vantage magazine may 2012 - hampstead edition

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Sou th Dome , Des i gn Cen t re Che l s e a Harbour, London . SW10 0XE • Te l ephone 0207 349 9200 • E -ma i l l ondon@c l i ve . com • www.c l i ve . com

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contents

SCENE

8 spotlight Ahistorichomeandanillustriouspast

atBurghHouse

12 weekend Gettingreadyforsummerwithfashion

andfoodinHampstead

14 tourdeforce SadieFrosteffortlesslyjugglestheatre,

interiordesign,charityworkandfamily

18 thelist Shape&Shift–usingtextureanddesign

toplaywithconvention

20 addressbook Hiddengemsandlocalfavouritesin

PrimroseHillandCamden

fEaturES

23 wishlist:interiors CireTrudoninMaryleboneoffers

styleandheritageforthehome

24 styleupdate Inspiredby1920’sglamour

28 blueprint Springstylewithstatementprints

36 interiorstrend Thebespokehome

42 getthelook SummerystyleatBlakesHotel

53 collection BlueandsilveratBaselworld61 backstagebeauty Shimmeringsummerybronzes

diary

69 wishlist:food&drink TheGalvinteamcometoHarrods

70 foodiefaVourites Garlicfarms,wineclubs,vegetable delivery,localdelis&larderessentials72 wine&dine LuxuryItalianinMarylebone,wine

matchingMichelinandfineIndiandining

75 nightin,nightout TheVaultsatHomeHouseand

miniburgersfromIberica

82 culturefix Museumsatnightandlocalgardenart

88 heartoftheottoman Ancienthistorymeetscafeculture

12 28

64

87

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ING

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Runwild Media GroupPublishers of:

Canary Wharf, The City magazine, The Kensington & Chelsea Magazine,

The Mayfair Magazine

Ever since I took over as editor of Vantage I have wanted to get Sadie Frost on our pages. With fashion, interiors, arts, theatre, eco-living

and celebrity peers in her background, she is perhaps the epitome of the savvy, thoughtful, stylish and ever-changing NW London resident. So it is with great pleasure that I welcome her to the May issue – as she shares with us her excitement about her new one woman play opening this month and her impressive work

for the Hepatitis C Trust, amongst many, many other things. Read all about her action-packed schedule on p. 14.

And, if she finds a spare second in her day, then she can take inspiration from our wealth of local features and diary pages. This month, we’re pottering about historic homes in Hampstead, including those with such illustrious pasts as Burgh House, Keats House and Fenton House (p. 8). In addition we’re hoping for good weather and shopping for summer fashion and barbeque supplies on Hampstead High Street (p. 12), and discovering some hidden gems and new openings with local lad Rob Soning in our Address Book feature (p. 20).

Our Diary pages continue to grow too, and this month we’ve no less than 12 pages of food, drink, wine, dining out, staying in and cultural happenings about town, starting on p. 69. Take a walk down memory lane with iconic play, Abigail’s Party, which debuted 35 years ago at Hampstead Theatre (p. 80); and see our review of new restaurant Cotidie, some wine suggestions from L’Autre Pied and the best luxury Indian dining in the city on p. 72. We also showcase the new late night venue at Home House (p. 77), and review the divine ESPA Life at the Corinthia Hotel (p. 64).

For a taste of some rustic luxury, try our round-up of the five best ‘glamping’ spots across the globe (p. 87); get inspiration for your interiors with our bespoke trend pages (p. 36) and embrace this season’s passion for prints with our exclusive fashion shoot (p. 26).

Stay stylish...!

from the editor

The Essence of Spring, from p.69(Image: Summer fragrances from a selection at

Cologne & Cotton, the home of beautiful bed linen and exquisite colognes)

f a sh iont r a v e lmotoringinteriorsproperty

&M A Y 2 0 1 2 i s s u e 2 2

t r a v e lmotoringinteriorsproperty

fa sh ionfa sh iont r a v e lmotoringinteriorsproperty

&&

COVERING ST JOHN’S WOOD, MAIDA VALE, PRIMROSE HILL, MARYLEBONE, REGENT’S PARk AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

Glorious Gardens, fine foods & seasonal fraGrances

the essence

fine livinG & luxury in hampstead’s historic homes

House

of

home&

Va ntage

Proudly published by

7 Heron Quay, Canary Wharf, London E14 4JB

020 7987 4320 www.rwmg.co.uk

RUNWILDM E D I A G R O U P

Editor Emma Johnson

Assistant Editor Gabrielle Lane

Collection Editor Annabel Harrison

Contributing Editor Richard Brown

Features WritersLauren Romano Olivia Sharpe

Head of Design

Hiren Chandarana

Editorial Director Kate Harrison

Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong

Production Manager Fiona Fenwick

Client Relationship Director

Kate Oxbrow

Head of Finance Elton Hopkins

Managing Director Eren Ellwood

MAY 2012 ISSuE 22

Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Runwild Media Ltd. takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

DISTRIBUTION:Vantage Magazine is distributed throughout Hampstead, Highgate,

Primrose Hill, St John’s Wood, Maida Vale, Marylebone and surrounding areas. For complete maps please visit our website.

Irresistibly luxurious

are foreverDiamonds

fashionTimely

The ultimate guide to London’s Mayfair

Expert advice and exquisite jewels

For the stylish modern day

gentleman

A R C A D E

Follow us on Twitter @VantageNW

Emma Johnson

P L E A S E E N J O Y O U R C H A M PA G N E R E S P O N S I B L YD R I N K AW A R E . C O . U K

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8

spotlight

Burgh house

Images of Burgh House © Jonathan Williams

scene

A potted history of the former residents of Burgh House reads like a Who’s Who of the great, the good and the prosperous of Hampstead over the past three centuries. Since the house’s completion in 1704 during Queen Anne’s reign, it has ushered in everyone from an unpopular vicar to the Royal East Middlesex Militia through its doors, and the comings and goings of its many inhabitants trace the fascinating history of the neighbourhood.

For over 300 years the majestic Burgh House has risen grandly over the cobbles of New End Square. Now home to Hampstead Museum, an emporium of treasure awaits, writes Lauren Romano

By the beginning of the 18th century, Hampstead was flourishing thanks to the discovery of medicinal iron-impregnated chalybeate waters, known as the Wells. It was in the Well’s heyday of the 1720s that the spa’s first physician, the prominent Dr William Gibbons moved into Burgh House, and his arrival was testament to the property’s highly sought-after address. Certainly, in the years that followed Burgh was occupied by a variety of deep-pocketed and somewhat colourful professionals. Fleet Street upholsterer Israel Lewis, Burgh House resident for 46 years for example, was found guilty of creating a public nuisance when he built a dung stall in the garden. Then, the Rev. Allatson Burgh, after whom the beautiful Grade-I listed dwelling is named, outraged his parishioners so much by changing the liturgy in his church that they petitioned (unsuccessfully) to Queen Victoria to have him removed.

From 1858-1881, Burgh House served as the headquarters and

10

scene

Officers’ Mess for the Royal East Middlesex Militia and when the soldiers moved out they were quickly succeeded by a string of other important public figures: distinguished stained glass designer, Thomas Grylls, who helped create the rose window above Poet’s Corner in Westminster Abbey, moved in with this wife and 12 children in 1884; from 1906-1924 prolific writer and international art expert Dr George Williamson composed some of his 100 books here, and the director of Lloyd’s Bank, Captain Constantine Evelyn Benson DSO CBE, bought Burgh for a snip at £4,750 in 1925. The final residential owners, Rudyard Kipling’s daughter, Elsie Bambridge and her husband Captain George Bambridge, lived here for a brief time until 1937.

After escaping bomb damage in World War II, the building was

Fenton HouseAnother Hampstead gem, the picturesque Fenton House is a well-preserved example of charming 17th century architecture, having remained virtually untouched over the last 300 years. The glorious gardens of the former merchant’s house incorporate formal lawns and a mature apple orchard, and offer leafy spots for a game of croquet and shaded arbours, under which visitors can settle down with a jug of Pimm’s to enjoy the popular summertime evening concerts. Inside, former resident Lady Katherine Binning’s expansive collection of porcelain, Georgian furniture and 17th century needlework is exhibited alongside painting collections, which feature pieces by the local group of post-impressionist painters, the Camden Town Group. Period music recitals, performed by international musicians on the Benton Fletcher collection of early keyboards, are another weekly highlight.

Kenwood HouseBoasting a superb vantage point across a 112 acre plot of beautifully landscaped parkland, the stately, gleaming white façade of Kenwood House is an attractive landmark, ensconced in the midst of sprawling Hampstead Heath. The galleries within the elegant villa house an impressive collection of masterpieces from some of history’s most acclaimed artists. Paintings from the likes of Vermeer, Turner, Gainsborough and Rembrandt (including his famed self-portrait) fittingly hang amidst the beautiful friezes and grand colonnades of the 18th century property. Visitors can combine culture with a bite to eat at the popular Brew House café, followed by a potter around Kenwood’s warren of meandering paths, wildflower meadows and mature lime tree woodlands, before venturing out to the rolling Heath.

Keats HouseLiterary aficionados should pay a visit to John Keats House in Hampstead, the poet’s residence from 1818 to 1820; the wonderfully maintained property is, after all, where the wordsmith fell in love with girl next door, Fanny Brawne and wrote some of his most memorable poetry, including ‘Ode to a Nightingale’. Today the sensitively restored Regency property is a thriving museum, which features exhibitions of the young poet’s letters and early writings, and works with local community groups to promote and celebrate poetry as a genre. The tranquil garden, dotted with fruit trees and vibrant plants and shrubs, is a popular picnic destination and a pleasant place to relax after taking part in one of the popular ‘Keats in Hampstead’ walking tours around the local area. n

renovated by Hampstead Borough Council in 1946 and reopened as a community centre, until its indefinite closure in 1977. Then, on 8 September 1979, restored by new owners Camden Council and refurbished by the local residents trust (who launched the ‘Keep Burgh House’ appeal which raised £50,000), Burgh House opened its doors to the public as a museum, educational facility and wedding venue.

Today, the first floor houses the Hampstead Museum with permanent exhibits of over 3,000 objects relating to life in Hampstead and this year, a major exhibition of original canvases by former Hampstead resident, John Constable depicting sweeping Heath scenes and local streets will be displayed to mark the second centenary of the artist’s first visit to Hampstead.

OtHer HistOric HOmes in Hampstead

0844 411 5080 royalascothospitality.co.uk

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12

scene

this weekend we’re in…

Hampsteadenjoying picnics, BBQs and sunday roasts…

Esteemed heritage and formidably grand architecture aside, Hampstead’s laid-back village atmosphere and wide open spaces, quash any semblance

of stuffiness, making its hub of boutiques, cafes and pubs our relaxed weekend stamping ground of choice.

We’re enjoying our first picnic of the year on the HeathNo weekend in Hampstead would be complete without a visit to the Heath. If we’re not kite flying and taking in the legally-protected views from Parliament Hill, we plan to enjoy

the anomaly that is the British sunshine (while it lasts) with a bank holiday weekend picnic. For a crowd-pleasing spread, we suggest stopping off en route to the ponds to cram hampers with freshly baked artisan breads, tartlets and scotch eggs from Euphorium Bakery, or why not grab yourself a luxury hamper from Melrose and Morgan? From wine and juice to salads, pork pies and scrumptious sweet treats, they’ve got everything covered.

We’re boutique browsing on Flask WalkTo become better acquainted with some of the best boutiques Hampstead has to offer, we recommend working your way down

Flask Walk’s independent shop-lined cobbles. The delightfully ramshackle Keith Fawkes second-hand bookshop is a literati utopia and we’ve unearthed all sorts of tomes from the innumerable dusty piles. On the home-front, we’re sprucing up the garden in time for the al fresco dining season with the help of seasonal blooms from Judy Green’s Garden Store. And just round the corner we’re heading to the brilliant Hampstead Butcher and Providore whose free-range meat boxes, which come filled with meat skewers, homemade burgers, sausages and chops, are perfect for a weekend barbeque.

We’re getting into the Olympic spirit at Hampstead TheatreEnglish Heritage have announced that there will be no open-air concerts held in the grounds at Kenwood this year, so we’ll have to make do with getting our theatre fix the traditional way. Fortunately, stalwart of new writing, the much-loved Hampstead Theatre,

comes up trumps; for a fittingly-timed taste of Olympic fever, we’ve booked

tickets for the 3pm Saturday matinee of Mike Bartlett’s adaptation of

award-winning British film, Chariots of Fire (9 May – 16 June).

We’re enrolling on a local cookery classThe weekend was made for brunching and you can’t go far wrong with the home-cured gravadlax, scrambled eggs, cream cheese, toast and punchy bloody Marys on offer at The Wet Fish Café. However, with the upcoming spate of bank holidays, if, like us, you want to hone your cookery skills, just launched local cookery classes, Licenced to Cook are a fun way to master worldwide cuisine. The May sessions include step-by-step demonstrations on Italian and Oriental cooking, followed by a sit-down lunch or dinner. Email [email protected] for more information.

We’re winding down at the cinema and The Spaniards Inn To round off the weekend, we like to kick back and watch a film at the Hampstead branch of the Everyman Cinemas. We’re ardent fans of this picture-house; everything from the cushion-clad sofas to the well-stocked bar and moreish snacks gets the thumbs up from us. Afterwards, a British cask ale or two at charming 16th century pub The Spaniards Inn, with its wood-panelled nooks and crannies and charming garden, makes the prospect of Monday morning rather less daunting. The 21 day aged West Country beef with homemade Yorkshire pudding followed by a Chambord black raspberry Eton Mess have yet to disappoint. n

The Fusion betweenCeramic, 18K Red Gold and Rubber.

For a list of Hublot stockists in the UK, please telephone 0207 343 7200 or e-mail [email protected]

Hublot TV on: www.hublot.com

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scene

Having shaken off her ‘Primrose Hill set’ shackles, Sadie Frost has established herself as a creative force field in the worlds of culture, fashion and interiors. She talks to Emily Cleary about

what inspires her to keep moving forward

de ForceTour

Having made her name first as an actress and model, Sadie Frost is now better known as a businesswoman, running a successful fashion label, as well as, more recently, turning her hand to exquisite kitchen design. “I’m very lucky to

have had several successful careers, and the opportunity to do the things I love,” says the 46-year-old, who lives in leafy Primrose Hill. “I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve done but I’m definitely a businesswoman now first and foremost.”

But, while her business head is the one facing forward, acting is an itch that won’t leave her completely, and it is this passion that has seen her return to the stage this Spring as the hapless and endearing Lesley in one woman show, Touched… Like a Virgin, the follow-up to Zoe Lewis’ acclaimed Touched... for the Very First Time. “I was so pleased to be asked and can’t wait to get back into the role of Lesley,” she smiles. “This show is full of laughs, as well as being very poignant. It’s a great play and Zoe is a great writer. I am all on my own on the stage for the whole thing and that can be demanding, but it is great fun.”

Touched... For the Very First Time played at the Trafalgar Studios in 2009 and the next instalment to the story of 14-year-old Lesley, a Madonna obsessive in the 1980s, sees her 24 years later struggling to cope with the modern crisis of being a single woman with no children – her biological clock ticking louder than that of Big Ben. The show, which opens at the Soho Theatre in May, mixes both stories together and, with its blend of drama and cabaret, promises to define itself as a destination for girls’ nights out. “It’s great to get a group of girl mates together and go and see a show like this. There’s laughter, songs, a bit of everything. I’m really looking forward to it,” she says.

While Sadie’s enthusiasm for stepping back on stage is evident, there’s no sign of her taking a backseat when it comes to her numerous other projects. “I’m some doing fantastic work raising awareness of the Hepatitis C Trust at the moment, and launching a skincare range later in the year which I’m very proud of,” she goes on. But unlike her fellow forty-something models Yasmin Le Bon and Elle MacPherson, she won’t be the face of the product. “I don’t want to be modelling in front of the camera – not at my age,” she laughs. “I’m a businesswoman now, that’s the bit that excites me. I don’t think people would really want to see that, anyway.”

Having a finger in plenty of pies is second nature to Sadie. She launched the FrostFrench fashion line with friend Jemima French in 1999, which has since developed from lingerie to a full clothing line, and the pair were named Elle Designers of the Year for the range in 2004. The mum-of-four (to Finlay, from her first marriage to musician Gary Kemp, and Rafferty, Iris and Rudy from her second to actor Jude Law) also designs kitchens and recently put her stamp on the interiors of an award-winning development near Docklands in south-east London.

“I love being creative and I love designing; it’s been a passion of mine since I was young and it is so fulfilling,” she confides. “I was brought up in a very creative family and that has never left me, it only grows stronger. I am very creative and I love the idea of producing something from scratch. Everything to me pulls on my creative nature, whether it’s a script I’m writing, a character I’m playing... or a kitchen I’m designing, for that matter. I’ll create a mood board and go through the whole process as if it’s a story, from start to finish. It’s just the way my mind works; it’s a process I go through.

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“My house is very reflective of my childhood – my father was a psychedelic artist and there is lots of his influence in my home. I love pop art as well. A lot of my walls have been painted by my tattooist actually. I asked the woman who did my tattoos to paint on some of my walls and I love the result. I definitely think my home has a very artistic, creative and psychedelic feel. It represents me and how I grew up, and my tastes. It’s a very happy and open house and I love it when people come to visit and say that they like what they see. That’s a great compliment.”

Sadie has lived in north west London almost all her life, and clearly couldn’t bear to leave the area that has been home for so long. “Where could I go that was as nice as this?” she laughs. “I love Belsize Park and Primrose Hill. The shops, the people, and there is so much green all around. We’re surrounded by open spaces – I love nothing more than going for a walk on Hampstead Heath. It’s a beautiful area, although I may be biased – I’ve lived within the same square mile most of my life!

“But the thing about this little part of the world is that it is very central, yet there is also a huge sense of community. I go to the same shops and restaurants, see the same people, as I did when I was growing up. My children grew up here and we all love the area. Yes, it’s a shame that some of the independent shops we like so much are, inevitably, being turned into the same old coffee shops you see everywhere, but it still has a very nice community feel.”

So what next for Sadie, the one-woman working machine? “I don’t work all the time,” she laughs. “I enjoy being so busy and I’m very happy doing all these things. I’m looking forward to the play and I’ve just finished writing a script, but I also like nothing more than spending time with my family. We’re fortunate to go away together, all of us – Jude included – twice a year. We go away at Christmas and during the summer too. Even though the kids are growing up – Finlay is 21 now – we still make a point of spending time as a family. I’m not sure where we’ll go this year, but it will be nice to relax and have fun as a family.” n

Touched... Like a Virgin is showing at the Soho Theatre from 22 May to 9 June. Sadie is fronting the Get Tested! Campaign for the Hepatitis C Trust, calling on photographers to submit entries to an exhibition in aid of the campaign. For more information see www.hepctrust.org.ukFe

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Left: Posing in the kitchen she designed at a new development in the Docklands

Right: Promoting a campaign to rid Primrose Hill of plastic bags at the Christmas Fair in December 2011

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listthe1

1 Best Foot ForwardWalk tall with these statement stilettosCut-out platform sandal in pink, blue and black £680, Gianmarco Lorenzi, 020 7493 2906

2 Heaven ScentLuxurious perfume with a striking designHabinita perfume 100ml, £75, Molinard de Molinard, www.cologneandcotton.com

3 Lace and LuxuryThe perfect partner to your little black dressDe Manta Lace-Print Satin Clutch, £315 Alexander McQueen, www.netaporter.com

4 Tassel TreasuresSumptuous jewellery for the homeBlack haute couture tieback, £422, Spina Design www.spinadesign.co.uk

Play with convention

this month and

delight in fashion,

beauty and interiors products

that tease your imagination with

unexpected shapes and textures.

Make the boldest of statements with

these adventurous shoes, keep the rest of the outfit simple and

team with leather trousers or skinny jeans. Accessorise with a

conversation-star ting handbag – we love this Perspex option

from Charlotte Olympia, while the fan shaped lace clutch

radiates an edgy version of luxury. Tassels are the accessory du

jour for the home – and this black feather option from Spina is

bound to impress.

and shiftshape

scene

2

4

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5 Sprinkle, SparkleDon’t leave home without this ingenious lip-gloss-turned-necklaceCrystal Lip Gloss, £48, Aura by Swarovski for Clarins, 020 7307 6700

6 Show OffCarry your essentials with pridePandora Perspex Box Clutch, £405 Charlotte Olympia, www.netaporter.com

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bookaddressRobert SoningChief operating officer, Londonewcastle

Rob Soning is a co-founder of central London residential developer Londonewcastle. The company has established a reputation for collaborating with businesses operating within the worlds of fashion, design, art, music and architecture, to create design-led living environments that are highly regarded by individuals working in the creative industries.

Londonewcastle’s headquarters are based just off Charlotte Street and Robert lives in North West London.

www.londonewcastle.comwww.twitter.com/londonewcastle

OUT & aBOUTI’m dedicated to The Roundhouse in Camden. I sit on its development board and it gives me an opportunity to put something back into the local community. Few people are aware that as well as being an iconic live music venue, it’s also a charity that offers facilities and training for local young people from under-privileged backgrounds to come in, learn new skills and express themselves in a creative and supportive environment. If you live locally, please sign up and become a member as it’s a fantastic local organisation with some amazing events and it’s our future.www.roundhouse.org.uk

Hidden GemThe Belsize Village Delicatessen in Belsize Park is a real hidden gem. It’s a proper family run deli – the food is fantastic, absolutely homemade and they sell the best roast chicken in London.

eating & drinkingLUNCHThe fact that Roka on Charlotte Street is just around the corner from my office is a curse as I tend to spend a lot of time there. It’s one of my favourite restaurants in London and I’m a bit too partial to the Azure pacific ocean water sake they sell!

DRINKSIt’s fairly new, but Negozia Classica is something Primrose Hill has been lacking for a while - it’s a classic wine bar with a great selection of wines and food which complement each other. I often meet there with my band of Primrose Hill creatives who drink wine, eat bruschetta and swap ideas on how the human race can move forward!

DINNERI know it’s an obvious choice, but the fact is that I love going to Lemonia in Primrose Hill for lunch or dinner. The food is great and it has the nicest waiters in London.

scene

tHe areaI have lived in North West London all of my life. I like the fact that I’m on the doorstep of Camden and Primrose Hill – two very bohemian atmospheres and yet only ten minutes from the West End. And there are so many green spaces. In the morning, I like to take the dog for a walk on Hampstead Heath. At dusk, it’s Primrose Hill – I love the hedonistic atmosphere there in summer.

keep fitI’m a member of the health and fitness club at The Langham on Portland Place. It’s nice and quiet and the facilities are superb.

food which complement each other. I often meet there

578 KINGS ROAD LONDON SW6 2DY

WWW.GUINEVERE.CO.UK +44 (0)20 7736 2917

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inter iors

listwish

Cire Trudon is the oldest candle maker in the world, with a history dating back to 1643 and an interesting array of patrons across the centuries, including Marie Antoinette. Such a legacy commanded that custodians of the French brand make one of its only international outposts very special indeed; and its Chiltern Street boutique is subsequently a haven of treasures within a dramatic antique Parisian-style setting that one could wander in for hours. Wares on display include intricate candle covers crafted by couture jewellers Gripoix, luxurious home fragrances and a variety of taper, dinner and perfumed candles, including the beautiful Calabre, a vanilla, jasmine and camomile blend n

36 Chiltern Street, W1U 7QJ

CABiNET

New addition to Marylebone, Cire Trudon, offers instant injections of style and heritage into the home

DE CURiOsiTÉs

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updateSTYLESTARRY-EYEDLater this year The Great Gatsby returns to cinemas and the way is paved with ostrich feathers, twenties silhouettes and crystal embellishment. The drop-waist dress is a shape which works effortlessly for summer and can be accessorised with art deco style jewellery for instant glamour. On the catwalks Gucci offered a decadent gold and black interpretation, but Ralph Lauren’s satin-swathed beauties were breathtaking in pale tones, full-lengths gowns and elaborate boas. This is a trend that our North West London boutiques including Shikasuki, The Teacup and Larizia are fantastic destinations for.

AS SEEN AT:

Marchesa, Gucci, Roberto Cavalli

Hair Band£80, Laurence Leleux www.farfetch.com

Bead-emBeLLisHed TuLLe and siLk dress£2,215, alberta Ferrettiwww.netaporter.com

apHrodiTe sequin Gown£610, project d by dannii and Tabitha, www.austique.co.uk

mariBou FeaTHer sHruG£619, Jenny packham www.harrods.com

Cross BaCk sTrap Top£144, Hoss intropia www.hossintropia.com

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oriana suede peep Toe£545, rupert sandersonwww.harrods.com

emBroidered romanTiC inspiraTion dress£390, Hoss intropia www.hossintropia.com

fashion

FORTHCOMING COLLABORATION The smart yet interesting Joseph aesthetic is set to collide with the artwork of illustrator Claire Barrow in the form of personalised leather biker jackets, trousers and bags. The brand has commissioned Barrow to produce one-off pieces with hand-painted details. 21 St John’s Wood High Street, NW8

MOST WANTEDAs the summer event season begins, Maje in Hampstead High Street has a range of suitable attire. The label’s new collection includes prints and bold colours in simple shapes which flatter, which is just the type of trend and timelessness compromise we like. Lugazi Dress, £185; Love Dress, £175, 8 Hampstead High Street, NW3, www.maje.com

COUTURE CROWNSIf you’ve scheduled a visit to the V&A’s ball gown exhibition, be sure to view the installations which

will be unveiled in the Harrods windows from 15 May. As shown by these sketches, designers

such as Erdem, Jenny Packham and Elie Saab have contributed spectacular dresses to a pop-up boutique

which will run at the store, while in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, fashion houses including

Prada, Roberto Cavalli and Mulberry have been commissioned to produce quirky replicas of the

St Edward’s coronation crown.www.harrods.com

ADDRESS BOOKWith the unpredictable nature of the British weather we were pleased to discover the work of Lisa Redman and her team this month. The starting point for her exquisite bespoke dresses is a trans-seasonal collection which can be customised to suit the needs of clients. Lisa is becoming renowned for her intricate yet modern bridal designs and can provide a range of occasion wear. www.lisaredman.co.uk

N E W S T O R E

SLOANE ST

Sw1

C O N T E m p O R a R y

C a S h m E R E

S i N C E 1 9 3 6

Available from Burlington Arcade, Mayfair Tel: 020 7499 6485 and 149 Sloane Street Sw1 Tel: 020 7730 6891 www.npeal.com

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fashion

Gabrielle Lane talks to the man entrusted with continuing the ESCADA style legacy

DANIEL

Daniel Wingate was chosen to assume the prestigious role of creative director of ESCADA (alongside Karen Schoeller), in 2009, following the acquirement of the design house by the Mittal dynasty. However, if anyone wondered if we’d see

the glamorous ensembles favoured by royalty traded for safe, commercial choices, they’d thankfully be wrong. “I love the idea of getting dressed up again,” he smiles. “The culture today has become so dressed-down.” Wingate’s favourite piece he has created so far is a stunning Grecian-style, crystal-encrusted gown which was chosen by Minnie Driver for this year’s Vanity Fair Oscars Party, and he is charming when talking of ESCADA’s heritage. “I still love the story of the Oscar gown that Kim Basinger wore in 1999 – after getting the brief of the colour and style, the fabric then had to be found in LA and the gown was cut on the floor of the hotel room, sewn together all night long and then delivered to her home the next day. ESCADA and another luxury company – I won’t mention any names – were her two final choices, no-one was allowed in her room while she tried her options on. Finally the word came out that she had asked her husband, then Alec Baldwin, which gown he liked best, and he loved her in the pale mint green duchess satin ESCADA gown. A few hours later she accepted her first Oscar for her sensational role in LA Confidential, a moment that is still today part of Oscar fashion history.”

Wingate describes himself as having a ‘nutty’ personality, but he is clearly passionate and practical in equal measure. He tells me ESCADA HQ is as it should be, “…light, white and clean, as one needs a blank background to look at colours, prints and fittings all day,” and when talking of the wardrobe essentials women should be investing in, he places ‘a great dress’ in a realistic context of the boardroom, dinner, coffee and cocktails. “I like referring to the M&M’s! Margaretha Ley, the founder and muse of the ESCADA woman of the past and Megha Mittal, owner of ESCADA and my muse today,” he explains. “Margaretha was blonde and quite bold, Megha is refined, sophisticated and realistic as she juggles a family and a business in the very competitive world of fashion… I love clothes but they need to function as well,” Vantage couldn’t agree more. n

www.escada.com

WINGATE

xxx

Fashion: Charlie Moore

Photography: Elizabeth GibsonPrint

Printed silk dress, £1,790, Roberto Cavalli (www.net-a-porter.com); silk sleeveless shirt (under dress), £250, Paule Ka, (www.Harrods.com; pewter crystal necklace (just seen), £148, Butler & Wilson (as before); brass and

faux pearl earrings, £320, Lanvin at Matches (0870 067 8838); rhinestone bracelet, £68 and crystal flower ring, £34, both Butler & Wilson (as before)

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Chiffon top, £325, Isabel Marant, Matches (0870 067 8838); jeans, £190, by Current/Elliot, Oxygen Boutique (020 7636 6001);

crystal swirl ring, £38 and crystal dome ring, £28, crystal swirl bracelet, £68 and rhinestone bracelet, £68, crystal chain (on jeans), £198,

all Butler & Wilson (as before)

xxx

Silk jumpsuit, £1,150, Stella McCartney, Harvey Nichols (020 7235 5000); silk tux jacket, £1,350, Billionaire Italian Couture (020 7245 0096); crystal necklace, £178, swirl crystal bracelet, £68, crystal dome ring, £28, crystal bracelets, £58 each, all Butler & Wilson (as before); leather belt, £55, Twiggy at Fenwick (020 7629 9161)

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Cotton canvas trench coat, from £700, Sportmax (020 7518 8010); fishnet tights, £5.65, Jonathan Aston (01277 232 301);

crystal swirl cuff, £68, crystal earrings, £48, crystal dome ring, £28, silver necklace worn as

belt, £78, all Butler & Wilson (020 7409 2955); gold, gunmetal and crystal ring, £255, Sahani, Kabiri (020 7317 2155)

xxx

Cotton dress, £1,365, Erdem, Harvey Nichols (020 7235 5000); silver and gold plated crystal hoop earrings, £325, Sahani, Kabiri (020 7317 2155); crystal floral ring, £34, Butler & Wilson (as before); crystal bracelet, £295, Jane Taylor Millinery.com; pewter and crystal belt, £1,163, Erickson Beamon (020 7259 0202)

Make up:

Carrie Jones using Armani make up

Hair:

James Langan using L’oreal Proffessional

Model:

Tatjana at Profile Models

Bang & Olufsen of Chelsea - BeoLab 12 Advert - Place at 100% (297 x 210mm + 3mm Bleed)Production questions:

Lindsay Bradshaw 07847 716311, [email protected]

bang-olufsen.com

Visit our showroom to experience the spectacular sound of BeoLab12

Bang & Olufsen of Chelsea147 Kings Road, London SW3 5TXTel: 020 7376 5222Email: [email protected]/chelsea

ENJOY YOUR VERY OWNWALL OF SOUNDThe new BeoLab 12 is a fully digital on-wall loudspeaker thatproduces sensational surround sound in a graceful, minimalistfashion. It is the perfect compliment to any flat-screen or home stereo system.

This revolutionary loudspeaker co-operates with the wall it is placed on, transmitting treble and bass sounds with outstanding precision and depth.

BeoLab 12 features a sculptural design that forms a reassuring wave pattern that beholds powerful capabilities, maximizing every inch of the slim space. Call it the world’s most high-performing opticalillusion, because when viewed from the side, this commandingloudspeaker appears even slimmer.

35

inter iors

InterIors inspiration

“If you think skin is surface and surface is superficial, your brain has proved that your eyes don’t work,” was a slightly intense quote for a Monday morning editorial meeting! However, the work of Marcel Wanders is as legendary as it is beautiful, so we’ll allow the philosophical hyperbole. This bathroom was created in a Dutch villa with design requirements which we can all relate to – rationally organised space with bold details, which transform function into fantasy. The key here is luxurious materials - in this case, custom-made plasterwork, mosaic tiles and wenge, walnut and afromosia parquet flooring. www.marcelwanders.com

spare room… the en-suIte

M Is for MALAYsIA >The first editions of Graham and Green’s new outdoor hanging chair sold out within days. The lattice weave material is a hard-wearing alternative to rattan and is also water-resistant. The chair is part of an attractive Eastern collection which also includes two benches and a coffee table. Malaysia garden chair, £135, Graham and Green, www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

BuYThe princess in us wants al fresco gatherings to be exclusive and luxurious, with details such as serving spoons in the style of olive branches and salt and pepper shakers modelled on pomegranates. At the very least the gorgeous new accessories by Michael Aram for L&B London are a talking point.From £112, L&B, www.lblondon.com

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ande

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< PAPer ChAseThe spring collection of wall coverings from Osborne & Little features adventurous prints and textures inspired by distant horizons. The Rabanna range is a contemporary design woven with holographic foil in the style of Madagascan raffia.www.osborneandlittle.com

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trendFANTASY LIVINGA home by its nature is a reflection of our personal style; make it even more unique with bespoke designs and commissioned pieces

Moses Brown rug By suzAnne shArp for The rug CoMpAny£5,140, The rug Company, www.therugcompany.com

fyfield in 6-ArM Aged Bronze£6,182, Villiers, www.villiersbrothers.co.uk

Bespoke surfACes And wAll CoVerings inCluding seMi-preCious sTones And 3d MArBle surfACe By liThos£poA, fameed khalique, www.fameedkhalique.com

inter iors

Handmade Zebrafrom £4,200 to £20,000 plus VaTwww.bespoke-impact.com

Large Fidji boTTLe£Poa, Kjell engmanwww.kostaboda.com

LimiTed ediTion jungLe Wine gLass£Poa, Ludvig Löfgrenwww.kostaboda.com

besPoKe bureau£Poa, Linley, www.davidlinley.com

LiLy oF THe VaLLey 6 CoLour bLoCK PrinT£755.56 plus VaT per roll, made to order by Cole & son, www.cole-and-son.com

CHaise Longue£Poa, Christopher guy, www.christopherguy.com

eZra ConsoLe TabLe in Forged sTeeL WiTH LimesTone ToP£3,825, Villiers, www.villiersbrothers.co.uk

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inter iors

Founded over 20 years ago by the current managing director Barry Burrows, Bartholomew Landscaping is renowned for turning some of the most interesting urban outdoor spaces into delightful, surprising and unique gardens.

Bartholomew’s team of talented landscape architects, led by Barry and design director Andy Coles, create innovative designs for clients with high expectations and complex requirements.

Among their diverse projects, the company have recently created an award-winning garden in Avenue Road, St John’s Wood, a roof garden in Knightsbridge and a striking terrace in Chelsea. With the aim of not only meeting, but surpassing, client expectations, the process of design to aftercare is one that has been developed through years of experience in the luxury market.

The installation is managed by construction director Andy Behan, who, with up to six projects in process at any one time, is ably supported by a multinational group of landscape specialists. Once completed, the dedicated maintenance service team steps in to ensure the successful establishment of the garden and crucially to develop a lasting relationship with the client. This final aspect is organised by maintenance director Finn Chu, who along with his contingent of horticultural specialists, presides over more than one hundred gardens throughout London.

This dedicated team works closely together, a unity that is reflected in a string of awards, including six top honours at the BALI National Landscape Awards in 2011.

www.bartholomewlandscaping.com

Leading garden design, construction and maintenance company Bartholomew Landscaping sets an impressively high benchmark for the landscape industry,

creating beautifully designed gardens throughout London

EDENgardens of

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Barry BurrowsManaging director

Bartholomew Landscaping

Inspiration for our designers comes from so many different and varied sources, including all the elements of the existing garden, aspect, microclimate and the spirit of place, the genius loci. Each garden is an individual, so we learn something from every garden that we create.

‘‘

’’

inter iors

42

blakes hotel londonget the look...

the CoRFU sUIteWithin such a vibrant theatre of imagination, the Corfu suite providesa serene and surprising contrast. Ground in French Provencalinspirations, the king-sized four poster bed is flanked by flurries ofgossamer net and exquisite furniture inlaid with mother of pearl details,while its living space combines rustic woods with ceramics and simplelinens. The overarching effect is one of peace and romance, a relaxedstyle which is truly timeless.www.blakeshotels.com

blakes hotel londonSet within adjoining Victorian houses, Blakes Hotel London wasdesigned in 1978 by Anouska Hempel and her team and is thoughtto be the world’s first luxury boutique retreat – with its uniquefusion of Chinese, Thai, Indonesian and Indian style influences.Throughout, ethnic artwork, dark and exotic colour schemes andluxurious soft furnishings create an opulent and ambient spacewhich has been described by Gwyneth Paltrow as ‘super chic’,‘sexy’ and ‘comfortable’.

inter iors

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1. SpotlightLamps are used throughout theCorfu suite to create atmosphere.

Latimer Table Lamp, £39.99, Zara Homewww.zarahome.com

2. Laidback LuxuryThis slip-covered sofa has a down and feather stuffing making it the most comfortable place to recline after a long day. Its chic country style is typical of the beautiful furniture, lighting and other finds at this boutique.

Floris Sofa, from £2,653, Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couturewww.rachelashwellshabbychiccouture.com

3. On the WallAccessorising decor with ornate framework and mirrors is a simple and effective way to reflect French elegance.

Cream & Gold Overmantle Mirror, £450, India Janewww.indiajane.co.uk

4. Treasure ChestThis chest of drawers, inlaid with mother of pearl, is almost exactly the same as the two which were personally chosen by Anouska Hempel for this room.

Floral Grey & Mother of Pearl Inlay Chest of Drawers, £995Graham and Green, www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

5. For CocktailsA handsome antique coffee table adds charm and interest. This Andrew Martin design also embraces traditional methods with its hand-turned wooden legs.

Andrew Martin Barclay Coffee Table, £1,495, Occa Homewww.occa-home.co.uk

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listwish

The freedom to imagine a life free from financial restraint is the ultimate escapism, one where goals such as owning your own yacht become aspirations. In 1932, Gabrielle Chanel understood more than anyone how a glimmer of hope can be found within the sparkle of a diamond. “During the economic recession, in every sphere of life, there emerged an instinctive desire for authenticity, and amusing trinkets were once again put into their proper perspective,” she wrote of the launch of her 1932 Exhibition de Bijoux en Diamants.

Such wisdom has prevailed to this day, and with another recession, the French fashion house has picked the ideal time to pay tribute to this audacious exhibition, showcasing the finest in diamond jewellery, with a world tour of one-off pieces celebrating the 80th anniversary. n

ChanelChanel’s first diamond jewellery collection in 1932 proved a great success and its pieces have shone ever since

Couture jewellery

29 LOWNDES STREET • KNIGHTSBRIDGE • SW1X 9HXT: +44 20 7201 2590 E: [email protected]

LONDON FLAGSHIP BOUTIQUE

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collection

jewellerynews

Cutting edgeStaging a comeback to jewellery, the Sacred Fire Odyssey collection by Lalique, seen at this year’s Baselworld, is a modern update of their original drawings. Inspired by the fire goddess Vesta of Greek and Roman mythology, it includes 100 exquisite pieces, one of which is our pick for this month’s must-have item

“An odyssey continues in the Lalique inspirations which are

reborn from their ashes like the phoenix, in a collection of

crystal and diamond in fusion...In symbolic shapes, ringlets of

hair-like arabesques entwining and interlacing to infinity, at

last the mystery of this journey is revealed: that of the Sacred Fire,

the precious element”

Phoenix yellow gold necklace£7,040, LaLique, www.cristaLLaLique.fr

Black sapphire dial watch set with Brilliant cut diamonds

£48,400, BuLgariwww.BuLgari.com

Jiya ring in pink gold with Black and white diamonds

Poa, De grisogono www.Degrisogono.com

Quatre gold pavé ring £3,050, Boucheron

www.Boucheron.com

This March, an unassuming town in Switzerland was bombarded once again by the largest and most prestigious watch and jewellery trade show; Baselworld. Spread over 160,000 square metres, the top brands in the watch and jewellery business were pitted together to show off their latest collections. Bulgari’s Italian style was as strong as ever with large cabochon-cut stones and vivid colours. Harry Winston’s windows glistened with a thousand diamonds with the launch

of its latest Ultimate Adornments collection, while not far away, family-owned company Chopard reminded its competitors why it was also a firm favourite at this year’s Oscars, showcasing an array of red carpet showstoppers. In time for summer, De Grisogono shed its familiar black tones and went for a myriad of colours; big, bold and bright, it was all about making a statement.

As Creative Director Fawaz Gruosi put it, “colour makes everyone happy.”

Baselworld 2012

3 of the best from

Baselworld These are our top pieces from jewellery powerhouses Bulgari, De Grisogono and Boucheron, who all brought the glamour of their flagship London boutiques to Basel

48

Breakthe rules

Annabel Harrison speaks to Philippe Merk, CEO of Audemars Piguet, about the company’s recent rebranding

and the 40th anniversary of the iconic Royal Oak

collection

Lionel Messi. Michael Schumacher. Sachin Tendulkar. Novak Djokovic. Rory McIlroy. It’s usually possible to discern the calibre and key characteristics of a brand by the ambassadors on board. If this is the

case, Audemars Piguet can only be considered a leader in its field. This roll-call lists some of the greatest sportsmen in the world and all happen to be ambassadors of AP. Why? The brand states that it’s because “they come from different fields but they share our love of creativity and independence.”

This may be true but I’d argue that this impressive line-up embodies the brand philosophy “to break the rules, you must first master them,” even more, especially if you replace ‘rules’ with ‘records’. Tendulkar, for example, the most successful cricketer in history, has perfected his craft to such an extent that he recently became the first batsman to score 100 centuries at international level, mastering the rules and then defying every limitation in terms of age, injury and level of success.

This rule-breaking slogan forms a key part of the new ad campaign and concerns one particular timepiece from the AP stable; the iconic Royal Oak. This year sees the 40th anniversary of the watch that sent shockwaves through the industry in 1972 as the first haute horology sports watch to treat steel as a precious metal. The principle behind it

Legend has it that the Royal Oak model,

immediately recognizable thanks to its

octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal

screws, was designed in one night

four decades ago was “Body of steel, heart of gold” and apparently, legend has it that this model, immediately recognizable thanks to its octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal screws, was designed in one night. Its name and its design have an ancient royal and naval heritage; in 1651, King Charles II found refuge from pursuers in the hollow of an ancient oak and the moniker Royal Oak was subsequently adopted by the Royal Navy for a series of vessels, which then distinguished themselves in wartime action. The porthole, a symbol of the high seas, then became the starting point in terms of design.

It is surely a mark of the status of this watch that CEO Philippe Merk chooses to wear the Extra-Thin Royal Oak 15202 and that the company is celebrating the end of its fourth decade by means of a series of unique, ephemeral exhibitions around the world: “It is the first time we have put together 100 unique Royal Oak timepieces, for Royal Oak fans around the world.” For this exhibition, launched in New York in March and travelling to main cities around the world for the rest of the year, Audemars has partnered with Dan Holdsworth, Quayola and Sebastien Agnesseens; “The work reveals the connection between the relationship of man and nature, as well as man and time-keeping. It shows how watchmaking began amongst the farmers of the Vallée de Joux, the birthplace of Audemars Piguet, and how the incredible complex movements made today were created because of man’s curiosity and quest to discover the mysteries of nature.”

However, despite being so synonymous with the brand, the Royal Oak is relatively young within AP’s history, which stretches back to 1875. Passionate about watchmaking and mastering the art of precision, Jules-Louis Audemars joined forces with Edward-Auguste Piguet to develop and craft watches equipped with complex mechanisms.

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Remarkably, Audemars Piguet has never since left the hands of the descendants of its founding families, the oldest of the Swiss fine watchmaking manufacturers still able to boast this accolade. Merk, who came to the family business from Maurice Lacroix – where he had received “an excellent introduction to the watch industry” – deems being part of such a reputed company and a leader in the luxury timepieces industry “a challenging, intense and rewarding experience.” He praises the company for qualities including a spirit of independence – “a true sign of stability”, a rich heritage, strong origins and values, years of experience and a shared family vision.

Merk is ideally placed to comment on recent changes and trends in luxury watchmaking, “such a volatile industry where pressure is high and short term decisions can cause irreversible mistakes.” He agrees that consumer behaviour has evolved noticeably since the crisis: “There are less impulsive purchases and people think more in terms of investment rather than coup de coeur [impulse buys]. Consumers went back to basics, to the essence of watchmaking and to high-end or luxury brands that have strong foundations and origins like Audemars Piguet. The crisis has re-centred the market on more timeless values.” Nor can one ignore the rapidly growing markets in Asia and Latin America, “taking the lead [in] creating a whole new set of customer groups.”

Of importance, Merk also notes, is the rise of new media and ways of communicating: “Brands are more

What distinguishes AP from its competitors is

the combination of “history, origins, mastery

and artistry” and “extraordinary modernity and

progressive design”

collection

than ever directly exposed to their customers who are increasingly knowledgeable and who through social media and networking have become opinion leaders.” I find this particularly interesting; in other areas of the luxury industries, such as fashion, the companies paying the most attention to digital and social media, as demonstrated by industry leader Burberry, are powering ahead of their competition. It bodes well that AP, despite being a venerable family watchmaking business, is firmly anchored in the technology-driven 21st century.

And this is what distinguishes Audemars Piguet from its competitors; “on the one hand, the combination of history, origins, mastery, artistry and on the other, extraordinary modernity and progressive design. While other brands may like to be seen as heirlooms, Audemars Piguet is a brand for the here and now, to be worn by connoisseurs who respect the past but are making their own future.” Is it possible to describe a typical wearer of the brand? “AP lovers are successful men and women with a strong personality who appreciate a certain avant-gardism while respecting the canons and criterions of Haute Horlogerie. They are people who share Audemars Piguet’s values of passion, inspiration, exclusivity; they love the idea of having the ultimate luxury timepiece that offers the best of both worlds, traditional high watchmaking with innovative designs.”

The biggest pool of AP lovers is to be found in Asia, currently the biggest market in sales, closely followed by Europe: “The Asian market is well informed on luxury... [and] they are great AP enthusiasts who follow the brand closely.” With regards to the future, as seems to be the consensus across the luxury industry, “one can safely assume that the Asian market is going to remain strong over the next few years while European markets get on the road to recovery.” For Audemars Piguet at least, continuity is the key word and in terms of expansion, in addition to 22 Audemars Piguet boutiques worldwide, “there is a number of boutiques undergoing renovations and scheduled to open

in 2012, mainly based in Europe, the Middle East and the United States.”

2012 also sees the company celebrating two decades of the Audemars Piguet Foundation. This was created on the Royal Oak’s 20th anniversary; devoted from the outset to the cause of reforestation, for the last eight years, the Foundation has spearheaded worldwide environmental education for children and newest ventures include the restoration of 500 hectares of woodland at 17 locations in Scotland, the training of biodiversity guards in Ecuador, the revitalization of mangroves in Senegal, and tree-planting and support for practical environmental education in the Jaipur District in India. It seems that Audemars Piguet has both its head and its heart in the right place. n

www.audemarspiguet.com

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The highlight of the jewellery calendar, Baselworld showcased exquisite new pieces

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1-3 Ultimate Adornments Caftan diamond ring, earrings, and feather and diamond timepiece, all POA, Harry Winston, www.harrywinston.com 4 18-carat white gold peacock necklace with akoya cultured pearls, diamonds, sapphires, green garnets, aquamarine and tanzanite, POA, Mikimoto, www.mikimoto.co.uk 5-7 Pear-shape diamond necklace,

diamond cluster earrings and diamond line bracelet, set in platinum, as worn to the Academy Awards by Penelope Cruz, all POA, Chopard, www.chopard.com 8-10 Bonton Clori earrings in white gold and diamonds, £7,900, Atelier ring in diamonds, white gold and tanzanite, £82,300, Atelier ring in white gold and diamonds, £73,500, all Pasquale Bruni, www.pasqualebruni.com 11-13 Ruban de Lumière earrings, Impératrice Pompon Diamant necklace, Vagabonde Bleue ring in 18-carat white gold and silver with 618

white diamonds and sapphires totalling 18.79 carats, all POA, Fabergé, www.faberge.com

best ofBaselworld

For further information please contact - Argento Fine Products Ltd: T 020 7722 2438, info@ag neproducts.com

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collection

watch news

With a peripheral 24-hour ring, showing 24 time zones divided

into black and white sections to distinguish between day and night, IWC’s new Pilot Watch Worldtimer

is an elegant and practical choice for any frequent flyer

One of the trends noticeable at this year’sBaselworld was the industry’s increasing fondness for the world-timer – timepieces thatcan simultaneously tell you the time in up to37 time zones across the world. Our favouritescame courtesy of Breitling, Bremont and Zenith. Featuring Breitling’s own in-house movement, the striking Transocean Chrono Unitime revisits history by paying homage to an automatic watch known as Unitime developed by the company some 60 years ago.

Testament to the detail that goes into the design process, Bremont’s first world-timer, the ALT1-WT, is made from a stainless steel more than six times as scratch resistant as the steel used in regular watches. It also boasts a sapphire crystal-coated dial that has been through nine phases of anti-reflective treatment. Our favourite world-timer, however, remains Zenith’s Pilot Doublematic. Not only is the 439-piece watch stunning to look at but it also comes with a push-button operated alarm clock and has a power reserve of 50 hours.

tIME tRaVELLER

OnE tO watchEach month we select our timepiece of the moment from the watch world’s latest releases:

They’re bold, they’re brash and they get you noticed. Make a statement with an oversized

wrist watch.

Pilot’s Watch Worldtimer, £7,500, iWc

Available at Harrods and Selfridges

OVERsIzEd wRIst

watchEs

BRDVC4701 £5,850, BReRa OROlOgi

www.breraorologi.com

U42 B&B, £4,400, U-BOatAvailable at Harrods and Selfridges

PaM438, £10,200, PaneRai Available at Harrods and Selfridges

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1 Panama hat, £120, Drake’s London, www.drakes-london.com 2 C9 Harrison Jumping Hour watch, £1,150, www.christopherward.co.uk

3 Woven waxed cotton belt, £280, Loro Piana, 153 New Bond Street, www.loropiana.com 4 Everyday desk journal, £49, Noble McMillan, www.noblemacmillan.com

5 Leather driving gloves, £89, Aspinal, available at Harrods 6 TheSoloIst round sunglasses, £320, Oliver Peoples, www.oliverpeoples.com

7 Curved handle golfing umbrella, £99, Swaine Adeney Brigg, www.mrporter.com 8 Maestro Quantieme A Aiguille watch, £1,750, Raymond Weil, available at Harrods and

Selfridges 9 Brown and white Sid brogues, £195, Grenson, www.grenson.co.uk 10 Stonyhurst medium chest, £1,299, Halo Living, www.haloliving.co.uk

11 Contrast spot reversible print scarf, £235, Drake’s London, as before 12 The Bel-Air safe, £200,000, Doettling, www.doettling.com

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AmericanRetRo

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Take inspiration from 50s America with palm-woven Panama hats, American long-wing brogues

and vintage round-lense shades

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Swiss movement, English heart

C8 PILOT MKII VINTAGE EDITION £365.00

Swiss made / 26 jewel automatic movement / 38 hour power reserve / Balance wheel viewing window / Old radium superluminova hands and indicesDiameter: 44mm / Calibre: Sellita SW200-1.

E X C L U S I V E L Y A V A I L A B L E A T christopherward.co.uk

ChristopherWard_KensingtonChelsea.indd 1 07/03/2012 14:35

Canary Wharf Londonluxury & style canarywharf.com

SHOPPING

@yourcanarywharfwww.canarywharf.com

Make the Most of the fantastic restaurants and exclusive weekend proMotions on

offer at canary wharf

host to a wide range of delicious restaurants and bars – for breakfast, dinner and everything in between – foodies can eat, drink and be merry at canary wharf, over the weekend as well as during the week. a fine-dining destination for those looking for something different, there are restaurants suited to every taste.

WEEKEND diningCANARY WHARF

LIGHT LUNCHitalian export Obikà Mozzarella Bar centres around top quality Mozzarella di Bufala campana served alongside carefully sourced, typically italian artisan products. obikà is located in the spacious and airy west wintergarden, and customers visiting for weekend brunch can enjoy a range of mozzarellas and accompaniments as well as a choice of delicious pizzas and pastas for £24.50, based on a minimum of two people sharing, or opt for the à la carte menu. children can get a taste of the Mediterranean brunch for £10.

WEEKEND BRUNCH ROKA canary wharf celebrates weekend brunch on both saturdays and sundays. the award- winning cuisine includes a full selection of dishes from the sushi counter and the robata grill. the extensive canary wharf weekend Brunch menu begins with a fresh Bellini or spicy Bloody Mary on arrival, as well as a large selection of dishes and ends with the spectacular roka dessert platter, all inclusive for £42. children are not only welcomed but under-tens dine for free. overlooking canada square park, in the heart of canary wharf, roka offers a great venue for weekend shoppers at canary wharf and families enjoying all the wharf has to offer. to complete the experience be sure to visit the fabulous diy Bloody Mary Bar.

FAMILY PAELLABowing to customer demand, Iberica Canary Wharf has extended its paella sunday offer to include saturdays, available alongside its à la carte menu. throughout the entire weekend, customers can enjoy this great value offer on iberica’s acclaimed Beetroot Gazpacho, unlimited helpings of four choices of paella, a half bottle of wine and dessert, all for £29. children, naturally, are not forgotten and can share in the unlimited paella and a drink for only £10.

at

as well as fine dining, don’t miss the range of fantastic shops and boutiques situated within canary wharf’s shopping malls. at weekends and on Bank holidays, you can enjoy 3 hours’ free parking in any of the public car parks when you spend £10 at any shop, café, bar or restaurant in canary wharf.

ROKA

020 7483 5000

www.thewellingtonhospital.com

Our specialist units provide expert management for all orthopaedic

conditions, including:

Knee, Shoulder, Hand & Wrist, and Hip & Groin injuries

Courtside?Left Sitting

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beauty

beautyBackstageSUNKISSED CONTOURINGWhile fashion’s current muse is the stylish nomad, likely bronzed from desert travels, the beauty world takes a more refined approached to tanning this season, working metallic formulations and earthy tones into cheek and brow bones to accentuate and define. Inspiration comes in the form of models on the Roland Mouret runway, who were given a pronounced, almost haughty glow. However, Sass & Bide and Diane von Furstenberg also reflected this golden glow and showed that ore-like tones can provide a sultry effect even when applied to paler complexions.

RECREATE THE LOOK1. Good skincare will boost natural radiance so

invest in a great exfoliator 2. Apply bronzer on the underside of the

cheekbone, brushing upwards towards the ear3. Highlight the top of the cheekbone itself and

underneath the brow

Roland Mouret S/S12

SUN BEAm£18.50, Benefit Cosmeticswww.benefitcosmetics.co.uk

HARmONIE POUDRE DE SOLEIL IN SABLE BEIGE£34, Chanel, www.chanel.com

ROUGE COCO SHINE IN EmPREINTE£24, Chanel, www.chanel.com

PURE COLOR ILLUmINATING POwDER GELéE IN SHImmERING SANDS£28, www.estee-lauder.co.uk

ExTRA DImENSION EyE SHADOw IN (L-R) mODERN PEwTER, SwEET HEAT AND HAvANA£16.50, MAC Cosmetics www.mac-cosmetics.co.uk

62

updateHEALTH & bEAuTy

WAiTing LisTLast year, the beauty press remarked upon the distinct joie de vivre of Prada’s Candy fragrance – a sweet and fruity perfume which differed from the subtler blends of its stable mates. However, it seems a fondness for the traditional and elegant Prada scent has returned; while such an evolution in preference is dramatic, it is definitely part of the fun. For Infusion d’Iris Absolue, creator Daniela Andrier chose to capture the essence of irises alongside notes of warm vanilla and sensual Orange Blossom. The casing is a vintage style flacon which like its fragrance is timeless, attractive and identifiable.

Infusion d’Iris Absolue Parfum, £80, 020 7494 6220

nEWsFLAsHBeautiful French childrenswear couture house Bonpoint is hosting a pop-up spa at its Marylebone boutique on 19 May. Physiotherapist Julian Montenot and his team will be teaching mothers to massage their children using the Bonpoint natural skincare line. Individual sessions last 20 minutes and are available between 2pm and 6pm; children must be aged between 0 and ten years old. Bookings can be made by emailing [email protected].

LOOKs in bOOKsTHE BEAUTY EXPERIMENT

BY PHOEBE BAKER HYDE

Join us on 17 May in devouring this author’s description of a year spent without the beauty products and treatments many of us use daily. Phoebe Bakey-Hyde gave up cosmetics, hair cuts, new clothes and even jewellery to test the effect of such abstinence on her life.

health&beauty

update

Tried and TesTedCLINIQUE FOUNDATION

Foundation is a core product that inspires loyalty. However, we have to recommend that those still seeking their perfect match try the new mattifying make-up which was launched in April by Clinique. The formula is enriched with shine-absorbing molecules and has a light-weight texture so it’s ideal for the approaching summer months. It really does its job – this isn’t a shimmery, unflattering base; its smooth creamy finish gives an enviable polish.

Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup£21.50, Cliniquewww.clinique.co.uk

A wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings‘‘

’’Hippocrates

Living WeLL

Starting an exercise plan ahead of the holiday season is often difficult. This month Vantage asked leading health and fitness guru Amy Ryan for advice on getting the most from a workout.

LaTesT Launches 1. Le Vernis in HolidayThe increased likelihood of a bronze glow at this time of year makes the rich orangey red of Chanel’s new nail polish an ideal investment. Shimmering bronze and pearlescent nudes are also launched in May.

£18, Chanel, www.chanel.com

2. Kohl Kajal Long-lasting EyelinerThough famed for its high performance skincare and reliable cosmetics, it’s refreshing to see Clarins update its collection with a selection of products inspired by the vibrancy of India. Eye liner devotees will love the durability and intense finish of this take on traditional Indian kohl.

£15, Clarins, www.clarins.co.uk

3. 5 Couleurs Croisette Edition in Swimming Pool We love the way Dior has referenced its couture dress collection in the latest addition to their five colour eyeshadow palettes; the tones chosen are similarly aquatic pastels with a silvery finish.

£41, Christian Dior, www.christiandior.com

2

1

3

TONE UP FOR SUMMER

1. Keep hydrated The summer heat makes you sweat and this water loss needs replacing. This is especially true if you’re active as dehydration will dramatically reduce your physical performance.

2. Don’t switch off during your workout Your muscles will activate properly, giving you better results more quickly, if you think about where you are trying to target with each exercise.

3. Keep repetitions highChoose body weight or low resistance exercises and complete a high number of repetitions – between 20 and 50. This will achieve a toned muscular physique rather than a bulky appearance.

4. Get outdoors Adapt your eating and lifestyle habits to an outdoors setting; cycling to work and going out for a brisk walk on your lunch break daily will collectively burn more calories than your weekly 30 minute gym session.

5. Learn specific exercisesBikini weather requires great inner thighs and abs; try this exercise that focuses on both areas:

Roll Back Twist: Seated with a ball between your knees, hold a squeeze on the ball as you gently lean back keeping your toes on the floor. When you feel your abs tense, open your arms wide and rotate your body side to side. Repeat ten times on each side.

Amy Ryan is master trainer at TenPilates in Notting Hill www.tenpilates.com

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health&beauty

ESPA Life at the Corinthia London has the best changing rooms ever. You might think it’s not important, but wandering around the suite’s vast expanse is a day

out in itself. There are private wet-rooms (glossy, black and chrome), gleaming dressing tables full of luxury products, heated relaxation beds and arty creative details overseen by GA Design (big hitters in the international hospitality scene). In fact, as the walls gently curve and cocoon on the premise of encouraging energy flow, this yields numerous private areas and it’s unlikely you’ll see another person during your entire visit.

Thankfully the budget wasn’t entirely blown by the Tunisian marble, chandeliers, pewter installations and champagne-toned panels in the changing rooms; the state-of-the art facilities spread across four floors and 3,300sq m; the spa even has its own lift where it feels like you push a button for everything you could ever need, akin to some kind of Willy Wonka dream factory. There’s an ice fountain to boost circulation, a vitality pool heated to between 35-37°C to detoxify tired muscles, a fabulously cool gym and a spa lounge

which serves great food. And of course, this being a top-of-the-range spa, you don’t just relax on a sun-lounger by the pool; you take some time out in a comfy ‘sleep pod’.

If this write-up sounds a little tongue-in-cheek, it’s purely because any other tone would seem ridiculously boastful and over-the-top. But there’s no getting away from the fact that this is ESPA Life’s world flagship and it’s impressive. The concept was to align experts from the realms of nutrition, complementary medicine, personal training and beauty under one roof, with wellbeing programmes guided by a gatekeeper who recommends bespoke treatments. My therapist, who tailor-made a massage for my desk-bound body, advised me to see the osteopath and there’s a sense that this really is the destination for the kind of ‘lifestyle service’ we read about all the time. The treatment menu has pre- and post-natal options, salt oil scrubs, algae wraps, immune-boosting massages and ayurvedic specialities which are ideal for those with high levels of stress or poor sleep patterns. n

www.espalifeatcorinthia.com

ESPA Life at Corinthia London is nearly a hotel in itself

Treatment

LOST in

Having been fortunate enough to have had massages before, I was surprised by the bespoke massage I received at ESPA Life. Here, its touches such as the mechanical treatment beds, which take the pressure off your lower back while you’re lying down, and adjustable pillows, which make the experience even better.

I discussed my aches and pains with the therapist beforehand, and the 50 minute session was divided up into some intensive deep tissue work to relieve tension in the shoulders and a soothing head massage which was incredible. Having previously shied away from firmer pressures, this was slightly painful at first – but in a good way. I left feeling much lighter and my back felt better for days afterwards.

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67

health promotion

During the heat of the spring and summer months, some of

you may experience your first episode of kidney stones pain.

The pain associated with kidney stones is the most painful of

urinary tract disorders, which has beset humans for centuries. In fact,

scientists have found evidence of kidney stones in a 7,000-year-old

Egyptian mummy. Kidney stones are one of the most common disorders of the urinary

tract. The number of people in the UK with kidney stones has been

increasing over the past 30 years. In the late 1970s, fewer than four

per cent of the population had stone-forming disease, but this figure

stands at six per cent currently.

A kidney stone is a hard mass developed from crystals that separate

from the urine within the urinary tract. Normally, urine contains

chemicals that prevent the crystals from forming, but this does not

work for everyone. If the crystals remain tiny enough, they will travel

through the urinary tract and pass out of the body in the urine without

being noticed. However, if an individual becomes dehydrated and the

urine becomes concentrated, the crystals in the urine aggregate and

form a stone.

The first symptom of a kidney stone is extreme pain, which begins

suddenly when a stone moves in the urinary tract and blocks the

flow of urine. Typically, a person feels a sharp, excruciating pain in

the lower back or groin area; this is called renal colic. Patients may

also notice blood in their urine, feel a sudden urge to urinate or have

discomfort while passing urine. The pain can be so severe that it

causes vomiting, fever and/or sweats.

Kidney stones may contain various combinations of chemicals.

The most common type contains calcium in combination with either

oxalate or phosphate, chemicals which are part of a normal diet and

make up important parts of the body, such as bones and muscles.

A less common type is caused by infection in the urinary tract; this

is called a struvite or triple phosphate stone as it is made up of

magnesium, ammonium and phosphate.

Most kidney stones pass out of the body without any intervention

by a professional urologist. However, if the stone is large enough

to cause an obstruction to the passage of urine or should the stone

cause an infection in the urinary tract, it may cause irreversible kidney

damage resulting in renal failure. It is therefore essential to seek a

consultation.

The most important lifestyle change to prevent stones is to drink

more water. A person who tends to form stones should drink enough

liquids throughout the day to produce at least two litres of urine every

24 hours. Recent studies have also shown that foods high in calcium

may help prevent calcium stones. Patients with a previous history

of kidney stones are advised to reduce their intake of oxalate (e.g.

chocolate, rhubarb, red wine, cheese, peanuts and spinach).

At The Wellington Hospital we are able to offer a rapid access,

same-day investigation and treatment for our patients with kidney

stones using state-of-the-art technology.

For further information please visit the Wellington Diagnostics and Outpatient Centre

www.wellingtondiagnosticscentre.com

or contact the Enquiry Helpline on 020 7483 5148

Mr Leye Ajayi, consultant urologist at the Wellington Diagnostics and Outpatients Centre, presents the lowdown on the problem of kidney stones, which has a tendency to first show itself in the summer months

A Pain In The Loin

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Until around 20 years ago, open surgery was necessary to

remove a stone with a recovery time of four to six weeks.

However, recent technological advances allow most treatments

to be performed with only a few hours visit into hospital. There

are three different treatments:

• Lithotripsy is a non-invasive treatment that externally applies

a focused, high-intensity acoustic pulse (shock wave), which

passes through the body. When the wave encounters the

calculus, the pressure causes the stone to be stressed and

fractured into small fragments that can pass through the

urinary tract.

• Ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive treatment, which

facilitates endoscopic examination of the upper urinary

tract. It involves the passage of a small diameter endoscope

through the natural corridors of the urinary tract to the level

where the stone is located. The stone is vaporised with the

aid of a Holmium Laser.

• Keyhole surgery called Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

(PCNL) is reserved for large stones in the kidney. This involves

direct inspection of the interior of the kidney via a 1cm hole

over the kidney containing the stone.

69

diary

listwish

Situated in a mezzanine section above the fruit and vegetable hall in Harrods, Galvin Demoiselle is a wonderful spot not to rest weary feet and take in the awesome magic of this iconic shopping destination. Offering an all-day menu of classic French cuisine, including a signature dish of lobster fishcakes, as well as charcuterie plates, wild mushroom veloute and slow cooked Cornish lamb, the spot is decked out in subtle tones of sage with cosy booths and views across the food hall. It is also becoming renowned for its afternoon tea, which is served in indulgent style with a glass of Vranken Demoiselle Grande Cuvee Rose NV. Demoiselle at Harrods joins a Galvin dynasty which also includes La Chapelle and Galvin at Windows. n

www.harrods.com

The ViewThe opening of Galvin Demoiselle in the midst of Harrods’ Food Hall offers the perfect place for a mid-shop lunch break, with style

from here

70

favouritesFoodie

eATGarlic is an essential ingredient in so many of our favourite dishes and The Garlic Farm on the Isle of Wight offers some of the most luxurious garlic-based products around, as well as selling seeds and plants for growing, wild garlic for cooking with and a whole host of extras including garlic roasters, crushers, cook books, aprons, and even the intriguing sounding garlic beer.Buy online at www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk

1. Unrefined SugarFrom unrefined sugar – dark muscovado to the regular golden caster sugar – Ialways use unrefined sugar in my baking because it brings flavour to the recipe;and, as it’s a natural product, it’s much healthier for you too.

2. Dark ChocolateI always keep a stash of chocolate in my larder. I use dark chocolate when baking, although never higher than 66 per cent cocoa otherwise it becomes too bitter.

3. Wholemeal FlourFor great baking you need good quality flour, so I’ve always got plain, self-raising plus wholemeal, nature friendly flour. I love using wholemeal flour for making savoury pastry cases, in particular Belgium Andives Parma Ham Tart.

Tart it Up! Sweet & Savoury Tarts & Pies is published by Mitchell Beazley this June, www.cake-boy.com Eric Lanlard’s afternoon tea is exclusive to the Chinoiserie lounge at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel.

dRiNKLot18 is a private sales website offering a highly curated selection of fine wines at impressive prices – and it’s just launched in the UK. Lot18’s 15 wine experts scour the world to uncover the finest wines, so that members don’t have to – and they source everything from that next hidden gem from a small independent winery in the Loire, to a Californian landmark from Napa, a treasure from Tuscany or a newcomer from Kent. Recent wines available include the hard to find Château Pontet-Canet Pauillac 1995 or the sought after Inglenook Rubicon Estate Blancaneaux 2009. www.lot18.co.uk

Eric Lanlard, master pastissier, shares the three vital cooking ingredients he makes sure he never runs out of…“As a patissier, my kitchen

cupboards are always full of

baking ingredients! And I can’t

live without these.”

iN The KiTcheN cupboARd….

CarluCCio’s comes to Marylebone……and brings with it a new concept Aperitvo Bar, offering bite-size Venetian tapas-style plates, perfect for a lunchtime snack or early evening bite to eat. As always, the restaurant also offers its a la carte menu and has a great in-house deli. 7-9 Paddington Street, Marylebone, W1U 5QHwww.carluccios.com

Gillray’s joins the steak scene……with another high-end offering for beef enthusiasts. This most English of restaurants boasts a menu that offers nine cuts of steak, sourced from the Duke of Devonshire’s Bolton Abbey Estate in Yorkshire.London Marriott County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, Southbank, SE1 www.gillrays.com

Nobu berkeley launches its afternoon tea……award-winning executive chef, Mark Edwards, has created a glamorous, savoury tea which includes a selection of Takoyaki (beef and shrimp Japanese fried dumplings) and broccoli; as well as some sweet treats, including a vanilla trifle (vanilla custard, with an olive oil sponge soaked in Nobu’s sake with Chantilly cream) and Japanese-style green tea doughnuts. 15 Berkeley Street, W1J 8DY www.noburestaurants.com

ViVek siNGh opens his third restaurant……Cinnamon Soho is this celebrated chef’s first venture into everyday dining and will offer comfort food classics with an Indian theme. With successes including Cinnamon Club in Westminster and Cinnamon Kitchen in the City already under his belt, the new Soho branch, near Carnaby Street, will offer an all-day menu that includes such dishes as Bangla-Scotch Egg and Vegetable Shikampur.5 Kingly Street, W1B 5PFwww.cinnamonsoho.com

diary

Latest & Greatesta LittLe pLace we know...The Natural kitchenWe love the wonderful meat, organic vegetables and cheese on offer at The Natural Kitchen in Marylebone, making it one of the best places to shop for dinner parties or create picnics. Its gorgeous café also offers an impressive range of food-to-go and options for eating in, with everything

from cakes and juices to lasagnes and casseroles – meaning you can either stop for a quick cup of coffee and a brownie, or settle in for the evening with bottle of wine and a hearty supper. 77-78 Marylebone High Street, W1U 5JXwww.thenaturalkitchen.com

to your door...red apple DeliveryRed Apple Delivery is a simple, seamless service that delivers chiller bags of fresh fruit and vegetables to homes throughout NW London every fortnight. Unmatched for quality and variety, you can choose from a range of sizes and delivery days. A perfect solution for ensuring your family are getting their five a day!www.redappledelivery.com

all the news and views from the restaurant scene...

Vantage Loves…liTTlePoD

LittlePod is a natural vanilla paste which has been specially formulated from a blend of pods, seeds and extracts. This handy tube is bursting

with at least 20 pods worth of extract, and is fast becoming our kitchen essential. Add a little drop to some crème fraiche for a sweet

accompaniment to puddings, or go a little bit Masterchef and mix it with balsamic vinegar and honey to make a rich marinade for duck

or beef. Amazing. LittlePod, £9.99

www.littlepod.co.uk

Vantage Loves…liTTlePoD

LittlePod is a natural vanilla paste which has been specially formulated from a blend of pods, seeds and extracts. This handy tube is bursting

with at least 20 pods worth of extract, and is fast becoming our kitchen essential. Add a little drop to some crème fraiche for a sweet

accompaniment to puddings, or go a little bit Masterchef and mix it with balsamic vinegar and honey to make a rich marinade for duck

or beef. Amazing. LittlePod, £9.99

www.littlepod.co.uk

72

Offering Italian dining from a Michelin-starred chef, with a casual approach, Cotidie is a smart place for good food and great wine, says Emma Johnson

Opening on the site of the recently closed Café Luc, Cotidie – the new venture from Italian success story Bruno Barbieri – has cultivated quite the press fanfare, and much has been said about the importance of such a well-

known chef locating his latest restaurant in Marylebone. Of course, Vantage readers need no convincing about the merits of choosing this area – but at least the rest of the world is finally catching on.

Décor has remained relatively the same – with two vast booths dividing the room and creating smaller spaces throughout; though sadly they’ve removed the few tables and chairs outside that made this a good place to have an early evening drink in the summer. On the evening we went, March was experiencing some unseasonably good sunshine and it initially seemed a shame to be seated inside. Luckily, the playfully named BARbieri is a lovely quiet place to sip

EvEryday a sElEction for spring

wine

Sebastien Morice, head sommelier at L’Autre Pied in Marylebone, talks about how to put together the perfect wine list, and shares some of his personal favourites to enjoy with food

Putting a wine list together is challenging, and personal – you are looking into the soul of the sommelier. Those in the know will quickly spot a ‘put-up-job’ (easy choices and easy availability, featuring many wines put out under one name

coming from various places, known as ‘negociants’.) My list is the product of scholarship – every wine tasted with the

producer or their UK representative – and value for money. It might be the best wine I have tasted that day, but if I have others of a similar quality and price point then I can’t justify listing it.

I have my favourites, but they change depending on seasons, and it’s all about matching wines with the right food. With summer in mind, as an aperitif try Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, Extra Dry, Col Vetoraz 2011 at £36; a wonderful freshener, distinctive, elegant with a hint of sweetness, accented with pear and apple.

The food at L’Autre Pied is amazing, but tricky for matching wines; head chef Andy will often use many ingredients in one dish – the plate will be hopping with flavours. What goes with sautéed foie gras, crispy muesli, semi-dried grapes, apple and pistachio with balsamic gel? Or pan-fried scallops with fennel and ginger jelly, sea purslane, red pepper and toasted rye? This is when you need sound advice. Here’s a couple of extremely versatile options for starters.

Malaga, Ariyanas, Seco Sobre Lias Finas, Bodegas Bentomiz 2009 is great with foie gras. Complex, elegant and perfumed muscatel walks hand in hand with the foie gras, its freshness cutting into its generosity and Muscat notes. Its crispy finish brings the dish even closer to heaven!

Then pair Gruner Veltliner Rotes Tor, Federspiel, Franz Hirtzberger 2010 with the scallops. A native Austrian grape, offering minerality, with a uniquely remarkable cleanness, it has refreshing, tangy citrus notes, with a characteristic pear and white pepper flavour.

Our main course of suckling pig, purple carrots, tarragon oil and hazelnuts is one of my favourites, paired with a Saint-Joseph, Domaine Bernard Grippa 2009. The north of the Rhone Valley is the real cradle of full-bodied but pure, elegant, complex and well balanced Syrah.

L’Autre Pied’s glazed custard tart is a classic, and wonderful with a Coteaux du Layon “Les Clos”, Philippe Delesvaux 2010 – delightful, botrytis, passerillage, orange, honey, quince, minerality and freshness.

Finish off a meal with a Ron Reserva Exclusiva, Diplomatico from Venezuela – with a seductive nose of dried fruits, cinnamon, vanilla, citrus peel. Combining a dance between something rich, buttery and smooth yet fresh on the final note. Warm aromas of caramel, vanilla, nutmeg and leather… Enjoy! n

www.lautrepied.co.uk

ExcEllEncE

diary

dineFine indian dining

With a cool, minimalist décor by the impressive B3, this restaurant offers superlative Indian food with a real flair for style and flavour. Specialising in the coastal cuisine of south west India, expect lots of fish and the delights of chargrilled wild tiger prawns with spicy mustard marinade, or the wonderful hariyali bream, topped in a green chilli, shallot and pineapple dressing. Wines are matched effortlessly and with real invention here, and service is friendly and informative. www.trishnalondon.com

FOR LOCAL LUXURY Trishna, Marylebone

Having honed his craft and become the first Indian chef to ever win a Michelin star at the award-winning Tamarind, Atul Kochhar then opened Benares, which won him his second star in 2007. A delight of exemplary Indian dining, served in dark mahogany surroundings, Benares is a special occasion sort of place, while service is professional and efficient. Wine matching is done with skill and aplomb and the tasting menu offers an impressive range of flavours.www.bernares.com

FOR MICHELIN STARS Benares, Mayfair

Recently re-opened after a major refurbishment, London institution Quilon’s in Westminster is now a smart, modern place to dine and the new Q Bar a great place for cocktails. However, it’s the private dining space that really excites us, with its separate space for hosting pre-dinner drinks from an amazing imported, bespoke 8ft Indian fishing boat transformed into a glass top bar, as well as luxurious seating for 16 and a private entrance. www.quilon.co.uk

FOR PRIVATE DINING Quilon, Westminster

an excellent glass of Prosecco and enjoy the divine nibbles left out for guests – which include those delicious fat green olives you can only find in Italy, some marinated artichokes and the most exquisite sundried tomatoes we’ve ever had. In fact, they’re so good we have to ask the barman to take them away, lest we spoil our supper.

And onto supper. The restaurant has clearly taken note of previous reviews that complained the menu was confusing , and organised dishes into starters, pasta, mains and sides. Our waiter suggests that we might find all three courses too much, so we settle on a starter each, a shared pasta dish and two mains. Breads and amuse bouches arrive in good time and are a good start to the meal. Scallops and beef tartare are next – these are also good – the scallops outweighing the tartatre in the flavour stakes; while the following duck ravioli is perfectly al dente and rich and punchy in flavour. Main courses are less exciting – venison and duck are cooked well, but bear none of the hallmarks of the Italian influence and style we’ve been enjoying, and are accompanied by crème caramel-consistency onion ‘cakes’, which are a strange addition. We finish with an excellent espresso – as one would expect – and a generous selection of sweet treats.

It’s been a good meal – and we’d certainly return – especially for a lunch or business date; we’d just focus more heavily on ordering the great starters and pasta, and the wine – the latter of which this place excels in, with several mid-range bottles offering a good selection of the best wines available in Italy. We enjoyed a great 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva, Tolaini, Toscana (£56) which was rich in flavour and smooth on the palate. Just the delicious taste of Italy you need to accompany some great cooking. n

www.cotidierestaurant.com

— Unlock The Secret Garden —

— Discover a gourmet garden —

SecretGarden

Tickets on

sale now

Discover the most delicious summer party at the world’s greatest pop-up restaurant festival. Your Secret Garden Ticket includes a glass of Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé champagne, private cocktail bar, live music, intimate Q&As with world class chefs, mini-masterclasses and tastings, dining currency to spend at the show, and much more. Celebrate summer in the city with Taste of London.Restaurant line up: Asia de Cuba ● Barbecoa ● Bar Boulud ● Benares ● Bocca di lupo ● Cinnamon Soho ● Club Gascon ● Coq D’Argent

● The Corner Room ● Gaucho ● Gauthier Soho ● Iberica ● Kensington Place ● L’Anima ● Launceston Place ● Le Gavroche ● Massimo Restaurant & Oyster Bar ● Maze ● Meursault at L’Etranger ● Opera Tavern ● Petrus ● Pollen Street Social ● Rhodes 24 ● The Savoy Grill ●

Tamarind ● Theo Randall at the InterContinental Hotel ● Whitechapel Gallery Dining Room ● Yauatcha ● plus a pop-up restaurant from Action Against Hunger Taste of Thailand restaurant line up: Blue Elephant ● Busaba Eathai ● ORA ● Patara ● Suda

READER OFFER: Get your Secret Garden Ticket for just £80 – saving £20*! Quote VANTAGE when booking.

For tickets, visit tastefestivals.com/london

21-24 JUNE 2012 - REGENT’S PARK

*Booking and transaction fees apply. O� er is calculated on the door price and applies to tickets purchased in advance. Standard, VIP and other ticket types also available from tastefestivals.com/london.

Scan to discover

The Secret Garden

75

diary

• 600gmincedsecretoibérico(fattymeatfromIbericopigs–availableatgoodbutchersandspecialityshops)

• 500gslicedonion• 2teaspoonDijonmustard• salttotaste• blackpepper• 8miniburgerbuns(or4normalbuns)• 8piparrapeppers(Basquecountrysmall

pickledpepper,notspicy)• lettuceorspinachleaf• 1tbspgrainmustard• 1tbsphoney

Caramelised onionCook onions in a pan, adding a bit of water to help to sweat the them until they start to carmelise. Set aside.

PattyMix the meat, onions, and Dijon mustard in large bowl and add salt and black pepper. Shape the patty to match the size of the buns,

Cesar GarCiaiberiCa, W1

night in

CesarGarcia,headchefatIbericainMarylebone,takesusthroughtheperfectdishtoimpressanddelightguestsatyourfirstsummerBBQ

iberiCa mini burGers Serves 4 people, 2 mini burgers each

OurIbericaburgersareoneofthemostpopulardishesatIbericaMarylebone.IwantedtodoaSpanishtwistontheAmericanclassic.Thepiparrapepperispickled,soit’smyplayontheAmericanpickle.InSpain,wearefamousforourIbericopigs–thereisnotastelikeit!Astheyonlyeatnaturallygrowingherbsandacorns,thereisaslightlynuttyflavourtothemeatandthefatcontentmakesthemeatsotenderandfullofflavour.TheyareperfectforpartiesorBBQs.

‘‘keeping in mind that the Iberico pork has a high fat content so they will get smaller once they are cooked.

sauCeMix grain mustard and honey to taste. The flavours need to be balanced so that the sauce is not too sweet.

FinishGrill the patty on a pan or griddle, so that it is crispy on the surface, but still moist in the middle. Then grill the bread in a pan or griddle. Once cooked, place a patty, one piparra pepper and lettuce on the bun, and add some of the sauce to taste. n

’’

IBERICA

CesarGarciajoinedIbericainMarylebonedirectlyfromhispositionasheadchefofthedevelopmentkitchenatthetwoMichelinstarredCasaMarcialinAsturias,Spain.IbericarepresentssomeofthebestSpanishcuisineintheUK,andtheMarylebonerestaurantalsobenefitsfromanin-housedelisellingartisanproduceandwines,someofwhichareexclusivetoBritain.

www.ibericalondon.co.uk

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London’s most exclusive members club, Home House – a local favourite of the Vantage team – has recently launched a new addition to its decadent ‘pleasure palace’.

The Vaults late night party rooms are a timeless playground for the discerning clientele, nestled deep in the basement of No 21 Portman Square. Daring, decadent, and potentially debauched, the subterranean club certainly has an atmosphere of light-hearted hedonism.

With its own private entrance leading down a resin staircase to a leather-clad door complete with a gold grille peephole, The Vaults is the ideal after-hours party destination. The rooms themselves are complete with ambient lighting, the most luxurious textures and cutting edge art and sculpture. Rich tones of copper, bronze and gold are married

with crystal and tortoiseshell patterns and there is even an architectural aquarium encased in one of the walls.

The intimate space consists of a sweeping lounge bar area and two suites that can be reserved for private gatherings. As you’d expect the drinks list is carefully constructed and guests can choose from a menu featuring cocktails, Moet & Chandon Vintage Champagne and Dom Perignon as part of the table service, while enjoying vibrant burlesque shows and karaoke or challenging friends to a match on the integrated games consoles. n

Home House, 20 Portman Square, London W1 www.homehouse.co.uk

night out

home house

This sensational three day event kicks off the weekend with a fabulous corporate day offering world class polo from six international teams, with fully inclusive hospitality plus the new ‘Veuve Clicquot at Hurlingham’ evening launch party.

Enjoy a classic British summer day out; three polo matches, Veuve Clicquot Champagne, lunch at the iconic Hurlingham Club - the historic home of polo - a quintessential afternoon cream tea and to finish the day off, a rocking party with live music and guest DJ’s.

An exciting range of hospitality options to suit all budgets with prices from just £150 plus VAT per person.

Book now for a remarkable experience. Telephone 0207 936 5284 or email [email protected].

‘The Best Corporate Day Out’ - as voted by CITY AM

Winner of ‘Best Sports Attraction’ - London Lifestyle Awards 2010 & 2011

www.mintpolointhepark.com

THE HURLINGHAM CLUB & PARK, FULHAM, LONDON SW6THE HURLINGHAM CLUB & PARK, FULHAM, LONDON SW6

MINT

Winner of ‘Best Sports Attraction’ - London Lifestyle Awards 2010 & 2011Winner of ‘Best Sports Attraction’ - London Lifestyle Awards 2010 & 2011Winner of ‘Best Sports Attraction’ - London Lifestyle Awards 2010 & 2011

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Prize1. Black Butts (est. £20,000 – 30,000)

2. Bellrope Meadow (est. £25,000 – 35,000)

3. cookhaM reach and Barley hill (est. £20,000 – 30,000)

Country SCeneSThree previously undiscovered paintings by the celebrated artist Sir Stanley Spencer will be offered by Bonhams in the 20th Century British and Irish Art sale

These three stunning landscapes, all unrecorded in the catalogue of works by Spencer, depict scenes of Cookham, the village where Spencer was born and spent much of his life. Two of the paintings were given by Sir Stanley Spencer to his older brother Percy and the third to the wife of a close friend. All three paintings have come from the deceased estate of the artist’s niece, Pamela Spencer, and they have never been exhibited in public before.

Matthew Bradbury, director of 20th century British and Irish art department, comments: “It is very rare

to find unknown paintings by Sir Stanley Spencer and Bonhams is excited to offer these works in our upcoming art sale.” n

lot

20th century British and irish art 30 May 2012 Bonhams Sale 19965 www.bonhams.com

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A PArtyThis year, the unforgettable Mike Leigh play Abigail’s Party celebrates 35 years since its opening at Hampstead Theatre in 1977. In a year that has seen us celebrate everything great about Britain, Mike Peake takes a trip down memory lane to discover just what made this iconic play so special

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Ask the man in the street to name a place that leaps to mind at the mention of Abigail’s Party and he’ll probably scratch his head. If he hazards a guess at ‘somewhere in Essex’,

reward him for his theatrical acumen with a hearty handshake. The much-loved 1977 Mike Leigh play was indeed set in a ‘theoretical Romford.’ But if the subject of your impromptu one-man survey happens to be local, expect nothing less than a frosty stare and a look that seems to say, ‘do you know nothing?’, because for people from this little corner of London, Abigail’s Party will forever be entwined with Hampstead.

Exactly 35 years ago in April, the play premiered at the hallowed Hampstead Theatre. Those early audiences could seldom have guessed it would go on to become such a cult classic, but word of mouth did ensure that the discerning Hampstead theatre goers came in their droves. A short initial run was extended over the summer to 104 performances, and, on the back of such a searing smash, the BBC jumped in with a deal to record it as a Play For Today. When it aired that November, an astonishing 16 million people sat down to watch it in all its horrible, hilarious, socially-awkward glory. Three-and-a-half decades later, Abigail’s Party is every inch a British theatrical gem.

The play, as most people know, centres around the overbearing Beverly and her husband Laurence, who have invited their new neighbours Angela and Tony round for drinks. Another neighbour called Susan is also there to escape her teenage daughter – Abigail’s – house-party. The evening does not go well.

When a reviewer from Channel 4 described Abigail’s Party as ‘the most painful hundred minutes in British comedy-drama,’ it was meant as a compliment – Mike Leigh’s intention was to expose every stomach-churning crack in the protagonists’ personalities. Long before Ricky Gervais was making people cringe in The Office, Alison Steadman was doing exactly that in Hampstead as the monstrous Beverly.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt that Abigail’s Party gave me my big break,” said the BAFTA-nominated actress in a 2002 interview timed to coincide with a 25th anniversary production (complete with new cast) at the Hampstead Theatre. “You do a lot of work and suddenly you do something that catches the public

imagination and everything changes.”She explained how people would stop her in the

street and say: “Aren’t you Beverly?”. And insisted that she didn’t mind a jot. “It would be terrible if I hadn’t worked over the years and had just sat at home twiddling my thumbs. But I am still working and I’m happy,” she said.

The last decade, of course, has been especially kind to Steadman, a Hampstead local, who was once again springboarded into the nation’s conscience as Billericay housewife Pam in the endearing BBC show, Gavin & Stacey. Not that Pam has eclipsed Beverly. “Not totally,” she told the Metro newspaper. “It’s brilliant that people still talk about something I made over 30 years ago, and they’re also talking about something I did recently.”

A Guardian analysis of Mike Leigh’s directorial style in 2010 revealed how actors often work for months fine-tuning the characters created by the award-winning writer/director. Interestingly, even though Steadman was married to Leigh at the time of the original production, ‘Beverly’ was very much left behind every night at the Hampstead Theatre. “You put your frock away in the rehearsal room, come home and have a normal life,” she said.

Beverly is a role that continues to make people’s toes curl – and in the best possible way. Elizabeth Berrington did a devilishly fine job in the 2002 Hampstead revival; Jennifer Jason Leigh delivered the goods in a hugely-popular, five-month off-Broadway production which began in December 2005. And right now, former EastEnders actress Jill Halfpenny is tackling the role at Southwark’s Menier Chocolate Factory in a sold-out, six-week production that will run until 21 April. The Guardian describes her as “fantastic.”

Sadly, there’s to be no 35th anniversary production in Hampstead – as the theatre’s executive producer Greg Ripley-Duggan points out, it’s only been ten years since the last one. But don’t for one minute think that Hampstead will ever forget Abigail’s Party.

“It is fondly remembered because it was a huge hit,” says Greg. “And it was a play that contained the essence of groundbreaking theatre which is what Hampstead is all about. Hampstead’s audience is adventurous and willing to laugh at the world, and they took to Abigail’s Party because people like to laugh. And,” he says, hitting the nail right on the head. “It was also very good.” n

Above:Jill Halfpenny and Joe Absolom

Right:The full cast in Abigail’s Party at Menier Chocolate Factory, London

Images courtesy of Catherine Ashmore

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culture fixWith daylight lingering well into the evening there’s now even more time to enjoy the capital’s cultural offerings. This month we recommend hitting the Museums at Night weekender for an after-hours snoop around the big-shot institutions, a browse for garden art in Hampstead and a masterclass on the Art of Fine Dining at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester…

NatioNwideMuseuMs AT NigHT

18 - 29 May

Those in search of a little late-night inspiration should save the date for cultural all-nighter, Museums at Night. For one weekend only, the big name institutions (Kensington Palace, the V&A, the Courtauld) together with lesser known cultural destinations, like the Hunterian Museum, Apsley House and the Old Operating Theatre Museum, will be throwing wide their doors after hours. The annual celebrations see hundreds of museums, galleries and libraries stay open way past their bedtimes to host fascinating events, from twilight guided tours around the National Gallery to a string of candlelit soirees at Sir John Soane’s museum. www.culture24.org.uk

christies, sw1YTHe Crisis CoMMissioN: THe AuCTioN

3 May

Following The Crisis Commission exhibition at Somerset House in April, cutting-edge creations by the likes of Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley, Yinka Shonibare and Jonathan Yeo will go under the hammer at an exclusive Gala at Christie’s to raise funds for homeless charity, Crisis. The lots, which are valued from £3,500 to £15,000, respond to issues of isolation, property and security and offer a rare opportunity to bid for striking contemporary work by sought-after artists, while supporting a worthwhile cause. Potential buyers can express interest by emailing [email protected]. www.crisis.org.uk

May 2012 EvEnts

17 May Author Hugo Vickers at Literati Book Club, Grosvenor House

Until 6 May Janey Sharratt, ‘Pots of Colour’, Highgate Contemporary Art

24 - 26 May International Antiquarian Book Fair, Olympia

FroM 24 May Jubilee – A View from the Crowd, Kensington Palace

18 - 23 May Two Roses for Richard III, World Shakespeare Festival, The Roundhouse

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What’sreallygoodabouttheword‘art’isthat‘art’isawordlike‘love,’or‘God,’orwhatever.Ittranscendssomanythings…

‘‘’’Tracey Emin

AlAin DucAsse At the Dorchester, W1K >The ArT of fine Dining

12 May, 9 & 23 JunE

Add a touch of panache to place settings and give dinner parties the semblance of a fine dining experience with The Art of Fine Dining masterclass at the three Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester. Restaurant director Nicholas Defremont will be on hand to share his centrepiece arranging and napkin folding know-how during the two hour class, during which participants will learn how to lay a table Michelin-style. Head sommelier Vincent Pastorello will also be on hand to discuss the preparation and pairing of wines and lead a wine tasting.

tAte MoDern, se1YAYoi KusAmA

unTil 5 JunE

Revel in polka dots at Tate Modern’s retrospective of the prolific octogenarian artist, Yayoi Kusama. The eclectic mash of sculpture, surrealist paintings, immersive installations and endless mirror-filled infinity rooms swirl with vivid abstract patterns that are both alluringly hypnotic and darkly hallucinatory. A contemporary of Donald Judd and Andy Warhol, Kusama has clocked up more than her fair share of notoriety over the years, and this most recent survey of her intensely autobiographical work offers a fascinating insight into the life of Japan’s most prominent contemporary artist. www.tate.org.uk

< hAMpsteAD, nW3gArDen ArT in AssociATion wiTh chelseA fringe

19 May - 10 JunE

A favourite with green-fingered local residents, contemporary art dealer, Maureen Michaelson’s Garden Art exhibition, is in its ninth year. Held in Michaelson’s Hampstead garden over four consecutive weekends, this summer’s display of beautiful outdoor objects will be held in association with the first annual Chelsea Fringe gardening festival. The intricate handmade copper, ceramic, slate, and glass works range from practical garden seats and tables to unique sculpture. Places can also be booked for a talk with artists Jonathan Garratt and Lisa Pettibone held on Sunday 20 May at 3pm. www.maureenmichaelson.comG

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Combining the excellence and experience of The Wellington Hospital, The Platinum Medical Centre provides only the best in private healthcare

Tel 020 7483 5148 www.theplatinummedicalcentre.com

Platinum Medical Centre, 15-17 Lodge Road, St Johns Wood, London, NW8 8NX

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travel

listwish

For a romantic retreat with a difference, this classic yacht is designed for superior sailing and comfort. Guests can experience Maldivian life in style as the Velaa cruises to the most stunning dive spots of the North and South Male atolls, spotting turtles, grey reef sharks, eagle rays and tunas. On-board, guests can sip champagne while taking in the vibrant sunsets and then fish for their own dinner before handing the catch over to the on-board chef. Alfresco meals under the stars, BBQs on uninhabited islands, or remote sandbank meals make for a truly magical journey, while the six well-appointed mahogany cabins, luxuriously equipped with oversized beds, offer endless ocean views; the perfect retreat for tired sailors. n

From £490 per cabin, per night, www.banyantree.com

LuxuryHire a classic yacht to see the Maldives from an entirely new and luxurious vantage point

set saiL for

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TRAVEL in style

INSIDERDesigned to deliver unprecedented sharpness, the special edition 36.3 megapixel D800E gives absolute definition to images. Nikon D800E Digital SLR£2,899, Jessops

Without new experiences, something inside of us sleeps. The sleeper must awaken

Frank Herbert

PHOTOGRAPHY HOLIDAYS Long hauLhavana and West Cuba

Capture the faded architecture of Havana as convertible Buicks cruise past, on this ten day exploration of colourful Cuba. SLR in hand, learn framing and close-up techniques to shoot the old town’s myriad of crumbling murals, time-warped streets and famed cigar factories in all their glory, and enjoy debriefs each evening with a cooling mojito. Budding shutterbugs will stay in former colonial mansions, including the five-star Santa Isabel, and excursions out to rural Cuba provide the opportunity to perfect landscape shots.www.creative-escapes.co.uk

Short hauL rome

Consider Rome’s ancient landmarks from new angles on a week long course with National Geographic photographer, Massimo Bassano. Setting out from the Regina Hotel Baglioni each morning, the practical classes aim to capture the ebb and flow of the vibrant Italian capital. Excursions to the markets of Campo de Fiori, the Villa Borghese and the Colosseum, as well as numerous bustling piazzas, provide an abundance of locations for amateur photographers to get snapping, and regular critique sessions offer tips on how to improve.www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com

ROOm wITH A VIEwMarina Bay SandS hoteL

Singapore

With over 2,500 rooms and suites spread across three adjacent towers, Marina Bay Sands Hotel is an iconic fixture on the Singapore skyline. Holding its own among a backdrop of neck-craning skyscrapers, the gravity-defying hotel has definite wow factor. Floor to ceiling windows frame views of the spectacular South China Sea and Marina Bay and luxury suites come with butler service and access to VIP areas, including the hotel’s crowning glory, the Sands Sky Park, with its 150 meter infinity pool set 55 storeys up. The dazzling panorama can be viewed at every turn here, either while having a massage in the Banyan Tree spa or when dining in one of the many restaurants specialising in South East Asian cuisine. www.marinabaysands.com

‘‘’’

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FIVEthe best

of

GlampInG DEstInatIons

Sleep under the stars without sacrificing creature comforts, writes Lauren Romano

Erg Chigaga, MoroccoFor the most intrepid explorers the mesmerising setting of the Erg Chigaga Luxury Camp, pitched amid the dunes of the Moroccan Sahara should more than suffice. Five tents of tardis-like proportions are just visible over the shimmering sands, and bedding down for a night under canvas here involves curling up in a king sized bed under a duck down duvet, while camel rides and guided walks with local Berbers offer a true sense of the undulating landscape. www.desertcampmorocco.com

Aman-i-Khás, IndiaAman-i-Khás wilderness camp in the rugged brushwood forest on the fringes of Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park offers a foothold into an Arcadian wilderness, stalked by tigers, leopards and crocodiles. The lofty Moghul inspired air-conditioned tents are palatial in size, and elegant in style; crisp cotton drapes separate rooms furnished with oversized daybeds and guests can unwind with a massage at the spa or relax around the communal campfire as dusk descends. www.amanresorts.com

The Resort at Paws Up, MontanaThe Resort at Paws Up boasts four campsites, scattered throughout pine forests and soaring cliff tops across an epic 37,000 acre ranch in the Montana Valley. While the surrounding landscape lends itself to all kinds of adventurous escapades, from fly-fishing to horse riding, back at basecamp, hot tubs, spa treatments, a tent-side butler service and chef-tailored dining mean guests hardly need lift a finger. www.pawsup.com

Sanctuary Zebra Plains, ZambiaEco-aware boutique safari camp, Sanctuary Zebra Plains, offers walking safaris across the South Luangwa from its riverside base. Here a maximum of six guests are accommodated in tents furnished with local artisan crafts, the water temperature at the al fresco showers is monitored by a tent attendant and candle-lit meals are served at a variety of scenic locations. The morning and afternoon walks provide the opportunity to spy on big game and indigenous species of birds can be spotted over sunset cocktails along the Luangwa River. www.sanctuaryretreats.com

The Dapper Camping Club, WalesThe Dapper Camping Club nestled between the Brecon Beacons National Park and the spectacular Wye Valley is one of the most romantic escapes you’re likely to find here in Blighty. The cosy bell tents, with their quirky knick knacks and antiques hark back to a more glamorous, sepia-tinged era. Snuggle up under the vintage Welsh blankets, stoke the wood burner and sip a gin and tonic prepared at the end-of-the-bed cocktail bar before heading out onto the deck to admire the views of The Black Mountains. nwww.dappercampingclub.co.uk

Erg Chigaga

Aman-i-Khás

The Resort at Paws Up

Sanctuary Zebra Plains

The Dapper Camping Club

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Centuries-old architecture perched alongside a vibrant café culture. Vantage explores Istanbul

OttOmanheart of the

travel

Part Command Centre for a military empire, part archetypal Eastern pleasure paradise, this city is the only one in the world to span two continents. The banks of the Bosphorus give rise to a coastal enclave of natural beauty, and are surrounded by

a plethora of luscious parks, palaces and yalıs (waterside mansions). Spring is the perfect time to travel here – the weather is a comfortable 20°C, the trees are in blossom and the tourist rush hasn’t yet begun.

One of the most beautiful sights is the imperial ‘Blue Mosque’ of Sultan Ahmet I, so-called because of its high interior ceiling lined with 20,000 blue tiles. Located at the Sultanahmet Square, its six fluted minarets, fine Iznik tile work and great cascade of domes are delicate examples of Islamic architecture.

The lavish Topkapı Palace – the seat of Ottoman power for over three centuries – is also a must-visit, and needs a few hours to do it justice, while the great Galata Tower which stands tall on the skyline, offers fantastic city views.

For a truly authentic experience visitors should set aside time to visit the Grand Bazaar. With over 5,500 shops, one should make ready for an onslaught of courting and cajolements while haggling and serious shoppers regularly go armed with a notepad and a calculator; Yörük is a highly recommended little carpet store while Pako (at No.87) stocks the best handbags and purses. Set between an electric shop and a bakery in the Cihangir district, Portobello is a veritable Aladdin’s cave of antiques and curios. Dig deep and you might find Persian masks, lanterns, old-fashioned capes, and puppets, which serve as the perfect cultural trinkets.

In the evening sun a truly relaxing boat ride across the Bosphorous allows passengers to alight ashore at Eminönü or Kuzguncuk along the way and indulge in a Rakı on ice, in one of the many waterside cafés.

Combining the refined taste of the Ottoman-style landscaping with the turquoise waters of the world’s narrowest strait, The Four Seasons Istanbul at the Bosphorus (www.fourseasons.com/bosphorus) is the perfect retreat for those looking for the ultimate in sophisticated relaxation. A former 19th century palace known as Atik Pasha, the stunning interiors of marble and glass complement the traditional Turkish artwork that adorns the walls. Pay a visit to the spa; Turkish baths are intended to purify and are strongly linked to the Islamic tradition of ablutions – the strict set of rules for washing before praying. Ask for a massage under the eight-edged star motif symbolising the eight gates to heaven.

Complete with charming terrace and unsurpassed views, the Aqua restaurant at the hotel specialises in rich and local flavours of Mediterranean cuisine. For seafood lovers, the menu has a rich variety of options, including sea bass, black cod and lobster. Alternatively, only a short drive away from the hotel in the upscale-bohemian neighbourhood of Cihangir is Mimolett (mimolett.com.tr) – an eclectic fusion of European influence and Turkey’s finest ingredients, and Istanbul’s first Michelin-starred restaurant. Enjoy post-dinner drinks on the rooftop terrace of the chic Gaja Sky bar, or live jazz at the Çıragan Bar – both fantastic places to finish your evening – or dance into the early hours at the Angelique club.

No visit to Istanbul is complete without some tea, smoke or coffee. Called hookah or ‘hubbly-bubbly’, Turks have been smoking the narghile, the Persian word for ‘coconut’, since the early 17th century and the pedestrian strip by the American Pazari is lined with hookah lounges. If feeling truly intrepid, go the whole hog and opt for an accompanying traditional Turkish coffee. Boiled in a miniature copper beaker, it packs the kick of a double espresso. n

London to Istanbul with British Airways, return fares start from £165www.britishairways.com, 0871 909 2303

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It was Jane Austen who said: “To sit in the shade on a fine day, and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.” If you are weary of fast-paced city hotel breaks, scheduled to the second with restaurant bookings and must-see attractions, then you must head

to The Olde Rectory. A nucleus of all that is tranquil, here you’ll find the comfort and luxury of a boutique hotel, together with the space and privacy of home – with far more foliage, and one less doorbell.

The Olde Rectory houses an ideal mix of cosy cottage and all the mod cons you could hope for to make it a comfortable stay with real charm; exposed beams juxtaposed with sumptuous beds and a plasma TV. Ideal for families, or just big kids, there was even a trampoline in the garden. Curled up in front of a real fire, we played American Rummy for the first time in years while enjoying the freshly baked cookies and delicious chocolate fudge cake provided by the concierge service upon our arrival.

Set in a stunning, secluded conservation area on the borders of Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and directly opposite the 12th

With crowds of sporting enthusiasts set to infiltrate the capital this summer, it may be time to plan a getaway. Kari Rosenberg explores The

Olde Rectory, perfect for a weekend respite

century village church, The Olde Rectory sits in 3.5 acres of grounds bordered by orchards and vast open countryside. There are many beautiful villages close by where you can find delicious farm food, such as fresh apple juice and chicken and duck eggs, amounting to some of the best breakfasts we’d had in a long time. Nearby Ledbury is a quaint little village with lovely interiors and gift boutiques. Our only complaint? We wished we had longer to enjoy all the things left to do, especially as we were provided with such a full list of suggestions, from walks to fishing. Tucked away down a quiet village lane, The Olde Rectory would also make a fine choice for a wedding venue, picturesque and charming, yet big enough to hold a relatively large crowd. n

A two-night weekend break in one of six cottages for two at The Olde Rectory starts at £325, and a two-night stay at The Rectory, which sleeps 14, starts at £1,690. For more information visit: www.premiercottages.co.uk, 0844 800 8869

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Today, the confines of The Hurlingham Club exist as one of the capital’s most refined private members’ clubs, known for its manicured grounds and quintessentially English traditions. It was, however, the Club’s association with polo that brought it

to the attention of the world.That association ebbed 72 years ago when the sport that had

contributed to Hurlingham’s success stopped being played at the Club. Then, nearly three quarters of a century later, financial brokers MINT helped bring the game back home. Now, once every June, The Hurlingham Club hosts MINT Polo in the Park: Europe’s fastest growing polo tournament.

Six teams, each representing global cities, play over a three day period using adapted rules, created to provide a faster, freer-flowing game. Reviving the tradition of polo at Hurlingham, the tournament breathes new life into a club that traces its history back over 200 years.

The FormaTion Until the 18th century, what now stands as The Hurlingham Club was open fields and orchards, with very few buildings between Fulham High Street and today’s Putney Bridge. The land, known as Hurlingham Field, was part of the manor of the Bishops of London, dating back to before the Norman Conquest in 1066.

In 1797, the lease for Hurlingham was taken by John Ellis, the descendent of a family of wealthy sugar-planters, who employed architect George Byfield to transform the small country house into the neo-classical mansion we see today.

First established as a pigeon-shooting club, Hurlingham attracted many high-profile members and visitors but it was the introduction of polo that saw the Club rise to become one of the capital’s most popular places to visit – enjoyed by patrons that included the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII.

During the Victorian and Edwardian period, the Club consisted of Hurlingham House, where members could dine, a polo ground, a range of sports facilities, an ornamental lake and flower gardens. In 1905,

under the patronage of Edward VII, pigeon shooting was discontinued and the shooting area became a tea ground.

Polo aT hurlingham Having originated in Persia and made popular via the military in India, it was in 1869 that polo first came to England – the 10th Hussars challenging the 9th Lancers to a game on Hounslow Heath. Five years later the sport arrived at Hurlingham, the first game played on 6 June 1874 between the Royal Horse Guards and the Monmouthshire Polo Club.

Official rules were drawn up by the Hurlingham Club committee (published in 1875) and from that time on, Hurlingham became synonymous with polo. Today, the controlling body for the sport remains the Hurlingham Polo Association.

The success of polo inspired further events and provoked expansion of the Club’s facilities. At one time Hurlingham boasted two grand pavilions, two grounds and stabling for fifty horses and 200 polo ponies. In 1908, the Club presented the Challenge Cup to the winning polo team at the London Olympics.

Hurlingham played its part during both World Wars, housing soldiers and equipment and eventually turning its playing fields into allotments. The Club withstood 27 bombs, a landmine and a ‘doodle-bug’ that fell in nearby Wandsworth. Despite bomb damage, including the demolition of a conservatory and main house’s crystal dome on the east, Hurlingham was able to expand during the first half of the 21st century, running much as it did before the wars.

In 1946, the London County Council bought the estate, turning No.1 polo ground into a public sports ground and using No.2 polo ground for new council housing. For 70 years the sounds of polo players thundering across the lawns disappeared from Hurlingham. Then, in 2009, the sport made a grand return with the launch of MINT Polo in the Park, an event that has won the London Sport Attraction of the Year at The London Lifestyle Awards for the last two years running. n

www.mintpolointhepark.com

Bringing Polo back homeSeventy years after polo disappeared from the hallowed turf of The hurlingham Club, minT Polo in the Park reintroduced the sport to its traditional home. Four years later, the annual tournament continues to captivate the capital

promotion

promotion

91 91

General Admission tickets start from just £20 for adults and

£10 for children. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

Please call the ticket hotline for groups and single tickets on

0844 248 5069.

HosPiTAliTy PAckAGes:

From a private Michelin starred lunch with vintage

champagnes to an al fresco barbeque, from a gourmet club

lunch with afternoon tea to an informal picnic….MiNT Polo

in the Park provides all these options and more.

Friday 8th June – City Friday

The Ultimate club Package £415 per person

club Package with Veuve clicquot Party £498 per person

Pukka Picnic Package solD oUT

cool Britannia Tea Package £185 per person

Private entertaining solD oUT

Saturday 9th June - Ladies Day

Pukka Picnic Package £220 per person

cool Britannia Tea Package solD oUT

Private entertaining solD oUT

Sunday 10th June - Finals Day

sunday Gourmet BBQ Package £210 per person

cool Britannia Tea Package £150 per person

Private entertaining from £185 per person

(minimum numbers apply)

For details of all the VIP hospitality packages, please contact City

Events on 0207 936 5284 or email [email protected]

VAT applies to all prices

Tickets and Hospitality Packages

Jamie Morrison

Age: 35

PlAce of Birth: London

hAndicAP: 8 indoor

cAreer highlight: Winning the Eduardo Moore cup with my father

What has MadE MINt PoLo IN thE Park such a succEss? Its ability to bring polo to a wider audience as it encapsulates all the high-octane excitement about the sport. the event also provides something for all the family to enjoy. this year we have a harrods Food court for food lovers, a children’s club for our younger spectators, a luxury shopping village and even a tiki themed Polonesia bar. there really is something for everyone.

What’s MorE FuN to PLay, tradItIoNaL PoLo or arENa PoLo? Both have their own unique qualities. Getting out for an early game on a crisp morning in the British countryside is such a fantastic way to spend one’s time. But the thrill of playing in front of a lively crowd really adds to the excitement.

hoW doEs It MakE you FEEL to BE PLayING at thE BIrth PLacE oF BrItIsh PoLo? the hurlingham club is a name that goes hand-in-hand with polo and is a fantastic setting for MINt Polo in the Park. Playing there really reminds me how lucky I am to be involved with such a wonderful sport.

hoW doEs MINt PoLo IN thE Park raNk aGaINst othEr coMPEtItIoNs? the sheer number of people who attend really makes a difference. Last year, we had just shy of 30,000 people throughout the weekend cheering in the grandstands, which is an incredible feeling, bearing in mind polo is usually played in small countryside clubs.

WhErE Is your FavourItE PLacE IN thE WorLd to PLay PoLo aNd Why?argentina is great because their Latin passion really shines through. But my home club, the royal county of Berkshire Polo club, is so close to my heart.

What’s thE BEst PoLo aFtEr-Party you’vE BEEN to? Last year’s veuve clicquot after-party at the hurlingham club was certainly a winner in my mind. Jonny Borrell from razorlight performed an amazing acoustic set and really got the party started.

94

Waftability’. It’s probably not even a real word but it sums up perfectly what it’s like to drive a Rolls-Royce, because you don’t just drive a Rolls; you waft

about in one. This means any journey in a Rolls-Royce becomes a special event, and surprisingly, that can create problems. I’ve been doing this job for quite a few years now and you’d think that, with all that experience, every report is as objective as it can be. But the moment I slide behind the wheel of a Rolls, things get a bit tougher. I

Matthew Carter goes for a drive in one of the best cars in the world and he’s proud to say that it’s made in Britain

know it’s just a car, but there’s something very special about sitting behind that long bonnet and seeing the Spirit of Ecstasy framing the view ahead.

I can tell it’s going to be especially difficult today. I’m at Goodwood, home to Rolls-Royce, and I’ve been handed the keys to a brand new Ghost EWB (extended wheelbase). The sun is shining, the roads are a rewarding mix of the fast and the twisty and they are empty. Objectivity could go out of the window. Before the start button is pushed, though, there’s time for a quick

‘

Ghost story

motoring

Car: Rolls-Royce Ghost EWB

PriCe: £230,000

engine: 6,592cc, V12-cylinder petrol

Power: 563 hp

Drive: Rear-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic

PerformanCe: 155 mph max, 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds

In Brief

reflection on the Ghost. It was introduced less than two years ago as a new, entry-level model – the way into R-R ownership. In extended wheelbase form (introduced last year) it’s only £230,000 – a veritable bargain alongside the £337,000 price tag for the Phantom EWB.

It’s smaller than the Phantom, of course, but these things are relative. At more than 5.5 metres from the Flying Lady’s nose to the car’s back bumper, it’s still significantly longer than a long wheelbase Merc S-Class, for example. However, the Ghost is very different to the Phantom. Even this stretched model – it’s 170mm longer than the standard car, all of which has been handed over to those in the back who now enjoy 330mm of legroom – is aimed at the owner-driver rather than James the chauffeur.

It’s certainly caught the imagination of those with the wherewithal to buy one. Despite the global recession, Rolls-Royce enjoyed record sales of more than 3,500 cars in 2011, up 31 per cent on the previous year. And of those, three in every four was a Ghost. It might be the baby of the range, but it’s still a big, imposing car. The famous R-R grille stands proudly at the front, though smaller and more curved than usual, and the bonnet still seems long enough to land a small plane on. Frankly, there’s an awful lot of metal to move about which is why the Ghost has a 6.6-litre V12 engine under that elegant nose. Not one but two turbos allow it to develop a heady 563hp, more than 100hp over what the larger, heavier Phantom can muster.

The result? Despite its stately looks, the Ghost flies. Top speed might be limited to 155mph, but its 0-60mph time of just 4.7 seconds puts it into sports car territory. If that figure seems impressive on paper, it’s even more so in the real world. Put your foot down and the gearbox, an eight-speed automatic, drops a few cogs and the car, all two-and-a-half tonnes of it, doesn’t so much waft as rocket away. At least, I think it’s an eight-speeder: in everyday use the gearshifts are so smooth and so slick that detecting any change is damn near impossible.

This isn’t helped by the lack of a rev counter. R-R clearly thinks this a vulgar device, because in its place it has created something called a Power Reserve Gauge. At a standstill the gauge reads 100 per cent and this diminishes as you floor the throttle – a bit pointless, in my opinion. What is perhaps even more remarkable is that, driven sensibly, you ought to be able to get 20mpg from the thing. Alongside a diesel hatchback that might not seem very clever but for a Rolls, believe me, that’s impressive. Mind you, if you can afford the car in the first place, and environmental considerations aside, you won’t be worried by its thirst. This performance, of course, is down to BMW, owners of this most British of brands. The V12 engine was originally developed for the 7-Series and the car’s steel frame is also related to the BMW flagship (not that you’d notice it, though). It’s twice the price of the Seven, but then, it’s much more than twice the vehicle.

The engine’s performance really sums up the entire car: it’s smooth and sophisticated, yet can turn nasty (in a good way) on demand. On the one hand – and especially when we’re talking about the EWB version with its greater rear legroom – it’s a genuinely relaxing way to waft about. Yet start to use the performance and this big car shrinks around you and really shifts.

But standing start sprints aren’t what this car is all about. Consider the fact that it takes 20 days to hand-build, and seven to paint and polish, and that the carpet is thick enough to lose yourself in. Consider, too, the rear compartment, accessed via rear-hinged ‘lounge’ doors, which has all the luxury expected from a private jet. 9.2 inch LCD screens are built into the back of the front seats; the sound system has a ten channel amplifier and 16 speakers; and the seats themselves are behind the rear pillar to offer the occupants a little privacy from the gawping crowds.

It’s all about the luxury. The Ghost has a sophisticated air suspension system borrowed from BMW. On smooth surfaces it really does glide along, but on the UK’s broken roads things can get a little unsettled. The wheels tend to patter over the bumps and the ride becomes almost jittery. Almost. We are dealing with superlatives here, so if anything fails to come up 100 per cent it’s worth talking about; in a normal car the slight deterioration in ride quality probably wouldn’t be noticed.

I do hesitate to say this but I have one or two other issues. The dashboard might look imposing but it’s an ergonomic mish-mash with buttons and controls scattered all over the place, though no doubt an owner would soon get used to it. There’s even one large chrome push button with no indication as to what it does. I never did dare to push it. The dials themselves are a little on the mean side, too, so it’s just as well that it has a heads up display to let you know how fast you’re going. Trust me, with no noise from the engine and no road roar or wind whistling around the door mirrors, it’s all too easy to break speed limits: the display is vital. It’s just a shame that its housing behind the steering wheel causes such reflections in the screen.

While I’m pleased to see that I haven’t lost all objectivity, it’s hard not to be impressed by the Ghost. Why on earth would anyone want a Phantom when they could have this? n

Arlington residentiAl8 Wellington RoadNW8 9SP020 7722 3322www.arlingtonresidential.co.uk

Aston ChAse69 / 71 Park RoadNW1 6XU020 7724 4724www.astonchase.com

800 Finchley RoadNW11 7TJ020 8455 3538www.astonchase.com

BenhAm & reeves56 Heath Street NW3 1DL020 7435 9822 www.b-r.co.uk

BriAn lACk & Co4-6 Saint Ann’s TerraceNW8 6PJ020 7586 5929www.brianlack.co.uk

Chesterton humBerts55-56 Hampstead High StreetNW3 1QH020 7794 3311www.chestertonhumberts.com

26 Clifton RoadW9 1SX020 7286 4632www.chestertonhumberts.com

SALES & LETTINGS

faronsutaria.co.uk

OUR SERVICE WILL MOVE YOU

HOLLOWAY ROAD, N19

An impressive period conversion occupying the entire ground floor with own entrance and private garden. Approx. 888 sq ft. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room.

£425,000 Share of Freehold 020 7267 7074 [email protected]

GAISFORD STREET, NW5

A 1st floor apartment with twin doors leading out to the cast iron balcony and communal gardens. Approx. 406 sq ft. Bedroom, bathroom, open-plan kitchen/reception room.

£330,000 Leasehold 020 7267 7074 [email protected]

FS Vantage September 2011.indd 1 10/08/2011 12:51

FAron sutAriA114 -118 ParkwayNW1 7AN020 7267 7074www.faronsutaria.co.uk

greenstone83 Boundary RoadNW8 0RG020 7625 7000www.greenstone.com

hAmptons internAtionAl99 St John’s Wood Terrace NW8 6PL020 7717 5319www.hamptons.co.uk

21 Heath streetNW3 6TR020 7717 5301www.hamptons.co.uk

hAnover residentiAl112 Boundary RoadNW8 0RH020 7372 4499www.hanover-residential.co.uk

JonAthAn Arron18 Blenheim TerraceNW8 0EB020 7604 4611www.jonathanarron.com

knight FrAnk5-7 Wellington PlaceNW8 7PB 020 7586 2777www.knightfrank.co.uk

79-81 Heath StreetNW3 6UG 020 7431 8686www.knightfrank.co.uk 120a Mount StreetW1K 3NN020 7483 8349www.knightfrank.co.uk

mArCus pArFitt28 Church Row NW3 6UP 020 7431 0000 www.marcusparfitt.com

mArsh & pArsons35 Maida ValeW9 1TP020 7368 4458www.marshandparsons.co.uk

pArkheAth208 Haverstock HillNW3 2AG020 7431 1234www.parkheath.com

8a Canfield GardensNW6 3BS020 7625 4567 www.parkheath.com

192 West End LaneNW6 1SG020 7794 7111www.parkheath.com

property divAs34a Rosslyn HillNW3 1NH020 7431 8000www.propertydivas.com

resCorp11 Hanover Gate MansionsNW1 4SJ020 3348 8000www.rescorp.co.uk

sAvills7 Perrin’s CourtNW3 1QS020 7472 5000www.savills.co.uk

15 St John’s Wood High StreetNW8 7NG020 3043 3600www.savills.co.uk

See below for eSee below for eSee below for eSSState agenttate agenttate agentSSS in Y in Y in YoooUUUrrr area area area

listing

If you would like to appear within the property pages of VANTAGE, contact Kate Oxbrow, property manager on 020 7987 4320 or [email protected]

M E D I A G R O U P

Surrendale Place, Little Venice W9£2,350,000 freeholdAn immaculate & contemporary 4 storey family house, located on one of the quieter streets of Maida Vale. Accommodation comprises up to 2,762 sq ft of living space, including a double reception room with parquet flooring, 3 bedrooms & a spacious master suite, kitchen, conservatory & garden. The amenities of Maida Vale & Notting Hill are within close proximity.

Little Venice 020 7286 4632 [email protected]

chestertonhumberts.com

Che 1660 Vantage DPS 297x210.indd 2 18/11/2011 14:47

97

Va ntageshowcasing the finest hoMes & PRoPeRtY fRoM the best estate agents

The Chic Look by Occa Homewww.occa-home.co.uk

PROPERTY

KF_Vantage Designer DPS_LHP:KF_Vantage Designer DPS_LHP 11/4/12 10:38 Page 1

A beautifully presented detached house convenientlylocated on the favoured East

side of St John’s Wood.

ACCOMMODATION & AMENITIES:• Master bedroom with 2 en suite bathrooms and 2 en suite dressing rooms • 4 further bedrooms • 2 further bathrooms • Reception room • Family room• Dining room • Kitchen • Staff suite • Day room • Utility room • Guest WC• Large terrace • Garden • Garage • Off street parking

Planning has recently been granted to create a leisure complex on the lowerground floor comprising a 13 metre swimming pool, home cinema, gymnasiumand games room, together with additional staff accommodation, bringing thetotal property to an excess of over 8,000 sq ft.

020 7586 2777St John’s Wood

FREEHOLD JOINT SOLE AGENTS GUIDE PRICE: £13,500,000

Acacia Road

St John’s Wood NW8

KF_Vantage Designer DPS_RHP:KF_Vantage Designer DPS_RHP 11/4/12 10:39 Page 2

Knight Frank

Sutherland Avenue, Maida Vale W9Beautiful maisonette with direct access to communal gardenSituated in this attractive Stucco fronted building lies this excellent garden maisonette. Master bedroom (with en suite), 4 further bedrooms, guest bedroom, reception room, kitchen/dining room, guest WC, study, music room, 2 Patios, 1 backing directly onto extensive communal gardens. Approximately 246.2sq m (2,650sq ft).

Share of freehold

Guide price £3,500,000

020 7586 [email protected]/St-Johns-Wood

(SJW120064)

Knight Frank

Spaniards Road, Hampstead NW3Stunning House overlooking Hampstead Heath

A landmark interior-designed fronted house with views over Hampstead Heath. The house is set behind a high wall with gated parking for 2/4 cars with the benefit of a double car lift. The garden is south west facing as are the majority of rooms. 4 Bedrooms, 3 Reception Rooms, 3 Bathrooms, Garden, Private Parking. Approximately 213.7 sq m (2,300 sq ft)

Freehold

Guide price: £3,500,000

(HAM120028)

020 7431 [email protected] KnightFrank.co.uk/hampstead

St John’s Wood NW8 An architecturally designed villa arranged over four floors. 8 bedrooms, 8 en suite bathrooms, 4 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, gym, garage, garden and staff accommodation.

Available unfurnished

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings020 7483 8353 [email protected]

£15,000 per week

Regent’s Park NW1 A contemporary top floor duplex on the outer circle of Regent’s Park. 4 bedrooms, 3 en suite bathrooms,large reception room, eat-in kitchen, 4 terraces and allocated parking.

Available furnished/unfurnished


£4,000 per week

St John’s Wood NW8 A detached family home arranged over four floors. Master bedroom with en suite, 3 further bedrooms, 3 further bathrooms, 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, gardens and parking.

Available furnished


£4,500 per week

Little Venice W9 An immaculately presented home arranged over four floors. 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, cinema room, wine cellar, summer house, garden and communal tennis courts.

Available unfurnished


£15,000 per week

Knight Frank

103

property

I really never imagined I would forge a career from property, but I have. It started in the school summer holidays the day before my sixteenth birthday when my father, who is a strong believer in the ethic of work - working hard and then working harder still -

suggested that rather than idling away eight weeks of summer holidays I should go and get some work experience. He had a friend who owned an estate agency business in Marylebone, and so I spent eight weeks over that summer photocopying maps, franking mail, going to the bank and buying sandwiches for boardroom meetings.

Then, on my last day, the managing director, who I had rarely seen during those eight weeks, asked to see me. I remember clearly his office, dark wood panelled, and the view he had towards a garden square. He asked if I would like to stay on and have a permanent job. My tea making skills had obviously impressed him, I thought. The choice was: back to school to do A-Levels, or a job in the cut and thrust of the West End earning money. It was obviously an easy choice. Some 12 months later I was asked to go and work at one of their branches in Bayswater, selling property; and I absolutely loved it. The people, the property, the world of business excited me. After a few years there I knew for sure that this was it for me, and that I could make a career and a future for myself from property. I was hungry to progress, I was attracted and excited by top end properties and with this in mind I called a firm who had established themselves as agents acting on the sale of luxury homes and asked if they had a job going. My timing was perfect, they did - and I got it. In my seven years there I absorbed a wealth of knowledge, acted on the sale of some of the best homes in London and received praise from many clients. I decided the next step was for me to do this for myself. And so, in 1994 I opened the doors of Arlington Residential. For two weeks I sat in a big empty office with just one desk, questioning what I had done. That was, until I sold my fist property. With no computers as standard then, I remember handwriting my first invoice and shortly afterwards receiving my first cheque.

That was 18 years ago. I fondly look back to our first few transactions in 1994 and see this as a barometer of how the market has moved in the last two decades. Our first sale was a four bedroom house in Swiss Cottage at a price of £405,000. The virtually identical house immediately next door sold last year for £1.7m. Our second sale was a semi-detached house in a very sought after street in St John’s Wood; around 4,000 sq ft with a large garden, it achieved just under £1m. Today that house would sell for between £9m and £10m.

A more recent notable change in the market has been the number of overseas buyers purchasing property in St John’s Wood and Regents Park. These locations are now firmly on the international stage. While for years Mayfair, Kensington and Belgravia were considered to be the ultimate destination for overseas buyers and investors, now NW8 and NW1 are postcodes hitting the £3,000 per square foot mark and where houses and luxury flats are being courted by a new surge of wealthy investors and international home owners.

THE STORY SO FARMarc Schneiderman, director at Arlington Residential, recalls the changes and developments in the market that he has seen over the past 18 years

Today, I am very proud of what I have achieved. I believe Arlington Residential is widely respected and has earned a place as one of the most pro-active agents handling homes at the middle to top end of the sale and lettings market. Our advice and opinion is regularly sought by other agents, professional valuers, acquisition agents, buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants. I cannot personally take all the credit for this. I have been fortunate to have had Alex Fleck run our lettings department for some 13 years and with her amazing connections and contacts we continue to maintain our position as one of the leading letting agents in central and North West London. On the sales side, Jason Press has been with my firm for a number of years and has the enthusiasm to see our market share increase. In addition, we have a strong team of people in our office, all of whom play an important role in ensuring that the wheels turn smoothly.

We have established deep, long lasting relationships with leading property buying agents and relocation agents and have nurtured relationships with several banks and funds, who recommend international and overseas based purchasers to our office. We have also developed an association with Eastern European and West African representatives who often ensure that our office is their first port of call and, in some cases, the only port of call when it comes to locating properties for their clients.

After nearly 30 years of working in the world of estate agency I am still enjoying what I do. I still have a genuine sense of excitement and I still look forward to arriving at my office in the morning. Aside from understanding property I feel I have learned a lot about people; after all, it is really a people business. I have learned that buying and selling can be emotionally charged, not to judge people and that there really are people out there who behave impeccably in business.

Arlington Residential is a continuing work in progress. And, that’s the story so far. n

www.arlingtonresidential.com

A John Nash designed terrace in Regent’s Park

104

Palatial SPacehot property

A handsome low built detached residence (5,242sq ft/486.99 sq m) elegantly refurbished throughout. The house features magnificent living accommodation including a double volume reception room and further benefits from an integral garage and private landscaped front & rear gardens. Acacia Road is situated on the favoured east side of St John’s Wood within easy walking distance of the fashionable shops and amenities of St John’s Wood High Street and within close proximity of St John’s Wood Underground Station (Jubilee Line) and the open spaces of both Primrose Hill and Regent’s Park.

The accomodation comprises a principal bedroom suite which includes a bedroom and ‘his’ and ‘her’ dressing rooms as well as two en-suite bathrooms. There are also four further bedrooms and two further bathrooms. Downstairs the generous space includes an entrance hall, double volume reception room, formal dining room, a fully fitted kitchen, as well as a breakfast room, family room, utility room and guest cloakroom. Outside space is also impressive with a terrace, landscaped front and rear gardens, an integral garage and gated parking for a further two or three cars.

property

Palatial SPace

Aston Chase Regent’s Park

www.astonchase.com

020 7724 4724

acacia ROaD, NW8£13.5m

WILDWOOD ROAD HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB NW11

Ast_Chs_DPS1_LHP:Ast_Chs_DPS1_LHP 10/4/12 11:50 Page 1

A detached family home occupying an

impressive 268ft plot facing Hampstead

Heath and backing onto Turners Wood.

The existing house, which has the potential to

be updated and extended, also benefits from

planning consent for complete demolition and

the construction of a magnificent new

mansion (1,207sq m/12,678sq ft)

incorporating a large leisure complex and

garaging for 7 cars.

FREEHOLD JOINT SOLE AGENTS GUIDE PRICE £5.95M

Ast_Chs_DPS1_RHP:Ast_Chs_DPS1_RHP 10/4/12 11:52 Page 2

Park St James is widely regarded as one of the

finest blocks on Prince Albert Road and is

superbly located opposite Regents Park, within

close proximity of all of the amenities of both

Primrose Hill and St John’s Wood, including

St John’s Wood Underground Station.

ST JOHN’S WOOD NW8

PARK SAINT JAMES

A truly remarkable seventh floor, three bedroom

apartment (176sq m/1,899sq ft) which has been

extensively remodelled and refurbished to the

highest possible specification by the current

owners. Featuring sensational south facing views

over Regent’s Park and the Central London

skyline from both the terrace and the principal

reception rooms, the apartment further benefits

from every conceivable modern amenity

including air conditioning, under floor heating,

Lutron lighting system and an integrated audio

visual system.

Ast_Chs_DPS2_LHP:Ast_Chs_DPS2_LHP 10/4/12 12:34 Page 1

SHARE OF FREEHOLD JOINT SOLE AGENTS POAACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIESPrincipal Bedroom with full En-Suite Bathroom & Fitted Wardrobes,2 Further Bedrooms both with En-Suite Bathrooms & FittedWardrobes, Reception Room, Dining Room, Fully FittedPoggenpohl Kitchen with Gaggenau Appliances, Guest Cloakroom,Utility Room, Large South Facing Terrace, Lutron Lighting System,Fully Integrated Audio Visual System, Fully Air Conditionedthroughout, Resident Concierge, Underground Parking for One Car& Forecourt Parking available by separate negotiation.

020 7586 2777St John’s Wood

Ast_Chs_DPS2_RHP:Ast_Chs_DPS2_RHP 10/4/12 12:35 Page 2

Belsize Park 020 7431 1234 South Hampstead 020 7625 4567 West Hampstead 020 7794 7111 www.parkheath.com

Lambolle Road NW3 £1,350,000

Spacious top floor apartment within a double-fronted detached property in a prime Belsize Park turning

Belsize Park Office 020 7431 1234

1421 sq ft internal accommodation • 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms •

19’ reception with period features •Heart of Belsize Park •

Belsize Park 020 7431 1234 South Hampstead 020 7625 4567 West Hampstead 020 7794 7111 www.parkheath.com

Lyndale Avenue NW2 £1,795,000

Bright 5 double bedroom family house with 120 ft landscaped garden located on the Hampstead borders

West Hampstead Office 020 7794 7111

2820 sq ft internal accommodation • Master suite + 4 double bedrooms •

120’ landscaped rear garden •Garage and off street parking •

Upper Park Road NW3 £2,500 pw

Substantial semi-detached family house with private garden and parking on a tree-lined turning

Belsize Park Office 020 7431 3104

www.parkheath.com

2661 sq ft internal accommodation • 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms •2 off street parking spaces •

Close to Belsize Park tube station •

Belsize Park 020 7431 1234 South Hampstead 020 7625 4567 West Hampstead 020 7794 7111

Compayne Gardens NW6 £1,350,000

Refurbished split level 3 bedroom garden apartment within the South Hampstead Conservation Area

West Hampstead Office 020 7794 7111

www.parkheath.com

1600 sq ft internal accommodation • 3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms •

23’7 x 15’10 reception room •70 ft private garden •

Belsize Park 020 7431 1234 South Hampstead 020 7625 4567 West Hampstead 020 7794 7111

Master bedroom suite comprisingdouble height bedroom leading upto galleried shower room anddressing area, 3 further bedrooms,1 bathroom, self containedstaff/guest bedroom with ensuiteshower room, double receptionroom, study, large kitchen/familyroom, guest cloakroom, utilityroom, rear garden, single garage.

Freehold

Guide Price £2,950,000

Sole Agents

LONDON NW8

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ST JOHN’S WOOD

A mid terrace period house providing 3,032 sq ft/281 sq m of accommodation presented in gooddecorative condition. The property benefits froma number of striking architectural featuresincluding an impressive double height principalbedroom suite and a double storey conservatoryaddition to the rear.The house is located on Belgrave Gardens,conveniently situated 100 yards from numerouslocal shops and Abbey Road, as well as beingwithin a few moments from the American Schoolon Loudoun Road.

Arlington_DPS_LHP:Arlington_DPS_LHP 3/4/12 14:51 Page 1

Prices from £2,495,000 to £3,675,000

Freehold

Situated in a quiet and exclusive cul-de-sac adjacent to Golders Hill Park these unashamedly modern houses are superbly designed for the 21st Century.

Light, luxurious and packed with innovative sustainable features, they set a new benchmark for homes in the area.

golders park close NW11F o u r n e w L y b u i L t L u x u r y H o u S e S

273192_Vantage_Savills_May12.indd 1 05/04/2012 16:04

1

savills.co.uk

Savills St John's WoodStephen [email protected]

020 3043 3600

Guide £7.95 million Leasehold, approximately 135 years remaining

3 reception rooms ø kitchen ø 4 bedrooms ø 4 bathrooms ø garage/storage roomø resident's parking ø access to communal gardens ø lift ø 384 sq m (4,134 sq ft)

GRADE I LISTED CLASSICchester terrace, nw1

1

savills.co.uk

Savills St John's WoodStephen [email protected]

020 3043 3600

Guide £11 million Freehold

2 reception rooms ø TV/media room ø kitchen/dining room ø master bedroomsuite with his and hers dressing rooms ø 4 further bedroom suites ø study ø gymø 2 guest cloakrooms ø laundry room ø private front and rear gardens ø off-streetparking for 3-4 cars ø 467 sq m (5,021 sq ft)

AN EIGHTEENTH CENTURY GRADE II LISTED DETACHED HOUSEabercorn place, nw8

Arkwright Road Hampstead NW3

Period house with secure parking and 99 ft garden

A rare opportunity to secure a beautifully refurbished period family house within 150m of UCS Senior School.

The property is in immaculate condition and there is a spectacular balcony to the top floor with panoramic views.

5 / 6 Bedrooms, 2 / 3 Reception Rooms, 6 bathrooms, 99ft Garden, Private Parking for 2 cars.

Freehold | Guide Price: £4,750,000

273194KFSav_Van_May12.indd 1 13/04/2012 16:11

1

savills.co.uk

Savills St John's WoodTim van der [email protected]

020 3043 3616

£2,650 per week Unfurnished

4 bedrooms ø 3 reception rooms ø eat-in kitchen ø 3 bathrooms ø utility roomø conservatory ø garden ø garage ø off-street parking ø 219 sq m (2,357 sq ft)

CHARMING FAMILY HOME WITH OFF-STREET PARKING AND LAWN GARDENspringfield road, nw8

1

savills.co.uk

Savills HampsteadArron [email protected]

020 7472 5000

£8,000 per week Unfurnished

9 bedrooms ø 4 reception rooms ø kitchenø 9 bathrooms ø swimming pool ø gym complexø off-street parking ø 1,026 sq m (11,039 sq ft)

IMPRESSIVE DETACHED HOUSE OFFERING ELEGANT AND SPACIOUS LIVINGfrognal lane, nw3

Dating back to the 1770's and on the market for the

first time in 25 years is this delightful Grade 2 listed

Georgian cottage packed with period features and

charm. A pretty front garden provides the picturesque

setting and a 40ft rear garden has the benefit of a brick

built study/studio. Located towards the top of Flask

Walk, the house enjoys immediate access to theVillage.

2 Bedrooms * Bathroom * Reception Room *Kitchen/Breakfast Room * Front & Rear Gardens *Garden Study/Studio * Residents Parking Zone.

Guide Price £1,500,000 Sole Agent

Hampstead Village NW3

Hampstead | 020 7435 9822 | [email protected]

www.b-r.co.uk

Hampstead | Highgate | Dartmouth Park | West Hampstead

020 7435 9822 020 8348 2341 020 7284 0101 020 7644 9300

Hampstead | Highgate | Dartmouth Park | West Hampstead

020 7435 9822 020 8348 2341 020 7284 0101 020 7644 9300

An exceptionally spacious family home forming part of

this select and secure development of beautiful town

houses. The property retains a number of period details

and benefits from delightful far-reaching views,

a charming garden and parking behind electronic gates.

4/5 Bedrooms * 3 En Suite Bathrooms *En Suite Shower Room * Reception Room * TV Room *Kitchen/Dining Room * Study * Bedroom 5/Study *Utility Room * Guest Cloakroom *65ft Part Walled Garden * Secure Parking.

Guide Price £3,195,000 Sole Agent

Highgate Village N6

Highgate | 020 8348 2341 | [email protected]

www.b-r.co.uk

Benham & Reeves Vantage DPS May 2012:B&R 05/04/2012 15:44 Page 1

SALES & LETTINGS

faronsutaria.co.uk


OVAL ROAD, NW1

This 1st floor apartment is situated in a prime position on the well regarded Oval Road. Located equidistant from Primrose Hill and Camden. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room, roof terrace.


LUPTON STREET, NW5

A fantastic split-level garden flat within a beautiful Victorian property. Close to the amenities and transport links in Kentish Town and Tufnell Park. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room, garden.


FS Vantage May12.indd 1 11/04/2012 18:03

SALES & LETTINGS

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TYTHERTON ROAD, NW1

This superb house forms part of the All Saints Church and boasts period features including original full length windows, vaulted ceilings and stone masonry. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, reception, garden.

£2,250,000 Leasehold 020 7267 7074 [email protected]

LYME STREET, NW1

A wonderful lateral apartment located in a gated development spanning over 900 sq ft., adjacent to and with uninterrupted views of Regent’s Canal. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, balcony, garage.


FS Vantage May12.indd 2 11/04/2012 18:03

Opening five new branches, we’re even better placed to help you find your ideal home, perfect buyer or model tenant. We understand how to move people whatever the market conditions supposedly dictate.

More branches. More reach. More results.

Beyond your expectations

Hamptons St John’s Wood99 St. John’s Wood Terrace, St John’s WoodLondon NW8 6PLLettings. 020 7717 [email protected]. 020 7717 [email protected]

Best for Property Management 2011 Hamptons International has been crowned Gold Winner in Best for Property with The Sunday Times and The Times, recognising Hamptons’ commitment to exceptional customer service. Call us to find out more about how our Property Management Services can help us meet your property requirements

Hamptons St. John’s Wood Office Lettings. 020 7717 5487

[email protected]

Apsley House, NW8 £750 pw

Set on the seventh floor of this 24 hour portered block with far reaching views is this bright two bedroom penthouse apartment which has just undergone a complete refurbishment programme. Both bedrooms have en-suite facilities and there is also a separate guest WC. This apartment also benefits from a reserved parking space for one car. The apartment can be furnished or unfurnished.

Elm Tree Road, NW8 £4,950 pwA newly refurbished low built double fronted period residence (295 sq m/3185 sq feet) situated in this sought after road in the heart of St Johns Wood providing bright accommodation with the benefit of a lift, off street parking, landscaped front garden and rear courtyard. The house has been beautifully refurbished and provides a family home with fantastic lateral space. There is an attractive veranda to the side of the house and a very large cellar.

The Terraces, NW8 £1,600 pw

A stunning, newly refurbished, apartment on the second floor of this exclusive portered block close to St John’s Wood High Street, underground station, and The American School. The property is an ideal family home with spacious living accommodation and modern decor, three bedrooms and beautiful wood flooring through out.

Carlton Hill, NW8 £2,500 pwA five-bedroom, modern, low built, detached house offering a surprisingly high level of security and privacy. The property comprises five bedrooms, 3.5 bathroom (2 ensuite), lounge, dining room, kitchen, and storage area. Other benefits include a garage, off-street parking, west facing garden, and top floor air-conditioning.

Opening five new branches, we’re even better placed to help you find your ideal home, perfect buyer or model tenant. We understand how to move people whatever the market conditions supposedly dictate.

More branches. More reach. More results.

Beyond your expectations

Hamptons St John’s Wood99 St. John’s Wood Terrace, St John’s WoodLondon NW8 6PLLettings. 020 7717 [email protected]. 020 7717 [email protected]

[email protected]@marshandparsons.co.ukmarshandparsons.co.uk

Local know-how. Better results.

Knowledge takes you far.Know-how takes you further.

99% of our clients said they would have no hesitation recommending us. 28% already had.

We have years of experience in tracking down exactly the right buyer or tenant for your property, wherever in the world they might be.

Even more importantly, our International Desk exposes your property to the widest global audience, opening up new opportunities all over the world.

With our award-winning marketing and close relationships with major international companies, it’s hardly surprising news of your property travels far and wide.

SA

LE

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Visit our YouTube channel:youtube.com/user/marshandparsons

See all of our properties online:marshandparsons.co.uk

Join us on Facebook:facebook.com/marshandparsonsW

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/marshandparsons

Regardless of the value, we give the same level of dedication to selling all properties.

We also never forget your property is your home first and foremost.

Riding House Street W1 £2,750,000

LITTLE VENICE: 020 7993 3050 [email protected]

This unique house offers a superb opportunity for combined commercial and residential use, boasting generous commercial space on the lower floors with a separate entrance, a stunning triple aspect reception room with an open plan kitchen, a master bedroom, a bathroom, store room, a cellar and a private garden. Freehold. Sole Agents.

Knowledge takes you far.

Local know-how. Better results.

Balham

Barnes

Battersea

Brook Green

Earls Court

Chelsea

Clapham

Fulham

Hammersmith

Holland Park

Kensington

Little Venice

Mayfair

North Kensington

Notting Hill

Pimlico

Castellain Road W9 £695,000


A charming and beautifully presented garden apartment boasting a private entrance, a large reception room leading through to a modern kitchen, a master bedroom with a dressing room and a bathroom, which can also be accessed from the entrance hall, a second double bedroom, a utility cupboard and direct access to a shared garden. Share of Freehold. Joint Sole Agent.

Warrington Crescent W9 £1,150,000


A fabulous first floor apartment set within an impressive Victorian house on Warrington Crescent. Flooded with natural light, this lovely apartment comprises a reception room with views over the communal gardens, a kitchen/breakfast room, a master bedroom with a feature bay window, a second double bedroom with en suite and a further bathroom. Share of Freehold. Sole Agents.

SA

LE

S

Visit our YouTube channel:youtube.com/user/marshandparsons

See all of our properties online:marshandparsons.co.uk

Join us on Facebook:facebook.com/marshandparsons

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/marshandparsons

Clarendon Court W9 £700 per week


This spacious and practical apartment is set within a popular portered building in Little Venice. The property comprises a light and airy reception room, a separate modern kitchen, two double bedrooms with plenty of built-in storage (one en suite) and a further guest bathroom. Located close to the amenities of Clifton Road and a short walk from Warwick Avenue tube station (Bakerloo Line).

LE

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Delaware Mansions W9 £550 per week


This stunning apartment is situated on the top floor of a popular mansion block in the heart of Maida Vale. The flat comprises a large reception room with big bay windows, a separate kitchen, two double bedrooms and a modern bathroom. The flat is neutrally decorated throughout and benefits from plenty of natural light.


artist impression

122 St John’s Wood High Street, London nw8 7sg

nw8

Che 2061 Vantage DPS 297x210 4 pge.indd 1 17/04/2012 17:53

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OPENIN G SOON

Mornington Terrace NW1 £1,900,000 freehold

An impressive period house comprising 4 bedrooms, 4 reception rooms, an eat in kitchen & garden.Bene�ts also include a self contained �at on the lower ground �oor accessed via the main house.

Gloucester Avenue NW1 £949,950 leasehold

An extremely well presented apartment comprising a large open plan reception room with kitchen& doors leading to the balcony, 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & gated parking.

Camden & Regent’s Park 020 7267 2053 [email protected]




OPENIN G SOON

Camden Mews NW1 £825 per week

A beautifully presented 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhouse in this charming cobbled mews within the sought-afterCamden Square conservation area. �e property includes a fabulous decked roof terrace & stunning Italian feature staircase.

Lawfords Wharf NW1 £750 per week

A super 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom apartment in this beautiful canalside gated development with garaging.





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OPENIN G SOON

Lauderdale Mansions W9 £699,000 leaseholdA unique 2 bedroom lateral mansion �at with views & access to stunning communal garden to the rear. �e property would bene�t from some updating.

Randolph Crescent W9 £900 per weekA stunning 2 bedroom conversion, on the entire 2nd �oor of this period property, recently refurbished with beautiful hardwood �ooring. Situated close to the canal & restaurants of Clifton Road.

Little Venice & Maida Vale 020 7286 4632 [email protected]

Little Venice & Maida Vale 020 7266 2369 [email protected]



OPENIN G SOON

St John’s Wood NW8 £14,500,000 freeholdA detached low built house o�ering approximately 7,000 sq ft of lateral accommodation & boasting o� street parking& a double garage. �is wonderful family home has both formal & informal entertaining rooms including a reception room, study, dining room, cinema room, family room, gym, a self-contained �at & landscaped gardens.

St Edmunds Terrace NW8 £1,900 per weekA stylish 3 double bedroom house over 3 �oors with a paved garden. Located within close proximity to Primrose Hill,St John’s Wood & Regent’s Park.

St John’s Wood 020 3040 8611 [email protected]

St John’s Wood 020 3040 8622 [email protected]



nw8

john’swowow odst.t.t OPENIN G SOON

Remember ...


122 St John’s Wood High Street, London nw8 7sg


Connaught Drive, London, NW11 £1,500,000A superb, detached residence which has recently been refurbished to an exacting standard. The house benefits from luxurious fittings and natural light flows through the carefully designed rooms. Comprising ample reception space, Italian bespoke kitchen/breakfast room, guest WC, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, four further bedrooms, two further bathrooms, under floor heating, large rear garden and off street parking.

St Johns Wood: 020 3131 0081

Our Offices:Belgrade | Elstree | Knightsbridge | St Johns Wood

Elstree T: 0208 387 1546

Abbey Lodge, St John’s Wood, London, NW8 £4,950,000A bright, recently refurbished four double bedroomed apartment set on top floor of this highly sought after mansion building located just moments away from the open spaces of Regents Park. The property benefits from long leasehold, air conditioning, wood floors, passenger lift to all floors, 24 hour porterage, parking and access to communal gardens.

St Johns Wood: 020 3131 0081

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Situated in a quiet and exclusive cul-de-sac adjacent to Golders Hill Park one of four brand new luxury houses is setting impressive standards for sustainable housing

splendourSuStainable

property

Unashamedly modern, these beautiful new homes are gloriously light and packed with innovative sustainable features. Superbly

designed for the 21st century, they set a new benchmark for homes in the area.

Built to an exceptionally high standard, an important feature of the houses is their exceptional level of energy efficiency. Solar panels, and even the boiler, provide free electricity and qualify for “feed-in” tariff payments for any surplus, whilst the under floor heating and comfort cooling allow for a pleasant temperature in all seasons.

All the houses are spacious and light, and also boast impressive security features and outside space. The accommodation includes two reception rooms, a stunning family kitchen, cinema or gym, four or five bedrooms, three or four bath and shower rooms, a utility room, a guest cloakroom as well as a gorgeous, well maintained garden, and gated parking for two cars. Throughout the houses there are bespoke finishes in walnut, stainless steel and glass. The kitchens are superbly fitted quartz with worktops and Miele appliances, while the luxurious bathrooms have Villeroy & Boch and Deca Purus sanitary-ware with advanced digital bath and shower mixers. Wired for audio and visual capabilities throughout, the houses can be tailored to individual requirements, while the leisure room can be configured for a cinema, gym or alternative use.

Golders Hill Park is less than 200 metres away; beautiful plant displays enhance the peaceful setting of the Mediterranean and water gardens, while the park houses a popular café. There is also a variety of leisure facilities including tennis courts, croquet lawn, golf practice nets, Butterfly House and a children’s play area. In the park also features a free zoo, with a growing collection of rare and exotic birds and mammals such as laughing kookaburras, ring-tailed lemurs and ring-tailed coatis. n

Prices from £2.495m www.savills.co.uk / www.marcusparfitt.com

Penthouse, Wellington Court, st John’s Wood, nW8

Joint Sole Agent Leasehold £2,095,000

A fantastic three bedroom, two bathroom penthouse apartment (1,550 sq ft / 144 sq m) situated on the seventh floor of this well regarded block. The property features spectacular views and has undergone an extensive refurbishment program offering a very high standard of modern living.

Other features include porterage, passenger lift, basement storage and a long lease. Wellington Court is situated 100m from St John’s Wood High Street and opposite St John’s Wood underground station (Jubilee line).

St StephenS CloSe, St John’S Wood, nW8

Sole Agent Share of Freehold £1,795,000

A beautifully presented three bedroom, two bathroom apartment (1,627 sq ft / 151 sq m) situated on the first floor of this prestigious development located off London’s famous Avenue Road. The apartment features two intercommunicating reception rooms with wood flooring and a fireplace. Additional features

include 24 hour porterage, limited off street parking for two cars, passenger lift and access to Primrose Hill is located directly behind the building.

Greville road, St John’S Wood BorderS, nW6

Sole Agent Freehold £2,295,000

An elegant three bedroom, two bathroom, two storey period house (1,905 sq ft / 177 sq m) situated in this tranquil area on the periphery of St John’s Wood. This property affords an abundance of natural light and comprises two reception rooms and a delightful kitchen leading to a conservatory breakfast room. The

rear garden incorporates secure off-street parking for 2-3 cars.

Springfield road, St John’S Wood, nW8

Sole Agent Freehold £4,950,000

A four storey detached house with the benefit of full planning permission to extend and redesign the external and internal layout creating an outstanding family home of approximately 3,960 sq ft (currently 3,212 sq.ft). The house benefits from off street parting and a mature south facing garden. Springfield

Road is a prestigious tree lined residential street on the West side of St Johns Wood, conveniently located for The American School and the many local transport and shopping amenities in the area. Plans available on request.

computer generated image computer generated image

T: 020 7499 3434 M: 078 3146 5414

[email protected]

A service defined by discretion and dedication that will save you time and money. His extensive experience in property consultancy takes the pain and effort out of the buying and selling process, and any problems that you would usually encounter, become his problems and not yours. After all, achieving the best possible outcome in anything is all about

finding someone who can do the job better than you.

the smart way to BUY or SELL your property

work smarter, not harder.

Property Divas Limited, 34a Rosslyn Hill, Hampstead, NW3 1NH

020 7431 8000 [email protected] www.propertydivas.com

In honour of our 5th birthday this April, “The Divas and Divos” will be taking part in “The Moon Walk London 2012” on May 12th in aid of breast cancer. We have increased our initial target of £5,000 (which represented a £1000 for every

year since Property Divas opened its doors in April 2007) to £7,500 due to the overwhelming response since launching the fundraising page on 3rd March. We think this worthy cause the perfect way to celebrate our birthday!

Thank you to all of you for such an amazing response! If you could help us, and would like to make a donation, however small, please go to the link of our fundraising page;

http://www.walkthewalkfundraising.org/propertydivas

lettings | sales | bespoke property management | property finder service

“Whichever takes your fancy....”

Diva hand crafted cupcakes by LOLA’S

No fewer than four exceptional mechanisms enhance the precision of the RICHARD

LANGE TOURBILLON “Pour le Mérite”: the tiny fusée-and-chain transmission,

the delicate tourbillon, the ultra-thin Lange balance spring, and – not least –

the patented stop-seconds device for the tourbillon which makes it possible to

set the watch with one-second accuracy in the first place. Never before has an

A. Lange & Söhne watch been endowed with so many complications that

simultaneously enhance its rate accuracy, settability, and readability. And so,

this remarkable timepiece truly deserves the honorary attribute “Pour le Mérite”.

We prefer not to be measured by dimensions.Unless it’s a new dimension of accuracy.

Arije 165, Sloane Street London • George Pragnell 5 and 6, Wood Street, Stratford-upon-Avon

Hamilton & Inches 87, George Street, Edinburgh • Harrods 87–135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London

Watches of Switzerland 16, New Bond Street, London • Wempe 43-44, New Bond Street, London

Lange Uhren GmbH • Tel. +34 91 454 89 82 • www.lange-soehne.com

Final_JT_UK_N_KensingtonAndChelsea_RLT_PLM_PG_210x297_ATMO-026-12.indd 1 08.02.2012 15:52:48 Uhr

vantage magazine may 2012 - hampstead edition

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