also perfect for photography or drinks receptions.

While this is a private members’ club, there may be accommodation available for wedding parties in some of its 73 smart rooms and suites. lansdowneclub.com

anqueting House is one of the finest landmark settings for parties and events in all of London, so guaranteed to ensure your guests enjoy a memorable red-carpet occasion. Created specifically for royal parties, it can host a dinner for over 350, with standing reception space for considerably more. The Main Hall, with its romantic painted ceiling by Rubens, is an unforgettable venue. The vaulted Undercroft is equally atmospheric. This is part of the Historic Royal Palaces portfolio and you can have your own event manager to guide you on accredited suppliers for catering, flowers, furniture and entertainment. hrp.org.uk/hireavenue

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n unbelievable backdrop for wedding snaps, this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and architectural beauty, is steeped in history. It’s hard to imagine gaining access, exchanging vows and partying inside the walls without being a member. But you absolutely can. The in-house team are (naturally) experts at planning grand events. They can even arrange a guided tour of the House of Commons for your wedding guests. Enter through the impressive St Stephen’s Hall and marry in the fabulously decadent Members Dining Room, or more intimate (but equally impressive) Jubilee Room. Raise a glass on the Terrace Pavilion overlooking the river and Westminster bridge. parliament.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Unique, Elegant & Personal A private members club located in the heart of London, with a unique fusion of 18th century grandeur and elegant art deco.

10% SPECIAL

Quote Abwed16 Quote Abwed18 19 DISCOUNT foraa10% 10% discount discount on for for bookings made on our atwedding packages the National our wedding packages Wedding Show

Offering bespoke and standard packages without the Mayfair price tag, we cater for your personal Wedding requirements: · Ceremony and/or reception for 50-150 guests · 72 newly refurbished bedrooms and stylish suites · Secluded landscaped Courtyard and Winter Garden · In-house catering from our award-winning team of Chefs · Experienced and dedicated Wedding Coordinator

Weddings & Events: 020 7318 6117 9 Fitzmaurice Place, Mayfair, London W1J 5JD

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fter a recent multi-million pound refurb, the ultra-chic town hall is a must-see and obvious choice for couples looking to tie the knot in London. With seven differently styled licensed rooms (each named after a different London borough) you have the luxury of choosing the perfect-sized space for your party.

Decked out with modern chandeliers, antiques and restored period features – it has a contemporary feel despite its rich history. Check out the photos around the venue of celebs who’ve married there, snapped on the iconic steps outside.

Fancy also inviting your four-legged friends? Not a problem, it’s super dog friendly. westminster.gov.uk

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hidden gem (or sparkling jewel we should say) in the heart of the capital.

A wedding at The Corinthia is guaranteed to be a 5 star extravaganza, with no detail missed. Dedicated wedding specialist Alexandra Prisini will be on hand to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your dream wedding comes to life. Opt for the magnificent Victorian Ballroom or (on-trend Dove Grey) mirrored Courtroom followed by a fine-dining experience from one of the hotel’s award-winning chefs. To add to the glamour, you can get ready at the Hollywood-inspired Makeover Room where A-lister stylist Daniel Galvin and makeup artist Lois Burwell will work their magic. Check into a penthouse bridal suite for breathtaking views over the Thames and twinkling London skyline. corinthia.com

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n iconic London hotel famed for hosting swanky soirees over the decades, your wedding is destined to dazzle here. Make an entrance in a chauffeur driven Savoy car - the hardest decision you’ll have to make…

Rolls Royce, Phantom or Bentley Mulsanne? Say ‘I do’ at the Queen’s private chapel next door or one of the hotel’s luxurious event spaces.

The Lancaster Ballroom oozes elegance and can accommodate up to a whopping 500 guests. The executive chef will work with you to create a bespoke menu, whether 5-star British or Asian fusion feast. Access to Embankment Gardens allows for ample photo ops. fairmont.com

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ensington Palace remains a royal residence, so it’s a uniquely prestigious venue that only hosts a select number of weddings and events each year. One of the finest spaces is The Orangery, a light-filled Queen Anne glasshouse that requires very little dressing. This opens up on to a southfacing terrace and Orangery Lawn, which offers space to erect a marquee and can host receptions for up to 1,000.

Smaller outside spaces, including the Sunken Garden, are available for receptions, while other choice internal spaces include the King’s Gallery – lined with masterpieces from the Royal Collection. hrp.org.uk/hireavenue

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We are Chelsea’s hidden secret. Buckleigh suits, morning coats, evening tails and dinner suits are renowned for their top quality fabric.

Formal Wear Hire | Bespoke Tailoring Ladies and Gentlemen Alterations

T: 020 7730 0770 www.buckleighoflondon.com | buckleighoflondon@hotmail.com 83 Lower Sloane Street | Chelsea, London | SW1W 8DA

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With uninterrupted views of Blackheath towards Royal Greenwich Park, The Clarendon is a grand, yet welcoming Georgian venue.

We have a range of beautiful rooms available – whether you are planning an informal party with just your closest friends and family, or a larger more traditional celebration of up to 150 guests.

We’d love to meet you, show you around and hear more about your plans – just call the wedding team on 020 8318 7810 or email weddings@clarendonhotel.com to request a brochure or arrange an appointment.

Say “I Do” at the heart of The Village

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Montpelier Row, Blackheath Village, London SE3 0RW

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his Edwardian townhouse overlooking Hyde Park has a variety of spaces for ceremonies and parties and offers fabulous period backdrops for photography. A favoured spot with many couples is the Argyll Room, perfect for wedding breakfasts and leading out to a stunning roof terrace, with views to the park. This is a yearround outdoor space, with heated marquee available during colder months. More intimate receptions take place in the light-filled Handley Page or Sopwith rooms on the second floor.

The Bill Boeing room is perfect for really large-scale parties, with space for 300. 4hp.org.uk

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lending Tudor and Baroque architecture, Hampton Court Palace is an iconic setting for a wedding – and the grounds are simply spectacular. The Garden Room has its own private walled garden and plenty of space for dancing. The romantic Little Banqueting House offers a more intimate venue (up to 80) surrounded by Antonio Verrio murals and with beautiful views of the Thames. Palace ceremonial rooms for evening banquets and receptions include the stunning hammer-beamed Great Hall and the wood-panelled Cartoon Gallery. hrp.org.uk

No.11 Cavendish Square is a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse offering a fabulous choice of spaces and a courtyard garden in an enviable location just around the corner from Oxford Circus. No.11 provides the perfect setting to host chic wedding celebrations, giving your day a sense of sophistication and distinguished elegance. No.11 Cavendish Square offers an established and experienced wedding team; and the in-house caterers Dish deliver fine catering and great value for money. Whatever your style, there is a room that will meet the needs of your big day.

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TH E M AY FA I R H OTE L Boasting one of London’s most desirable postcodes (in fact, the most expensive location on the trusted Monopoly Board) a wedding at the May Fair Hotel is assured to be an ultra-glitzy affair. Marry in the decadent Crystal Room with private entrance off Berkeley Street and spectacular Baccarat Chandelier or choose the art-deco style Danziger Suite. With atmospheric swanky cocktail bar, Mediterranean May Fair Kitchen, pretty outside terrace and 5 star spa you and your guests will receive the ultimate VIP treatment throughout your celebrations. The indulgence doesn’t end there, check into the retro-glam Schiaparelli Suite for a night you’ll never forget. themayfairhotel.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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enchanting special occasion wear made for you in the heart of London littlebevan.co.uk 0207 821 9499 020 8644 8523 www.annsdesignercakes.com

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Photography: Eddie Judd/ PierreCarr

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WEDDINGS • DIRECTORY

FLOWER GIRLS & PAG E B OY S Little Bevan littlebevan.co.uk 0192 633 4200

EVENTS Marble LDN marbleldn.com 0203 011 5388

S TAT I O N E R Y Papier papier.com 020 7770 6477 Jeccabox jeccabox.co.uk 07900 948690

VENUES Banqueting House hrp.org.uk/banqueting-house 020 3166 6152 No. 11 Cavendish Square 11cavendishsq.com 020 7307 2474 The Clarendon Hotel clarendonhotel.com 020 8318 4321 The Corinthia corinthia.com 020 7930 8181 Hampton Court Palace hrp.org.uk/hampton-courtpalace 020 3166 6000 House of Commons parliament.uk/visiting/venuehire 020 7219 3090 The Hurlingham Club hurlinghamclub.org.uk 020 7610 7400 Lansdowne Club landsdowneclub.com 020 7629 7200 No.4 Hamilton Place 4hp.org.uk 0203 166 6507 Kensington Palace hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace 020 3166 6115 The May Fair Hotel themayfairhotel.co.uk 020 7769 4041 Old Marylebone Town Hall adaytoremember.london/oldmarylebone-town-hall 020 7641 7500 Moorland Garden Hotel moorlandgardenhotel.co.uk 018 2285 2245

The Savoy thesavoylondon.com 020 7836 4343

HONEYMOON Park Lane Resort & Spa, Limmasol parklanecyprus.com +357 2568 2000

FA S H I O N Bentley Garment Care bentleygarmentcare.com 020 7828 6019 Cymbeline cymbelinecom +3301 6478 5650 Emmy London emmylondon.com 020 7704 0012 Fely Campo felycampo.com +34 923 26 60 93

ImagineDIY imaginediy.co.uk 01437 807277 Love Invited loveinvited.co.uk 0161 883 0079 Ananya ananya.com +91 80 4095 0336 Leeming Brothers leemingbrothers.co.uk 01962 738492

GIFTS The Wedding Shop weddingshop.com 020 7384 8400

JEWELLERY Boodles boodles.com 020 7493 3240 Carrie Elizabeth carrieelizabeth.co.uk

Ivory & Co ivoryandcotiaras.co.uk 016 8459 2030

Dominic Walmsley dominicwalmsley.com 01732 779555

Lorena Panea lorenapanea.com +34 656 974 277

H Samuel Hsamuel.co.uk 0800 458 1065

Marco & Maria marcoymaria.com +34 922 385 155

Harriet Kelsall hkjewellery.co.uk 020 3886 0757

Pronovias pronovias.com 020 7518 8470

London Rocks Jewellery londonrocksjewellery.co.uk 0207 2424 294

Rachel Simpson rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk 0121 433 5492

Lebrusan Studio lebrusanstudio.com 07946 942350

Simone Marulli simonemarulli.com +39 02 7601 3108

Shaun Leane shaunleane.com 020 7493 9601

Victoria Sanders victoriasandersstudio.com 07398 246612

Sweet Pea Jewellery sweetpeajewellery.com 020 7449 9292

All the contacts you need when preparing for your big day

TH&TH thandth.com 0192 633 4200

WEDDINGS DIRECTORY

BRIDESMAIDS

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY IN ASSOCIATION WITH

RED ALERT CHANEL Chanel is taking bold matte colour to new heights with Rouge Allure Ink Fusion, the first long-lasting ultra-matte liquid lip colour for intense and an indelible colour. chanel.com

Beauty notes 80 • Treatment reviews 83 • Lipstick focus 85 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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MORE TH AN JUST COCKTAILS & NAILS! POPUL AR TREATMENTS INCLUDE Deep Cleansing Galvanic Facial (60 minutes) £60 LVL Lash Lift & Tinting (60 minutes) £70 Nouveau Lash Extensions (from 90 minutes) £130

• Galvanic Facials •

• Murad Facials •

• Eyelash extensions •

•LVL lash lifts •

Book your complimentary consultation today

0207 243 1113 bookings@coconailbar.com @coconailbarlondon

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

This month's beauty favourites for mind and body care THE PREVIEW

B y H E L E N B R OW N

Harrods

Balance RESTORE

SKINCARE EMPORIUM

Get ready for one of the largest beauty destinations in the world

ANGELA LANGFORD

Our new skincare saviour heading into winter is Angela Langford’s Balanced & Beautiful face oil. Enriched with kiwi, rose hip and safflower and blended with omegas 3 and 6, the anti-aging oil is a recipe to restore your skin’s natural balance and tone. £20.50, angelalangford.com

B y H E L E N B R OW N

F

EDITOR’S PICK

ON THE GO J O M A LO N E

Master perfumers and purveyors of all things fabulously scented, Jo Malone has launched a must-have new fragrance accessory, the Scent to Go. Designed to slip into and scent everything from gym bags and luggage to the glove compartment of your car, the fragrance disk is an easy way to transform small spaces with scent. £39, jomalone.co.uk

LINE THEM UP M A R C JAC O B S B E AU T Y

Marc Jacobs best-selling cult favourite highliner eye crayon is remastered in an innovative liquid gel formula. Expect more precision, easier application and a bold, lustrous finish that lasts.

Layer over eyeshadow or combine the metallic hues with Blacquer, Marc’s signature shiniest black liner. £24; harveynichols.com

rom the overzealous perfume spritzers to the headacheinducing overhead lighting, beauty shopping can be an overwhelming affair. Having acknowledged this, Harrods is chartering a new way of shopping with the opening of its shiny new Beauty Halls, a colossal undertaking which will secure a new legacy for the heritage retailer as one of the largest beauty destinations in the world.

The most recent development in the year-long refurbishment and the penultimate phase in the three part project is the unveiling of the skincare emporium. If you’ve yet to go, the first hall is a treasure trove of make-up and fragrance brands, including the exclusive launch of Gucci Makeup, with expert artists and innovative magic mirrors that allow you to digitally try a new make-up look in an instant. The second is home to everything and anything a skin-care junkie could dream of.

From the assortment of J-Beauty brands (hello, Clé de Peau Beauté) limited editions and cult classics, to the gadget zone and the multitude of natural beauty pioneers, there’s more than enough to get your mitts on.

HARRODS 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, SW1X;

harrods.com

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

TO P T R E AT M E N T S

HEALTH & BEAUTY • REVIEWS

SARAH AND LAUREN, THE SISTERS BEHIND BY SARAH LONDON

WHIP

CUT & BLOW DRY

A

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

BY SARAH LONDON CLEANSING BALM

By Sarah London FACIAL

I

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

f you’re into natural and organic beauty, you might have heard of

By Sarah London. The packaging warrants bathroom shelf display, all of the plant-based ingredients are listed on the front, and every product is hand-blended. Suffice to say I’m a bit of a fan girl, so I was excited to discover the sister duo behind the skincare brand have just launched their very own facial.

I visited their light and airy private room at No.30 in Kensington Church Street, for a 60 minute treatment. It’s a rare opportunity to meet the founder of a skincare brand, as Sarah offers her clients a consultation before she gets to work. Warm and friendly and extremely passionate about natural skincare, she explains to me that the treatment has a focus on relaxation, taking a moment for yourself, and creating a more grounded sense of wellbeing. It’s a facial that’s great for pregnancy and sensitive postpartum skin too, as none of the products contain fragrance or essential oils.

Sarah truly has magic hands. She performs a face-lifting massage technique on my skin using her Green Clay Face Mask and Organic Facial Oil. It’s soothing and every bit as relaxing as promised. Afterwards, I have dewy skin for days and I even sleep better too.

s my appointment approaches, I am dubious about WhiP, which brands itself as an ‘eco-friendly boutique hairdresser’.

What does a hair salon have to do with the environment? It turns out, after chatting to WhiP’s Creative Director James, quite a lot. Not only do WhiP use products that are 100% vegan, organic and cruelty-free with recyclable packaging, they have sourced mostly second-hand furniture for their eclectic Hackney salon. WhiP is Club Tropicana meets vintage glamour, with art deco mirrors, palm tree wallpaper and oldfashioned barber chairs. There's no awkward hairdresser chat either, as WhiP plays vinyl records for an acoustic accompaniment to your trim. My hair is dry and frizzy after months of frequent travel and general neglect, so I opt for a regular cut and blow dry; I’m pleasantly surprised to hear that WhiP charge by hair length, not by gender. After James works his magic, he finishes my new ‘do with a slick of Oway’s Glossy Nectar which leaves my hair silky and smelling of sweet liquorice. Go for the ethos; stay for the vibe. whiplondon.co.uk

bysarahlondon.com

WHIP SALON

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Beautiful skin from the inside Skincare innovation in a drink

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

Joelle - March 2019

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

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

Andrea - March 2019

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

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

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

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

Claudia - February 2019

skinade.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND PIXI BY PETRA MatteLast Liquid Lip in Caliente Coral, £16; pixibeauty.co.uk

TOO FACED Lady Balls Melted Matte lip gloss, £19; boots.com

MILK MAKEUP Lipstick in OG Red, £22; cultbeauty.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK CIATÉ Jessica Rabbit Glitter Storm lipstick, £19; ciatelondon.com.

LIPSTICK QUEEN Shooting Star gloss, £20; spacenk.com

TOO FACED Gold Melted lip gloss, £19; boots.com

MAC

MAJESTIC HUES

Ruby Woo lip pencil, £15; maccosmetics.co.uk

MULAC Lipstick in Pulp, €13.90; mulacosmetics.com

DELILAH Colour Intense lipstick in Stiletto, £24; delilahcosmetics.com

Lacquer your lips in these rich jewel tones B y ZO Ë D E L M E R - B E ST

Lipstick in Candy Stripper, £22; narscosmetics.co.uk

MAC X PONY PARK

LIPSTICK QUEEN Sinner lipstick in Hot Rose, £22; spacenk.com

NARS

Matte Lip Mousse in Love is Blind, £20; maccosmetics.co.uk

ZOEVA Pure Laquer Lips in Haute Pursuit, £11; zoevacosmetics.com

URBAN DECAY Comfort Matte Vice lipstick in Menace, £17.50; urbandecay.co.uk

BURTS BEES Natural Moisturising lipstick in Brimming Berry, £9.99; burtsbees.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • ACTIVE

FITNESS

OUR PICK

NOTES

OF THE BEST HYBRID FITNESS CLASSES ACROSS THE CAPITAL

By H E L E N B R O W N

DW F I T N E S S F I R ST The ROX class uses boxing bags and Technogym treadmills for a full-body, 50-minute workout. dwfitnessfirst.com

H Y B R I D T R A I N I N G F LY K I C K Dynamic classes which combine kickboxing with HIIT and strength and conditioning exercises. flykick.co.uk

A test of strength and cardio fitness at Metabolic London, the home of Puma Wo r d s H E L E N B R O W N

T W E LV E T H R E E BoxCon is a boxing and conditioning hybrid class designed to get you stronger, leaner and fitter.

12x3gym.co.uk

Y

ou know how they say two minds are better than one?

Well, the same can be said for your workout. Hybrid classes are shaking things up in the wellness world at the moment, fusing different disciplines together for maximum impact.

Combining two or more training methods, for example boxing with ballet or sprint training with weight lifting, effectively doubles the fitness benefits of one workout. For instance, combining cycling with strength training will give you the calorie burn of cardio fitness with a metabolic boost and muscle building.

That’s a lot of boxes ticked.

METABOLIC LONDON 1REBEL Reshape torches calories with quick-fire rounds on the treadmill and dynamic weighted exercises.

Metabolic London, home of PUMA training, adopts this style of fitness with back-to-basics group fitness classes that focus

on HIIT, strength and functional training. Think, classic old school circuits mixing cardio with resistance training. Founded by ex-premier league hockey player, Lawrence Hannah and with Olympian, Denise Lewis on board, the studio promises to provide some of the toughest workouts in the industry. I’m testing out Meta-Row which uses rounds on the rowing machine as the cardio aspect, paired with weighted exercises.

It fits London’s fitness mould perfectly with a new wave of rowing classes boosting metabolism and muscle. The class description simply reads: 'Not for the faint-hearted. This class is brutal and will test the best.' It’s been designed to push participants past their comfort zones, and that it certainly does.

After a warm up and stretch, the class forms teams of threes to complete each circuit in

what will be a group effort. The structure is fairly simple: one person reaches a set number of calories on the rower while the other team members complete strength and conditioning drills.

For this particular class, girls are required to reach a combined total of 2,000 calories, mixed groups 2,500 and boys 3,000, and the weighted exercises are ground-to-overheads and lunges. We each work up to 200 calories on the rower, before rotating with a team member to complete the circuit of three.

In this format, the class seems to fly by, and the idea of having other team members relying on you means that I push myself harder than I typically would. We don't even get to our target but it's an incredibly rewarding class; knackering but extremely enjoyable.

PUMA TRAINING

Sign up for a one of Lawrence Hannah's Meta-Row group classes at metaboliclondon.com Shop the latest PUMA performance collection at puma.com #PUMAxMETABOLICLDN #DOYOU

1rebel.co.uk

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Antique Fireplaces

Grate Expectations Antique Fireplaces have procured a huge collection of beautifully unique original fireplaces of many years through our sister company Grate Expectations Fireplaces. Each of our fireplaces has been restored to their full former glory in an extremely careful manor.

Antique victorian and georgian fireplaces in our new showroom and salvage yard 333 Kingston Road, Wimbledon Chase, SW19 8JX 020 8540 8387 | sales@grateantiquefireplaces.co.uk grateantiquefireplaces.co.uk

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CURTAIN CALL

INSPIRED INTERIORS

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

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • SCENT

PERFUME

Home Sweet Home How to master the art of home fragrance B y M I C H A E L D O N OVA N

A

t Roullier White, home fragrance is one of our most popular collections.

However for many customers, choosing a scent and its method of delivery can be quite tricky.

Should it be a scented candle or a diffuser?

A room spray or an oil burner? Do different fragrances suit different rooms and, if so, what should one look for? Although not an exact science, there are a few basic rules that will help make the selection and application of home fragrance a total joy - and who doesn't wish to enter a room that smells absolutely delicious?

Scented candles are wonderful. They not only emit glorious aromas but create ambience and thus are perfect for hallways, sitting rooms and bedrooms. The grand dame of scented candles is Rigaud which launched in 1950 and is, in my opinion, still one of the finest examples in the world.

Their most famous candle is 'Chypre' which is a magnificently opulent scent of oak moss, patchouli and labdanum. The secret 'soft wax' formula ensures that the entire surface of the candle turns to liquid, which is a very clever way to prevent 'tunnelling' (when the wick burns straight down the centre).

Legendary American Vogue editor, Diana Vreeland, was a fan, as was Jackie Kennedy, who took the fragrance to the White House in 1961. In terms of luxury it cannot be beaten and I have burned it in my hallway for decades. Beauteous and bougie, it also looks incredibly chic with its silver base and snuffer. The scent is so powerful that the candle can be extinguished after 20 minutes and will continue to fragrance the room!

I recently discovered an Italian collection entitled 'Secreti Nobilissimi' which is utterly enchanting. Their ecocredentials are superb as the wax is made of soy, the flacon is created from recycled wine bottles and the lid is made from cork. Not only are they gorgeous and environmentally friendly but the scents are bewitching. 'Cigar & Whiskey' burns well in the sitting room while 'Extra Dark

Chocolate' works wonders in the bedroom.

While we are boudoir-bound, a recent study found that falling asleep to the scent of flowers, especially roses, wards off nightmares; luckily, I am dedicated to 'Tuberose Petals' from Urban Apothecary.

My friend, Tajinder Banwait, started her company three short years ago and her talent and taste have revolutionised the market. Black glass in clean lines compliment contemporary interiors and the scents are punchy and long-lasting.

Diffusers are a relatively modern concept, however they are absolutely perfect for bathrooms and kitchens where consistent fragrancing is more practical. Choose a scent appropriate to the use of the room; citrus is a wise choice for the bathroom as it is perky and fresh. 'Verbena Leaves', again from Urban Apothecary, is a favourite. In the kitchen, never use a scent that will compete with food but rather compliments it, like 'Jardin de ThĂŠ' from Chabaud.

The thing to remember about diffusers is to 'turn' the reeds every two weeks which will re-invigorate the fragrance.

If you are looking for something a little more majestic, then the queen of diffusers chez Roullier White is British perfumer Ruth Mastenbroek's signature scent.

This too is a 'chypre' (French for oak moss) and is an absolute classic; warm and sensual with bergamot, rose, jasmine, musk, sandalwood and patchouli. Once smelled, never forgotten and we have addicts that purchases three at a time!

Room sprays are a wonderful quick fix for when less attractive odours have invaded the room. Ensure that you choose a natural formulae as you will be ingesting some of the molecules.

My go-to scent is Mrs White's West Indian Grapefruit & Lime from the Aroomatics collection. I keep it by the front door for olfactory emergencies.

Scenting the home successfully is all about experimentation and finding a scent that suits the space - so my top tip is... be courageous! roullierwhite.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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*Calls will be charged your phone company’s access charge only.

Bespoke Handcrafted Doors Of Exceptional Quality For our latest brochure or to book a home design visit call 0845 646 0690*

LONDONDOOR.CO.UK Available in Greater London and surrounding areas

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INTERIORS

CIRCUS STRIPE LU K E E DWA R D H A L L X H A B I TAT

Luke Edward Hall’s first collection for Habitat is a meeting of the unexpected.

His imagination has been translated into a collection of sofas, lighting and accessories, bringing his bold aesthetic to modern spaces. habitat.com

Tree talk 96 • Pearl Lowe at home with Marianne Cotterill 98 • Stationery 105 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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

By PENDLE HARTE

LIGHT WORK VIBIA

Vibia's clever plug-in pendant ights enable us to position pendants wherever we want them, regardless of where your wiring lies. A great solution for tenants or anyone requiring flexibility, these stylish systems from the Spanish architectural lighting company are inspired. vibia.com

B LOW U P CURIOUSA

Launched at Decorex were Curiousa's Siren Wall Lights in new colour combinations and all-new glass only versions. The beautiful and unique pieces are hand-blown to order. curiousa.co.uk

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INTERIORS • NOTES

BIN IT Rubbish bins with style COX & COX Rattan waste bin, £25 coxandcox.co.uk

PURE FL A M E

CO LO U R P L AY

EYM

LUKE EDWARD HALL X HABITAT

London artist Luke Edward Hall has launched his first collection for Habitat and it's full of unexpected twists. Illustrative serpents, circus stripes, fringes and figurative artworks. Playful, surreal and romantic pieces include a bright digital print velvet stripe sofa, £1,800 habitat.com

Poppy and Sam Wall launched Eym after their love of scented candles was destroyed by the discovery that they can emit harmful synthetic fumes. So Eym's are 100% natural and chemical free, made from soy wax and essential oils. £39 eymnaturals.com

JOSEPH JOSEPH Stainless steel split bathroom bin, £50 josephjoseph.com

WESCO Pushboy bin in yellow, £126 redcandy.co.uk

HABITAT

LINE UP

Firth Blue printed canvas bin, £20 habitat.com

MADE Sense touch-free bin, £49 made.com

BRABANTIA 3L Sort & Go countertop bin, £15 brabantia.com

FERM LIVING

Painted by hand, this stunning Aya ceramic platter celebrates femininity. Crafted from rustic clay with a bright coloured glazing, each piece is unique and features the simple silhouette of a woman. £85 utilitydesign.co.uk

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Tr e n d

F O R E C A S T What will the best-dressed homes be wearing next year? We ask Juliette Thomas of Juliettes Interiors L E T ’ S S TA R T WITH CO LO U R …

Neo Mint We would say that the clear colour favourite is currently Neo Mint, a clean, fresh and cool shade of minty green with a blue base. It is serene and calming with a hint of fun. If a whole wall of neo mint paint or tiles is too much for you, choose items of luxury furniture, accessories or lighting to give neo mint accents.

Natural Green Close on its heels, however, and maybe even set to take over the top spot, are softer shades of more natural, yellow-based greens. Perfect for those who are not fond of a cool, candy colour, these greens range from light chartreuse or pistachio shades through to mid-sage and deep forest green.

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Natural, Earthy Colours These warmer greens work beautifully with all the natural, earthy tones that are coming to the fore. Cool greys are making way for warmer neutrals, and we are also looking forward to deep, dark reds, rich russets and plummy burgundies. Along with rich mustards, we will also start to see softer, golden yellows – a welcome addition to the palette if you find mustard too jarring.

If you’ve outgrown millennial pink, it’s worth thinking about oxblood.

This deep, rich, brownish red (maybe with a tiny hint of purple) is more of a quiet movement than a trend – but just imagine a supersoft oxblood leather sofa or a sumptuous velvet armchair. We think it’s time for a change.

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

“If you’ve outgrown millennial pink, it’s worth thinking about oxblood” Moody Blues After several years of rich navy, blue is becoming duskier. Mid to deep shades of moody blue will be seen on walls, soft furnishings and striking pieces of statement furniture. It works well with so many other colours, including warm neutrals, soft yellows and accents of plum, pink and neo mint.

AH EAD OF TH E CU RVE The overriding theme for interior design in 2020 is curves. Smooth sinuous lines, scalloped edges, padded curves and fan shapes are popping up everywhere. This is not to say that sleek, straight lines are going away – this one will always be a matter of personal taste. Curves can be classic and elegant or more flamboyant.

How far you wish to go is up to you.

TEXTURE AND COMFORT Today’s furniture is all about relaxation.

Home is where you come to rest, to destress and unwind. Yes, you want your furniture to look beautiful, but no longer at the expense of comfort. Texture plays a big part in this movement, with supremely soft

leather or warm nubuck, smooth velvets, natural linens or modern, textured fabrics.

Everything is designed to envelop you in layer upon layer of comfort.

textiles. Our advice is to avoid anything small and fussy. Be brave and go for big, bold foliage that makes a proper statement.

N AT U R A L M AT E R I A L S

According to GQ magazine, more men are getting involved in decisions about interior décor, fuelling a distinct trend towards more masculine styling. We don’t mean bachelor pad bling. This is something less flashy and much more refined. Yes, you’ll find black marble and metal light fixtures but these are softened with vintageinspired luxury sofas, comfortable designer armchairs, warm and timeless colours and the natural textures of wood and leather.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this sneak peek into next year’s trends. Remember, this is just a snapshot of ideas and inspiration.

The most important thing is that you choose colours and styles you love. Unless you plan to update your décor every year, you have to live with your choices for a while to come.

You cannot have missed the growing trend towards natural materials. We are loving soft woollens, rattan, wood and leather.

Beautiful herringbone flooring, woven wicker and knitted throws. Plump wool cushions, cool linen fabrics and natural cotton coverings. We see this as a trend that will only grow as environmental concerns take on a greater focus.

BIOPHILIA We are seeing an increasing desire to move the outdoors indoors. As well as looking fresh and healthy, there are health benefits to living and working alongside plants.

Amongst other things, they soak up some of the free radicals and pollutants caused by all our gadgets. In design terms, this trend also feeds into the bold, botanical vibe that we have been seeing in wallpapers and

MASCULINE STYLE

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

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INTERIORS • CHRISTMAS

1

1

MAKE IT UP

T R E E P A R T Y

MCQUEENS

Masterclasses in sustainable wreath-making come will be hosted

by McQueens during November and December, using fresh and fragrant materials to create beautiful festive decorations. mcqueens.co.uk

IT'S ALMOST TIME TO DECK THE HALLS

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POP UPS

BLOOM & WILD

2

These dinky real and rooted trees actually fit through your letterbox and come with pop-up pots, decorations and even fairy lights, to be set up in minutes in even the smallest spaces. Amazing. bloomandwild.com

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T R E E S E RV I C E PINES & NEEDLES

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ST YLE GUIDE

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PETERSHA M NURSERIES

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MINIMAL ST YLE F L OW E R BX

Flowerbx offers a stylish edit of fresh, high quality flowers delivered to your door. The Christmas offering includes wreaths and garlands as well as miniature trees in pots. flowerbx.com

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Tommy Walsh talks Crocodile Garage doors.

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Phorography AMY NEUNSINGER © CICO BOOKS

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INTERIORS • HOUSE TOUR

01 There are three reception rooms on the ground floor, which flow into one another – this one is divided by elegant French doors which allow the light to shine through from the front to the back of the house.

02 The house retains many of its original features – from parquet flooring, to ceiling plasterwork, cornices, picture and dado rails, to this quite stunning handpainted stained-glass double portico, with a tiled floor.

03 It’s a property full of beautiful and interesting objects, and many have been customised by Marianne herself, such as the candle sconce above the radiator. It was in desperate need of attention, but rather than buy new shades for it, she simply painted them with a vibrant green emulsion.

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U R B A N F A D E D

G L A M O U R Stylist Marianne Cotterill's home features in Pearl Lowe's new book of beautiful interiors. Here's a guided tour

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I

Wo r d s P E A R L LOW E

f you wanted me to up and move from the sticks back to London, you’d have to take me kicking and screaming, unless you gave me the keys to the London home of Marianne Cotterill. Then I would go silently, happily and freely, without the slightest of protests, because that’s how much I adore this extraordinary property in the middle of the big smoke.

Let me explain why: Marianne Cotterill, with her keen eye, her exquisite taste and her innate sense of style, has created a home that most of us would give our eye teeth to live in. A leading interiors stylist and designer, she effortlessly creates beautiful spaces that are used as backdrops for magazine editorials and advertising campaigns.

Marianne doesn’t just decorate rooms – it’s far more than that. What she does is create storyboards within spaces,

whether that’s for private or commercial purposes, or simply for her own delight and amusement in her London home.

And her house, a vast Victorian mansion in northwest London – thanks to her ingenuity – runs as a very successful go-to location for fashion shoots, advertising campaigns and film and television productions. Walking through the stained-glass double portico which takes you into the main hallway of the property, you can fully understand why it is such a sought-after location.

This is a house of grand proportions on the Victorian scale. Three large receptions, which lead into one another, are light-filled and airy thanks to high ceilings and long sash windows. Landings in the house are in some cases so spacious that they act as small rooms or can carry a large, inviting sofa. ‘I do love a sofa on a landing!’ Marianne laughs. ‘I spend so much of my working day on my feet, so I quite like the idea of having a sneaky little sit-down when I’m between floors.’ A charming conservatory at the back of the house leads you into an oasis of a garden, generous by London standards.

Thanks to her style and pure genius, there isn’t a nook or cranny in this house that doesn’t catch your eye. Even the way she has hung her pictures is interesting.

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

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Tommy Walsh talks Crocodile Glass Verandas.

A Glass Veranda offers a unique extension to your living space, it’s a solid, open structure with a glass roof, constructed using powder coated aluminium and is maintenance free. It’s built to last and crucially with craftsmanship. So find out how a bespoke Crocodile Veranda will add style and elegance to your home.

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INTERIORS • HOUSE TOUR 04

Debunking the common decorative myth that pictures should always be hung at eye level, here you’ll spot a portrait hanging high above a door, way beyond a picture rail, or far below a chair rail. ‘I like doing that,’ she says, ‘because often when – let’s say – you are lying on a sofa, it will catch your eye and you can have a really good look at it, or it might be reflected back to you in a mirror, talking to you when you least expect it.’

She enjoys turning things on their heads, but not in a contrived way, simply because after a lot of consideration, she’ll decide it simply looks better. She mixes styles with ease. Mingles her more ‘trashy’ finds (her words, not mine) with her more high-end collectables. And she finds joy in the simplest of objects: she’ll take a freestanding radiator, for example, and just as the rest of us would start to think about distressing it so it can blend into our homes and look more vintage, she’ll make it a feature, painting it a bright Lego green, as she has done in her dining area. It’s a house full of stories – tales of the unexpected.

When Marianne and her husband Terry first bought the house, it wasn’t with the intention of turning it into a business. They gravitated towards it because with five children and their dogs they needed the space. While size mattered in this respect, Marianne did wonder, even with her prowess as a stylist, how she was ever going to fill it. ‘We came from quite a small house before and it was slightly overwhelming when I thought about how we were going to make it work, but things just gradually began to evolve over the years,’ she says.

What has made this house become so magical is Marianne’s own instinctive creativity. While some of us – who like to think we appreciate the finer things in life – might be tempted to throw money at something beautiful, what she does is invest both her time and talent to achieve that look.

Take the first reception room, which

has been painted by her own fair hand on a whim. Enchanted by a detail of a watercolour of a rose that she found, she photocopied it, cut it out, transferred it to the wall, painting over and washing it. It was an experiment and she meant to stop there, but didn’t – and by the end of the day the whole room had been transformed into her very own rose garden, an effect that would have cost the rest of us a vast amount of money to achieve. In the hallway is a small brass sconce she thought looked a little tired as a result of its stained shades, but rather than trawl the antiques shops or even the internet to source new ones, she simply broke open a pot of green emulsion paint and took her brush to them. ‘It took all of 20 minutes,’ she says breezily. And when it comes to art, she has the same approach. Though there are some wonderful pieces in her house, she’ll admit that quite a lot of the works you see are just images that she has been drawn to, bought for a song, but cleverly framed.

‘The one good thing I’d say about renting your house out for shoots is that you can be a little freer when it comes to decoration,’ Marianne says. ‘Because I’m constantly having to move things around, remove pictures from the walls – even repaint them – or deal with the odd breakage, it keeps me on my toes and makes me see the house in a whole new light each time.’

“There isn't a nook or cranny in this house that doesn't catch your eye”

04 The bed is French and has been upholstered in a Chinoiserie fabric, and her bedside lamps are from Honoré Déco. The marble sink in the bedroom is original to the house.

05 The chandelier reflected in the mirror was made for Marianne by a sculptor in Brittany and the antique mirror itself is French.

Extract taken from Faded Glamour by Pearl Lowe, published by CICO Books (£19.99)

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LAKE RED

N AT U R A L

COLOURS Absolutely quizzes Andrea Hart, the Natural History Museum Library's Head of Special Collections, about the inspiration for Farrow & Ball's new colours

Q Tell us about Werner’s Nomenclature and its influence A The story of Werner’s Nomenclature starts in 1774 with a publication by influential German mineralogist Abraham Gottlob Werner, who sought to establish a classification system for the colours of minerals. Scottish painter Patrick Syme built off this original work, adding animal and vegetable examples and creating the text that’s still loved by scientists and artists today.

Previous colour charts had been designed for artists, while Syme’s publication established a standardised and common colour terminology that was designed to be portable for scientific fieldwork. It was most famously used by Charles Darwin on the 1831–36 voyage of HMS Beagle.

It’s also the charm of Werner’s Nomenclature that makes it so special, from its poetic names to the care taken in its preparation. Syme committed much time to ensuring his colour mixtures were stable, with each painted onto a sheet which was then cut up and the individual swatches pasted into every book for consistency.

VERDIGRIS GREEN

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Q Do you have a personal favourite colour in Werner’s Nomenclature?

A I like the references used for Skimmed Milk White – the White of the Human Eyeballs, Back of the Petals of Blue Hepatica and Common Opal – as they’re such a diverse but instantly relatable selection of objects. My favourite colour would have to be Orpiment Orange, as it reminds me of the psychedelic carpet in the Library.

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INTERIORS • XXXXXX

Werner sought to establish a classification system for the colours of minerals

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D U TC H O R A N G E

INTERIORS • COLOUR

IMPERIAL PURPLE

When you look, you'll find the sheer diversity of colour everywhere

Q What other exciting items have you encountered as Head of Special Collections?

A Oh gosh, there are too many to list! From my collections, there’s artwork from Captain Cook’s voyages and our oldest book – Pliny’s Naturalis Historia, which was published in 1469 – but there are some fascinating items in the specimen collections too. There’s a penguin egg collected by Apsley CherryGarrard from the Terra Nova expedition, and a giant dung beetle that spent its entire life from egg to adult entombed inside a ball of elephant dung that had been caked in wet mud and baked into clay.

More recently, I found myself standing next to one of the rib bones of Hope, the blue whale suspended in the Museum’s Hintze Hall, which was not only a very exciting but a most humbling experience.

Q Take us through a day in the life of a curator – what’s it like working with the Special Collections?

A During the considerable time I’ve worked with the Special Collections, it’s been very rare for any two days to be the same. The Museum Library contains some of the Museum’s most treasured items, from rare books, manuscripts and artwork to the official archives that document its history. My primary responsibility is the preservation and care of the collections, as well as their management, access, promotion and development.

Ultimately, it’s about sharing and interpreting what is held within the collections so that everyone can be inspired about the natural world. Even though I’ve worked with the collections for such a long time, I remain in awe of them and their continued relevance to the world.

Q What role does a resource like Werner’s Nomenclature play in a world where images can be captured in an instant? Can we still learn from it?

A I think there are many roles a resource like Werner’s Nomenclature can play both as a visual and physical historical entity, It functions as a lens to the past, helping us to understand and place in perspective how we arrived at where we are today and

SAP GREEN

how much dedication and research is still required, even with all of our technological advances. The standardisation of colour also remains just as important today, along with our long-standing relationship with nature and how we continue to use and be inspired by it on a daily basis.

Q Farrow and Ball is encouraging others to find their favourite examples of colour in nature. Do you have any tips for them?

A My daughter arrived home from school the other day with a rose petal, which she’d collected because of the incredible gradation of colour from hot pink through to dark red – once you start looking, you find the sheer diversity of colour everywhere.

You could set a challenge to see how many shades of a particular colour you can find – famed natural history artists the Bauer brothers had 200 shades of green in their palette. Another challenge might be to find something that is naturally blue (not including the sky or water) as it’s one of the rarest colours in nature. For a real challenge, take a copy of Werner’s book and see how many colour matches you can make from the pages.

The 16 new colours that make up the Colour by Nature collection are available at farrow-ball.com

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

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TRAVEL

SPICE TRAIL YTL HOTELS

From beach life on the east coast to the buzz of Kuala Lumpur, we traverse the Malaysian peninsular with YTL Hotels in search of the country's finest cuisine.

TANJONG JARA RESORT

Flavour trail: a culinary escapade through Malaysia 112 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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SUITE WING AT THE RITZ CARLTON

Flavours of

M A L AY S I A

From the historic riverbanks of Malacca to the bright lights of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is a feast for all senses.

Absolutely explores its culinary side.

B y H E L E N B R O W N

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TRAVEL • ASIA THE MAJESTIC MALACCA

WELCOME TEA AT THE MAJESTIC MALACCA

N

ever has the term ‘melting pot’ been more accurately applied to a destination than when it describes Malaysia.

It’s a potpourri of Asian cultures with a muddle of Malay people, Muslims, Chinese, Hindus and other ethnic majorities and minorities, aboriginal groups and indigenous people. Each has its own language and cultural practices which can be appreciated through a delicious variety of cuisines. From the Portugese influences in Malacca to the ocean-fresh sand cooking on the Peninsula’s east coast, the best way to get around is most definitely appetite first.

I N TO T H E JUNG LE

We arrive via Malaysia Airlines into Kuala Lumpur where a transfer whisks us off to our first port-of-call, Tanjong Jara Resort. Located on the pristine east coast of peninsular Malaysia, it’s surrounded by deeply embedded Malay culture. And the resort does its utmost to exhibit this with a designated staff member, the captivating Captain Mokh, tasked with giving guests an experience that is rich in age-old Malay traditions. He’s behind everything from the ancient practises that can be enjoyed in the spa village to the Taste of Terengganu event which takes centre stage in the gardens.

This weekly happening invites locals to

show off crafts and culinary specialties to the hotel guests. From the freshly pulled teh tarik tea to hot apam balik pancakes, the batik painting workshop and the traditional games, it offers a wonderful taste of village life in Terengganu.

The icing on Malaysia’s cake is the chance to encounter wildlife in its natural habitat. The most common sightings will be insects or colourful birdlife, but you could get lucky and spot a snake or a silvered leaf monkey. Guests of Tanjong Jara can get up close and personal with it all on a walk through the jungle surrounding the resort. Accompanied by Captain Mokh, who is clued up on a mind-boggling variety of biodiversity, this gentle walk includes a tour of the Malay herbal garden and a gentle climb up the steps of Jara Hill for a panoramic view of the coastline.

Captain Mokh is also behind installing many elements of culinary intrigue such as the age-old east coast tradition of sand cooking, also known as Bakar Ikan Bawah Pasir. This beach-side dining experience showcases the unique culinary style of Terengganu fishermen, cooking fresh seafood wrapped in banana leaves by burying them in sand and coconut husks over a charcoal fire.

Elsewhere, the resort does have actual

DELUXE ROOM AT THE RITZ CARLTON

ovens too, overseen by the infectiously cheery chef Ann, who serves a variety of Asian and western selections for breakfast and lunch in Nelayan restaurant, while seafood features heavily for dinner. She also commands a brigade of menu masters, experts in local cuisine, who will put on a superb feast using the freshest of ingredients from that morning’s market run. Guests take a seat at a menu-less table and are served whatever chef deems they’ll enjoy most from the produce available and the kitchen’s repertoire of typically Malay cuisine. We enjoy a whole red snapper, a comforting bowl of prawns cooked in coconut milk and a tangy beef rendang.

URBAN JU N G L E

From the actual jungle to the dense urban jungle that is Malaysia’s capital, our trip takes us back to Kuala Lumpur where we check into The Ritz Carlton. The iconic hotel brand has snapped up an enviable location with this one, just steps away from the skyscrapers of the city’s Golden Triangle and a 20-minute walk from the Petronas Towers. It’s an ideal base for exploring the capital that is a seeming contradiction between old and new. Gleaming 21stcentury towers stand cheek-to-cheek with colonial shophouses and green spaces, while shoppers shuttle from traditional wet markets to air-conditioned super malls.

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TRAVEL • ASIA TANJONG JARA RESORT

ANJUNG ROOM AT TANJONG JARA RESORT

A Chinese temple sits next to a Dutch clog shop, next to a Portugese bakery and a Malaysian flower shop Here, there and everywhere are staples of Malaysian society and culture that continue to underpin this advanced metropolis.

A visit to Lot 10 Hutong is a must for serious gourmands. This giant subterranean food hall pays tribute to local delicacies with each of the 33 eateries distinguishable for a different regional dish. Expect some of the best dim sum, roast duck and beef noodles in the country, not least the capital.

Back at The Ritz Carlton, the culinary offering runs the gamut from an unmatched breakfast buffet and quintessential afternoon tea to fine dining at The Library and a lively Sunday roast. Dinner in the Library is a particularly lovely affair: meticulously presented plate after plate forms the tasting menu, showcasing a spectacularly refined rendition of Malaysian MALACCA

cooking we’d yet to experience on the trip.

The kitchen team take classic Malaysian ingredients and tend to them with French flair to create dishes such as lightly seared bonito fish with soy jelly and freshly grated wasabi, and mille feuille with a yam filling.

A RELIC OF GRAN DEUR

A visit to Unesco World Heritage site, Malacca will throw up yet more European influence. Founded in 1400, this port on the west coast of the Malay Peninsula established independent relations with China and dominated the straits to control the China-India maritime trade. Over time, the port adopted Islam and was a catalyst in the rapid spreading of the religion throughout Malaysia. This thriving port represented a golden age of self-rule, creating a matrix for modern day Malay culture —a blend of indigenous Malay and imported Indian and Islamic elements. Then, with the intrusion of the European colonial powers, Malacca underwent Portugese, Dutch and British rule, the influences of which are still present today. Every turn in this tiny town has a point of interest: wall murals, coloured archways, eccentric tiling, mosaic flooring or quirky window shutters. Each street is lined with a random assortment of shops selling everything from woven furniture and ceramics to fresh coconuts and Chinese lanterns. Buildings - no two share the same design - sit side by side like rows of cramped teeth; a grand Chinese temple next to a Dutch clog shop next to a Portugese bakery next to a Malaysian flower shop.

A short stroll from this Liberace dreamscape is the Majestic Malacca hotel.

It sits on its namesake river, which once teemed with Chinese junks and spiceladen vessels. A relic of grandeur, this restored 1920s mansion is an exemplar of heritage architecture with porcelain tile flooring and teakwood fittings.

All meals are taken in the hotel’s restaurant, The Mansion, overlooking the river. For breakfast and lunch it’s a variety of dishes based on the Malaccan

cultural heritage known as Kristang - fiery sambals, comforting stews and fragrant coconut curries - while dinner is the perfect opportunity to try the hotel’s gin pairing menu. Stuffed squid is expertly paired with a silky clover club cocktail, spiced lamb is matched with a delicious chocolate negroni, and a lemon polenta cake tastes divine with the gin espresso martini that has been given a citrus twist.

To see the chefs work their magic in person, book yourself onto a private cooking class. A kitchen station is set up outside and we’re taught how to whip up a spicy prawn curry and a fragrant aubergine side, which we enjoy later for lunch in the restaurant.

Our last culinary stop off is the Majestic Malacca’s famous afternoon tea. Served in the hotel’s gorgeous Colonial-style lounge, we fill up on Peranakan treats, characterised by their complex, labour intensive methods, and British tea time classics, which serve very well to induce a contented food coma for the flight home.

Y T L H OT E L S Nightly rates at YTL Hotels’ Tanjong Jara Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur and The Majestic Malacca start from £270. Visit ytlhotels.com • Malaysia Airlines flies twice daily direct between London and Kuala Lumpur onboard the new Airbus A350 and onwards to the rest of Malaysia. Book via any Malaysia Airlines participating travel agent or visit malaysiaairlines.com

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

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25/10/2019 16:30 14:49 02/10/2019

KIDS & EDUCATION • NOTES

OH MY

BOOK FOCUS

REIMA

Mini fans of the much-loved Finnish storybook characters will love the new Reima X The Moomins collaboration.

As practical as it is cute, the collection includes jackets, wellies and lots of great jersey pieces – designed for real-life adventures. reima.com

OUR PLANET

SMALL TALK Woodlands, Moomins, chess and planet talk

GROWING TALL ST E L L A M C CA R T N E Y

Stella McCartney’s new collection focuses on the important topic of deforestation.

It aims to inspire kids to take care of our woodlands with the slogan ‘Plant for the Planet’. stellamccartney.com

J

ust published is an impressive new book to accompany Netflix's Our Planet series. This exquisite visual celebration of the natural world combines extraordinary photography from the show with stunning illustrations from acclaimed artist Richard Jones. Lose yourself in icy landscapes, dense jungles and barren deserts. Learn about how every habitat, and the plants and creatures living there, interconnect in a completely fascinating way to create the one place we all call home, our planet. This beautifully written and informative read, perfectly suited for children of all ages, is a call to action to save our world coupled with an ultimate message of hope that will resonate with all the family. Printed using environmentally sustainable materials, this is the perfect gift for children the world over to treasure forever. £20 harpercollins.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

CHECK MATE

GO WILD

V I L AC

N O B O D I N OZ

Thinking caps on! It’s time for King Lion and Queen Tiger to lead their cool cats to battle in this cute wooden chess set, designed by Swedish illustrator Ingela P Arrhenius. A great introduction to an intellectually nourishing pastime; £29;

With the amazing Lion cushion, the king of the savanna will chair in your children's bedroom. Nobidinoz produced a gorgeous collection of characterful animal cushions. Lion cushion in mustard, £32

 bobbyrabbit.co.uk

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

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EDUCATION • NEWS

School

NEWS Success stories from the world of education Wo r d s A B B I E S C H O F I E L D

F O R E ST S C H O O L In September 2019, Thornton College in Buckinghamshire maximised its 25 acres of grounds by launching its Forest School and outdoor learning Eco Park, complete with fire pit and discovery pond. This stimulating environment provides endless opportunities to make theoretical concepts real and relevant, be it using a clinometer to measure Thornton’s tallest tree or exploring nature through the seasons.

Bear Hut Longacre School in Shamley Green, Surrey has opened a new wellbeing space for pupils and staff as part of the school’s focus on mental health. The ‘Bear Hut’, so called after the bear that features in the school’s logo, opened at the start of the term and is already proving popular with Longacre pupils. It provides a safe, quiet, environment used for counselling, speech therapy, occupational therapy, Mindfulness Club, art therapy and more.

M I N D YO U R MANNERS

CHORAL SUCCESS

After 12 successful years of hosting children’s afternoon tea parties, Betty Blythe Vintage tea room in Brook Green is now on tour to local schools. Providing an educational experience in the art of afternoon tea, children sit at vintage china-laden tables and enjoy sandwiches and scones fit for royalty, all whilst learning about teatime etiquette and the history of the muchloved traditional brew.

A talented music scholar from Oakham School has been invited to join the elite National Youth Chamber Choir – an accolade usually given to those who are beginning their professional singing careers, not to school pupils. William won a place in the National Youth Choir of Great Britain earlier this year and is one of only 16 singers invited to join the prestigious choir.

New House Sevenoaks has officially opened its new boarding house, Aisher House, for boys aged 13 –18 years. The striking building brings new character to its international boarding community and provides a home from home for 60 Middle and Upper School boys. The house is named after one of the school’s great benefactors Jack Aisher, who was a local businessman and philanthropist and school Governor from 1964 to 1986.

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“Across the show’s 48 series finals, only 10 have been between two non-Oxbridge institutions” P O L LY S M Y T H E D I S C U S S I N G U N I V E R S I T Y C H A L L E N G E

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EDUCATION • NEWS Move It Monday

TEAM BUILDING Year 7 and Year 12 students at Farringtons School, Kent, enjoyed a fantastic team building day at the beginning of term.

The students completed a series of mental and physical challenges in small groups aimed at helping improved communication, increased collaboration and integrating new and existing students.

All the students agreed the day boosted their confidence to build long-lasting relationships with their peers.

To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week in October, Bredon School showcased a number of its wellbeing and physical health initiatives including ‘Move it Monday’, which sees every pupil taking part in a 50-minute physical activity first thing on Monday morning to ‘wake the week’ including: mindfulness, yoga, and gardening. Bredon also showed off the 11 resident school dogs which help to create a positive environment for pupils and staff.

“Abolishing excellence never got anyone anywhere. Harnessing it is another matter” S I M O N H E N D E R S O N , H E A D O F E TO N CO L L EG E

Top Story

CHINESE SCHOOL

C H R I ST M A S CA B A R E T On 6-7 December, Bede’s Senior School will host its annual glittering cabaret event. A highly-anticipated date in the school calendar, the black-tie evening is a spectacle of music and dance that showcases Bede’s pupils’ extraordinary talents on the stage and behind the scenes. Guests will be treated to a three-course meal in a sparkling ‘winter wonderland’ dinner-and-dance venue.

CCF Girls This month marks 40 years since the first girls entered the Wellington College Combined Cadet Force, in 1979. They were only permitted to join the Royal Naval section, as this was "better able to accept them”. Today, all sections of the CCF are open to girls and, this year, the senior cadets in the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force sections are all female.

“Today, all sections of the CCF are open to girls and this year, the senior cadets are all female”

Merchiston Castle School, a Scottish independent school, has opened an institution in China. In a report for the TES, Jonathan Anderson, the school’s Head, has suggested the new revenue stream will “support the bursary pot that allows us to create access for boys from a variety of backgrounds”.

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

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An ‘Excellent’ rated, vibrant and supportive school community, set in 220 acres of

beautiful North Yorkshire Countryside.

We welcome day

students from 3 months

to 19 years and boarders

from 6 years to 19 years.

The No.1 independent

secondary school in the North of England (QE College).

Sunday Times Schools Guide 2019

Academic, sport, music and drama scholarships available for students in Years 7 to 13.

Visit us at the Independent Schools Show in London

9-10 November - STAND 553

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate “To be the best that I can, with the gifts that I have.” www.qe.org | admissions@qe.org | 01423 333330 | York YO26 9SS

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EDUCATION • NEWS Hockey Final Bancroft’s U18 girls’ hockey team have seen a great term.

They defended their Essex title, scoring 21 goals, and in the East Regional Play Offs, they faced teams from Kent, Hertfordshire, Suffolk and Norfolk. The girls then won the final against Saffron Walden High School, earning Bancroft a place in the Regional Finals. They progress to the Finals undefeated in eight matches without conceding a single goal.

Wellbeing Award

D R A M AT I C SOCIETY

In March 2019, it was announced that Bethany School was in the top 2% of schools for progress at A-level and had also achieved the National Wellbeing Award for Schools. Bethany School’s community focuses on kindness, tolerance and respect, which they say has improved pupils' progress and was a significant factor in winning the award.

Mayfield School has relaunched the prestigious Caedmon Dramatic Society that has nurtured the talent of many famous names over the years, including Caroline Goodall (Schindler’s List) and Fenella Woolgar (Call the Midwife), on their journey to success.

The first play that the newlyformed Caedmon will perform is Jean Anouilh’s adaptation of Sophocles’ tragedy, ‘Antigone’.

“Bethany School's community focuses on kindness, tolerance and respect”

NEW HEAD Dulwich Prep in London has appointed a new Head, Miss Louise Davidson, the school’s first female Headteacher in its 134 year history. Miss Davidson, an experienced Head and Executive Principal across both independent and state co-education, has detailed knowledge of working with children from six weeks old to lecturing at universities, and in a government advisory capacity. She began officially in September.

“Free schools should be set up in white, working-class neighbourhoods” DAV I D L AW S , C H A I R M A N O F T H E E D U C AT I O N P O L I C Y I N S T I T U T E

Top Story

FRESH AIR Parents are being asked to sign a tree-climbing waiver at Beaudesert Park School.

The School, which sits amidst glorious Cotswolds countryside, places huge importance on fresh air fun and learning from nursery upwards; parents who decamp from London report noticing the more relaxed pace of life. As well as den-making and tree-climbing, the school boasts two proper Forest School zones and an outdoor adventure playground.

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EDUCATION • NEWS Centenar y Celebrations

PA R A LY M P I A N VISIT Children, staff and parents at Banstead Prep School were thrilled to welcome Paralympian, World Champion and Strictly Come Dancing 2018 star Lauren Steadman for the official unveiling of the school's new Sports Pavilion.

Lauren met with children from across the school and passed around her silver Paralympic medal before cutting the ribbon on the brand new sports facilities.

To celebrate 100 years of providing outstanding training in the performing arts, ArtsEd had a host of performances from alumni – including star of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at The Palladium, Jac Yarrow, who sang, ‘Close Every Door’. The Centenary year will also see the launch of exciting alumni videos, celebrating the many successes ArtsEd has achieved throughout the years.

“One is likely to be the 'Stormzy effect'” G R A H A M V I R G O, CA M B R I D G E ’ S S E N I O R P R O -V I C E - C H A N C E L L O R O N T H E R E A S O N S F O R G R O W I N G N U M B E R S O F B L AC K A P P L I C A N T S

T H I S G I R L CA N As part of a vision to further develop girls’ sport at Pangbourne College, three international sportswomen visited recently to inspire its pupils. England Hockey players Erica Sanders and Ellie Rayer visited on separate occasions, whilst GB rower Vicky Thornley took time to coach a session and speak with girls in one of their boarding houses. The future for girls’ sports at this co-educational school is bright.

Top Story

OX B R I D G E SCHOLARSHIP Kingsley School Bideford are are offering up to 10 full scholarships to Oxbridge universities for September 2020. The programme, which started in September 2019, will be open to both day and boarding pupils in Year 12.

Acceptance on to the Kingsley Oxbridge Programme is subject to school reports, 8s and 9s at GCSE, and an interview by the Headmaster, Mr Pete Last.

Enrichment prog ramme Durston House, an Independent boys’ school in West London, has launched a new enrichment programme as part of a revised curriculum.

The aim of the programme is to enhance critical thinking and to develop new life skills.

Activities include cooking, philosophy, yoga, engineering and debating to name a few. Durston House hopes that these new skills and experiences will benefit the boys and provide them with a well-rounded education.

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EDUCATION & KIDS • OPINION

QUEEN ETHELBURGA'S PUPILS

HOME

How Queen Ethelburga’s College supports boarding pupils

S

B y K E V I N O L D E R S H AW

et in over 220 acres of beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, Queen Ethelburga’s has provided students with a vibrant and supportive school community since 1912. We pride ourselves on giving all of our students a welcoming environment within which they can flourish.

We believe every student is unique; they all have their own talents, abilities and interests, their own hopes and dreams for the future.

From the moment our students arrive, staff will get to know them, help them to settle into campus life, and build relationships that will be invaluable during their time with us.

By understanding what interests, motivates and inspires our students we can make recommendations

and provide guidance on the best pathway to their individual success.

We encourage our students to be aspirational, to aim for the best possible grades, to move onto the highest-ranking universities and most rewarding careers. We aim to build intellectual curiosity, independence and self-discipline in our learners, equipping them for their future learning.

Decisions about the future can be daunting for students. Whether it be about which university to attend, which course to study or which career is right for them, the advice and guidance available throughout all Key Stages ensures that students are always well-informed to make the right choices for them.

Visits to, and visiting speakers from, universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, King’s College

“From the moment students arrive, staff get to know them”

FAR FROM

London, Exeter and Bath, give students the most up-to-date information. Our annual Careers Fair, bringing in over 40 exhibitors representing universities, employers, apprenticeship providers and the armed forces, is the largest in the area, and is attended by all QE students from Year 7 upwards.

One of our boarding pupils from the class of 2019 said: "I spent a lovely two years at QE and now I am reading Economics at the University of Cambridge. I did A-level Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics and Economics and won two Gold Certificates from The Senior Mathematics Challenge, a Certificate of Qualification from The Senior Kangaroo Challenge and a Certificate of Distinction from The British Mathematical Olympiad Round One. I am grateful for all the support I had - all my teachers taught me well and supported me throughout.”

Through a combination of excellent teaching, bespoke curricula and experienced guidance, academic results for students at QE are strong across both Key Stages 4 and 5. In 2019, students in the College achieved 80% A*/A at A-level and 92% A*/B. Faculty results were 70% A*/A and 93% A*/B. With outcomes such as these, the future opportunities for students are outstanding. They enjoy enormous success in gaining offers from prestigious universities. Each year, students at the Collegiate go on to study courses in Engineering, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Business, Finance, Architecture and Economics, to name a few. Their university choices include Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London, London School of Economics and Political Science, Durham University and the University of Hong Kong.

KEVIN OLDERSHAW

Head of College Queen Ethelburga's College

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

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KIDS & EDUCATION • ADVICE

MAIDA VALE SCHOOL

SU P P O RT INDEP END ENC E Early in their first year, our pupils will go on a residential trip to Devon. This is a valuable opportunity to establish a child's independence and confidence.

B O ND WIT H FEL LOW PARENTS

THE BIG

MOV E

The Headmaster of Maida Vale School provides tips for Year 6 parents

By STEVEN WINTER

A

t Maida Vale School, with new pupils coming from a wide variety of schools, a great effort will be made to help pupils settle in. Here is some advice for families during the transition from primary to secondary school.

IN VOLV E YOUR C H I L D

Take time to speak to them about what they want from a school; do they want to remain with friends or experience a new challenge?

Go to open days together to make an informed choice.

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TA K E PA RT IN TAST E R S E SSIO NS

Where possible, encourage your child to take part in taster sessions to help with the orientation process.

This will help ensure that the school will be a good fit for them, especially for those starting at non-standard points in the year.

TA K E PA RT IN INDU CT IO N O P P O RT U N IT IE S

Once our pupils have accepted their places with us, we quickly offer induction days for team building and familiarisation in the terms before they join the school community.

“Take opportunities to connect with fellow new parents”

MAIDA VALE PUPILS

The early social events are important as it allows parents to form useful links. One of the keys to success with this transition is to minimise the anxiety around making friends.

Take opportunities to connect with fellow new parents and set up playdates and sleep-overs for your children to get to know each other before they start school.

Also, consider joining the school’s PTA or friends association.

STAY INFO RMED

At Maida Vale School, we offer a new parent evening in the first few weeks of the year - a presentation ranging from IT safety and school reports to grades and daily routines. We also introduce parents to the Heads of Department for each subject.

ENSU RE YO U R CHILD IS WEL L RE ST ED

The term of a new school will be full of opportunities but change is mentally tiring. Children need plenty of rest at weekends so that they are fresh for the start of each new week.

At Maida Vale School, we put the child at the heart of every decision.

Our approach ensures that students will settle in quickly, make friends and make good academic progress.

MAIDA VALE SCHOOL Opening September 2020 maidavaleschool.com

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KIDS & EDUCATION • BOOKS

WE LOVE

This month’s colourful new releases to enjoy with your little one Wo r d s A B B I E S C H O F I E L D

Art Attack Y V E S K L E I N PA I N T E D E V E R Y T H I N G B L U E A N D WA S N ’ T S O R R Y

By Fausto Gilberti

One day, pop art painter Yves Klein decided he would only use the colour blue. Now, he is one of the twentieth century’s best known modern artists and this depiction of Klein’s life is accompanied by rather sweet minimalist black line illustrations and, of course, lots of blue. Perfect for reading aloud, this witty and quirky book will both inform and inspire.  phaidon.com

ANIMAL LOVERS E X T I N C T: A N I L L U S T R AT E D E X P L O R AT I O N O F A N I M A L S T H AT N O L O N G E R E X I S T

By Lucas Riera

Packed with exciting stories, engaging history and stunning graphics, this visual exploration of extinct animals will teach children about past species, whilst explaining what we can do to protect the planet now. phaidon.com

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KIDS & EDUCATION • BOOKS

MUST READ

MAGICAL MIST THE MIST MONSTER

By Kirsti Beautyman

Penny doesn’t like her new house – but then she bumps into Morris, a friendly, fluff y monster made of mist. They form an unlikely friendship and embark on a magical adventure, beautifully depicted in Beautyman’s enchanting artwork.

scholastic.co.uk

HEY DUDE

All the

FEELS

LIT TLE U N ICOR N I S ANG RY LITTLE UNICORN IS SAD

By Aurelie Chien Chow Chine

These little books aim to help kids deal with big emotions through the character of Little Unicorn. With charming and expressive illustrations, the Little Unicorn books are ideal for reading aloud together and practising the ‘Teach Yourself Calm Breathing Techniques’ that are included to help your children manage their tempers and other difficult emotions.  mombooks.com

HEY GRANDUDE!

By Paul McCartney

Lyrical legend Paul McCartney has penned his debut children’s book inspired by his experiences as a grandfather. But the eponymous Grandude is no ordinary grandad - he’s a magical intrepid explorer and takes his grandchildren on action-packed adventures.  penguinrandomhouse. co.uk

TWINKLE

TWINKLE T H E S TA R I N T H E F O R E S T

By Helen Kellock

Sisters Pip and Maisie are staying at their grandparents’ cottage in Scotland when a shining light falls from the sky – the girls venture into the forest to find out more. This atmospheric story about imagination, discovery and magic is made even more evocative thanks to Helen Kellock’s distinctive watercolour illustrations.  thamesandhudson.com

PA RT Y H A I R MY HAIR

By Hannah Lee

This warm and cheerful story of one girl’s search for the best party hair shows the excitement of getting ready for a celebration with family.

A self-esteem boosting book, the illustrations by Allen Fatimaharan encourage feelings of joy around diverse types of hair.  faber.co.uk

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PROPERTY

STORMONT ROAD SW11

£1,295,000

his sunning four bedroom house off Clapham Common Northside comprises briefly: double reception room with French doors, large eat-in kitchen, two bathrooms, four bedrooms, extensive basement and generous mature rear garden. This house has been meticulously looked after and updated by its current owners over the decades creating a perfect blend of original and contemporary decor.

T

FEATHERSTONE LEIGH Battersea 020 7228 2278 battersea.sales@featherstoneleigh.co.uk

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Homes to buy in Wimbledon.

Ernle Road, Wimbledon SW20 Handsome period house featuring a large and wonderful garden with Southerly aspect.

• • •

1

Large master bedroom suite Principal rooms overlook the garden Approximately 3,838 sq ft

6

4

4

1

Diana looks forward to helping you. diana.wormal@knightfrank.com 020 8115 9703

Guide price £3,175,000

Courthope Road, Wimbledon SW19 A most attractive period semi-detached house in this sought-after road in Wimbledon Village.

• • •

1

Fantastic open-plan kitchen/family room Super rear garden mainly laid to lawn Approximately 2,509 sq ft

5

2

2

2

Dominic looks forward to helping you. dominic.pasqua@knightfrank.com 020 8115 9703

Guide price £3,350,000

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

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent and the deposit, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property (if not an AST). (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) If the landlord agrees to you having a pet, you may be required to pay a higher deposit (if not an AST) or higher weekly rent (if an AST). Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees.

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Homes to rent in Homes to rent in Wandsworth.

Wandsworth.

11 3

2

2

3 2 2 Eland Road, Battersea, SW11 A wonderfully presented, naturally bright home with amazing outdoor space, located in the sought-after Shaftsbury Estate. This property is arranged over 4 floors and offers a good balance of living and entertaining space throughout.

A wonderfully presented, naturally bright home with amazing outdoor space, •located Private in garden the sought-after Shaftsbury Estate. This property is arranged over 4 •floors Beautiful and open offersviews a good balance of living and entertaining space throughout.

• Recently refurbished • Private garden • Beautiful open views • Recently Guide pricerefurbished

Eland Road, Battersea, SW11

Harry Anthony looks forward to helping you. harry.anthony@knightfrank.com Harry Anthony looks 020 3667 to 6757 forward helping you. harry.anthony@knightfrank.com 020 3667 6757

£920

per week Guide price

£920

per week

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

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent and the deposit, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property (if not an AST).knightfrank.co.uk (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) If the landlord agrees to you having a pet, you may be required to pay a higher deposit (if not an AST) or higher weekly rent (if an AST). Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.

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

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent and the deposit, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property (if not an AST). (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) If the landlord agrees to you having a pet, you may be required to pay a higher deposit (if not an AST) or higher weekly rent (if an AST). Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www. knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees.

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BAKERY PLACE, LONDON Breath-taking three bedroom converted apartment boasting a perfect blend of contemporary and original features to create a showpiece home for any discerning buyer. The property comprises; two large double bedrooms with en-suite, a third study/bedroom also with en-suite, a large kitchen ‘dining space which extends to a west facing reception room flooded with natural light, additional utility room and storage throughout.

Located a short walk from Northcote Road and Clapham Junction, positioned on Altenburg Gardens the property is perfectly located.

GUIDE PRICE

ÂŁ1,450,000

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BATTERSEA 020 7228 2278

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Chiswick Hammersmith West Kensington Fulham Chelsea

Battersea Clapham Putney Barnes Richmond

Kew Sheen Twickenham Teddington Kingston

featherstoneleigh.co.uk

GRAYSHOTT ROAD, LONDON A well-presented two double bedroom apartment within the charming surroundings of the Shaftesbury Conversation area. The property comprises: a generous open plan kitchen reception area at the front of the house, with two bedrooms and a large shower room at the rear. The property is close to Clapham Junction Station, the amenities of Northcote Road and neatly sandwiched between Battersea Park and the Commons.

GUIDE PRICE

ÂŁ525,000

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PROMOTION

EASY BUY First-time buying is made more manageable with SO Resi

I

f you’d love to buy a home in Clapham but never dreamed you could afford to do so, it might come as a surprise to hear that you could purchase a new shared ownership home at SO Resi Clapham Park with a deposit of less than £6,000. This is a snip compared with the findings of a Halifax report* which stated that on average, first-time buyers in London are coughing up a deposit of more than £110,000.

Through shared ownership, you buy an initial share in a home which can be as little as 25 per cent but no more than 75 per cent. You just need a deposit of between five to ten per cent of the share you buy, which is much lower than paying a deposit on the full price. You then take out a mortgage to cover the rest of your share and pay SO Resi a monthly rent payment on the share you do not own.

“Our free rent incentive is an extra saving” 144

In addition to low deposits at SO Resi Clapham Park, SO Resi is offering a special incentive of free rent for six months from the date of legal completion, for homebuyers who reserve a one or two-bedroom apartment before 25th October 2019.

Buying through shared ownership does not mean sacrificing high quality. The contemporary apartments feature large bedrooms, a stylish open-plan living area and private balcony or terrace. Fully fitted kitchens, sleek bathrooms, oak flooring and double-glazed windows are examples of the high standard of these homes.

Esaiyas Mollallegn, Head of Marketing at Metropolitan Thames Valley, comments: “We know how difficult it is to buy a home in London, especially for first-time buyers, and it’s our mission to make it easier. With shared ownership the deposit is much lower than if you buy outright and our free rent incentive is an extra saving to help homebuyers, perhaps meaning they can afford furniture and other necessities for their new home.”

Located close to the buzz of Clapham High Street, Brixton, Balham and Streatham, with a wealth of shops, bars and restaurants nearby, SO Resi Clapham Park is part of an

ambitious £1.6 billion regeneration that is transforming an 81-acre site into a series of new neighbourhoods set in ample green space. The scheme will include retail and community facilities, a new school and nursery.

Sustainability is at the heart of the design. Parks, gardens and play areas, together with new walking, jogging and cycling routes make SO Resi Clapham Park a wonderful place to enjoy a relaxing and healthy lifestyle.

Transport links from the development and across London are very good.

Clapham South, on the Northern Line, is within a 20-minute walk and trains reach Victoria and Oxford Circus in around 20 minutes. From Clapham Junction there are quick travel connections across the City and direct trains to Waterloo and Victoria take around ten minutes.

Prices for a one-bedroom apartment at Clapham Park start at £117,250 for a 25 per cent share (full market price £469,000), a five per cent deposit of just £5,862.50 is needed.

To find out more or to arrange a viewing of the showhome, contact the sales team on 0208 607 0550 or visit sharedownership.co.uk

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

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Clapham Park Making home ownership possible

Computer generated image, for illustrative purposes only.

PERFECTLY PLACED SO Resi Clapham Park is a contemporary collection of apartments set in the village-like neighbourhood of Clapham Park, with easy access to Clapham, Brixton and Balham.

Prices from £106,750 for a 25% share*

Search SO Resi Clapham Park

Call to book a viewing

020 8607 0550

By Metropolitan Thames Valley

*For a 25% share, based on the full value of £427,000 – 5% deposit from less than £6,000.

Details correct at time of issue October 2019. Eligibility and income criteria will apply.

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country house town house period house modern house dream house moving house?

Estate agency has moved on. house. is different We know people are starting to consider online only estate agents, but still want the reassurance of face-to-face help from local experts.

You get both with us, because we provide that personal service without expensive high street locations that customers have to pay for.

We also go further to ensure your property and the lifestyle it enables is shown in the best possible light.

Sumptuous photography and video, and a contemporary web experience not only shows buyers how your home looks, but how it feels to live there. It’s the new, innovative way to add value when selling your house.

The premium online estate agency.

London, Surrey and Sussex 0800 917 0447 info@housepartnership.co.uk

housepartnership.co.uk

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