Absolutely Chiswick & West & Richmond June 2019 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

CHISWICK

ABSOLUTELY Chiswick West & Richmond

LIBERTY PRINTS

JUNE 2019 / Â£3.95

New designs, new designers

Holiday SPECIAL J U N E 2019

Summer activities in London and beyond

ALDO ZILLI

In the

The authentic Italian chef

PINK ST YLISH LOOKS FOR R A C I N G AT A S C O T

ZEST.LONDON

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The heart wants what the heart wants. Discover rural homes with sea views using keyword search.

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ROSEMONT ROAD, RICHMOND A well-presented family home located on one of the most popular residential roads in Richmond within the Vineyard catchment zone. The house is finished to a high standard throughout with off street parking and private outdoor space. The house has five bedrooms, a family bathroom and separate downstairs WC, spacious reception room and a further dining area leading to the kitchen. EPC = F

ASKING PRICE

ÂŁ1,575,000

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Chiswick Hammersmith West Kensington Fulham Chelsea

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ELMERS DRIVE, TEDDINGTON A substantial Edwardian family house in a quiet private road, close to the High Street & in catchment for Collis School. It has nearly 2,500sq ft internal space with five doubles & three bathrooms. EPC = D

ASKING PRICE

£1,275,000

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents

JUNE 2019

116 C U LT U R E 12 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 68 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

16 AGENDA

71 THE JET-SET

10 things we’re coveting this month

Diary dates for June

23 ROLL UP, ROLL UP Giffords Circus is back in town

This month's best beauty buys

Must-have holiday products

INTERIORS 80 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

FOOD & DRINK 28 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

32 RECIPES

72 HOUSE IN BLOOM Lovely vases for summer bouquets

News from the industry

Vibrant dishes from Andalusia

FA S H I O N 48 AFRICAN SOUL

The Shop at Bluebird celebrates African design

60 RACING STYLE What to wear to Ascot

News and views from the world of design

86 PATTERN CUTS The latest from Liberty's Open Call

T R AV E L 116 BEACH LIFE

The beautiful Cornish coast

K I D S & E D U C AT I O N 123 SMALL TALK

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

ON THE COVER ROYAL ASCOT STYLE GUIDE Hat: philiptreacy.co.uk £1,350; Dress: suzannah.com £2,850 Shoes: malonesouliers.com £475

All your tots could ever want

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RESTORING AND REPLACING TIMBER WINDOWS AND DOORS

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

Conservation Area and Period Property Specialists

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

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

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

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

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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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PRINT RUNS

Editor’s

Liberty's new fabric designs and their designers page 86

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S June issue highlights

une is here and the summer is officially underway. Everyone is ready for the new season's fashion – many people have been braving the bare leg for some time already, but really the bare leg only legitimately starts now. One place where legs take on added significance is at Ascot, specifically in the Royal Enclosure, where skirt length is of huge importance and you won't be allowed in if you get it wrong. The message is: not too much leg, effectively. Even trouser-wearers need to be careful, since ankles are frowned upon: trousers must be full length and not cropped. And then of course there are the hat requirements. At Absolutely we are fascinated with Ascot fashion – in this issue we look at trends for 2019 as well as the history of outfits for the races. More style in this issue comes from Liberty, which has launched a new collection of prints chosen from thousands of entries to an open call. The new designs are varied and distinct, yet each fits with the distinctive Liberty aesthetic. We look at the prints and their designers in this issue – plus we have an interview with Aldo Zilli (who has taught me how to make pasta), a travel report from Arizona, a roundup of summer holiday activities and some ideas for upgrading your bedroom. Enjoy the magazine.

5 4

TASTES OF SPAIN

Andalusian recipes from Jose Pizzaro. page 32

CHARMED LIFE

Pretty charms are our current obsession. These tiny shells are by Harry Rocks. page 59

GIFFORDS CIRCUS

Our favourite circus is back with a new show: Xanadu page 23

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

3 IN THE MIX

Celebrating 100 years of KitchenAid with a new mixer in glossy red. page 80

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

LITER ARY SOCI ET Y Chinti & Parker’s AW19 collection takes inspiration from Charleston House, a country retreat frequented by The Bloomsbury Set. The colour palette is taken directly from the house, while monochromatic looks in rich pink, purple and emerald green showcase new tailoring. chintiandparker.com

EYE SPY Coral has made it into our cosmetic bags with Nars’ limited edition Skin Deep palette. Go from subtle to smoky with rich mattes, lustrous shimmers and smouldering metallic shadows. £56; selfridges.com

LOVE S EAT Make a statement with the Païpaï loveseat. This stylish, modern lounge chair is inspired by the delicate art of Origami and features generous proportions and plush upholstery. Wonderfully comfortable, it fuses Japanese ideologies with effortless French styling. POA; ligne-roset.com

GEOMETRY CLASS Inspired by early 20th century Kubism, Nicholai Wiigh Hansen transforms geometrical shapes into functional everyday objects like this pottery collection in vibrant orange. From £75; raawii.dk

H E L E N B R OW N

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES COT TO N TALE S Johnstons of Elgin fabrics and woven accessories showcase exceptional craftsmanship and unique finishing techniques. Made from Sea Island cotton and cashmere in light pastels, it’s our go-to for spring and summer’s hero basics. johnstonsofelgin.com

G L A S S WO R KS For 2019, Pantone’s Colour of the Year is the gorgeous Living Coral; dip a toe into the trend with the subtly-hued Rowan glass pendant light. £469.60; bespokelights.co.uk

S AT I N T O U C H Miista founder Laura Villasenin adheres to an algorithm of sculptural shapes, rich colours and understated detailing in each design. Pair these burnt orange satin mules with a patterned midi skirt. £175; harveynichols.com

EDITOR’S PICK

STYLE ICON A dress instantly recognisable, not only for the iconic logo, but for the sophisticated silhouette and contemporary design we love from Fendi. £1,190; farfetch.com

TA S S E L F E V E L Use Beaumonde’s tasseled coral cushion to add a gradient effect in the living room. £59; beaumonde.co.uk

SHUT EYE Catch your Zzz’s in style with the Peachy Keen silk eye mask from Slip. The elasticated band is gentle and covered in fabric so you won’t wake up with creased hair. £50; net-a-porter.com

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

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C U LT U R E

LIMITED-EDITION ART DECO POSTER BY PULLMAN EDITIONS. OVER 100 DESIGNS AT £395 EACH. PULLMANEDITIONS.COM

What’s On 16 • V&A Illustration Awards 18 • Giffords Circus 23 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

T H E AT R E

The Importance of Being Earnest 5-23 June TA B A R D T H E AT R E With a cast of eight, this new and uproarious production breathes life into one of the most immaculately crafted stage comedies of all time. Oscar Wilde’s timeless play will take you on a jovial joyride of double lives and double entendres as town and country collide, throwing love, logic and language into the air. 2 Bath Road, Chiswick, W4; tabardtheatre.co.uk

T H E AT R E

SUMMER SLAM 17 JU NE • Q U E STO R’S

The Diversity and Inclusion Group are producing an evening for actors to showcase their talents through a set of unique monologue performances. With a diverse series of performances and live music, the event is sure to be entertainin for all. What's more, it's free - just turn up on the door and enjoy an evening of new talent. 12 Mattock Lane, Ealing, W5; questors.org.uk

T H E AT R E

Noises Off From 27 June LY R I C H A M M E R S M I T H Premiering in 1982, Michael Frayn’s play quickly became recognised as an iconic British comedy. 37 years later, Noises Off returns with technical brilliance and split-second timing. It takes us behind the scenes with a company of actors in a hilarious and heartfelt tribute to the unpredictability of life in the theatre. Lyric Square, King Street, Hammersmith; lyric.co.uk

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

E XH I BI T I O N

FO O D : B I G G E R TH A N TH E PL ATE Ongoing V& A From gastronomic experiments to urban farming, this exhibition asks how the collective choices we make can lead to a more sustainable and delicious food future. Bringing together the politics and pleasure of food, visitors are invited to participate, taste and debate, while exploring current experiments at every stage of the food system. Cromwell Road, SW7; vam.ac.uk

AROUND

TOWN T H E AT R E

TORUK THE FIRST FLIGHT 26-30 June O2 ARENA Based around the record-breaking ﬁlm Avatar, TORUK - The First Flight takes audiences on an odyssey through a new world of imagination, with cutting-edge visuals, puppetry and stagecraft buoyed by a soaring cinematic score. Greenwich Peninsula, SE10; cirquedusoleil.com

T H E AT R E

STR ANGE FRUIT

This Month’s Must See

From 12 June B U S H T H E AT R E Alvin and Errol can’t picture a future together. Young, black and living in England in the 1980s, they focus instead on their sunny past in the Caribbean. But when Alvin returns home from his grandfather’s funeral, a new version of their past emerges and the two brothers are caught in a desperate struggle to unearth the truth. 7 Uxbridge Road, Shepherd’s Bush, W12; bushtheatre.com

E XH I B I TI ON

SMOKE & MIRRORS

HAMPTON COURT PALACE FESTIVAL 6- 22 JU NE • HAMPTON COURT PALACE

ampton Court’s annual festival returns with a series of open-air summer concerts in the spectacular Tudor courtyard. Now in its 25th year, the event invites world-class acts to the stage, including Busted, Jools Holland and Caro Emerald. Hampton Court

Ongoing W E L LC O M E C O L L EC T I O N Smoke and Mirrors: The Psychology of Magic is the ﬁrst exhibition of its kind to focus on the relationship between magic and psychology. With artefacts from the world of magic, the exhibition asks how bias and suggestion affects our senses and explores what it is that makes us believe in magic. 183 Euston Road, NW1; wellcomecollection.org

E XHI B I TI ON

SECRET RIVERS From 24 May M U S E U M O F LO N D O N DOCKLANDS The Thames is one of the most iconic features of the capital, shaping the city and the people within it. The history of the river and the art that it has inspired are the focus of Secret Rivers, a fascinating exhibition that reveals stories of London’s waterways. Hertsmere Road, E14; museumoﬂondon.org.uk

Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8; hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com

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N D R AW I N G B OA R D Nora Krug has been named Moira Gemmill Illustrator of the Year at the V&A Illustration Awards. Absolutely admires her winning work Wo r d s P E A R L B OY D

D I A RY DAT E All the winning artworks will be on display in Gallery 88a on the third floor of the museum until Sunday 25 August 2019 vam.ac.uk

ora Krug has been awarded the Moira Gemmill Illustrator of the Year and Book Illustration prize at the V&A Illustration Awards 2019, for Heimat (Particular Books). Her work will be displayed alongside the award winning artworks from each of the four categories and the commended student shortlist in Gallery 88a on the third floor of the museum until 25 August 2019. Krug’s book on the lives of her German family members under the Nazi regime explores notions of identity and home. The judges praised her decision to blend almost childlike illustrations alongside photographs of her family and life in Germany during WWII. It was commended by the judges as brave and unique, for offering a new perspective on a sensitive, complex and painful subject. The Moira Gemmill Illustrator of the Year Prize is named in memory of the late Moira Gemmill, the V&A’s former Director of Design, and the competition has been running since 1972. Judges this year were Olivia Ahmad, Curator at the House of Illustration and Editor of Varoom Magazine, Nicholas Coleridge CBE, Chairman of the V&A Trustees and Chairman of Condé Nast and Jessica Voorsanger, Artist and Academic. The Student category was judged by Suzanne Dean, Creative Director at Vintage, Penguin Random House and Book Cover Winner 2018 and Cat O’Neil, Illustrator and Editorial Winner 2018. Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A said: “The V&A’s mission has always been to promote creativity, ingenuity and imagination. The V&A Illustration Awards perfectly encapsulate our founding purpose, celebrating some of today’s most talented artists and helping to inspire future

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CULTURE • FOCUS 02

Childlike illustrations are blended with photographs of her family and life in Germany during WWII

generations. We are delighted to welcome such an exciting range of skilful works into our galleries as we celebrate this year’s award winners.” The prize money for each of the four awards is £3,000, and the Moira Gemmill Illustrator of the Year Prize is worth an additional £5,000. The student runner-up prize is worth £2,000. This year’s shortlist was drawn from almost a thousand entries. Previous winners of the Illustration Awards include John Vernon Lord, Sir Quentin Blake, Ralph Steadman, Posy Simmonds, Sara Fanelli, and Yasmeen Ismail.

Other winners 01 Winner of Book Cover Award: Yehrin Tong for Their Eyes Were Watching God (Virago). The judges felt this was a luscious, evocative and appealing cover that made you want to pick up the book and buy it. “It was so beautiful that you would be proud to be seen walking around with it and reading it. It was good to see re-issues of classic literature with covers that had been created so beautifully, especially when it’s a book you love and want to see treated with respect”. 02 Winner of the Student Illustrator of the Year Award: Sophie Burrows for Crushing (Anglia Ruskin University). “Burrows' tender illustrations in graphic novel format are both darkly amusing and wryly observed. Her shrewd use of just two colours conjures a quirky dreamlike atmosphere as well as evoking the essential loneliness of the central character”. 03 Student Illustrator of the Year: Runner Up: Yanyin Xu for One by One (University of the Arts London, Camberwell College of Arts). “One by One images are sculptural and atmospheric. The characters contort like curling paper in inexorable mazes and confined enclosures: their seeming simplicity hides a complex vision of humanity. Yanyin’s thoughtful and imaginative manipulation of traditional book formats were particularly engaging”.

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

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CULTURE • FOCUS 05

The V&A’s mission is to promote creativity, ingenuity and imagination 06

04 Highly Commended Student: Harry Woodgate for Invisible Cities (University of Hertfordshire). “Invisible Cities are a frenetic psychedelic joy. The vibrant colours and free-form complexity are refreshing and original”. 05 Highly Commended Student: Junli Song for Dance (Anglia Ruskin University). “Dance, by Junli Song, is a joyous rendition of an anthropomorphic rabbit world that is replete with humour and charm. The use of simple blocks of restricted colour is entirely engaging and effective”. 06 Highly Commended Student: Ying Wang for Food Journey in London (University of the Arts London, Camberwell College of Arts). The judges thought it was good to see a student engaged in issue-based illustration. “The work exhibits a really strong level of research and a desire to engage an audience in its central and imperative themes of sustainability”.

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CULTURE • CIRCUS

RO L L U P

Drumrolls please… Giffords Circus is back with a new show Wo r d s P E A R L B OY D

iffords Circus is back and 2019’s show Xanadu takes its name from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s famous romantic poem Kubla Khan, in which Xanadu is a mythical garden of bliss where anything can happen. Nell Gifford and Cal McCrystal have set their vision of Xanadu in the psychedelic 1970s, creating a garden full of joy, freedom and flowers where the flower power

movement is at its height. Hippies, hipsters, rock stars, musicians, wild women and global nomads with Shamanic horses gather to play, sing, dance, protest and perform in a psychedelic pleasure dome. “Xanadu is one big party and we want audiences to engage with their inner hippie and be part of something really special,” says director Cal McCrystal. The pleasure dome has been created by acclaimed production designer Takis and draws heavily from 60s and 70s influences. The music is hypnotic and exciting and

“We want audiences to engage with their inner hippy” acts as a device to lure the audience into the show, the finale is a psychedelic spectacle, and will have everyone dancing in the ring in true Giffords tradition. Xanadu is a welcome and clever antidote to a political backdrop of unease in the UK and provides audiences an opportunity to forget their everyday troubles, which is the true ethos of circus. A place for the common man to escape daily lif, and be swept away in the fantasy world of circus.

GIFFORDS CIRCUS Xanadu comes to Chiswick House from 27 June to 8 July. The show continues until 29 September in 13 venues across the UK; tickets start from £10 children and £15 adults. giffordscircus.com

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CULTURE • THEATRE

ROUND UP

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

MUST SEE

PRESENT LAUGHTER From 17 June OLD VIC

Matthew Warchus directs Andrew Scott in Present Laughter, a giddy and surprisingly modern reflection on fame, desire and loneliness. It follows the colourful life of star actor Garry Essendine as he prepares to embark on an overseas tour. Engulfed by an escalating identity crisis, Garry’s few remaining days at home are a chaotic whirlwind of love, sex, panic and soulsearching. The Cut, SE1; oldvictheatre.com

SWEAT From 7 June

GIELGUD THEATRE

The Pulitzer Prize-winning Sweat by Lynn Nottage transfers to the Gielgud Theatre for a limited six week run. Centred around the friendships of factory workers and set in an American bar, the play explores the relationships, resentments and fears of a community left divided by de-industrialisation. Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D; sweattheplay.com

ON YOUR FEET! From 14 June

LONDON COLISEUM

On Your Feet! is the inspiring true love story of Emilio and Gloria, charting their journey from Cuba, through the streets of Miami and finally to international superstardom. Audiences can expect some of the most iconic pop songs of the era, including Rhythm is Gonna Get You, Conga, Get On Your Feet, Don’t Want To Lose You and 1-2-3. St Martin’s Lane, WC2N; onyourfeetmusical.co.uk

EUROPE

SWEAT

HANSEL AND GRETEL 14-22 June

REGENT ’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE

Following the success of last season’s The Turn of the Screw, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre continues its work with the English National Opera to present Engelbert Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel. In the unique environment of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, experience the Grimm Brothers’ fairytale anew in this operatic retelling, sung in English. Regent’s Park, NW1; openairtheatre.com

From 20 June

DONMAR WAREHOUSE

Something has changed. The trains no longer stop at the border and no-one knows why. The station master has two new arrivals to deal with; arrivals that will divide the local population. David Greg’s prophetic early masterpiece explores our complex relationship with Europe - as a continent, a refugee, an idea. 41 Earlham Street, WC2H; donmarwarehouse.com

HENSEL AND GRETEL

EUROPE

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C R E A T I N G

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K I T C H E N S

S I N C E

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FOOD & DRINK

DINE LIKE A QUEEN ROYAL GARDEN HOTEL

Commemorate the 200th anniversay of Queen Victoria's birth with a special afternoon tea at the five-star Royal Garden Hotel. The tea features curried chicken muffins, mini bread and butter puddings and orange jelly. royalgardenhotel.co.uk

Food notes 28 • Food review 31 • Recipes: A taste of Spain 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 June By FLORA THOMAS

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

2018 Domaine Félines Jourdan, Picpoul de Pinet, Coteaux du Languedoc  £11.95 Domaine Félines Jourdan is on the coast in Mèze; its 40 hectares of vines make soft reds and crisp whites. The 2018 vintage produced high-quality fruit, leading to concentration and freshness. Salty and citrus aromas deﬁne this wine.

2018 Flysch, Bodega Gorosti, Getariako Txakolina, Spain  £14.95 You can’t get much more refreshing than this. At only 11% alcohol, made from 100% Hondarrabi Zuri in the DO of Getaria this is deliciously saline with classic tiny, delicate bubbles of a Basque Txakoli. A great option for summer picnics.

2017 Reuilly Rouge, Les Pierres Plates, Denis Jamain, Loire  £14.95 With its explosive red berry and ﬂoral aromas, this wine is a paean to Pinot – and to the vineyard’s Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soils. The palate is ﬁne-boned and exceptionally refreshing. A great match for salmon, white meat or curries. 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

POWER UP M E GA N S AT T H E P OW E R STAT I O N

Southwest Londoners will already be familiar with Megan's as they have restaurants in Fulham, Parsons Green, Balham and Clapham. Now they've set up shop in the snazzy new Battersea Power Station development. Known for delicious food and a dogfriendly policy, the newest venture will be particularly attractive to those walking their pooches on the riverside. Megan's is big on brunch - bottomless at the weekends - and the evening menu boasts a particularly tasty turkish black sea fondue. 27 Circus West Village, SW11 megans.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES Our pick of the best

ROOFTOP HANGOUTS

ROOF FEST

Turf To Table 144 ON THE HILL

Shop till you drop, then head upstairs... Roof Fest promises comedy, street food and cocktails. Set on top of John Lewis, high above the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, complete with boho flower dens, a caravan stage and a lively garden feel throughout. johnlewis.com

Designed by Russell Sage Studio, 144 on the hill takes inspiration from the town’s rich heritage and the ﬂora and fauna of Richmond Park. Polished dark wood furniture ﬁnishes the look creating a bold yet fuss-free interior, perfect for special occasions. The dining destination champions local and seasonal produce using meat from Surrey Farm, honey from Richmond Bee Keepers, Kew organic gin, and fruit and vegetables from local farmers. 144-150 Richmond Hill, TW10 144onthehill.co.uk

PASTA MASTERCLASS PASTA REMOLI

Pasta Remoli’s chef and founder Simone Remoli is hosting masterclasses to provide you with the skills to make authentic food. The classes are available for groups of 10 people and take place daily at the Ealing restaurant. Each class includes a welcome glass of Prosecco. Unit 6, Dickens Yard, W5 pastaremoli.co.uk

SKYLIGHT Famous for its panoramic and uninterrupted views across the city’s skyline and unique urban lawn games and bar offering, the expansive rooftop venue has become one of London’s favourite summer hot spots. It's back with a bang with seasonal cocktails for summertime sipping. skylightlondon.com

THAI GREENS ROSA’S THAI

To Rise Again ANGEL AND CROWN

The 450-year-old Richmon pub, the Angel and Crown, has been revived for the modern drinker and diner. After a string of unsuccessful owners, seasoned landlord and restaurateur Nick Botting has breathed life into the establishment which is located in a pretty cobbled alley in the heart or Richmond. Expect seasonal changing menus and all drinks that a Fuller’s pub promises. 5 Church Court, Richmond, TW9 angel-and-crown-richmond.co.uk

PERGOLA PA D D I N GTO N Pergola Paddington has removed the roof in hope of sunnier days. With an entirely new lineup of food vendors including Smash Patty, An Choi and Salvation in Noodles, alongside a refreshing cocktail menu, Pergola is set to bring the Med to W2. pergolalondon.com

It can be tricky to ﬁnd plant-based Thai food, as ﬁsh sauce is king of the kitchen. The chefs at Rosa’s have thoughtfully created a delicious vegan and vegetarian menu highlights include pumpkin crackers and tofu green and butternut red curries. 33 Haven Green, W5 rosasthaicafe.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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J OA N N A â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S Est. 1978

5 6 We s t o w H i l l Crystal Palace, SE19 1RX 020 8670 4052 w w w. j o a n n a s . u k . c o m JOANNAS APRIL.indd 1

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

We leave feeling satisfied, a little tipsy, and full to the brim

HEADS + TAILS

FOOD Small classic plates with additional sides

A versatile cocktail bar, perfect for any occasion

B y E VA L E H O C Z K Y

est Hampstead’s cocktail bar, Heads + Tails, as its name suggests is a bar of contrasts. It’s spread over two floors, each with its own distinctive design and creative concept. Heads is a bright bar furnished with gold furniture and cool colour palette. The menu mimics the style of the bar - it offers a selection of light and refreshing cocktails as well as aperitivo-style drinks. The space spills out onto a bright, open garden area, a lovely oasis come

summertime. Tails, on the other hand, is a dark and moody basement bar specialising in short serves of whisky and rum. Plush seating, a warm wooden bar and earthy materials such as copper and brick make this a cosy space to unwind from the week. We are here to try the recently launched brunch menu. It’s focused on small plates designed to be supplemented with additional side orders and, of course, the signature cocktails. The sun’s out so we opt to sit in the garden and start with an apple spritz. The drink is sweet and mellow and the clementine

DECOR Vibrant and stylish meets dim and sultry

PRICE Brunch mains from £5, additions from £2

garibaldi is zingy and fresh. Ready to create my own bespoke brunch feast, I decide to base it around the aubergine shakshouka. It’s rich and flavourful, served with and well balanced by avocado and a cooling yet mildly spiced harissa yoghurt. My side orders include crispy bacon and the chef’s speciality - scrambled eggs - which, I’m told, are known for their creamy soft texture. I’m not disappointed, and it’s filling brunch which soaks up the boozy apple cocktail I started with. My guest chooses the spiced smashed avocado on charcoal sourdough and sweet vine tomato. Her additional orders include smoked salmon and braised shiitake mushrooms. Simple, but delicious. No brunch can be complete without some dessert orders, so we decide to indulge in the homemade granola, served with a sweet berry compote and basil yoghurt. Surprisingly it’s our favourite dish and the star of the show, highly recommended. We finish off with some more cocktails, after all they are too delicious to pass up. We leave shortly after, feeling completely satisfied, a little tipsy, and full to the brim.

VERDICT A sophisticated and laid back space with delicious cocktails

H E A D S + TA I L S 175 West End Lane, NW6

headsandtails.bar

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

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Tastes of

SPAIN Andalusia is one of Spain's most gastronomically rich areas Wo r d s J O S E P I Z Z A R O Photographs EMMA LEE

s the southernmost region of Spain, Andalusia, with its wealth of fertile farmland, vertiginous mountain ranges and rugged yet abundant coastline, is one of the most gastronomically unique, and rich, areas of the country. I have travelled here more times thanI can remember; from my very first childhood holidays at the beach, to explorations of the restaurants of Seville and beyond. During the research of this book, I learnt so much about the culture and its strong Moorish and Roman heritage, which you see reflected in everything from architecture to everyday food. But I learned a lot about the people, too â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it seems to me that everyone is always happy, and most have an incredible sense of humour. The wonderful light and good weather have an effect on the mood, of course, but I tend to think it has something to do with the unquestionably good food, too.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

CHICKPEA & SPINACH STEW Serves 4

efore and during Easter, Catholic people don’t eat meat on Fridays, so this vegetarian stew, traditionally eaten during this period, has a long history, with distinct nods to the Moorish culture that predated Catholicism. According to some historians, this religious prohibition was merely a way for the church to control the consumption of an essential product by the masses, as meat was still on the table for the rich. Regardless, this stew is warming, filling, and wonderful to eat at any time of the year.

• 5 black peppercorns • 1 onion, finely sliced •3 garlic cloves, crushed •6 00 g (1 lb 5 oz) ripe tomatoes, chopped • s ea salt and freshly ground •b lack pepper •7 00 g (1 lb 8 ½ oz) jar chickpeas (garbanzo beans) •2 large handfuls of baby spinach •4 slices of bread • 1 00 g (3 ½ oz) manchego, grated

add the chickpeas along with their liquid from the jar. Add the bread and almond paste and bring to the boil, then simmer for a few minutes to thicken before adding the spinach and letting it wilt. Check the seasoning and keep warm.

To serve: •e xtra-virgin olive oil

4 Spoon the stew into individual bowls and serve with the cheese toasts and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.

METHOD

INGREDIENTS

1 Pour a little oil into a frying pan over a medium heat and fry the stale bread chunks for 3–4 minutes, until lightly browned. Add the almonds and spices and toast for 1 minute, then tip into a food processor and whizz with a splash of water to form a paste.

• olive oil, for frying • 100 g (3 ½ oz) stale bread, cut into chunks • 60 g (2 oz) blanched almonds • 2 teaspoons cumin seeds • good pinch of cayenne pepper

2 Heat a little more oil in the pan and gently cook the onion for 10 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and tomatoes and season well. Bubble for 20 minutes, then

3 Heat the grill to medium-high. Drizzle the bread with oil and toast on one side, then flip over and lightly toast the other side. Top with the cheese and return to the grill to melt.

CLAMS WITH CHORIZO Serves 4

love clams, whether served with jamon or just on their own with a splash of sherry or white wine. I always thought that chorizo would overpower the delicate sweetness of the clams, but to my delight, I was wrong – this is a must-try. The crispy chorizo adds a lovely texture and the smoky flavour from the pimenton de la Vera is a perfect match for fino sherry.

INGREDIENTS 1 kg (2 lb 3 oz) clams 75 g (2 ½ oz) chorizo picante, chopped into 1 cm (½ in) cubes 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, finely chopped large sprig of thyme 100 ml (3 ½ fl oz/scant ½ cup) fino sherry To serve: crusty bread 1 Place the clams in a bowl under cold running water for 5 minutes. Discard any that won’t close. 2 In a lidded saucepan over a high heat, cook the chorizo in a little olive oil for 6 minutes, until caramelised. Using a slotted spoon, remove the chorizo from the pan and place in a bowl. 3 Add the onion, garlic and thyme sprig to the chorizo fat in the pan and fry for 10 minutes, or until softened. Increase the heat, add the clams and chorizo back to the pan, pour in the sherry, then cover with a lid. Cook for three minutes, or until all the clams have steamed open, discarding any clams that haven’t. 4 Tip into a large bowl and serve with crusty bread to mop up the juices.

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

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SPRING SALE - UP TO 40% ON MANY RANGES

Rigid GERMAN kitchen inc appliances and worktops; £4,900

Bring us your kitchen quote, and we’ll beat it

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

The region's Moorish and Roman heritage is reflected in everything from architecture to everyday food 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F/ Gas 6). 3 In a medium bowl, mix the mango with the red chillies and a pinch of salt and pepper. Squeeze over the lime juice, orange zest and juice and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss with the coriander and set aside while you cook the prawns. 3 Mix the salt, egg whites, coriander seeds and orange zest together in a medium bowl and tip half into a baking dish. 4 Place the prawns on top of the salt, brush them with a little oil, then completely bury them with the rest of the salt. Bake in the oven for 8–10 minutes, until just cooked. 5 Remove the prawns from the oven and gently uncover them to check they are all cooked – if not, put them back in the oven for a minute or two. 5 Scrape off the salt and serve the salsa with the hot prawns, or let them cool to room temperature, then serve.

PRAWNS BAKED IN SALT WITH MANGO, CHILLI & CORIANDER SALSA Serves 4

always use Andalusian mangoes when I make this dish, and chilli perfectly balances the sweetness of the fruit and shellfish. Carabineros are very popular in Catalonia and, in my opinion, the best ones come from Palamos. This type of prawn (shrimp) has a very intense flavour and vivid red colour that only intensifies once cooked.

INGREDIENTS • 3 mangoes, peeled, stone removed and cubed • 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper • juice of 1 lime • extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling • zest and juice of ½ orange • 1 small bunch of coriander (cilantro), chopped For the prawns • 850 g (1 lb 14 oz) coarse sea salt • 2 egg whites, lightly beaten until frothy • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds • zest of 1 orange • 12 raw carabineros or large king prawns (shrimp) • extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing

A N DA LU S I A : RECIPES FROM SEVILLE A N D B E YO N D Recipes taken from the new book by Jose Pizarro (Hardie Grant, £26.00)

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

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

DRINKS CABINET

What to drink and how to drink it

fabulous

FIZZ

By PENDLE HARTE

THREE OF THE BEST CHAMPAGNES B y T H E C H A M PAG N E G U R U

LIGHT TOUCH

Champagne Gosset Grande Reserve, £40 Gosset is the oldest wine house in champagne. The Grande Réserve is the House cuvée, a blend of several vintages, with 46% chardonnay, 44% pinot noir, 10% pinot meunier. The winemaking style preserves freshness with low dosage of sugar. The aroma is full and intense, with apple, peach and notes of brioche.

S E S S I O N PA L E

With bright citrus aromas, tropical zesty notes and a mouth-wateringly juicy taste, Session Pale is a beer made for summer. It’s the latest addition to the family of beers below 2.8% ABV produced by Small Beer Brew Co.; so you can enjoy the taste without having to endure the haze of a hangover. It boasts vegan credentials, plus it’s sustainably brewed in the world’s first dedicated small beer brewery in Bermondsey. theoriginalsmallbeer.com

Champagne Ayala Blanc de Blancs 2012, £55 Ayala is one of the oldest champagne houses. Since 2005 Ayala has been under the ownership and guidance of Bollinger. The champagne great value for money. Ayala Blanc de Blancs is made of 100% chardonnay from the best crus of the Côte des Blancs. Delicate, fresh aromas, with notes of lemon and white fruits.

SPIRIT OF JAPAN H A K U VO D K A

Not only has House of Suntory mastered the art of whisky, they also make exceptional vodka which is newly available in the UK. The Haku Vodka represents the nature and spirit of Japan, with the delicate aroma of rice on the and a smooth and lingering sweetness. £35 waitrose.com

Bollinger Rose NV, £195

PICNIC PERFECT THE UNCOMMON

The first and only English sparkling wine in a can is easy to carry and quick to cool; it's perfect for a picnic. The 2018 bubbly rosé is made from pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes, and promises a vibrant fruity taste. It's locally made, too, each stage of the process happens within 25 miles of the headquarters in Peckham.

One of the last remaining independent champagne houses, Bollinger can trace its roots back to 1585. The rose consists of 62% pinot noir, 24% chardonnay, 14% meunier with only 5 to 6% red wine added due to its power. A beautiful consistency of style, structure and complexity. THE CHAMPAGNE GURU The Champagne Guru is a champagne and food pairing expert, specialising in hosting special champagne events in luxurious surroundings.

thechampagneguru.com

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

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FOOD & DRINK • PROFILE

Authentic

I TA L I A N Absolutely takes a lesson in making pasta with Aldo Zilli

Wo r d s PENDLE HARTE

o you put garlic in your bolognese? If you’re a British person making spaghetti bolognese, you probably do. No offence, but you’re doing it wrong. Besides, spaghetti bolognese isn’t even an actual dish anyway, because bolognese sauce always belongs with tagliatelle, never spaghetti. So says the mayor of Bologna, who has been complaining loudly in recent months about the global misrepresentation of his city’s cuisine. Chef Aldo Zilli agrees with him. When he spoke unguardedly on This Morning recently, he was criticised for saying that Italian food needs to be cooked by Italian chefs in order to be authentic. “You grow up in Italy, you grow up with those flavours and I don’t think anyone else from outside that country is going to understand that food,” is what he said. This was in the wake of Gordon Ramsay being ridiculed for cultural appropriation and inauthenticity in his new restaurant Lucky Cat. And now I’m in the basement kitchen at San Carlo

with Zilli, apron tied, about to embark on a masterclass in making pasta. The proper way. “Of course I didn’t mean I wouldn’t employ anyone who wasn’t Italian,” he says, gesturing around his kitchen which, it is true, isn’t exclusively Italian (only mostly). And anyway, he says, “Italian food doesn’t exist. It’s all about the regions.” But his own cooking, like that of many Italians, owes so much to his mother (who had nine children to feed – more of this later) that it is in his blood. “My mother would get up at 5am to start the sauces - a ragout should cook for five or six hours really.” Zilli is charming and enthusiastic. Making pasta is easier than I imagine. 200 grammes of 00 flour (a very fine grain), two eggs, olive oil, salt. We tip the flour onto the counter, scoop out a hole in the middle and put the eggs in it, whisk them up a bit then start pushing the flour towards the eggs. It’s all done with our hands. Knead it, then roll it. When we are left with a thin rectangle, Zilli produces a wooden thing that looks like a basic zither, strings pulled tight over a wooden box. In fact it’s a chitarra (guitar) and the technique is A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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

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FOOD & DRINK • PROFILE

Aldo Zilli’s

AUTHENTIC S PAG H E T T I CARBONARA Serves two This simple recipe derives from the Carbonari, coal miners outside Rome. They kept pigs and chickens, which provide the ingredients. It’s important to have a mix of cow’s cheese (parmesan) and sheep’s cheese (pecorino)

Zilli was the first person to put mushroom risotto on the menu in London simple – stretch the dough over the strings, trim the edges, then push down so that the strings cut through the dough like an egg slicer, and immediately you have fettuccini, ready to cook. I feel quite proud, and almost Italian. This is when Zilli breaks into a speech about authenticity, and what we are all doing wrong with our bolognese. The garlic, for one thing. Onions and garlic are in different families, so it’s either/or, he says. A real bolognese should start with onion, carrot, celery, all chopped small and thrown into a pan with olive oil. Gradually we add pork, beef and veal, and a splash of milk to ‘loosen it up’, plus some red wine (‘quite a lot’) and then tomato passata (this is made by roasting tomatoes with olive oil and lots of basil, then blitzing it). Throw any remaining celery stalks in (fish them out later) and leave it all to reduce for a while – ideally for about five hours for the full intensity. And when you serve it, always add the pasta to the sauce and make sure

it’s all covered. “An Italian would never just spoon the sauce over the pasta. And never serve it in a bowl; always a plate. You need to be able to see the pasta.” Zilli really did learn all of this from his mother. Growing up on a farm in Abruzzo, he was the youngest of nine children (eight boys and a girl) and started making pasta when he was eight. “We grew up with all this fantastic organic produce, but we didn’t care. It was always to sell anyway; our father wouldn’t let us eat any of it. Our mother was always in the kitchen – feeding a family as big as that is a bit like running a restaurant.” She had a “very simple” kitchen and always made her own pasta, while her husband would kill a pig and cure it in the loft for the year ahead. When Zilli arrived in London in the 1980s, he came straight to Soho (“from a village in Italy to another Italian village – at the time there were three Italian delis, an Italian butcher and Bar Italia”) and opened a restaurant in Dean Street, Signor Zilli, in 1983. Here he claims to have been the first person to put mushroom risotto on the menu in London, and the first to cook with truffles. London’s food was famously terrible in the 1980s, and diners used to parochial meals of overcooked vegetables and stodge were delighted to discover Zilli’s fresh, creative dishes. The restaurant was a huge success. “It’s different now - people are much more demanding,” he says. “And nothing’s new any more. Still, Italian food is in a good

INGREDIENTS 100g thin strips of cured pig’s cheek or pancetta (bacon as a last resort) • Handful of grated parmesan • Handful of grated pecorino • 2 egg yolks • 1 whole egg • Handful of chopped parsley • Ground black pepper • Spaghetti (Aldo Zilli prefers Garofalo, from Naples) METHOD Set the spaghetti to boil. 2 Whisk together the egg, egg yolks and cheese in a large bowl and beat fiercely to a paste. Add lots of chopped parsley and lots of pepper. 3 Fry the pig’s cheek lightly in its own fat and when the spaghetti is just cooked, add it to the pan, keeping a cup of the cooking water. 4 Tip the spaghetti and pig’s cheek into the bowl with the egg mix and briskly mix together, adding some cooking water to loosen it up. 5 Return the whole thing back to the pan to finish it off, making sure to remove it from the heat before the eggs scramble. 6 Serve immediately. 1

place in London now.” At one point, Zill was running six restaurants at once, which takes its toll, especially on someone who finds it hard to delegate. Now he’s head consultant for the San Carlo group, whose shiny, glamorous eateries have enormous menus of authentic Italian fare. So he’s not slowing down, then. “Definitely not. It’s been three decades of rock and roll and I would do it all over again if I could.” A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY BEAUTIFUL FRUIT

A Taste of South Africa Grown and ripened under the South African sun for the most delicious tasting fruit. Helping to develop the Rainbow Nation

www.beautifulcountrybeautifulfruit.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“Whipped potatoes are oozing with butter ”

Smith and Wollensky American-style dining in the heart of London

B y LUCIE PEARCE

reeted warmly on arrival, we’re lead downstairs to the Gatsby-esque dining room. Comfortable and stylish, it’s a gorgeous space to spend a few hours enjoying a leisurely meal. I start with a S&W Sling cocktail, which is sweet and refreshing. Once we’ve ordered, we’re served some delicious warm bread and beef tartare aperitifs, served slider-style,

tender and fresh. We then tuck into our starters - scallops, which are served with pork belly and cauliflower puree, they’re meaty and juicy. We also have a generous serving of delicious seared chilli and garlic prawns, which have a bit of a kick without being too overpowering. After the starter, during a tour of the space, it becomes clear that the staff here really believe in the ethos of the restaurant. As someone who likes their meat served with the ability to walk off the plate, I opt for a fillet steak, served blue. It is cooked to perfection

FOOD Steak and seafood

DECOR Art-deco style

PRICE Steaks from £36

– too many times I’ve ordered a steak cooked rare, but a lack of consideration or confidence means I’m served a steak medium rare at best. Not so here, the steak is a delight, incredibly tender and a complete treat. My friend opts for the lobster, which again is sweet and fresh. The sides are delicious. Whipped potatoes are creamy and light, oozing with butter and a good sprinkling of chives. Our lovely waiter voices his approval when we opt for the creamed spinach, and it does not disappoint. Incredibly rich and moreish, it’s to die for - definitely order this. We also order a Waldolf salad, which is crisp and adds a refreshing element to the meal. We share a pudding, and plump for cheesecake – if you’re going to a traditional New York restaurant, why not choose the dessert they are most famous for? Armed with a doggy bag, complete with a bone for the dog, we roll out of the restaurant. Unfailingly friendly staff, teamed with good food and a buzzy atmosphere, S&W is testament to good, old fashioned American charm.

VERDICT

S M I T H & WO L L E N S K Y

Swish American dining in the West End

The Adelphi Building, Covent Garden Riverside, 1-11 John Adam Street, WC2N

smithandwollensky.co.uk

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

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ABEL & COLE ON THE MENU

E A S Y

E AT S We road test five meal delivery services Words CA R LY G L E N D I N N I N G AND HELEN BARON

Organic food suppliers Abel & Cole refresh their seasonal recipe box menu with 15 new options each week. I’m offered nine different categories including ‘foodie’, ‘speedy’ and ‘light’ but opt for veggie. There’s six recipes to choose from and a further three that are vegan. They all look great, but could be a bit limited if I decide to eat plant-based all week as I sometimes do. WHAT’S IN THE BOX Everything I need to cook three different meals is delivered to my door early on a Monday morning and I love having my weekend freed up by not having to do a big grocery shop. I unpack all of the ingredients for: Coconut & Tomato Lentil Curry; Roast Squash, Walnut & Feta Couscous; and Lentil & Mushroom Cottage Pie. There’s quite a lot of packaging, but Abel & Cole reassure me that everything is recyclable and returnable to them. THE RESULT? I really enjoy cooking something new without having to plan it. The recipes themselves are easy to follow and don’t require chef-level cooking skills. Each

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FOOD & DRINK • HOME COOK

one takes me around 40 mins to an hour to cook, which feels quite long after a day in the office so another time I might try something from their ‘speedy’ section. Ingredients are all seasonal and fresh. The veggie meals I cooked were wholesome and healthy, and tasted delicious. The recipes were things I tend to make myself (curries and cottage pie etc), so it might have been nice to see something different. I found the portions to be quite generous, which is great if you’re sharing your meals with little ones. from £6 a meal ableandcole.co.uk

MINDFUL CHEF ON THE MENU Touted as the recipe box if you’re trying to eat healthily, I’m excited to see that the menu from the Mindful Chef is 100% gluten and dairy-free as well as being nutritionist-approved. There are 16 recipes to choose from each week, under the categories of ‘protein-packed’, ‘balanced’, ‘pescatarian’ and ‘plant-based’. As I’m eating vegan this week, I choose from the six options in the latter.

“I love having my weekend freed by not having to do a weekly shop”

WHAT’S IN THE BOX It’s great to receive my box on Sunday, a day of the week I definitely don’t feel like putting too much thought into cooking. I’ve chosen two meals: Lentil Moussaka & Creamy Coconut Bechamel and HawaiianStyle Poke With Crispy Tofu. Again there’s a lot of packaging, but you can return everything to Mindful Chef to be reused / recycled every four weeks. THE RESULT? Both of my meals took about half an hour to 40 mins to make (although they do offer 15 min options). They were quite simple, although the poke bowl required you to cut the carrots into ribbons, which may have been a faff if I didn’t use my blender. Unfortunately I was missing sesame oil to fry the tofu, something I didn’t have on hand in my cupboard and one step in the moussaka recipe was omitted, although it

wasn’t difficult to figure out. Mindful Chef source their award-winning produce from local suppliers and I was really impressed with the quality of the ingredients. I also loved how their plant-based options were a bit different (I wouldn’t usually cook a poke bowl and the moussaka was topped with coconut yoghurt bechamel with nutritional yeast flakes). from £4 a meal. mindfulchef.com

with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, dairy and gluten-free dishes and options under 400 calories. You can also order for one person or two, which is great for reducing food waste.

BY RUBY

THE RESULT?

ON THE MENU Founded by a chef and a gourmet food shop owner, ByRuby delivers healthy and convenient frozen food with absolutely no additives or preservatives to your door. I’m excited to choose from over 40 meals,

WHAT’S IN THE BOX My frozen meals are delivered packed in ‘WoolCool’, which is 100% biodegradable and compostable, releasing valuable nitrates back into the soil.

ByRuby offers the luxury of a homecooked meal without having to do any of the work. The meals taste amazing and hearty and all you need to do is take them out of the freezer and pop them straight in the microwave or oven. from £3.50 for a side dish byruby.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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

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

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

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FOOD & DRINK • DRINKS

FOREST DISTILLERY Earl Grey gin, £55 theforestdistillery.com

ROKU GIN

CAORUNN

Japan craft gin, £30 waitrose.com

Scottish raspberry gin, £21 caorunngin.com

BERRY BROS & RUDD Orange & Thyme; Gooseberry & Elderflower; Pink Grapefruit & Rosemary distilled gins, £26.50 bbr.com

KYOTO DISTILLERY

EDITOR’S PICK

KI NO BI Navy Strength gin, £75 harveynichols.com

TARQUIN'S Tarquin's Cornish gin, £3.95 tarquinsgin.com

ISLE OF WIGHT DISTILLERY

That’s the

Mermaid Gin, 39.50 isleofwightdistillery.com

SPIRIT

GIN LANE 1751 Small batch Victoria pink gin, £19.99 selfridges.com

All the best gins of the summer By P E N D L E H A R T E

ELEPHANT GIN London Dry Gin, £30.90 elephant-gin.com

AUDEMUS Pink pepper gin, £36 waitrose.com

GREENWOOD DISTILLERS Theodore Scottish gin, £39.95 scottishgin.com

SIPSMITH

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LARIOS

SILENT POOL

Rose gin, £21.50 drinkfi nder.co.uk

Silent Pool gin, £37 silentpooldistillers.com

Raffles 1915 Gin, £44.99 selfridges.com

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

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FASHION IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SWIM TIME

MARIE JO AT AMÉLIE’S FOLLIES

Bustling scenes in 1970’s France and Italy were the inspiration behind Marie Jo’s exciting swimwear collection. With minimalist lines and classic shades, this is swimwear to suit all shapes and ages. We’ll be taking pieces from the Monica Range away with us this summer. ameliesfollies.co.uk

MONICA RANGE BY MARIE JO: BANDEAU TOP £87, SMALL PANT £49, BIKINI TOP £87, HIGH PANT £49

Ethical style with Aspiga's Lucy Macnamara 51 · The shoot 52 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FASHION • Q&A

Q&A

Sandal

STO RY Lucy Macnamara founded Aspiga in 2005, after falling in love with some Kenyan sandals Interview P E N D L E H A R T E

Q Aspiga is an ethical brand. How did you come to set it up and what difficulties did you face? A I was in South Africa in holiday and the lodge I was staying in sold sandals, and I fell in love with them. So I spent the next two years trying to source them from Kenya and then launching to the trade in 2005. There have been non-stop difficulties over the past 12 years – choosing to manufacture in developing countries comes with its challenges. Big deliveries have been stolen in transit within Kenya and delivery dates are never kept to (even 12 years on). It’s all worth it in the long run, but at times it’s super frustrating and the reason I have some sleepless nights and so many wrinkles. Q Is it possible to be environmentally sound at every stage of the business? What are some of the things you can’t do? A It’s not easy in many areas. We are trying not to send our garments out in plastic (even though the plastic we use is recycled), so we’re looking at potato starch bags. But they’re unsuitable for storing in our warehouse because they don’t last long enough – so this one is still a work in progress. Q Where do you source products? A From Kenya and India.

pieces and stunning occasion wear, as well as stylish day to day linen staples. Q Tell us about the Kenyan sandals. A They are our DNA and how the brand

Q What are your best-sellers? A Our leather beaded belts and sandals

made in Kenya and our cotton Harem trousers and dresses from India.

Q Who is the Aspiga customer? A She is between 30-60, stylish and wants

something different and cares about the story and where her products come from. Q What is the brand’s style? A Our style can be described as soft

femininity with a bohemian spirit, with unique and pretty dresses, embroidered

started, they are super comfortable and last for ages – we get such great feedback from our customers about their longevity. Each pair is individually hand-beaded and the leather is cut by hand. The beading alone for one pair can take up to five hours. From now until July we are collecting one basket full of plastic from Kenya’s Malindi Beach for every pair sold. Q What’s hot for summer 2019? A Our linen collection is flying, maybe

because it’s one of the most sustainable fabrics you can buy at present. Our maxi dresses are doing really well too. aspiga.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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OUT OF

AFRICA

THE SHOP AT BLUEBIRD TOOK INSPIRATION FROM LAGOS FASHION WEEK TO SHOWCASE ASHA ELEVEN'S SS19 COLLECTION A S H A E L EV E N .CO M

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Discover the home of gift lists. Townhouse now open, 312 Fulham Road.

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Charmed Life Decorative jewels and charms

HARRY ROCKS

LOQUET

NADINE AYSOY

Lago shell earrings, £120;

14k medium round locket, £1,600;

Celeste yellow sapphire and jade hoop earrings, $4.896;

loquetlondon.com

nadineaysoy.com

harryrocks.com

SUZANNE KALAN

MONICA VINADER

RACHEL JACKSON LONDON

18-karat gold, sapphire and diamond bracelet, £1,865;

Alta Capture and Atlantis Pendant Charm Set, £550;

Mother of Daughters birth star bracelet, £45;

net-a-porter.com

monicavinader.com

racheljacksonlondon.com

ASTRID & MIYU

LOQUET

HARRY ROCKS

Shell huggies in rose gold, £60;

Beetle charm, £260;

Spike and star hoop earrings, £89;

astridandmiyu.com

loquetlondon.com

harryrocks.com

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

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A C E S D a y a t t h e R 60

THE ROYAL ENCLOSURE Hat: lockhatters.co.uk £895 Simone Rocha, 020 7629 6317 Jacket: POA Shirt: POA Shoes: gianvitorossi.com £680 Ring: garrard.com, POA

2019 is set to be a great year for fashion at Ascot. Absolutely looks at its new style guide Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

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FASHION • FOCUS

TOGETHER WITH STYLIST PRUE WHITE, ASCOT HAS CURATED LOOKS THAT WILL BE AT THE FOREFRONT OF FASHION THIS JUNE

THE ROYAL ENCLOSURE Hat: sallyannprovan.co.uk £650 erdem.com Top: £1,260 Skirt: POA Shoes: malonesouliers.com £475

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

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OTHER RULES INCLUDE THE BANNING OF MIDRIFFS, ABOVETHE-KNEE SKIRTS, HALTER NECKS AND CROPPED TROUSERS

re you confused about what to wear to Ascot? You’re not alone. Not only are there actual rules that need to be followed – involving strict measurements for skirt length, shoulder straps and headpiece diameter – but there’s the even more pressing issue of style. What will people be wearing this year? Getting it wrong is unthinkable. Thankfully, the Royal Ascot Style Guide is there to help, predicting key trends for the summer season and providing inspiration to racegoers keen to dress in style while toeing the line dress code-wise. Working closely with experienced stylist Prue White, Ascot has curated looks that will be at the forefront of fashion this June. Featured looks this year include designs from Emilia Wickstead, Zimmerman, Victoria Beckham, Simone Rocha, Katya Katya, Suzannah and Mary Katrantzou, and the guide features suggestions for all four enclosures, with their varying dress codes. It’s the Royal Enclosure that has the most fierce guidelines. Here, for instance, not only must a hat, fascinator or headpiece be worn at all times (this applies to the slightly more liberal Queen Anne enclosure too) but its base must measure at least 10cm. This is to avoid any misunderstanding about whether your accessory is really a fascinator or simply a clip. Girls aged 10 to 16 are exempt from this in that fascinators, headpieces and hats are permitted but not compulsory (does this mean they can wear

ones of less than 10cm?) Other rules include the banning of midriffs, above-the-knee skirts, halter necks and cropped trousers – though “visitors from overseas are welcome to wear either the formal national dress or service dress of their country.” (What if your national dress features a very small hat?) It’s much simpler for men, who simply need to wear grey or black morning dress with a grey or black top hat, a waistcoat and tie and black shoes. For men, the Royal Enclosure rules focus mostly on where they are allowed to take their hats off. Only in restaurants and private spaces, essentially – in all public spaces, top hats must stay on. Juliet Slot, Chief Commercial Officer of Ascot Racecourse, explains: “Fashion and style are an integral part of the Royal Ascot experience. The annual Style Guide provides valuable support and inspiration when deciding what to wear for a day at the Royal Meeting.”

01 THE VILLAGE ENCLOSURE She wears: Hat: justinebradley-hill.co.uk, £595; dress: Zimmermann, mytheresa. com, £995; belt: soniapetroff.com, £965; shoes: russellandbromley.co.uk, £225; He wears Jacket: hackett.com, £675; shirt: chesterbarrie.co.uk, £125; tie: favourbrook.com, £75; pocket square: richard-james.com, £55; trousers: tmlewin.co.uk, £79.97; shoes: jimmychoo.com £475. 02 THE WINDSOR ENCLOSURE She wears: Hat: camillarose.co.uk, £315; top: riverisland.com, £35; skirt: riverisland.com, £35; shoes: riverisland.com, £40; He wears Hammond & Co. by Patrick Grant at debenhams.com Blazer: £130 Waistcoat: £50, Shirt: £40, Chinos: £40 Belt: russellandbromley.co.uk £95 Shoes: johnlobb.com £970. 03 QUEEN ANN ENCLOSURE Hat: beverleyedmondsonmillinery.co.uk, £200; Dress: alessandrarich.com, £2,545; Shoes: jimmychoo.com, £695; Earrings: garrard.com, POA. 04 THE VILLAGE ENCLOSURE Hat: edwinaibbotson.co.uk, £1,655; Dress: osmanlondon.com, £895; Bag: louisvuitton.com, £1,190; Shoes: whistles.com, £149.

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FASHION • FOCUS 03

R OYA L A S C OT Royal Ascot will be held from 18 to 22 June. For further information and to book visit ascot.co.uk or call 0344 346 3000

1900s

 One of fashion’s most iconic images; that of Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady was inspired when costume designer Cecil Beaton saw images of Black Ascot, The 1910 Royal Ascot meeting was in full mourning over the death of King Edward.

1920s

 Hemlines were shorter and cuts were smaller in the 1920s reflecting a post-war generation’s rebellion against old traditions. Pearls and furs were the accessories of the day.

1950s

 Christian Dior’s New Look, a small waist and full skirt, was proving popular however it was when the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth and her stylish sister Princess Margaret wore the style at Royal Ascot that it was cemented in history.

Ascot fashion

THROUGH THE AGES

1700s

 Beau Brummell, a close friend of the Prince Regent, decreed that “men of elegance should wear waisted black coats and white cravats with pantaloons” and this set the tone for the dress code that is still adhered to by men in the Royal Enclosure.

1830s

 Queen Victoria’s visit to Royal Ascot saw her arrive in a pretty lace dress with a full bell skirt and shawl. She also started a craze for the porter bonnet, shielding the wearer from male eyes.

1890s

 As the dawn of a new century arrived, fashion took on an almost celebratory tone. Skirts were less full, but silhouettes made a greater statement with angular hips and puffed sleeves. Hats were large and full of feathers and adornments.

1960s

 Royal Ascot’s glamorous profile elevated when Italian actress Sophia Loren was photographed in the Royal Enclosure. In modern times some of the biggest names in Hollywood and fashion have attended.

1970s

 Trouser suits became more popular following their introduction to the dress code in 1971. Gertrude Shilling, the Ascot Mascot, delighted press with her extravagant outfits. One year, her son David’s design outgrew the Shilling’s long-wheelbased Rolls Royce, so the hat had to follow in a van behind.

1980s

 Sharp lines and bright colours took centre stage during this decade. With statement hats and pointed heels, there was little room for floaty florals in 1980’s glamour.2012 – Royal Ascot officially launches its Style Guide to racegoers outlining dress code regulations for the Royal Enclosure and Queen Anne Enclosure (formally known as Grandstand).

2017

 The jumpsuit is formally accepted in the Royal Enclosure dress-code and the Queen Anne Enclosure dress code is extended to the new Village Enclosure.

2018

 Royal Ascot introduce Style Guides for the Village and Windsor Enclosures.

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FASHION • SUMMER 3 O B … P I

F E O E

FASHION

T H E S T N E C E S

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

S U I T S YO U ?

OCEAN ALLEY

Absolutely’s advice on shopping for swimwear

One shoulder swimsuit in Tangelo, £90 Beachcafe.com

ABOVE AND RIGHT: VIOLET LAKE

VIOLET LAKE

Bibi in emerald, £150 violet-lake.com

YAMAMAY

blue one-piece, £49.95 yamamay.com

s it advisable to buy swimwear online? And what should we be wearing on the beach this summer? Swimwear poses a lot of questions. Especially when shopping online, which might seem like a risky business when you’re after a bikini. Will it fit? Will it suit me? If you’re totally unaware of what might work for you, you’re probably best off with an actual real life consultation, such as the service offered at Heidi Klein. Here, a personal bikini expert will actually come into the fitting room with you and provide constructive advice on shape, colour and style (or if you’re technically minded: underwiring,

“IS IT ADVISABLE TO BUY SWIMWEAR ONLINE? WILL IT FIT ME?”

cups, padding, boning, power mesh, silicone tape). You’re pretty much guaranteed to come out with something that not only fits but also stays put, which is important with a bikini. Who wants to ruin an elegant dive off a yacht into crystal clear waters with the embarrassment of emerging topless and with pants around your knees? Nobody who shops at Heidi Klein, for sure. But if you’re slightly more experienced and you have an idea of what works for you, try violet-lake.com. This clever website features a nifty Bikini Mixer section, where you can choose from a variety of different bikini tops and bottoms and see how they look together. You might want a larger pant and a skimpier top, or a supportive bra and smaller bottoms – or you might need completely different sizes for both. Violet Lake’s many shapes come in five sizes, with clear size

guidance online. Uniquely, all the bikini tops (and four styles of bottoms) have tie fastenings so that you can really fit them to your body and make them as supportive as you need them to be. The colours are all designed to harmonise with at least two others in the range, so you don’t have to conform to wearing the same coloured top and bottom. Everything’s made from Italian Jersey Lomellina, which is very soft and has an elegant matt finish. If you’re in the market for a holiday bikini, you really can’t go wrong here. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Beautiful skin from the inside Skincare innovation in a drink

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

Joelle - March 2019

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

Andrea - March 2019

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

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

Claudia - February 2019

skinade.com

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#BelieveTheHype

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HEALTH & BEAUTY IN ASSOCIATION WITH

BEAUTY MUSE CHANEL From fashion muse to beauty extraordinaire, Margo Robbie is the newest ambassador for Chanel fragrances. The brand has remained tight-lipped on which fragrances Robbie will be fronting, but she’s in good company alongside fellow actors Keira Knightley and Kristen Stewart. chanel.co.uk

Beauty notes 68 • Treatment reviews 72 • Perfume 75 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

Hair protection, shimmering shades and a stylish sonic toothbrush B y H E L E N B R OW N

THE REVIEW

Colour SHOP

FOREO’S ISSA 2

R I TA H A Z A N

If you’re making the effort to get your locks professionally coloured, you want it to last. Rita Hazan of the eponymous haircare brand has created a True Colour collection that promises to keep your colour as bright and vibrant as the day you step out of the salon. It comprises three products - shampoo, gloss and conditioner - that make maintaining your colour a breeze.

The most stylish sonic toothbrush B y PENDLE HARTE

ritahazan.com

EDITOR’S PICK

Sun TRAP SunTRAP GUERLAIN

Guerlain has captured the radiance of summer in a dazzling new collection. Cult favourite, the Météorites Perles de Satin reveals two shimmering shades, while the new Bubble Blush proves itself to be the latest object of desire. Simply swipe the dome over skin and blend with fingers for an instant radiant flush. £25.65; escentual.com

URBAN HAVEN MASAJ

First-of-its-kind urban retreat MASAJ has set up shop in east London with a heavenly menu of massages designed to combat the negative effects of city living. With everything from deep tissue treatments to post-natal care, the eco-friendly studio is our go-to when we're in need of some R&R. £70 for 60 minutes;

oreo’s Issa toothbrush, in its candy colours and soft plastic, may look and feel like a child’s toy but in fact it’s a serious piece of tech. Feeling comfortable in your hand, the toothbrush is sonic rather than the standard electric, which means it emits sonic waves, which massage the salivary glands to increase saliva flow and leave teeth even cleaner. The Issa is unusual in that its brush, like the handle, is made of silicone, and it hardly feels like a separate attachement at all. The bristles don’t feel, well, bristly at all – they feel soft. But this doesn’t mean they’re not cleaning your teeth, and it does mean that they’re gentler on the gums. The Issa comes in a surprising black as well as pastel blue, lavender and pink, while the slightly smaller kids’ version comes in a vivid yellow (this one has a handy indicator to tell you whether the brush has actually been used in the past 12 hours, in case your children are of the fibbing kind). At £149 this isn’t a cheap brush though the heads don’t need replacing very often , and the battery claims to last a year after a single hour's charging. And for the initial outlay it, will make a stylish addition to your bathroom and an upgrade to your toothbrushing regime. And as far as we know, it's the only toothbrush stocked at Net-a-Porter, which confirms its status as a fashionforward piece of kit. Issa 2, £149, foreo.com

masaj.me

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

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Reduced prices are for a course of treatments

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

CLINICALLY PROVEN FOCUSED FAT REDUCTION

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

Book your complimentary consultation today

0207 243 1113 bookings@coconailbar.com @coconailbarlondon

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BEAUTY • PRODUCTS VERSO Travel Kit, £48; cultbeauty.co.uk

LIXIRSKIN Universal Emulsion, £29 for 50ml; lixirskin.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

COOLA Travel Size SPF 30 Pina Colada Sunscreen Spray, £22; cultbeauty.co.uk

JO MALONE LONDON Fragrance Combining Palette, £52; jomalone.co.uk

ESTÉE LAUDER Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Eye Mask, £38 for four; esteelauder.co.uk

SARAH CHAPMAN Skinesis Skin Insurance SPF30, £22 for 10ml; sarahchapman.com

PACK LIGHT

TRINNY LONDON All About Skin Stack, £145; trinnylondon.com

The genius multi-tasking beauty products and miniatures you need for your next holiday B y H E L E N B R OW N

DE MAMIEL Altitude Oil, £30 for 10ml; spacenk.com

ROSIE FOR AUTOGRAPH Lip & Cheek Colour, £12.50; marksandspencer.com

AESOP Arrival Jet Set Travel Kit, £29; aesop.com

DRUNK ELEPHANT Pekee Bar, £24; cultbeauty.co.uk

SOL DE JANEIRO Coco Cabana Cream, £18 for 75ml; cultbeauty.co.uk

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

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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

STILL LONDON

LUXURY ICELANDIC PEDICURE

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

TILL London opened earlier this year. It joins a burgeoning string of trendy establishments (like PRICK the cactus shop and Brilliant Corners, the sushi-selling bar and nightclub) which populate this stretch of Hackney’s Kingsland Road. The interior decor is thoughtful and creative, the walls are millennial pink and the countertops pale marble. Teamed with velvet-covered chairs, carefully placed cactuses and pendant lighting, the salon is a world away from Dalston’s more rough-and-ready competitors. I’m here for an Iceleandic Arctic ocean soak/massage and gel pedicure using Orly 12-free nail lacquer. ‘12-free’ refers to the 12 hard-to-spell chemicals, (most notably formaldehyde which is a

known carcinogen) which are not used to produce the polish. Plus, Orly 12-free isn’t tested on animals so it’s entirely vegan. The same can be said for all the products used at STILL - cruelty-free, sustainably sourced and packaged with waste-reduction in mind. My appointment begins with the pedicure. Influenced perhaps by my surroundings, I make a departure from my regular red and find myself enjoying a rose gold glittery polish. It’s an immaculate job and with an upcoming trip to warmer climes I’m happy with my light, summery choice. Initially I’m concerned that the polish’s virtuous credentials will mean it won’t last as long as its harsh, chemical-laden counterparts. However, at the time of writing we’re two weeks down the line and my toes look as lovely as they did then. Next is the luxurious sea salt soak, followed by an exfoliating scrub infused with ‘Icelandic moss, Arctic thyme and Nordic birch’. Everything smells divine. Finally, I enjoy a foot massage using organic botanical oil made from red clover, rosehip and sea buckthorn. My feet feel thoroughly conditioned, they’re impossibly soft and particularly pretty. For a price similar to that of a normal pedicure, it seems extremely good value. I’ll be back. 450 Kingsland Rd, Dalston, E8; Still-london.com

GINA CONWAY

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • REVIEWS

GINA CONWAY

RW PERIO

CUT & COLOUR

Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

here’s something appealing about having short hair in summer, and I am ready to take the plunge. Having had long, straggly hair for my entire adult life, I have begun to covet neat, blunt bob cuts. Lovely Eleanor at Gina Conway’s Westbourne Grove salon agrees, and she’s enthusiastic about my plan to lose the length. I’m also looking for some summery blonde tones, so rather than colouring needlessly, she starts by casually snipping about 10 inches off my length before turning her attention to my grown-out highlights. We’re happily discussing everything from our working lives and families to house prices in Dublin while she effortlessly brushes three shades of mid-blonde through my locks and wraps my strands in strips of foil. When it’s time to wash the dye out, I’m treated to a luxurious head massage and beautifully scented Aveda products before the proper cutting begins. Eleanor expertly shapes my thin (but no longer damaged) hair and a new look emerges: somewhere between my chin and my shoulder, this is a long, blunt bob with flattering blonde strands and an easy feel. She arms me with tactics for disguising the frizzy short hairline strands (rub a bit of hairspray into them) and shows me how to blow dry my new length quickly. In all, I’m delighted: my hair feels fresh and summery and I’m wondering why I never cut it short before. 62 Westbourne Grove W2; ginaconwaysalons.co.uk

GUM SPECIALIST

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

t’s been around for a decade but balayage is making a come back. Long-favoured by the likes of Gisele and Chrissy Teigen, this freehand hair colouring technique delivers a blended, natural look with no harsh regrowth. It’s a timeless technique, perfect for those wanting a colour update. I’m at Inanch London thinking that I want a subtle refresh, some summery blonde-caramel ends to my brunette locks and a quick chop, perhaps. My brilliant stylist, colourist and extensionist, Hasan, however has other ideas. To cut a long story short, I leave the salon with a volumised head of ashy waves that still catch me off guard in any mirror. That’s not to say I don’t love it, I really do. Hasan liberally paints peroxide and uses a phenomenal amount of foil which leaves me unsettled as he shampoos, adds a toner and applies a treatment, but once unveiled, I see that my dark roots blend incredibly seamlessly into a gorgeous and glossy, silvery blonde. It’s a triumph to think that this is achieved in one sitting. It bounces around my shoulders as I bounce out of the salon. For serious style updates, Inanch is a winner.

GINA CONWAY

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

FULL-HEAD BALAYAGE

220 Great Portland Street, W1W; inanch.com

GINA CONWAY

RW PERIO

INANCH LONDON INANCH LONDON

olish and perfect is a 45-minute treatment with gum specialist Dr Reena Wadia in her clean and bright clinic on Wimpole Street. The appointment begins with an in-depth consultation to establish any specific concerns. I don’t have any, although I do think about my dental health often and genuinely look forward to appointments and the peace of mind they afford me. After an initial check I’m told, alarmingly, that I'm in the early stages of gum disease. Apparently it's common, and treatment - especially when caught early - is non-surgical and predictable. While I feel reassured I can’t pretend not to be concerned and promptly make another appointment to treat the disease. Dr Wadia gives me tailored advice based on her observations: she tells me how I should be brushing my teeth, which toothpaste I should use and, as I’ve often thought, that mouthwash is fairly pointless. I proudly tell her that I regularly use a tongue cleaner, and I’m encouraged to start flossing twice a day. Now for the main event. It aims to remove stains that traditional scaling might miss by using a combination of fine powder particles, compressed air and water. I’m offered a choice between lemon and cherry flavour, and Dr Wadia gets to work. I experience no discomfort whatsoever, not even on my fairly sensitive back teeth. After a quick rinse, I examine the results - and I’m pleased. My teeth look marginally whiter, but very much shinier and I leave with a bag full of interdental apparatuses, and a mouthful of squeaky clean teeth. Lister House, 11-12 Wimpole Street, W1G rwperio.com

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

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Curiosity. Integrity. Compassion. Respect. “Through TASIS I’ve had the opportunity to learn about other people and cultures, and become a member of a global community.” Current TASIS Student

We are an international school and community near London where the aspirations and potential of every student are fostered, nurtured, and challenged. Discover more at www.tasisengland.org Coldharbour Lane, Thorpe, Surrey TW20 8TE Call us on: 01932 582 316 Email us at: ukadmissions@tasisengland.org

THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN ENGLAND

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • SCENT

PERFUME

Feeling Fruity Update your perfume wardrobe with the intoxicating scents of summer fruits B y M I C H A E L D O N OVA N

ummer officially arrives this month with the solstice - the longest day of the year - and this always puts me in celebratory mode. There is something distinctly joyous about this time of year and I believe that the euphoria is fuelled by the smells of summer. From warm earth to mown grass, the rich, honeyed perfumes of the season conjure a languid, arcadian idyll; perhaps the most intoxicating of these are the scents of summer fruit.  The sharp bite of rhubarb and blackcurrants, the luscious sweetness of strawberries and raspberries and the pendulous, ambrosial flesh of peaches, cherries and plums. These are fragrances to raise the spirits and quicken the pulse.  San Franciscan Bruno Fazzolari’s fruity masterpiece, ‘Monserrat’, opens with a mouthwatering burst of juicy peach which is dusted with green leaves and then spritzed with a delicate, indolic jasmine. An utterly delicious cornucopia, so indicative of summer that you can hear the bees humming.  I have been wearing a new fragrance from Ineke, also based in San Francisco, called ‘Idyllwild’ and am totally hooked. This fragrance smiles, with rays of sunshine delivered by rhubarb and grapefruit over a vivid, green heart of sagebrush, fir needless and cypress. The warm spice base of oud and cardamom is the icing on the cake. Thrilled with this one, it lasts overnight - which is hard to do with rhubarb - so I smell lovely when I wake up. Another slice of California dreaming is Ineke’s ‘Evening Edged In Gold’, a beautifully refined woody, oriental fragrance of opulent extravagance. The scent opens with vibrant, revitalising top notes of ripe plum and apricot scented golden osmanthus. A luxuriously spiced heart of cinnamon and precious saffron is lent curious sweetness with the inclusion of

angel’s trumpet, before a bold, distinctive base of leather and hard wood notes closes out the scent. Utterly magical, I swear this fragrance utters sighs of contentment as it emerges for the bottle. A gourmand fragrance of exquisite depth and refinement, Linari’s ‘Angelo Di Fiume’ is a skilful blending of fresh fruit notes with gorgeous florals and lush sweet notes. Perfumer Mark Buxton worked with Linari to create a fragrance that speaks of sensuality and sublime mystery. Edged in 22 carat gold plating, the bottle hints at the luxurious olfactory experience within. In the opening, rich notes of cherry, raspberry and orange are cut with bright bergamot, before a show stopping floral heart of rose leaves and jasmine sweeps in, bringing its voluptuous elegance to bear. In the base notes, creamy Madagascan vanilla entices, mingling with sweet patchouli for a sumptuous effect. Resinous benzoin is backed by milky sandalwood against a classic musk, making for a warmly addictive dry down. Sweet and slightly fruity, ‘Miss Charming’ from Juliet Has A Gun is a playful fragrance that blends the delicate, summery notes of strawberry and vibrant wild rose with a mellow base of dark musk to create a beautifully balanced fragrance that is perfect for everyday wear throughout the warmer months. One of the longest running fragrances in the Juliette Has A Gun range, Miss Charming is a firm favourite amongst the team here at Roullier White.  ‘Tel Aviv’ from Galivant is a bright, sunny, floral fruity fragrance. Fresh head notes of clementine, bergamot, and blackcurrant bud wash over a floral heart of jasmine sambac absolute, Comoros’ ylang ylang, rose oil and freesia. A warm, musky base with sandalwood, musks, Deer’s Tongue absolute (liatrix) and benzoin add a gorgeous radiant glow.  I would like to raise a glass to these succulent fruit cocktails; their relaxed, elysium musings are the olfactory equivalent of a hammock. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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H EASY

Breathe Bad breath - it’s more than just embarrassing. But Sparklysmile's Bernadette, Esther and Tracey can help you freshen up during Smile Month.

By PHIL EISENBERG

alitosis (from the Latin halitus (exhalation) and the Greek osis (a disease-causing process), oral malodour and fetor oris are terms for what you and I know as just plain old bad breath. Bad breath has a significant impact both personally and socially on those who suffer from it, as well as those on the receiving end. And bad breath may have serious long-term effects on your quality of life. There’s even a term for people who believe or fear they have bad breath: “halitophobia.” Each year we spend large amounts of money on fresh breath remedies and coverups, including gum, mints and mouth rinses and bad breath is one of the main reasons people visit their dentist. Over 2000 years ago, Hippocrates suggested the use of a rinse made from herbs and wine for sweetening breath and unacceptable bad breath is found in

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PROMOTION

Sparklysmile’s about 50% of middle-aged and older adults. Sparklysmile is ideally placed to help you find out whether its cause is serious and how best you can manage it, as modern rinses may just hide a potentially serious problem leading to the loss of your teeth or worse.

IS MORNING BREATH NORMAL?

Because your mouth is dry during the night, mouth odour is usually worse upon awakening. This normal halitosis — morning breath — is universal in adults, affecting 85% or more of people. The intensity of bad breath differs during the day as a function of oral dryness due to stress, fasting or eating certain foods (garlic, onions, meat, fish and cheese, the most likely culprits), along with smoking and alcohol consumption. When fasting, you start to metabolise more fats within your body and there may be a distinct acetone smell of ketones on your breath. In addition, if no food is ingested, the tongue coating increases and this may make the odour more intense. This type of bad breath may be transient, often disappearing after eating, brushing one’s teeth, flossing, or rinsing with mouthwash. Bad breath may be persistent or chronic though, which is a more serious condition.It can negatively impact your personal, social and business relationships, leading to poor self-esteem and increased stress. This is usually caused by the activity of certain types of oral bacteria and less frequently by underlying medical problems.

TIPS TO COMBAT BAD BREATH

World class oral hygiene regimes using toothbrushes, interproximal brushes and/or dental floss • Tongue cleaning with the gentle use of a tongue scraper or brush if coated • Denture hygiene if needed • Periodontal (gum) therapy with their hygienists cleaning difficult areas to reach • Removal of tooth-decay and repair of defective or broken fillings • Extraction of third molars with debristrapping gum flaps • Treatment of candidiasis (yeast infections) • Then, maybe a mouthwash

ORAL CAUSES OF CHRONIC BAD BREATH

Most unpleasant odours are known to arise from proteins trapped in the mouth that are processed by oral bacteria. There are over 600 types of bacteria found in the average mouth — yet only a dozen or so types produce foul odours and these are often found in people suffering from gum problems that may lead to losing teeth. Another common cause of bad breath is bacteria at the back of the tongue which is relatively dry and poorly cleansed. Bacteria here thrive on remnants of food deposits, dead skin cells and post-nasal drip and the odours are characterised by the “rotten egg” smell of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs). Other hard-to-clean parts of the mouth may contribute to the overall odour such as broken teeth and inter-dental and sub-gingival (under the gums) areas. Complicated or faulty dental work, , abscesses and unclean dentures may also affect your breath. Xerostomia (dry mouth) may leave a bad odour too and this may be caused by mouth-breathing and certain medications. Occasionally, antibiotics that suppress the normal mouth bacteria can lead to an easily treatable yeast infection called candidiasis

Bad breath may have serious long-term effects on your quality of life MEDICAL CAUSES

There are a few medical conditions that may cause halitosis, but these are much less common. Conditions that can contribute to bad breath include liver disease, lung infections, diabetes and kidney infections. However, if you suffer from halitosis you should not immediately conclude you suffer from these – it is most likely caused by something much more common.

TREATING BAD BREATH AT SPARKLYSMILE

Sparklysmile and their hygienists, Bernadette, Esther and Tracey are very experienced at finding out what types of bad breath you may have. Their advice and treatment depends very much on the causes and as most are mouth-related, they are then in a very good position to help you out. Treatment may be as simple as oral hygiene instruction, or more involved techniques such as scaling and deep cleaning with their team followed by regular maintenance visits. The aim of treatment is to create a healthier mouth by promoting more protective bacteria and showing you how to keep it as clean as possible. If the halitosis originates from additional tooth-related problems, then their dentists can help correct these problems too for example with new fillings or removing damaged wisdom teeth. If Sparklysmile believes your halitosis is of systemic origin (from other parts of your body), a team of specialists is easily contactable and, in such cases, treating a case of bad breath may just be a lifesaver. Don’t delay – if you think you have bad breath then visit Sparklysmile’s team and freshen up.

PHIL EISENBERG D E N T I ST AT S PA R K LY S M I L E 19 Montpelier Vale, SE3 0TA 020 8852 0442, info@sparklysmile.co.uk sparklysmile.co.uk

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

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View the full collection and shop online at www.lucypittaway.co.uk | E: info@lucypittaway.co.uk | T: 01748 810 965

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INTERIORS

SOFT TOUCH T H E RU G CO M PA N Y

The Rug Company has launhced a new range of accessories with designer Luke Edward Hall. The quirky collection includes these lobster cushions, £135. therugcompany.com

Interior inspirations 80 • New designers at Liberty 86 • Bedroom upgrades 101 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

EYE KNOW QUENTIN JONES X HABITAT

Illustrator and mixedmedia artist Quentin Jones' first capsule collection for Habitat features a radical curation of original artworks reimagined across textiles. Structured typography, bold primary colours, fluid freehand lines and figurative elements are reworked by hand into rugs and cushions. habitat.co.uk

DISH UP HAY

Hay's enamel collection comprises an extensive series of everyday plates, dishes and kitchenware. Featuring a distinctive speckled design on a contrasting background, it is available in a wide variety of colours, shapes and sizes. hay.dk

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INTERIORS • NOTES

RED ALERT Bright red pieces for the home

DARLINGS OF CHELSEA Enzo chair in leather, £871 darlingsofchelsea.co.uk

RADIO HEAD RUARK AUDIO X LINLEY

B E A N TO CU P DENBY

Denby's new Brew collection includes cups and mugs in a range of sizes plus large and small jugs, teapots, cafetieres and coffee drippers, all in Denby's stylish Studio Blue and Halo glazes. The collection is durable, practical and versatile. denbypottery.com

MARIMEKKO Oiva red teapot, £69 cloudberryliving.co.uk

The Tempo combines exquisite Linley marquetry with Ruark's award-winning technology and sound, making it probably the most collectable and desirable radio available. Each features marquetry inlays composed from four different veneers with solid sycamore front and rear edges and a soft goatskin-clad front panel. ruarkaudio.com

EDITOR’S PICK

KITCHENAID Limited edition Queen of Hearts stand mixer, £699 kitchenaid.co.uk

DYBERG LARSEN Haipot pendant light, £135.50 limelace.co.uk

B LO C K

PARTY VARANA

MADE Graphix desk in walnut and red, £149 made.com

Founded by designer Sujata Keshavan, Varana is the first stand-alone luxury retail space dedicated to artisanal expertise and the handmade from India. Beautiful carved wooden pieces and block printed textiles are some of the beautiful pieces on display. varanaworld.com

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INTERIORS • TREND

FAB HAB Outdoor rug in coral, £49.95 cuckooland.com

MADE Layla cocoon bean bag, £149 made.com

MADE Friar earthenware gnome, £22 made.com

EDITOR’S PICK

MARNI Moon Walk animal stools, £568 luisaviaroma.com

LECHUZA Cube self-watering planter, £12.99 lechuza.co.uk

LECHUZA Cascada stacking planter, £19.99 lechuza.co.uk

OUT THERE INTERIORS

GARDEN PARTY

ROCKETT ST GEORGE Lavish gold ice bucket, £90 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

Outdoor garland lighting, £175 outthereinteriors.com

Decor for your outdoor spaces By P E N D L E H A R T E

MADE Rika small woven hammock, £25 made.com

ROCKETT ST GEORGE Faux monstera plant, £36 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

MARNI Moon Walk chaise longue, £665 luisaviaroma.com

GARDEN TRADING Hampstead hanging nest chair, £350 gardentrading.co.uk

ROCKETT ST GEORGE Bamboo side tables, £160 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

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

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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INTERIORS • BOOKS

BOOK CLUB Five of the best new interiors tomes Words P E N D L E H A R T E

PA LLET ST Y LE Pallet Style captures the growing trend for DIY furniture made from wooden pallets, one of the most searched for items on Pinterest. An introductory section explains the different kinds of standard pallets – many of which can be sourced for free as they are so readily available. Full instructions for deconstructing a pallet are provided, together with ideas on how to source them. So, whether you want to make something in a weekend or embark on a more complex bespoke piece for your home, these projects are stylish and sustainable, from Scandiinfluenced urban apartments to rustic retreats. £20, kylebooks.com

W E AV I N G Weaving is a centuries-old craft with a fascinating history, and one that continues to evolve. It is being revitalized today by designers, artists and modern craftspeople all over the world: from wall-hangings and

N O R TH E R N CO M FO R T carpets to art installations and technological tours-de-force. Weaving – Contemporary Makers on the Loom presents a survey of this vibrant revival, with profiles of over twenty contemporary weavers. Author Katie Treggiden’s essays explore the craft’s relationship with themes such as emancipation, migration and new technologies. £30, ludion.be

K ITC H E N LI V I N G Kitchen Living delves into the space where we now spend most of our time, lookgin at current technology and trends that have allowed these spaces to become more experimental. From kitchen designers to food writers to photographers, this is a voyage through the kitchen interiors that inspire the people who have made food their life. Draw inspiration and learn life hacks on how subtle touches can create mighty solutions. £40, gestalten.com

Scandinavian design and creativity are synonymous with cozy homes and architecture that combine style with tradition, indoors with outdoors, natural materials with rich colors, and playfulness with clarity. Northern Comfort – The Nordic Art of Creative Living brings together the people, endeavors, and ideas that best embody this way of life, focusing on interior design while also venturing into the outdoors, the kitchen, and the atelier. £40, gestalten.com

M I D - C E N T U RY

M O D E R N LI V I N G

Written by Keith Stephenson and Mark Hampshire from Mini Moderns, the renowned interiors brand which specialises in applied pattern across a varied range of products, this is a comprehensive guide to mid-century pattern and style. It's a beautifully photographed book in which Keith and Mark delve into the cornerstones of mid-century style and share their secrets on how to bring together the things you love to create your own look. They also include inspirational case studies, to demonstrate particular looks such as Beatnik Beach House and Scandi Rustic to Ocean Blue and Studio Townhouse.. £20, octopusbooks.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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PALACE GARDEN ELEMENTS BY CATHERINE ROWE

PAT T E R N C U TS How 2019â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Open Call resulted in four fabulous new additions to the Liberty fabric collection Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT

ast September, Liberty launched a mission to find the next big artistic talent in the UK, inviting artists, creators and designers to upload a photo of their work to Instagram using #LibertyOpenCall for the chance to have it immortalised in iconic Liberty fabric. From digital drawing to illustration, over 5,000 incredible entries rolled in across a widerange of artistic mediums. By encouraging the design and craft community around Liberty to directly contribute to the designs they wanted to see in store, the well-loved Liberty fabric collections will be shaped and moulded by the people who love them the most. With over 7,600 votes the judging panel selected four incredible talents: Natasha Coverdale, Duncan Grant, Emma Hill and Catherine Rowe, who now take their place alongside a lineup of design icons to sell their prints exclusively in Liberty for Spring/Summer 2019. Using social media to tap into art and design communities across the British Isles, more people than ever were able to submit their creations. Through this, Liberty has grown its customer community by involving them in design, decision-making and ultimately investing in the very fabric of Liberty. This year’s Liberty Open Call prize also puts the winners at the center of their print’s journey, including time spent developing the print alongside the design team, as well as a trip to Liberty’s fabric mill in Italy, where they will watch as the winning fabrics are printed. GRAFFITI SUMMER BY EMMA HILL

The winners, in their own words...

Emma Hill

’m self-taught: my art education is based on eight years of intensive searching for art and culture during my days travelling worldwide as cabin crew for British Airways. I am an art instructor at Arthouse Unlimited, a charity working with adults with complex epilepsy and learning difficulties. In between juggling my work and family life, I paint pictures. My artwork is created with acrylic paint on canvas. My abstract paintings are raw, self-expressive and contemporary, blurring the lines between impressionism and graffiti. They are spontaneous and intuitive, expressive and emotionally charged. While my artworks are large, they give a sense of freedom. Liberty Open Call found me, randomly appearing in my instagram feed. My winning entry was a painting that I completed the day before the entry opened. This painting’s starting point is inspired by the sea and the sky, it reminds me of the moment at the end of a storm, as the wild forces of nature embrace calmness and beauty. It is called Graffiti Summer because it takes me back to last summer and my daughter’s 14th birthday. I took

“Liberty Open Call found me by randomly appearing in my Instagram feed”

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NATASHA COVERDALE

“Recognition by Liberty is like winning gold in the desigin Olympics”

MIDNIGHT IN JUPITER GARDEN BY NATASHA COVERDALE

photos of her with graffiti in Camden and although the painting doesn’t look like any of the graffiti we saw, I think my painting has a similar raw energy and vibrancy. There must be something special about seeing your own design on fabric for the first time, as it is being printed. I am very much looking forward to working with the Liberty team. I’m excited about the idea of what I have made simply as a painting, which now within design can push the boundaries and possibilities further, developing it into something new and unique.

Natasha Coverdale

am a self-employed designer working from my studio in Hove, Sussex. I have been in this glorious field for over 15 years;I have an MA in Design and I manage two websites - natashacoverdale. com for graphic design and studiocoverdale. com for delicious floral prints. I also dabble in Escape Room interior design… I am fascinated with the folklore of plants, fashion history and swoon over any faded

grandeur. I love English Heritage and any authentically produced period drama. I am mainly digital, and work with a Wacom Pen and tablet, drawing straight into Adobe Illustrator. But I am never too far away from a Posca Pen, paper and my Lino cutting tools. I would describe my style as joyous but seductive, luxury with a pinch of playful. A colourful escape from reality. Having lived in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Texas I think that these bold and vibrant places have also proved inspirational to me. My floral prints have a tiny hidden Iguana named Derek in them… he has punk hair and a heart tattoo. I found out about the Open Call when it started, a good few years ago, and I queued up around the block from 5am with my portfolio. I was inspired to continue to enter because in my mind recognition by Liberty has always been like winning gold in the design Olympics. My winning piece is actually a crop of a print I was working on in the summer. Its scale and colours caught my eye - it was piece on its own. It’s an honour that someone would enjoy my work enough to buy it, and even more wonderful to be creative with it. The design is very versatile and so could work as a wild jacket or sumptuous cushion cover. Anything in large scale would really let the detail sing I’d love a quilt.

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT

SMALL GREEN TOWN BY DUNCAN GRANT

Duncan Grant

y style is eclectic and slightly deranged. A combination of pattern, impressionism and imagination bought to life on canvas / paper. A friend said I should enter as I’ve heard before that my work could look good as fabric. My winning design is unique but is one of a family of over 50 designs called “Small Towns”. I’m hoping that I will get more opportunities in fabric design and more commercial work that will allow me to spend time creating art. It will be great seeing the fabric coming off the mill and being used to create other Liberty pieces.

CATHERINE ROWE

Catherine Rowe

work with scraperboard - a medium that gives an engraving or relief print type of effect. The scraperboard artwork is black and white originally and so I scan it in and colour it digitally. I like to hope my artwork style is difficult to place in time. I am hugely inspired by late 19th century arts and crafts movement artists, whose work has stood the test of time so remarkably. I hope mine will do the same. My work is quite traditional and classic, always involving wildlife and nature. I have often received the very wonderful compliment that my works look as though it belongs in Liberty! I never thought it actually would make its way in though. A friend tagged me on instagram about the competition. I created Palace Gardens specifically for the Liberty Open Call. I love my patterns to have a story behind them. Palace Gardens is all about a very beautiful British summer’s day in an amazing garden of a palace. The rabbit & dog are inspired by Staffordshire pottery figures from the early 20th century - I imagine them to be on the windowsill in the palace looking onto the beautiful gardens, which are full of all the other natural elements in the design - berries, blackbirds, tulips and fruit. I’m very excited about going to Italy to see the fabric being printed. I’d love to see Palace Gardens made into a beautiful dress. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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bartholomewlandscaping landscape architecture & garden design

Concept to Reality • Creating & developing beautiful gardens for over 25 years

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• Chelsea Flower Show medalists

+44 (0)20 7931 8685

• BALI multi award winners

gardens@bartholomewlandscaping.com

www.bartholomewlandscaping.com

23/05/2019 10:27

INTERIORS • ICONS

T H E L E G AC Y D E N BY P OT T E RY Wo r d s PENDLE HARTE

D DENBY’S CURRENT HALO COLLECTION

The strength and quality of Derbyshire clay led to the formation of Denby Pottery TIBOR REICH FOR DENBY, 1950S

enby Pottery is a British institution. Everyone will find Denby pieces that remind them of their grandparents’ houses and their parents’ homes – while the new collections continue to build on the brand’s heritage to produce stylish pieces for contemporary homes. In 1809, entrepreneur William Bourne discovered the strength and quality of Derbyshire clay and set up a factory employing local craftsmen, naming it after the village of its base and kicked off the tradition of jollying, fettling and handcrafting. Over the years, Denby developed secret glaze recipes that when fired to the right temperatures give each piece its unique and durable surface. The Majolica glaze is over 100 years old. In the 1920s, as the nation emerged from the darkness of the wartime years, the vibrant Electric Blue glaze captured the cheerfulness of peacetime. More recently, Denby’s designers have reflected its captivating glaze effect in modern designs including Halo and Praline. Into the 1940s, wartime restrictions meant that Denby ran out of all other glazes apart from Utility Brown, which was aptly named as craftsmen rallied together and filled the kilns with practical

CHEVRON, 1960S

teapots, rum bottles for the navy and even telegraphic insulators and battery jars to aid the war effort. In the 1950s designer Tibor Reich, the son of a Hungarian ribbon manufacturer, created eclectic designs for Denby which graced the inside of No 10 Downing Street and Concorde, putting Denby firmly on the design map. Tibor’s pottery was often described as ‘Picasso-like’ and had its admirers and critics. Tibor also advised on colour and patterns for several of Denby’s other ranges at that time. The Chevron collection, produced between 1962 and 1978, was an outstanding success in Britain and USA. Denby’s Natural Canvas collection, launched in 2016, takes inspiration and pays homage to Chevron and is every bit as alluring for a modern audience. It is made at Denby’s original pottery in Derbyshire, still made by skilled artisans using high quality, locally sourced clay. Each unique piece is individually and expertly glazed to give warmth as well as prevent chipping for enhanced durability and lasting appeal. Denby’s current ranges Halo and Azure really come to life in the kiln. With tiny particles of glaze, exacting temperatures and a little specialist know-how, Denby continues to create pottery works of art. denbypottery.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Enhancing the kerb appeal of the finest homes for over 30 years London Door Company has become synonymous with beautiful, handcrafted doors, that not only add value to our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; properties but are also exceptionally secure, providing total peace of mind. Each door is specified and installed by experienced, time-served craftsmen using the highest quality materials, including premium locking systems and exquisite ironmongery.

For a FREE brochure or a design visit go to LONDONDOOR.CO.UK or call 0845 646 0690 BATTERSEA SHOWROOM 153 St Johns Hill, London SW11 1TQ

PENGE SHOWROOM 67 High Street, Penge SE20 7HW

A member of BHID Group

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INTERIORS • TREND EDITOR’S PICK

IITTALA Kastehelmi vase, £42 iittala.com

MARIMEKKO Mini vase in green, £20 marimekko.com

ORLA KIELY HOUSE Layered vase in pink, £50 johnlewis.com

ANOTHER COUNTRY Brack Vase by Tanya Gomez, £285 anothercountry.com

KAHLER Omaggio vase medium, £43 nordicnest.com

COX & COX

BLOOMINGVILLE Handmade grey stoneware vase, £22 hurnandhurn.com

PRETTY STEMS

Tapered green vase, £30 coxandcox.co.uk

All the loveliest vases for summer blooms By P E N D L E H A R T E

PRINTER + TAILOR Klevering vase Aya, £30 printerandtailor.com

HAY

LSA

Bubble vase, £24.90 connox.com

Canopy vase, £22 lsa-international.com

HILARY AND FLO Green Ceramic Ripple Vase with Brass Trim, £30 hilaryandflo.co.uk

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ART HOUSE 94

When architect Guy Stansfeld ﬁrst saw this Victorian villa in Holland Park, it was divided into four ﬂats. Absolutely quizzes him about its total transformation Words P E N D L E H A R T E

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INTERIORS â&#x20AC;˘ FOCUS

his project involved the reconversion and extension of a semi-detached Victorian villa which had been carved up into four separate flats. Among the clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; priorities was to have generous living spaces with ample room to display a large private art collection. A strong sense of light throughout was also desired, especially in the new basement rooms. A simple pallet of materials runs through the house. There is a pale oak herringbone floor on the upper levels and a cast in-situ power floated concrete floor at the lower levels which, together with painted plaster walls, were chosen as a backdrop for more distinctive furniture and artwork throughout. Wall panelling was employed in the TV nook and ground floor study to create more intimate spaces. Extensive built-in joinery throughout makes efficient use of the space available as well as adding accent colours to various rooms. The staircase features a simple ribbon of solid plaster balustrade with timber handrail, supported by bespoke cast brass brackets. At the rear of the house, new rear extensions make use of glazed terrace floors, which also act as rooflights, bringing in generous amounts of natural light.

Q The house is beautiful. How big was the project and where did you begin? A Thank you. The house is not large by west London standards, but the project was a significant undertaking as it involved an

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D E S I G N | INTERIORS

almost total rebuild of the original house, including a large new basement, on a tight, tricky site. Q What was the brief? A The brief was to create a comfortable

family home, maximising available light and space and to accommodate an extensive art collection. Q How did you change the building’s layout? A The two really significant changes were the creation of a new basement and a total reworking of the original staircase. The house was divided into four flats when we began so there is pretty much nothing left of the original layout. Q There are lots of glass doors and partitions. Can you tell us about them? A We wanted to create a sense of openness throughout the house, in particular within and between the principal floors. There was some conflict between this desire and the need to create functional spaces that could be used separately and privately. Glazed partitions provide the best of both worlds, creating separation but retaining the strong visual connections that we sought. Q How was the storage created? A Storage has been created on every level.

It has all been integrated in such a way as to minimise its visual impact and use

‘leftover’ space as much as possible. The brief demanded a large art store which has been incorporated into the basement behind a huge secret door. Q The staircase is a beautiful shape - and the halls seem so wide. Can you tell us about that? A The staircase is in fact very modest in size but the simple white sculptural shapes, huge window and skylight and the narrow double-height volume all make it feel larger than it really is. The rooms are all simple rectangular spaces so we wanted the circulation spaces to be a bit softer and more organic. Q Can you describe the colour scheme and the materials used? a The materials palette has been kept very simple. White walls, a mix of polished concrete and oak parquet on the floors, black Crittal windows and subtle details highlighted in brass. The idea was to make calm, beautiful spaces and to let the owners’ collection of beautiful art and furniture shine. We were lucky enough to have a client with a fantastic eye for style and colour. We worked very closely together to ensure a seamless continuity between the architecture and interior design. 318.studio

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N EW fo r OLD Anna Burles and Retro Living launch a collection of reinvented and reupholstered classic pieces. Absolutely admires it Words P E A R L B OY D

nterior designer Anna Burles from Run For The Hills has just completed a super cool and creative collaboration with Malcolm Russell of vintage store Retro Living. The duo have come together to curate a range of beautifully restored and collectable furniture pieces; reupholstered, reinvented and restyled using a selection of fashion forward fabrics and finishes selected by Anna. Retro Living is a haven for mid-century design, ranging from renowned designers such as Niels Moller, Arne Jacobson, Dyrlund and Hans Wegner. Each object is personally chosen by Malcolm Russell, who founded the store. Anna Burles runs award-winning boutique interior design studio Run For The Hills, specialising in the design of highly original and conceptual commercial and residential spaces. Her interiors are full of individuality, innovative surprises and hidden creative touches, styling modern and traditional spaces in conceptual ways, devising exciting schemes full of creative

The 1930s armchairs are finished in gorgeous patterns and colours

touches and artfully juxtaposing eclectic finds, vintage classics and antique s with modern next generation design and high street gems. Her client list includes wellknown and stylish private individuals, music stars and well-known hospitality and retail brands. She even designed for the Queen during the Coronation Festival. She runs the business with her artist and graphic designer husband, Chris (aka “Dex”) and they also specialise in hospitality design, including concepting a new Boutique Cinema, Bar & Cafe in Bath, and Kricket’s new restaurant at the iconic Television Centre. On the residential side, they are currently refurbishing a huge, light-filled large apartment within an iconic shorefront grand hotel in Nice and styling the London home of pop star Ellie Goulding, with whom Anna’s worked for many years. Anna and Malcolm’s first collection includes a range of 1930s Deco-style armchairs by Jindrich Halabala, finished in a gorgeous suite of patterns and colours from fabric company Arley House and

Linwood textiles. Also available is a range of single armchairs and pairs, all beautifully restored and re-upholstered in fabrics shot through with Anna’s trademark style, restored with care by Malcolm and his team of artisans.

RETRO LIVING 7a Church Street, NW8 retroliving.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • BEDROOMS

SLEEP TIGHT LOAF

Loaf's Smoothie bed takes the classic French bed and gives it a midcentury makeover. It comes in lovely light oak with a sandblasted finish and there's plenty of space for underbed storage. £995 for the king size. loaf.com

NIGHT WAT C H I M P R O V E YO U R S L E E P WITH THESE BEDROOM UPGRADES

SHEET MUSIC

RISE AND FALL

Rise and Fall's sustainable cotton bedlinen is super soft and comfortable, whether in the 100 or 400 thread count versions. The whole range is reasonable priced too. riseandfall.co A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • BEDROOMS T H E L O W D O W N

P I L LOWS SPRING FORWARD HERDY SLEEP

The herdysleep mattress blends the most natural fibres with advanced pocket spring technology for the ultimate night’s sleep. Hand-crafted in the UK using traditional techniques, over 100 years of expertise goes into every lovingly made luxury mattress. herdysleep.com

BESPOKE NANU

Nanu's pillows are designed according to your size and sleeping position, to provide the optimum in comfort and support. We love ours. £35 nanusleep.co.uk

COMFORT PURE URBAN COLLECTIVE

Urban Collective cotton/linen blend bedsheets promise to deliver the linen look with a softer feel, if that's possible. The duvet covers, sheets and pillowcases are designed to improve with use. We love the set in Keepsake Lilac, pictured. urbancollective.com

WOOL HERDY SLEEP

Supportive, soft and quick to bounce back, a wool pillow draws moisture away from the skin for a steady temperature. It’s also naturally dust mite free. £69 herdysleep.com

LOVE LINEN CARAVANE

The beauty of Caravane's Selena bedlinen collection lies in its exceptional craftsmanship. These are fine linen fibres, harvested and woven in Europe and dyed using a special piece-dyeing technique that creates unique shades and ensures that no two pieces are ever exactly the same. The range comes in a vast array of shades for mixing and matching. caravane.co.uk

GOOSE DOWN SOAK & SLEEP

Both supportive and soft , Soak & Sleep's Ultimate Hungarian goose down pillow is rated by Which? and delivers all the comfort you could ever want. £80 soakandsleep.com

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Benenden School invites you to an evening discovering how to help teenage girls achieve their best

STRETCH WITHOUT STRESS ~ How a creative curriculum enables girls to thrive ~ How Modern Boarding supports academic success and wellbeing

We look forward to presenting two key messages about how modern boarding can help girls to achieve their very best: How to challenge girls so that they not only achieve excellent academic results but leave school with a love of learning and a set of skills that fit her to meet the challenges of her personal and professional life in the years ahead. What boarding looks like in the 21st century, the benefits to pupils and to families and how boarding plays an integral part in a girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s academic and cocurricular achievements as well as her health.

At Wotton House Hotel Guildford Road, Dorking RH5 6QQ Thursday 6 June 2019 at 6.30pm RSVP: www.benenden.school/wottonhouse or email Sarah Davies: registry@benenden.school Drinks and canapĂŠs

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INTERIORS • DESIGN

M e t a l

H E A D S

Absolutely discovers Italian family-run brand Formae: ‘a pop spirit and a design soul’ Words P E N D L E H A R T E

ree forms guided by wonderfully sleek aesthetics is what Formae is all about: furnishings with a lighthearted, yet distinctive influence. Based in the heart of the Tuscan valleys, the Formae brand is a family company. Skilled metalworker Gennaro Tramonti creates unique objects made of metal together with his children, Simone and Laura, in the family’s true calling. Formae’s pieces are characterised by design creativity and a search for beauty modelled into deliberately simple forms: pure geometries and linear surfaces in which the ideal of less is more is embodied and enhanced by artisan craftsmanship. Formae’s range of furniture and accessories are designed to be functional domestic A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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

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North America’s favourite designer paint brand now available at

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INTERIORS • DESIGN

“Pure geometries and linear surfaces enact the idea that less is more”

presences, with wonderfully sleek aesthetics which are unashamedly a little poppy. The design cues reference Scandi style and lessons from Memphis, interpreted through a simple, contemporary design language. The artistic director is Leonardo Fortino, a young designer who nevertheless boasts extensive experience in the metal production sector; his formal research process centres on geo-metry, revisited through a process of summary and simplification. The collections feature a colour palette of pastel tones which are at the same time warm and vibrant, half-way between the North Sea and the Mediterranean. Estensioni is the brand’s first collection, which officially marks its passage from Car-Met toFormae; It is composed of visually light objects, where geometric linearity and graphical accents are accentuated only by the artisan processes – laser cutting, welding, mechanical connection,manual bending and punching – used during their creation. The final painting process then confersa texture with a porous effect which allows the colour palette of neutral and pastel tones to maintain a warm, tactile note. Part of the Estensioni collection, the products Engioi, Ambrogio and Half Moon can be considered illustrative of Formae’s entire production due to their style and manufacturing characteristics. formaecollection.com

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

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TRAVEL

SUMMER IN SCOTTSDALE ARIZONA

From desert adventures to Old Town discoveries, a burgeoning culinary scene and a vibrant art district, the sky’s the limit in Scottsdale, Arizona. We explore the best of the city with Experience Scottsdale. experiencescottsdale.com

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TRAVEL • LUGGAGE

1 C A S E S T U D Y ALL YOUR PACKING PROBLEMS SOLVED

HARD BARGAIN ANTLER

100-year old British brand Antler has launched a new website with stylish new ranges including Juno, a collection of hard cases that are strong, scratch resistant and ultralightweight. Super roomy and easy to manoeuvre thanks to 360 degree rotating wheels, these are practical and stylish too. From £159; antler.co.uk

WHEELS UP AWAY

Away's clever wheelie case contains two neat compartments with straps to compress your clothes, a hidden laundry bag and an assortment of travel plugs. Best of all, there's a removable portable charger stashed in a special compartment. It comes in a wide range of sizes from carry on to large. From £225; awaytravel.com

LINE UP KIPLING

Kipling's new Travel Light collection includes a vast selection of totes, cabin bags and duffles – we love the Darcey, a soft four-wheel spinner with a handy front pocket that comes in the cool Scribble Lines print among other colourways. £126; kipling.com

MAKE ROOM BRIGGS & RILEY

The expansion-compression design of Briggs & Riley's Sympatico collection is the first of its kind and allows for 25% more packing space. Available in a range of sizes, each case expands and compresses with zipless technology, making them the ideal choice for overzealous packers. From £449; johnlewis.com

LUXU RY T R AV E L GLOBETROTTER

A Globetrotter bag is the ultimate airport status symbol. SS19's collection includes the hand-made Riviera range in candy shades and stripes, made from vulcanised fibreboard with leather belts and corners. There's a handy trolley case as well as a large suitcase and various other bags. From £1,260; globe-trotter.com

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TRAVEL • AMERICA

The NEW

WEST We explore Scottdale, Arizona, a thrilling desert city where the Wild West meets the new West Wo r d s H E L E N B R O W N

s states go, Arizona is pretty spectacular. Of course there are the showstoppers - the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Cathedral Rock. But it’s the handful of localised micro-climates and the multiple terrains that make for such interesting travelling. Within the near 300,000 square kilometers that make up the state, there are the blisteringly hot summers and desert climate of the south, the forests of pine and Douglas fir trees in the north and the large, deep canyons and craggy mountain ranges that crawl up from the south into the central region. On top of that, if you’re so inclined to risk your limbs in a pair of skis on a snowy mountain, there are three resorts to choose from. It’s Arizona’s gorgeous climate and magnificent desert scenery that are the main draw. Buckets of southwestern soul can be soaked up in Scottsdale, a city located to the east of Phoenix. Known as Arizona’s luxury watering hole, Scottsdale has shaken off its Wild West façade, becoming an upmarket oasis of Sonoran mountainside resorts, outdoor activities and a vibrant food scene. One of the city’s standouts is its world-class spas; people flock to the area for some much-needed pampering. It’s the perfect escape during cooler months, with mild temperatures

and an enviable amount of sunshine - typically around 300 sunny days in a year. All this makes for endless opportunities for relaxation and adventure. You’ll sip tequila amongst the saguaro cacti, enjoy a smorgasbord of spectacular architecture and soak up the astounding beauty of the desert. Some of Arizona’s best resorts can be found in Scottsdale. One such is the endlessly chic Mountain Shadows, so called for its location at the foot of Camelback Mountain. Here you’ll find a distinctly cool crowd; they breeze through the slick lobby before settling into a private pool cabana with a chilled bottle of rosé. The property dates back to the 1950s when it attracted the likes of John Wayne and Elizabeth Taylor. The resort’s glamorous past with Hollywood’s finest is documented in black and white pictures lining the walls. Another notable feature is the glass-walled shower which stands centre stage in each signature deluxe room. Perhaps even more historically fascinating is the nearby Hotel Valley Ho. Aside from the flat screen TVs and internet access, the place is a midcentury timewarp. Spacious rooms have oak credenzas and Saarinen chairs, and the spa is a destination in itself. Located in downtown Scottsdale, the hotel was a celebrity hotpot when it opened in the '50s, playing host to Bing Crosby, Tony Curtis and Zsa Zsa Gabor – Richard Wagner and Natalie Wood even got married here. Revamped and reopened in 2005, the property remains a popular spot for visitors and locals, who come A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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S D N HOU he on t

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From September 2020 Eltham College will become a fully co-educational day school when we begin to welcome both girls and boys for entry in Years 3 and 7, as well as our existing co-educational Sixth Form. For more information and to find out about our upcoming open days visit www.elthamcollege.london

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TRAVEL • AMERICA

HOTEL VALLEY HO

MOUNTAIN SHADOWS

You don’t visit Arizona without cramming in a taco or ten for the weekend pool parties and throwback glamour. The newer tower rooms offer a more contemporary design, while the historic hotel section is a paragon of midcentury design married with modern amenities. The Hyatt Regency is another resort worth writing down, most notably for its exemplary spa which has a Himalyan salt room, a French celtic mineral pool and a seamingly endless treatment menu. While the city thrums with adventure and high-end offerings, a glimmer HYATT REGENCY SCOTTSDALE RESORT

of the Wild West can be seen in Scottsdale’s Old Town. Museums and the Arts District celebrate the deep-rooted heritage of the Hopi, a Native American tribe who have populated the state for centuries. For a unique museum experience, visit Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West to engage in Arizona's cowboy culture. You'll also definitely want to visit the crown-jewel of Scottsdale’s architecture scene, Taliesin West. Situated in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, Taliesin West is the former winter residence and school of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It spans 600 acres and offers visitors a fascinating look into the life of Wright, who built this place as a sort of utopian desert paradise for himself and his students. Scottsdale is best experienced by way of the outdoors, so be sure to pack your trainers. If you love hiking, head to Camelback Mountain for a challenging workout that rewards with amazing views from the top. Trails around the McDowell Sonoran Preserve are less taxing but rank just as highly on the nature front. Spanning nearly 30,000 acres, the preserve offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts: rock climbing, bird watching, horseback riding, and wildflower viewing, to name a few. By far the most superior way to explore the desert though, is from the lofty heights of a hot air balloon. The view from above really is astounding, especially when paired with a truly spectacular sunrise. Trust us when we say that the 4am wake up call is worth it. But there really is no limit to the ways in which you can get around when you’re back on the ground. If you’ve still not seen enough, with Stellar Adventures you can zoom through the landscape on a quad bike (but wear old clothes because the dust is extreme). You

can even paddle through the desert with a guided excursion on the Lower Salt River with Arizona Outback Adventures. You don’t visit Arizona without cramming in a taco or ten; Mexican cuisine is a cornerstone of the state's culinary offering after all. The Mission is a kind of gothic Spanish Catina that dishes out modern Latin food. You must order the table-side guacamole, no one works an avocado like these guys - they've even given the classic margarita a spin with the stuff. You can enjoy traditional southwestern cuisine just about anywhere in Scottsdale, but for something special, FnB is a charmingly petite restaurant and arguably one of the state’s most well known culinary destinations. Chef Charleen Badman was named James Beard Foundation’s 2019 Best Chef: Southwest this month, following five consecutive nominations. Big in both flavour and creativity, her tasty and seasonal vegetable dishes make for a fabulous evening of eating. Ingredients are sourced from top local farmers, proving that Arizona has a robust agricultural sector, while the impressive wine menu showcases the state’s blossoming viticulture scene. This catch-all destination really does make for a fascinating trip. From dining to adventure, scenery to spas, you’d be hard pushed to find a traveller who leaves Scottsdale unfulfilled.

Rooms at Mountain Shadows start from £126 per room, per night. mountainshadows.com • Rooms at Hotel Valley Ho start from £143 per room, per night. hotelvalleyho.com • Rooms at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch start from £133 per room, per night. hyatt.com • For further information on Scottsdale, visit experiencescottsdale.com

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Go WILD Whether or not you have the weather, Gwel an Mor is an excellent Cornish family destination By PENDLE HARTE

ne of life’s greatest happinesses is when your trip to Cornwall coincides with a heatwave. The long tidal beach at Portreath is a wonderful place to spread out on the sand, or coast a wave on a bodyboard. It’s a popular spot but less crowded than some of Cornwall’s hotspots and it’s easily worth the punishing drive from London. At first, Gwel an Mor resort strikes us as alpine – clusters of wooden chalets with pitched roofs and cheery yellow painted window frames remind us of Switzerland, but we’re not staying in the main site. Slightly set apart is the newer Residence Collection, whose single-storey, wood-clad lodges are spacious and slightly futuristic, not Swiss so much as maybe virtual reality. Our wide decked terrace faces a wide open field and isn’t overlooked by anyone – immediately we throw open the bi-fold doors and the place is filled with sunlight.

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While Gwel an Mor, like most places, is better in the sunshine, it’s not absolutely necessary – and of course you’re quite likely not to have great weather. No matter – they have thought of that. The interior is comfortable, complete with wood burner, squishy sofas and large television for when you’re indoors, and a bubbling sunken hot tub in the decking that makes the terrace useable in all weathers. And if you have small children to entertain on a rainy day, there’s a vast soft play barn with its own Clip’n’Climb franchise as well an indoor pool and an extensive programme of activities, including archery, fishing and more. We’re signed in for Meet the Animals at 10am on Sunday and I’m expecting bunnies, maybe goats, probably chickens. We are slightly surprised to find adults with no children among the group, but when we get to the end of the tour, we’re amazed to discover that two hours have passed. This is no ordinary hamster-handling exercise. Gary is a real animal-whisperer, a charismatic fount

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of knowledge and enthusiasm about everything to do with animals – he’s less keen on the people who fail to look after them properly. We start with pygmy goats before meeting an emu (“she’s so attached to me that she won’t eat when I’m here” and some exotic chickens; then there are reindeer (it’s not even Christmas) and inside the barn ferrets and a weasel, rats and a snake, which we are all invited to hold. Gary’s menagerie is lovingly maintained, to the extent that it includes animals not usually thought of as tame or domesticated. Before we see the foxes we are told to keep our voices down and not

Gary’s menagerie is lovingly maintained, to the extent that it includes animals not usually thought of as tame or domesticated to frighten them. Yes, there are foxes – and under Gary’s expert guidance, we are all able to stroke them, hand-feed them and even – this is no joke – to be kissed by them. We bend our faces and Mr Fox reaches out his nose and actually kisses us. For those of us used to the mangy zombie foxes that skulk around London, it’s a revelation. No wonder fox fur coats used to be so popular, someone points out – the softness is amazing. After the foxes, we admire a whiter-than-white fluffy barn owl, which swoops over our heads and lands on its special glove. It’s a short walk down a dreamy bluebelllined path to the beach, and a popular, unreconstructed beach cafe occupies the premium spot and serves up hearty burgers and chips. Dinner at Gwel an Mor’s Terrace restaurant is more refined while remaining acceptable for children

of all dietary persuasions (the kids’ menu is pitched just right). We enjoy seafood linguini and fish and chips, and the next day we order takeaway pizza to our lodge, after a lengthy massage at the relaxing spa. It’s hard to think of anywhere that caters better to families, with every detail taken care of – comfort for adults and entertainment for tots. Don’t let the drive put you off.

GW E L A N M O R LUXU RY R E S O R T Feadon Lane, Portreath, Cornwall TR16 4PE 01209 842 354 gwelanmor.com flybe.com flies from Heathrow to Newquay 3-4 times a day

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THE HOTEL

his Georgian pub with rooms may be owned by a brewery but it’s far more stylish than that makes it sound. All painted in chic shades of darks and neutrals, it’s beautiful yet unfussy and not overdesigned, with an authentic feel. The bar downstairs, all stripped floorboards and mismatched tables, is busy with locals, while the restaurant is more formal. This is somewhere that appeals to its community as well as to visitors, which gives it a lively vibe.

THE ROOM

ushroom-coloured walls, a vast fourposter bed, a stateof-the-art bathroom with rolltop bath and a lovely view of Corsham’s pretty high street makes our room cosy and stylish. Carpets are deep and curtains are thick; a Roberts radio, 100 Acres products and fluffy bathrobes create a luxe feel.

THE AREA

orsham is a pretty town with a charming high street; stately home Corsham Court lies behind the Methuen Arms and its beautiful landscaped grounds, populated by peacocks and – in spring – tiny lambs, make a lovely spot for walking. We’re only eight miles from Bath and the countryside around here is green and lush. Look out for Poldark locations.

his is a foodie destination and award-winning head chef Leigh Evans runs an ambitious kitchen. Highlights of our dinner included a halibut dish that was served in the style of deconstructed sushi with coconut rice wrapped in nori, crab and seafood broth, while traditional fish and chips from the pub menu was high class. Breakfast is impressive: home-made granola and pastries as well as flawless poached egg, smashed avocado and sourdough.

weekend

THE FOOD

D ESTINATI O N S

TRAVEL • UK GETAWAY

THE METHUEN ARMS CORSHAM, W I LT S H I R E By P E N D L E H A RT E

A lively vibe makes this a community watering hole as well as a stylish spot to visit ROOMS FROM £140 2 High Street, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 0HB 01249 717 060 themethuenarms.com

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KIDS & EDUCATION

FLOWER POWER BONTON X ROSEANNA Two of our favourite French brands, Bonton and Roseanna, have joined forces to create the sweetest mama and mini collection. Expect colour-soaked florals and cool slogan prints. smallable.com

Small Talk 123 · Summer activities for kids 125 · London museums 129 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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DISCOVERMORE

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

Open Days

May 13th (9:45am) November 1st/7th (9.30am/ 9.30am) June 26th (9:45am) November 15th/21st (7.00pm/ 9.30am) July 2nd (9:45am) September 16th th (9:45am - specifically for Y5 & Y6) November 29 (9.30am) th October 8 (9:45am) October 16th (9:45am - specifically for Y5 & Y6) October 31st (9:45am - specifically for Y5 & Y6)

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

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@kewhouseschool

23/05/2019 10:54

KIDS & EDUCATION • NOTES

HOLIDAY WARDROBE

BRAND FOCUS

JET A PORTER KIDS

Net-A-Porter’s colourful vacation capsules and free-spirited pieces have been sizeddown with the launch of Jet-A-Porter Kids, comprising 21 brands and over 160 options for girls and boys. Key brands include Zimmerman, Doen, Marysia, Pippa Holt and Ancient Greek Sandals. net-a-porter.com

IZIPIZI

SMALL TALK Holiday wardrobes, eye protection, Moomin mania and more

SUMMER CHIC OUTSIDE THE LINES

For SS19, Outside the Lines has released a collection of embroidered dresses, playsuits, blouses, shorts, sweatshirts and tees, all finished with tassels, trims and pompoms to add a bohemian touch. outside-the-lines.co.uk

SNIFF OR SNORK

MOOMINS X ARABIA

EDITOR’S PICK

id you know that babies' eyes need to be protected from sunlight? The lens of a baby’s eye is permeable to UVA and doesn’t become impermeable until adulthood. Therefore it’s necessary to protect babies’ retinas with sun filters. Alarmingly, damage caused in childhood is cumulative and predisposes adults to pathologies. Plus, special attention must be paid to glare: if children still learning to walk are blinded by the sun, they may lose their balance and injure themselves. So sunglasses for tots really are a must, and they need to fit properly. Izipizi baby and kids' glasses have an ultra-resistant, soft frame and their straight arms allow them to follow the baby’s growth. They are BPA-free and hypoallergenic. Lenses are polarized and category 3. In addition, an ultra-flexible, resistant and adjustable silicone band ensures you won’t lose them. izipizi.com

SISTER ACT

N OT M Y FAU LT by Cath Howe

Tove Jansson’s original Moomin stories have been reinterpreted as a 3D animated series, featuring Moomintroll as the protagonist. Arabia is launching a collection of new mugs featuring scenes from the programme.

Maya and Rose won't talk to each other. Even though they are sisters. Now Maya and Rose have to go away together on a week-long school journey. But will the trip fix their relationship... or break it for good? .

 shop.moomin.com

 £6.99, Nosy Crow A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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DATES

COURSES

Term-time & School holidays — Robotics — Python & Java Coding — Junior Python (New!) LOCATIONS London, Manchester, — All-Girls Coding (New!) Cambridge, Edinburgh, — Video Game Design Surrey, Reading, Winchester, — Creative Digital Design Windsor, Bristol & Oxford — Unity 3D & MORE!

BUILD+ _CODE CREATE_

LIttle house of science is a place to learn, experiment, explore & Play from 3-12 YEARS

UK’S #1

Age Age adjusted adjusted classes classes

TECH CAMP FOR 9-17 YEAR OLDS

£20 OFF* Promo Code AE25

Childcare vouchers accepted. Scholarships available.

Book now at fire-tech.com *T&Cs apply

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HOLIDAY CAMPS AT IMPERIAL COLLEGE OTHER LOCATIONS FOR TERM CLASSES:

Swiss Cottage Cottage Library, Library, NW3 NW3 •• St St John’s John’s Wood, Wood, NW8 NW8 Swiss Baden Powell Powell House House & & Imperial Imperial College, College, SW7 SW7 Baden Notting Notting Hill, Hill, W11 W11 •• Chelsea, Chelsea, SW3 SW3 t: 0800 0800 092 092 1062 1062 t:

e e

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AUSTRIA

GALAPAGOS

AZORES

GOZO

23/05/2019 17:03

BORNEO

CROATIA

PORTUGAL

SLOVENIA

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

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

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KIDS & EDUCATION • HOLIDAYS

O U T D O O R

F U N

1 HOW TO ENTERTAIN THE KIDS THIS SUMMER

SURF'S UP

AC TIVITE S AB ROAD

For sun, sea, sand and plenty of family fun this summer, spend a week in Portugal with Activities Abroad. Experiences everyone will adore include canoeing, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, cycling, abseiling and zip-wiring. activitiesabroad.com

S L I D E S H OW

A R C E L O R M I T TA L O R B I T

Designed by Sir Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond for London 2012, the ArcelorMittal Orbit slide is a 40-second journey with twists, turns and drops, a hair-raising experience that’s not for the faint-hearted. queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk

DA R K TA L E S

O P E N A I R T H E AT R E

In the unique environment of Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, experience the Grimm Brothers' fairytale Hansel and Gretel anew in this operatic retelling, sung in English. 14-22 June. openairtheatre.com

CIRCUS SKILLS GORILLA CIRCUS

Put your trust in Gorilla Circus because after a two-hour session you'll be swinging, hands-free, from a trapeze, back flipping onto a safety mat and even grabbing a partner's hands in the air. This is the only professional trapeze school and their summer park pop-ups (Kensington Gardens and Regent's Park) are unmissable. gorillacircus.com

HANG AROUND GO APE

Go Ape offers a real adventure, requiring courage, strength and confidence, and once you've got over the initial shock of being much higher up than you thought, it's really fun – and the bravest ten-year-olds can join the even more challenging grown-up ropes if they like, while adults can join the juniors too. London locations include Battersea Park and Alexandra Palace. goape.co.uk

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

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Richer Education INSPIRATION-LEARNING-FUN

Educational Holiday Camps in South Kensington at Baden Powell House for children aged 4-11 and at Imperial College London for children aged 9-14

www.richereducation.co.uk/camps www.richereducation.co.uk/summer-camps

www.richereducation.co.uk | T: +44 (0) 207 769 6732 | T: +44 (0) 753 522 5432

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KIDS & EDUCATION • OPINION LYCÉE INTERNATIONAL WINSTON CHURCHILL STUDENTS IN THE SCIENCE LAB

Best of

BOTH

Considering a bilingual education? Lycée International Winston Churchill is an 'Outstanding' option

ow successful can a bilingual approach be in the UK? Well, since Lycée International Winston Churchill was inaugurated in 2015 by the then President of France, François Hollande, we have grown rapidly to cater to in excess of 900 students. We consistently deliver high standards for every student. Indeed, this year, 100% of students who applied to Russell Group universities received an offer, while 92% of students who applied to UCAS received an average of 3.5 offers out of a maximum of 5. Our continued drive for excellence means that we are the only French international school in the UK to be rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted for Sixth Form provision. Plus, we were the first French international

“100% of Russell Group university applicants received an offer”

school in the UK to be authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer its prestigious Diploma Programme (IBDP). The IBDP is an excellent example of how students can learn more broadly and deeply than with the British curriculum. It is focused on inquiry and concept-based learning, which means students do a lot of research; they can often choose their own topics and phrase their own questions themselves. There are many other advantages to sending your child to a bilingual school. Most obviously, each child benefits from receiving the best of two curriculums. In our Primary section, we deliver 50% of the curriculum in English, and 50% in French, which can see students in as little as one or two years able to speak with a level of competency and fluency that far exceeds pupils in British schools. Indeed, by the age of 11, our students read Molière in French at the same time as Shakespeare in English. While in our Secondary section, students are able to choose between a twin-track approach: the Bac Français Bilingue, which leads to the French baccalaureate during Sixth Form; and the English International Programme, which leads to the IBDP.

During their time in the Secondary section, students can also learn other languages like Spanish, German and Mandarin. Another advantage of sending your child to a bilingual school is the international environment. We have 16 nationalities of teachers, 29 nationalities of staff and 45 nationalities of students. It means that pupils can flourish as the international citizens they will need to become in order to succeed in life beyond education. Our modern, progressive approach to teaching and learning is complemented by a holistic culture of wellbeing at the heart of our school. We have a dedicated team of counsellors and even a therapy dog to support our students. The education landscape is changing. The IB is eclipsing A-Levels and forcing schools to reevaluate how they educate their students. We urge any parent who is considering which type of school is best for their child to choose a bilingual one. The feedback we receive from our British families on the well-rounded education we provide, overwhelmingly says that we equip their children with a comprehensive education that will prepare them for life. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FIRML

Boys & Girls 3 - 11 years old

We are Confident, Creative and Kind

Please join us for our

Open Morning - Tuesday 4th June Tour our beautiful new building on Worship St (EC2A) and hear all about our wonderful school. Book your place online today!

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23/05/2019 10:45

KIDS & EDUCATION • SUMMER MASKS AT THE HORNIMAN MUSEUM

MANGA AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM

Summer at the

MUSEUMS

London’s museums have your summer entertainment covered, with exhibitions and events to suit all ages and tastes. Here’s our round-up of highlights, including useful information on family-friendly facilities Wo r d s L I B B Y N O R M A N

ondon’s museums are worth visiting on any day of the year, but they become lifesavers over the brain-addling days of summer, when even a short visit to take in a single exhibition or display is welcome distraction from rainy-day boredom and solitary screen time. We’ve picked out summer highlights in the national museums, alongside other smaller gems that score highly for family-friendly attractions. .

British Museum Great Russell Street, WC1; britishmuseum.org Open: Mon-Thur & Sat-Sun 10am5.30pm; Fri 10am-8.30pm Entry: Adults free except special exhibitions; children free ou could spend a whole holiday exploring the British Museum’s ancient treasures, but new stars among permanent galleries include the Gallery of the Islamic World, offering a timeline of treasures from the 7th Century to the present.

For glitter, check out the newly installed Waddesdon Bequest in room 2a and marvel at medieval and Renaissance prizes – alongside later fakes – amassed by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild. The summer draw is Manga (until 26 August), an exploration of Japan’s graphic novels and comics. It has brought a huge range of treasures to the Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery – from a 17-metre demon-decorated shabuki theatre curtain to a recreation of the oldestsurviving manga bookshop in Tokyo. History is brought bang up to date with current superstars of the manga world and, since manga have had a massive influence on gaming, this might just be the summer show to tempt children away from their screens. They will also love the opportunity to be ‘manga-fied’ in the special photo booth. Activities: The Families Desk in the Great Court is the place to pick up art materials, gallery backpacks and challenges to turn your visit into a treasure hunt. Breakout: Spread out your picnic at the Level 1 Ford Centre for Young Visitors (open weekends and holidays). Russell Square, north east of the museum, offers a great patch of green for letting of steam.

Horniman Museum 100 London Road SE23; horniman.ac.uk Open: museum 10am-5.30pm; gardens Mon-Sat 7.15am-sunset; Sun 8amsunset Entry: Free except aquarium, butterfly house and some special exhibitions f children were allowed to design museums, the Horniman is very likely what they would come up with. Eclectic and exciting, it’s packed with over 350,000 curiosities from across the planet. Children love the anthropology collection, especially the masks, and the world musical instruments. There’s also an extensive handling collection, including puppets

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

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KIDS & EDUCATION • SUMMER

object handling sessions happen around the museum. Breakout: The gardens are perfect for picnicking, nature activities and Plonk crazy golf, with a Dutch barn for when it rains.

London Transport Museum

and clothing. Crowd-pleasing highlight is the Brick Wonders Lego exhibition (until 27 October), with over 50 models ranging from an Egyptian pyramid to the international space station. It’s perfect for inspiring young builders – especially as there’s a hands-on play area. Claire Morgan’s ‘As I Live and Breathe’ installation in Gallery Square explores themes of waste and the impact of humans on their surroundings and is supported with displays in the Natural History Gallery. You can’t visit without taking in the gardens, with animal walk, butterfly house and aquarium. Newer attractions include the grasslands area masterminded by Olympic Park designer James Hitchmough and designed to flower all summer long. Activities: Download activity packs before your visit. Hands On Base

Covent Garden Piazza, WC2; ltmuseum.co.uk Open: 10am-6pm Entry: £16.50 (online price, valid 12 months); under 17s free ne of London’s gems, London Transport Museum is a source of wonder to children who love anything with wheels, and with plenty to entice older ones who want to learn more about the operation and engineering of the capital’s transport system. Untangling the Tracks is the newest exhibition, looking at mass-communication supporting the huge Thameslink upgrade. The Family Fun open day at the museum’s Acton Depot (Sat 13-Sun 14 July, adults £12) is a summer highlight. Open-day events are a chance to explore 320,000 rare and large collection pieces, including old trains, trams and buses, and this one is designed specially for children, with story time sessions and rides on heritage omnibuses and miniature steam trains. Activities: The All Aboard play zone on the ground floor is designed for young

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visitors, with dressing up and train and bus-driving fun. Future Engineers gallery is the place to test problemsolving skills, with interactive exhibits focused round engineering and urban planning. Breakout: There’s a small indoor picnic area for packed lunches, and Covent Garden is all around you. At Acton, you’ll find pop-up food stalls outside the depot on open days.

National Maritime Museum Park Row, East Greenwich, SE10; rmg.co.uk Open: museum 10am-5pm Entry: Free, except some special exhibitions reenwich can lay claim to be London’s second great museum quarter, packing in the National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory. But there’s more than enough fun in the National Maritime Museum to occupy a day or more, especially with the four brilliant new galleries that opened last year. The first two focus on Pacific and Polar regions. Sea Things covers maritime tales and treasures – from whale’s teeth to Titanic relics – and, with many things on open display so children can get up close. The Pigott Family Gallery: Tudor and Stuart Seafarers contains objects that tell stories about this key period in our nation’s history – focusing on maritime heroes and villains, alongside ordinary seafarers. The major summer exhibition The Moon is in honour of 50 years since the Apollo 11 moon landings and brings together 180 objects, including lunar samples from the mission. The Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition (to 4 August) is well worth a visit, with awe-inspiring photographs taken over the past decade. Activities: The interactive Great Map on the first floor is fabulous fun, letting children explore our world. AHOY! for 0-7s is super-immersive and super-popular so remember to book your free ticket in advance. All Hands, suitable for older children, offers everything from cannon firing to ship’s galley cookery. Breakout: Greenwich Park is one of London’s finest. Or do the creepy echo-filled walk under the Thames through Greenwich Foot Tunnel to picnic at SUMMER Mudchute Par 2019 | 130 and Farm.

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

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Independent Day School for Girls 4-18 years

Open Mornings

2019

Monday 10 June Tuesday 17 September Wednesday 9 October Wednesday 20 November

2020

Tuesday 17 March Thursday 7 May Tuesday 9 June

9.30 - 11.00am

www.tormeadschool.org.uk

Tormead School, Cranley Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2JD @Tormead_JS TORMEAD.indd 1

Registered Charity No: 312057

22/05/2019 15:27

A SCHOOL FOR EVERY BOY AND GIRL Taunton School is a co-educational day and boarding school, set in 56 acres in the beautiful county of Somerset. We offer outstanding education to all children from Nursery through to Sixth Form.

GO WEST! Think outside the M25 box. Contact our friendly admissions team to find out more about our school.

www.tauntonschool.co.uk

CHALLENGE

NURTURE

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KIDS & EDUCATION • BOOKS