Absolutely London Kensington & Chelsea August 2023

London's outdoor cinemas

• HOUSE OF DIOR

Raf Simons' legacy

• TO THE LAKES

The magic of Maggiore

42 pages of health, beauty, fitness and wellbeing

Summer BREEZE

STYLISH LOOKS FOR A HEATWAVE

LOCATED AT BATTERSEA REACH, HARRODS, FINCHLEY ROAD, NOTTING HILL, TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD, WESTFIELD LONDON, GUILDFORD, BENTALLS KINGSTON, FENWICK BRENT CROSS AND ST ALBANS BOCONCEPT.COM

TRAILFINDERS EXPERIENCE

We have a dedicated and highly knowledgeable Expedition Cruise team who have made countless voyages to this region will be happy to share their first hand experience with you.

LUXURYALL – INCLUSIVEFLEET

Enjoy butler service, all-suite accommodations, gourmet dining and beverages. Embark on Zodiac adventures, hike across tundras or kayak with incredible wildlife. It's all included.

ALL YOUR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS TAKEN CARE OF IN ONE PLACE

EXPEDITION TEAM

Silversea Expeditions has assembled a team of experts from all relevant fields who will be on hand during your voyage and shore landings, passionately sharing their knowledge and insights throughout.

WONDROUS WILDLIFE

The breathtaking abundance of wildlife on display in Antarctica is truly something to behold. With penguin peppered icebergs, enchanting sea lions, myriad birdlife and a wealth of whales to watch, prepare to be wowed by once-in-alifetime wild encounters.

“Truly

Beautiful timber windows & doors

EDITOR IN CHIEF

PENDLE HARTE

MAMA EDITOR

CARLY GLENDINNING

ART DIRECTOR

PAWEL KUBA

SENIOR DESIGNERS

MIKE ROBERTS, SUZETTE SCOBLE

MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER

CARMEN GRAHAM

JUNIOR DESIGNER

JOE MUNSEY

PRODUCTION MANAGER

DANICA BRODIE

GROUP SALES MANAGER

JOSEPH HAISMAN

SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT

STELLA ADAMS

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

JERRIE KOLECI

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER

ALEXANDRA HVID

DIRECTORS

CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ALEXANDRA HUNTER

MANAGING DIRECTOR

SHERIF SHALTOUT

For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com

For advertising enquiries please call 07818 690 386 or email: craig@zest-media.com

zest.london

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

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LETTER Editor’s

ABSOLUTELY’S August issue highlights

August is a great month for London. The traffic calms down, the streets quieten, restaurant reservations are easy to come by and the mood generally lifts. A lazy vibe takes over and we all begin to appreciate our surroundings in a new way. In this issue we're looking mostly at health and wellbeing, and I talk about my ongoing fitness journey, which is an entirely new one for me. I embarked on it reluctantly but now I am a fully committed gym go-er who lifts weights several times a week and rarely misses a session. I hardly recognise myself. One of the things I've had to consider is a suitable wardrobe, which has meant acquiring things that I'd never thought i'd own: performance leggings, for instance, and sports bras. We also look at the important role of protein in a healthy diet and explore the benfits of yoga –plus there's a focus on beauty and the best SPFs (always important but especially this month). Here's to a healthy August.

Lounge loving August is prime garden time.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

Mustard moment

Why mustard is the paint colour of the moment.

Pink fever Barbie's influence is everywhere.

Yoga moves

Wish LIST

EDITOR’S

THREAD COUNT

Celebrating strong prints, colours and hand-sewn embroideries, Raffya offers contemporary clothes and accessories in modern, romantic design forms. Arabella embroidered dress, £195. raffya.com

BEST FIT

A coral hue that suits all skin tones, Empreinte Cassiopée Papaya enhances the figure with the unique fit of Empreinte’s seamless lingerie. ameliesfollies.co.uk

CASE STUDY

July's fabulous, nimble suitcases come in all shades and lots of sizes, with practical features galore. july.com

SHELL PIECE

The Shell Scallop Platter is part of the Le Sol collection, crafted with care in South Africa using three types of locally sourced stoneware clay with a handpainted motif.

CHARM SCHOOL

The Norwegian Lucky Troll is Crystal Haze's signature pendant. The colourful jewellery collection has a playful, 1980s feel that we love. crystalhazejewellery.com

CURVE APPEAL

The cream glaze, scalloped edge and practical handles makes this roasting dish deliciously different. Made from fine china it's a natural oven to table beauty. habitat.co.uk

FINAL CUT

PATTERN HOUSE

Christian Lacroix Maison has teamed up with Schmidt to launch this figurative feather-swirled motif for walls and upholstery. christian-lacroix.com

Allday Goods have partnered with one of Sheffield's last remaining knife makers to create these knives with handles made from local plastic waste in a variety of bold marbled colourways. alldaygoods.co.uk

RIDE OR DIE

British Jewellery brand Rachel Jackson's Ride or Die collection is a fun, nostalgic array of smily faces, rainbows and peace signs, perfect for summer. racheljacksonlondon.com

SUPER SERUM

Eighth Day's gamechanging serum is built around the notion that aged skin is wounded skin—and, given the right tools, it can be healed. Give it just two weeks to work. £270 harrods.com

AIDA MULUNEH, STAR SHINE MOON GLOW, WATER LIFE 2018. COMMISIONED BY WATERAID

The Agenda

EVENTS NOT TO MISS IN LONDON

THEATRE

The Pillowman

To 2 September

DUKE OF YORK'S THEATRE

In Martin McDonagh’s electrifying and savagely funny Olivier Award-winning play, Lily Allen plays Katurian, a writer in a police state who is interrogated about the content of her short stories and their similarities to several murders occurring in the town. pillowmanplay.com

David Hockney:

Bigger & Closer (Not Smaller & Further Away)

UNTIL 3 DECEMBER, LIGHTROOM

Hockney's personal journey through his art features iconic paintings alongside some rarely seen pieces and some newly created work. His life-long fascination with the possibilities of new media is given vibrant expression in a show that invites visitors to see the world through his eyes.

lightroom.uk

ART Sharon Yamamoto: Happy Place

29 July - 7 August

ICE HOUSE, HOLLAND PARK

Recent paintings, drawings and ceramic art tiles on display and for sale at the artist’s first London show since lockdown. Sharon Yamamoto will be at her favourite gallery located amongst the verdant surroundings of Holland Park. sharonyamamoto.com

ART

ART

TOMÁS SARACENO IN COLLABORATION: W E B(S) OF LIFE

To 10 September

serpentine soutf

A living, collaborative and multi-species exhibition that delves into how different life forms, technologies and energy systems are connected in the climate emergency. Saraceno’s first UK solo exhibition invites participants to consider different forms of knowledge and non-human perspectives through a range of artworks, prompts and experiences. serpentinegalleries.org

This Month’s Must See

Art

TALKS Planet Summer

To 3 September

SOUTHBANK CENTRE

Planet Summer draws together a powerful group of perspectives on the climate crisis, hosting talks with Greta Thunberg, Mikaela Loach, Dominique Palmer, Rebecca Solnit, Thelma Young Lutunatabua, Mark Carney, Tori Tsui and Cerys Matthews. Planet Summer inspires a call for action that all of us, making change together, can address the challenges of the climate crisis.

TO WATCH

Art on a Postcard

Art on a Postcard has recently launched an exceptional range of greetings cards in collaboration with some of their favourite artists, including Ceal Warnants, Ben Eine, Haus of Lucy, and Alan Fears. These are a cut above the average greetings card and here’s why… Renowned for their charity postcard auctions, Art on a Postcard is uniquely positioned to offer cards featuring a diverse array of contemporary artists who are not typically available in this format. It's the first time that Ben Eine's vibrant and widely recognized circus font has graced a greetings card, making these cards a versatile choice suitable for

TO 24 SEPTEMBER, PHOTOGRAPHERS' GALLERY

hat is Black Britain?

JOHNY PITTS: HOME IS NOT A PLACE W

In 2021, photographer and writer, Johny Pitts, and poet Roger Robinson travelled around the British coast in search of an answer. Travelling in a red Mini Cooper, their circumnavigation encompassed the coastal, urban, rural and suburban, via the places in-between. Following the coast clockwise, they set out to document and respond to the many manifestations of Black British culture, and to present an alternative to official and media narratives.. thephotographersgallery.org.uk

both children and street art enthusiasts. The greetings cards are a delightful blend of artwork sourced from Art on a Postcard's postcard auctions and handpicked artwork from the artists portfolio.

Art on a Postcard is currently offering a 15% discount on purchases of three or more cards. It's the perfect opportunity to stock up on birthday cards for the entire year, ensuring you always have a thoughtful card on hand when you need it.

So why not take advantage of Art on a Postcard's offer and add a touch of artistic flair to your greetings? These unique cards are sure to make a lasting impression and bring joy to both the sender and recipient.

artonapostcard.com

ALAN FEARSSUBURBAN THRILLS

BUBBLE BABYHAUS OF LUCY

OUTDOOR CINEMA

POP UP SCREENS

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

From Mamma Mia in Fulham and Diry Dancing in Crystal Palace to Back to the Future in Greenwich and The Breakfast Club in Hither Green, this is mostly a south London thing. popupscreens.co.uk

ROOFTOP FILM CLUB

PECKHAM & STRATFORD

Don't miss Asteroid City on top of Peckham's Bussey Building, or Lost in Translation at Streatford's Roof East, among lots of other great films. rooftopfilmclub.com

LUNA CINEMA

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Lots of dates and locations for the Luna Cinema include Hampton Court Palace (3-6 August) and Kensington Palace (9-13 August) with films such as The Devil Wears Prada, Elvis and Moulin Rouge. thelunacinema.com

5

EVERYMAN SECRET GARDEN

THE GROVE HOTEL

On 10 August there's a screening of Don’t Worry Darling with London-based gospel choir ‘Get Gospel’ performing Harry Styles songs before the film. everymancinema.com

ADVENTURE CINEMA

HAM HOUSE

Ham House is the only London venue for this group that sets up screens in beautiful stately homes all over the country. adventurecinema.co.uk

LONDON'S OPEN-AIR SCREENS RETURN

J ’ adore

A new book focuses on Raf Simons’ time at Dior

Words EVE HERBERT

Dior

Dior by Raf Simons is the sixth in a series of publications dedicated to each of Dior’s illustrious artistic directors. It reveals the creative vision of the Belgian couturier, at the convergence of heritage and reinvention, the essence of Dior and an infinitely contemporary purity. The pages highlight the shared passions and precious affinities that unite Raf Simons and Christian Dior – architecture, art and gardens –through dress portraits by photographer Laziz Hamani and texts from fashion journalist Tim Blanks. An object of desire and history, inviting readers to discover the many facets of Raf Simons' style during his Dior years.

“I’m not romantic about the past, I’m romantic about the future”, said Raf Simons, Artistic Director of Dior’s women’s lines from 2012 to 2015 – of his conception of fashion and couture. A reflection embodied by the wardrobe he dreamed up, fusing heritage and reinvention, the essence of Dior and an infinitely contemporary sense of purity. Through each of his collections, the models implicitly tell the story of his fascination for Christian Dior, with whom he discovered precious affinities. In his first haute couture show, for autumn-

RAF SIMONS

Models Antonina Vasylchenko, Daria Strokous, Kinga Rajzak, Alexandra Martynova, Zuzanna Bijoch, Nastya Kusakina, Esther Heesch and Jac Jagaciak wearing haute couture Autumn-Winter 2012, Vanity Fair US, September 2012. © Paolo Roversi/Art + Commerce

winter 2012-2013, he chose to reinterpret the iconic New Look silhouette, transformed into a sculptural pants suit. An architectural manifesto, resonating as a tribute to Christian Dior’s original vocation. Every season, Raf Simons multiplied the references to the passions he shared with the founding-couturier – including those for nature and gardens, design and art –infusing his creations with many different inspirations.

With Monsieur Dior, he also cultivated a taste for modernity and the desire to celebrate legacy through the prism of a constantly forwardlooking perspective. “We must not forget the past, we must go beyond it,” declared Raf Simons. His Dior years thus foreshadowed a form of renewal for the House, marked by a poetic avantgardist spirit. This is an exceptional book exploring the many facets of Raf Simons’ style during his Dior years.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

1. Look 44, evening dress in black organza embellished with multicolor feathers, haute couture Autumn-Winter 2013. Dior Héritage collection, Paris. © Laziz Hamani

2. Detail of Look 14, ensemble consisting of a top in embroidered pale blue façonné taffeta and trousers in pale blue taffeta, haute couture Autumn-Winter 2014. Dior Héritage collection, Paris. © Laziz Hamani

3. Model Élise Crombez wearing Look 33, couture Autumn-Winter 2013, Dior magazine, Winter 2013. © Willy Vanderperre/Art + Commerce

4. Look 36, ensemble consisting of a coat in pale pink faille embroidered with metallic thread, a top in black cashmere and trousers in black wool, haute couture Autumn-Winter 2014. Dior Héritage collection, Paris. © Laziz Hamani

5. Detail of Look 4, ensemble consisting of a jacket in celadon silk satin and a skirt in navy blue wool and crepe over embroidered ecru tulle, haute couture AutumnWinter 2013. Dior Héritage collection, Paris © Laziz Hamani

6. Model Nicole Pollard wearing Look 32,haute couture Autumn-Winter 2012,Dior magazine, Fall 2012.© Willy Vanderperre

Dior by Raf Simons by Tim Blanks is published by Assouline, £150

TICKETS £13

FOR ENTRY TO THE TAPROOM, A FREE PINT ON ARRIVAL, A COMMEMORATIVE GLASS, ACCESS TO ALL BEERS, & A PROGRAMME TO DISCOVER ALL THINGS BEER!

A WEEK LONG CELEBRATION OF BEER!

THE RAM QUARTER, LONDON, SW18 1UD

P lay SPACE

The new Young V&A is a museum dedicated to children, not childhood

By EVE HERBERT

The former Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green has reopened as Young V&A after an extensive £13m three-year redevelopment. Billed as the UK’s first musuem dedicated entirely to children, it’s a temple dedicated to the transformative power of creativity, displaying inspiring stories of children’s ingenuity alongside approximately 2,000 works from the V&A’s collections. Dating from 2,300 BC to today and from all around the world, objects are displayed in unique and imaginative ways to ensure Young V&A is packed full of serious fun and playful learning at every turn.

The redevelopment is the most significant intervention in the Grade II* listed building’s 150-year history, and has completely transformed the museum. Encompassing three new galleries, a suite of new, larger and better equipped workshop and learning spaces, a gallery for showcasing major exhibitions, a new shop and café, the entire museum has been redesigned

around children, young people, schools and families. Over 22,000 schoolchildren, teachers, Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and community groups, families and local people helped shape the project, and their impact and ideas can be seen throughout the museum.

The new galleries Play, Imagine and Design are designed with different age groups in mind, from babies to teens. Each features new interactives and activities inspired by the collections, where children and their families can have fun together expressing their creativity, with immersive optical illusions, a performance area and stage, a marble run, self-portrait maker and open design studio- plus much more.

The project celebrates and restores the building’s iconic Victorian architecture – original windows have been uncovered allowing natural light to flood into the space, and the 19th century marble mosaic floor has been restored. Spaces have been designed with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity, with significant improvements to circulation and noise, and galleries designed consciously around the needs of SEND visitors.

“The UK’s first musuem dedicated entirely to children”

CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP

Up close and PERSONAL

Discover

Have you ever wondered what goes into training a thoroughbred to win a race like the Grand National? In truth, it takes a lot of love, care and attention to detail from a large team of people. From 9-17 September, you can come and see that first hand at a yard in your area, as part of National Racehorse Week.

More than 130 venues including yards, studs and retraining centres nationwide will be throwing their stable doors open to the public, so you can experience the inner workings of a racing operation first hand – for free.

See just how fast a racehorse gallops, how much they eat a day, how they spend their downtime, and just how much time and affection goes into caring for a racehorse before, during and after their career. You can ask questions to the wonderful team who work tirelessly behind the scenes.

As part of the initiative that invites more than 14,000 members of the public

to meet a racehorse, 40 community events will take place. Community events include engaging with school pupils through yard visits, as well as racehorses visiting care homes, hospitals and inner city schools.

Throughout the week, the industry aims to bring racing closer to people of all ages and backgrounds, giving those, particularly in city locations, the chance to get close to a horse, sometimes for the very first time. The community visits will give those who may not have the chance to visit a venue the opportunity to meet a racehorse, to learn about the racing industry, and the wonderful lives current and retired racehorses lead. National Racehorse Week promises a unique and insightful day out for all the family, surrounded by animals and beautiful countryside. These open days will showcase a range of activities which varies from yard to yard, but all will offer the chance to meet racehorses in training, as well as the muchloved stable stars who have retired. Some yards even have purposefully designed equine swimming pools, an activity most horses enjoy. Physiotherapists, chiropractors and farriers (who put the horse’s shoes on) are an intrinsic part of any trainers' yard, and many open days will offer demonstrations and insight into this all-important aspect of horse management and welfare.

THERE’S GARDEN PARTIES, THEN THERE’S

DUBAI DUTY FREE SHERGAR CUP 12 TH AUGUST WITH POST-RACING CONCERT HEADLINED BY CRAIG DAVID VISIT ASCOT.COM FOR TICKETS

In the

FRAME

Tate Modern’s Capturing the Moment takes a look at the relationship between painting and photography

By EVE HERBERT

Capturing the Moment explores the dynamic relationship between contemporary painting and photography. This group exhibition unfolds as an open-ended conversation between some of the greatest painters and photographers of recent generations, looking at how the brush and the lens have been used to capture moments in time, and how these two mediums have inspired and influenced each other.

The exhibition is a rare opportunity to see extraordinary works from the YAGEO Foundation Collection, including paintings by Francis Bacon, Gerhard Richter and Peter Doig and photographs by Thomas Struth, Andreas Gursky and Hiroshi Sugimoto, shown in dialogue with many recent additions to Tate’s collection, including works by Lorna Simpson, John Currin, Laura Owens, Cecily Brown, Michael Armitage and Louise Lawler.

Capturing the Moment begins with some of the most renowned expressive painters of the post-war period. Visitors can discover how the inventive and painterly realism of artists like Lucian Freud and Alice Neel developed alongside the emergence of

documentary photography and groundbreaking photographers like Dorothea Lange. Francis Bacon’s Study for a Pope VI 1961 shows the role that photographic source material played for many artists, while Cecily Brown’s Trouble in Paradise 1999 and George Condo’s Mental States 2000 reveal the legacy of expressive figurative painting in a world of increasingly prevalent photographic images.

The exhibition also shows how the influence runs in the opposite direction, with a series of strikingly painterly photographs. These range from the dramatic large-scale tableaux

FAR LEFT: Pablo Picasso, Buste de Femme, 1938. Yageo Foundation, Taiwan. © Succession Picasso. DACS, London 2023

ABOVE: Andy Warhol, Self Portrait 1966-7, Yageo Foundation Collection.© 2023 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc.

RIGHT: Gerhard Richter, Two Candles, 1982. Yageo Foundation Collection © Gerhard Richter 2022

BELOW: David Hockney Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures), 1972. © David Hockney Photo Art Gallery of New South Wales

LEFT: Paula Rego, War, 2003. © Paula Rego. Image © Tate (Oliver Cowling)

of Jeff Wall’s A Sudden Gust of Wind (after Hokusai) 1993 and Andreas Gursky’s May Day IV 2000, to Pushpamala N’s playful take on grand history painting and Hiroshi Sugimoto’s atmospheric near-abstract seascapes. Photographs by Thomas Struth and Louise Lawler, capturing famous paintings on display and in storage, reveal another way in which the two mediums have found a home within each other.

The largest section of the exhibition explores how painting and photography have converged, with a selection of major contemporary works which show how both art forms attempt to capture fleeting points in time or moments in history. Gerhard Richter’s photo-realist paintings such as Two Candles 1982 and Aunt Marianne 1965 encapsulate one approach to this, alongside later works by Luc Tuymans and Wilhelm Sasnal. Pop artists like Richard Hamilton, Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg and Pauline Boty offer another approach, incorporating and collaging photographic images in their paintings, as can also be seen in Lorna Simpson’s Then & Now 2016 and Njideka Akunyili Crosby’s Predecessors 2013.

Key works by Lisa Brice, Miriam Cahn, Peter Doig, Marlene Dumas, David Hockney and Paulina Olowska show yet more ways in which the style, composition, content and meaning of contemporary painting exists in dialogue with photography. And as screen-based images become ever more ubiquitous, recent canvases by Laura Owens, Christina Quarles and Salman Toor offer a glimpse of how digital media is now reshaping the way painters work today.

Capturing the Moment continues at Tate Modern until January 2024 tate.org

“How the brush and the lens have been used to capture moments in time”

LEFT: Alice Neel, Puerto Rican Boys on 108th Street, 1955. Tate © The estate of Alice Neel. Photo: Tate

ABOVE: Cecily Brown, Trouble in Paradise, 1999. © Cecily Brown. Image © Tate

TOP: Francis Bacon, Study for a Pope VI, 1961, Yageo Foundation Collection, Taiwan. © The Estate of Francis Bacon. All rights reserved. DACS

RIGHT: Dorothea Lange, Migrant Mother, Nipomo, California, 1936, printed c.1950. Tate Photo: Tate (Jai Monaghan)

The

Located in the heart of London’s Royal Borough, Forty Five Kensington offers a refined, but thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Whether you’re looking to dine, simply find a relaxing but classy bar to catch up with friends, or fancy the excitement of the Gaming Floor, we pride ourselves on offering the opulence that comes with being in London’s most prestigious borough, whilst making it an unassuming and easygoing visit. Try the delights of our restaurant, which offers fine dining in an intimate yet welcoming setting, with service that leaves you feeling truly satisfied. Our wildly enticing menu gives you options from locally sourced steaks cooked

to taste, to the finest quality seafood, we pride ourselves on having something to suit your Enjoy a drink in our elegant bar area located downstairs next to our lively gaming floor which holds all your favourite table games. Or if electronic gaming is more your thing, head upstairs where you’ll find state-of-the-art gaming machines with all the ambience of larger gaming venues.

Whether you’re a discerning gamer wanting to take your skills to the next level or looking for somewhere to have an enjoyable evening of dining and entertainment, Forty Five Kensington promises to go above and beyond every expectation.

Forty Five Kensington, 43-45 Cromwell Road, SW7 fortyfivekensington.co.uk

““We pride ourselves on offering the opulence that comes with being in London’s most prestigious borough, whilst making it an unassuming and easy-going visit”

As twilight falls, the magic begins...

There are new lights, a new trail route and new memories to be made. Don’t miss new creations from world-wide artists presented uniquely for the first time in the UK.…. It’s a botanical world brimming with seasonal cheer.

Your merriest Christmas starts here.

FOOD & DRINK

PORRIDGE POTS

Just opened in Notting Hill is Oatis, a cafe where everything on the menu is developed to contribute to your daily nutritional and fibre intake. The café's signature ingredient, steel-cut oats, are named after the lesserknown way of processing the oat grain. Steel-cut oats have been toasted and cut into small pieces by steel blades. Taking slightly longer to prepare than alternative oats, steel-cut oats result in a coarse and chunky texture, adding a ‘bite’ to your bowl. oatiscafe.com

WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

By WHEN IN ROME

Primitivo, Puglia, £10

The taste is soft and fresh, but robust, with notes of red fruit, plums, chocolate and vanilla. The finish is long and persistent, with soft tannins. It comes in a sustainable paper bottle.

TASTING

NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this month

By PENDLE HARTE

Pinot Grigio, Terre De Chieti — can, £2.50

Full-bodied and fresh, this pleasant fruity and floral vegan white has hints of melon and lemon. You can taste the sunshine that’s been captured in the juicy, succulent grapes. It comes in a picnic-friendly can.

Rosato, Puglia — £10

A blend of Montepulciano, Bombino and Nero di Troia grapes, this Rosato is unusual by local standards - it’s much lighter in colour than most Cerasuoli (“pale cherry red” in Italian), yet it retains the same zippy acidity.

wheninromewine.com

Greece is the word

Holland Park's Vori is a vibrant destination known for its rustic Greek cooking and wine. With an array of fine mezze, seafood, and meat dishes prepared from British and Greek produce, guests can dine indoors or alfresco. With a focus on sharing dishes across the table and Greek classics from the grill, it promises a soulful experience.

vorigreekkitchen.co.uk

VORI

BIG FREEZE

London's finest frozen cocktails

LITTLE ITALY

64 OLD COMPTON STREET

Soho reborn

MANZI'S

Manzi’s famously served Londoners off Leicester Square for more than half a century and now it has reopened under the Wolseley umbrella. The menu harks back to acclaimed dishes of old, encompassing everything from moules marinière, a wide range of crustacea and a ‘catch of the day’ to a classic Dover sole. manzis.co.uk

BILLS

Bill's Tequila Me Softly cocktail happy hour deal offers two for £12 on cocktails including the Arctic Margarita, shaken with blue curacao and a twist of orange. bills-website.co.uk

64 Old Compton Street is a new Soho Italian, sister to nearby 40 Dean Street. It serves a simple, appealing menu of classic Italian dishes, affordably priced, with all pasta made in house every day. Local suppliers are used for Italian produce, coffee and even flowers 64oldcomptonstreet.com

See food

THE SEA THE SEA

Chelsea’s seafood bar and fishmonger The Sea, The Sea is home to an elegant streetside terrace. Serving a menu of small plates with a focus on raw fish and dry ageing, this intimate and informal space aims to celebrate the diversity of British seafood and the sheer dynamism of the sea. theseathesea.net

LOS MOCHIS

At Los Mochis Notting Hill, a Frozen Paloma Happy Hour operates Monday to Thursday from 5pm-7pm, they will be offering two for one Frozen Palomas. losmochis.co.uk

ROSE BUD

LADUREE

PASTAIO

Pastaio's Jamaican Sorrel Punch is made from the syrup of the vibrant red flowers blended with Appleton Estate Rum and lime. pastaio.co.uk

Bursting with notes of red fruits, Ladurée's Rosé Roseblood Macaron is the true flavour of summer. The macarons are part of Ladurée’s collaboration with Château d’Estoublon’s Roseblood and come in a beautifully designed box with a gorgeous rose illustration.

laduree.co.uk

rhs.org.uk/wisley

Wisley Flower Show BOOK NOW

Tue 5 – Sun 10 Sep

Join us for a vibrant show full of inspiration, expert tips and delicious food and drink.

Your visit supports our work as a charity.

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

Empire EMPIRE

Luxe Indian flavours in Notting Hill

By PENDLE HARTE

New from the team behind Gunpowder is Empire Empire, a small restaurant on All Saints Road with ambitions that go beyond its limited square footage. The inspiration comes from the Indian disco era, and a large jukebox dominates the space, full of classic Indian disco hits and Bollywood bangers (the website has a playlist too, to get you in the mood). The sound is inspired – but don’t

expect to be dining in a disco. Decor is very much simple, old-school curry house: white tablecloths, simple wood panelling, glass pendant lights.

And the food is excellent. We start with kale paata chaat, a heavenly mix of dry fried kale and crispy chaat with yoghurt and pomegranate. Ox cheek raj kachori is another crispy mix of sweet and crunchy, with tender and cinnamoninfused ox cheek. Bihari ribeye boti beef kebab is softly textured and full of spice – cinnamon, cardamom and anis – while tandoori haryali king

prawns are – suprisingly – green with an intense herby marinade and delicious. Garlic naan is excellent, thin yet pillowy, slightly charred and perfectly done. The showstopper, however, is lobster biryani, the day’s special, which comes dramatically served with a lobster head sticking out of a crust that covers a pot of biryani. We’re unsure how to approach it, but once we dive in it’s excellent. Soft lobster meat, spiced rice and a crispy crust – it’s all about spice and texture here. Butter chicken is another delight –creamy, velvety and full of flavour. For pudding there’s a saffron milk cake that’s honey-flavoured and a real treat.

For all its disco fun, Empire Empire is a serious eaterie with a commitment to great food. When we leave, they snap a Polaroid of us to add to their growing wall of portraits. We’ll certainly never forget that lobster biryani.

EMPIRE EMPIRE

15 All Saints Road, W11 empire-empire.restaurant

“The special comes dramatically served with a lobster head sticking out”

What to drink this month

By PENDLE HARTE

ENGLISH ROSE

BOURNE & HOLLINGSWORTH

Creative cocktail institution Bourne & Hollingsworth is bringing flavours of the ocean to Rathbone Place with the launch of a unique street bar in partnership with Lanique Spirit of Rose. The showstopping ‘A Rose a Day, Oysters Away’ combines Lanique Spirit of Rose with gin, nectarine liqueur and Bonanto Aperitivo before being topped with Prosecco. lanique.co.uk

VENETIAN SPRITZ

SELECT

Forget Aperol, and move on from Campari. Our favourite aperitivo is the bitter (but not too bitter) botanical Select, born in Venice in 1920 and currently having a moment in the spotlight. Make it a spritz with Prosecco and a dash of soda – and don't forget the olive. selectaperitivo.it

SPIRIT OF NATURE

THIRLINGS DRY GIN

Ad Gefrin's new Thirlings dry gin captures the essence of the distillery's Northumberland surroundings: heather and pine from the hills, elderberry and dill from the hedgerow, and Irish moss and sea buckthorn from the coast. adgefrin.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT

CABINET DRINKS Free spirit

Botivo's non-alcoholic drink has all the flavour

By EVE HERBERT

Trying to avoid alcohol but stuck for something to sip with soda at 6pm? Botivo could be the answer. This handmade, small batch non-alcholic drink works brilliantly as a cocktail ingredient – it's a good substitue for Campari, and its citrusy notes work well in sours too. The botanical savoury notes means it even makes a good accompaniment to food, and holds up against a good dose of spice. It won a Gold at the Low/No Alc Awards, Key is how they make it: unlike a lot of similar styles of non-alcholic drinks, it uses fresh botanicals which are steeped (also unusually) in apple cider vinegar, which means that there is a fermentation process allowing for flavours from the herbs and citrus to embed themselves in the liquid, creating a layered flavour with a long finish.

Along with the apple cider vinegar base, it's made with organic wildflower honey, gentian, wormwood, rosemary, thyme and orange zest, with only 20% added water. It also has some good health notes: it's good for gut health due the vingear aspect and it is the only non-alcoholic 'spirit-style' with no potassium sulphate, it isn't a 'mimic' drink, so sober people can have it. At 0.1% ABV, it contains trace elements of alcohol; the industry definition of alcohol-free/non-alc drinks is anything from 0.5% and below.

The founders want Botivo to feel inclusive, in that it appeals to a lot of people and is great on lots of occasions, but they really do see it as a premium brand, something that co-founder Imme feels is missing from the category. Plus, the label artwork is pretty special too.

GREAT BEANS

Amelia Christie-Miller’s bold ways with pulses

Photography by JOE WOODHOUSE

Charred courgette + chickpea salad with lemony

Feeds 2–3

yogurt

This recipe is such a great summery dish. It’s perfect as a side to a barbecue, but tasty and hearty enough to hold its own as a lunch. The simplicity of the recipe allows the sumacroasted chickpeas to shine through and take centre stage – we can almost guarantee there will be no leftovers. We first discovered this recipe through Tiggy Willett, one of Amelia’s childhood friends, and knew a version of it had to be in the book. We’ve added petits pois to Tiggy’s original recipe, which we love as it lightens it a little. Takes 30–35 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 700g (1lb 9oz) jar chickpeas or 2 ×

• 400g (14oz) cans chickpeas, drained

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons sumac

• 3 courgettes, quartered lengthways then chopped into thirds

• 100g (3½oz) cooked petits pois

• 2 Baby Gem lettuces

• large bunch of mint (about 30g/1oz)

• 1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes (optional)

• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper For the lemony yogurt dressing

• juice of 1 lemon

• 3 tablespoons Greek, natural or plantbased yogurt

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

METHOD

1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/400°F/gas mark 6.

2 Rinse the chickpeas, then tumble them into a roasting tray and pat dry with a paper towel. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, then sprinkle over the sumac. Season with salt and pepper and toss well to coat. Roast for 25–30 minutes until golden and crisp.

3 Brush the courgettes with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle over a good pinch of salt. Heat a griddle pan over a high heat and add the courgettes. Griddle for around 2 minutes on each side until nicely browned –you’re looking for deep char marks here.

4 While the courgettes are cooking, make the dressing. Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl and season to taste, adding more lemon if you like.

5 To assemble the salad, toss the charred courgettes, crispy chickpeas, petit pois and lettuce leaves together in a large salad bowl, then drizzle over the yogurt dressing and sprinkle with fresh mint leaves. Add chilli flakes if desired for some heat and serve.

Crispy Gochujang chickpeas

Feeds 2 as a main with salad and rice

Takes 50 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 700g (1lb 9oz) jar chickpeas, or 2x

• 400g (14oz) cans chickpeas, drained

• 3 tablespoons neutral oil

• 1 tablespoon gochujang paste

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 2 tablespoons grated ginger

• sea salt and black pepper

• For the sesame cucumber salad

• 2 cucumbers (or radishes) sliced

• 1 large garlic clove, crushed

• 1 red chilli, finely sliced

• 1½ tablespoons rice vinegar or white wine vinegar

• 2 teaspoons soy sauce or tamari

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 250g (9oz) cooked white rice

For the toppings (optional)

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

• 3–4 spring onions, sliced

• nori seaweed, crumbled

METHOD

1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/400°F/gas mark 6.

2 To make the cucumber salad, begin by trimming the ends of the cucumbers. Then, using a rolling pin, gently smash the cucumbers until they split (this creates a flavour you simply can’t achieve from just cutting, and also allows them to better absorb the seasoning), then slice into small chunks and put into a sieve set over a bowl. Sprinkle with a good pinch of salt and toss to coat. Leave to sit to allow some of the cucumber water to release while you’re cooking.

3 Rinse the chickpeas and pat them dry with paper towel, then tip into a baking dish. Toss with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes until crispy, tossing halfway through.

4 Meanwhile, tip the cucumber into a salad bowl, then add the rest of the salad ingredients. Toss to combine, set aside.

5 Combine the gochujang, soy sauce or tamari, honey or maple syrup, garlic and ginger in a medium-sized saucepan over a medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fully combined and smelling fragrant.

6 Remove the chickpeas from the oven and stir into the saucepan. Continue to stir until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly; you want it to have a slightly sticky but glossy texture.

7 Remove from the heat and serve with the salad. We like serving this as a rice bowl, loading up each bowl first with rice, then cucumber salad and then chickpeas, before sprinkling over the optional toppings: sesame seeds, sliced spring onions and nori.

Sweet potato, feta + black bean traybake

Feeds 4

Takes 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 2 sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into wedges (or 1 small butternut squash)

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds

• 6 spring onions, trimmed and cut into thirds (or 1 large red onion)

• ½ 700g (1lb 9oz) jar black beans, or 400g (14oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 2 large handfuls of curly kale or cavolo nero (roughly 140g/5oz), torn into bitesized pieces

• 200g (7oz) feta

• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

• For the coriander-lime drizzle

• large bunch of coriander (about 30g/1oz), finely chopped (save a few whole leaves for garnish)

• 1 jalapeño, deseeded if you prefer less heat, finely chopped (or 4–6 slices of pickled jalapeños)

• zest of 1 lime and juice of 2

• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

To serve

• your favourite tortillas, lime wedges

METHOD

1 Preheat the oven to 220°C /200°C fan/425°F/gas mark 7.

2 In a large baking tray, toss the sweet potato wedges with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Scatter over the cumin seeds

and season with sea salt and pepper, then spread out so that they’re evenly spaced and not touching. This is important as you want them to roast rather than steam; use 2 trays if needed. Roast for 20 minutes.

3 After 20 minutes, turn the wedges, then add the spring onions and black beans to the tray. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, and add another sprinkle of salt. Return the tray to the oven for 8–10 minutes until the spring onions have softened and caramelised.

4 Remove from the oven and add the kale to the tray. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and roast for another 5 minutes until the kale is slightly crisp at the edges.

5 To make the drizzle, simply mix all the ingredients together in a bowl andseason to taste.

6 When everything is ready, crumble the feta over the traybake and top with the reserved coriander leaves and about half of the drizzle. Serve with tortillas, lime wedges and the remaining drizzle for everyone to help themselves.

The real win with this – and any –traybake is that you can bung it in the oven, whip it out after a while and serve directly in the tray, meaning minimal washingup afterwards.

Bold Beans by Amelia Christie-Miller. Published by Kyle Books octopusbooks.co.uk

MELISSA HEMSLEY

19 SEP 10 OCT

CLICK HERE to check out all the entertainers shows appearing at the West End’s Adelphi Theatre or to book visit: entertainers.co.uk/adelphi or lwtheatres.co.uk

OCT

Featuring the biggest hits from T.Rex, Mud, Slade, Bowie, Suzi QuaTRo, wizzaRd, SweeT and many more

FRI 24 NOV

FASHION

BEACH STYLE

HEIDI KLEIN X TEMPERLEY

A collaboration between bikini queen Heidi Klein and boho icon Alice Temperley has resulted in a beautiful collection of print swimwear. Dreamcatcher is a vibrant, playful engineered print inspired by the intricate macramé knot techniques used in the construction of dream catchers. Choose from a one-piece or a bikini with the classic Heidi Klein fit. heidiklein.com

Summer looks with beautiful hand-painted prints by Jessica

Kayll for the Kayll collection

KAYLL.COM

Back in PRINT

Under the sea

Beach-inspired pieces that spell summer

By CARLY GLENDINNING

MISAHARA

18k yellow gold starfish ring with blue, green, and white diamonds, £18,433 misahara.com

MATILDE

100% recycled 14k gold necklace with lab-grown diamonds and gemstones, and natural beads, £195 matildejewellery.com

PACHAREE

18k gold plated and pearl ring, £420 pacharee.com

BLOOMING DREAMER

Sterling silver anklet with kunzite, red Japanese glass beads, and a flower freshwater pearl, £115 bloomingdreamer.com

APPLES & FIGS

24k gold-plated sterling silver earrings with natural petal pearls and cubic zirconia stones, £348 applesandfigs.com

ANITA BERISHA

Gold plated brass chain with freshwater pearls, £190 tomfoolerylondon.co.uk

EMILY P. WHEELER

18k rose gold conch pearl earrings with tourmaline and enamel, £38,200 emilypwheeler.com

JENNA BLAKE

18k yellow gold, diamond, and natural sea shell charm on an 18k yellow gold nautical chain, £12,500 jennablake.com

GUITA M

18k white gold spike earrings, with white chalcedony, and aqua tourmaline, £5,085 guitam-jewelry.com

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare

By CARLY GLENDINNING

REVIEW

Waterhouse Young

HydraPressoCelluma treatment

MIRROR WATER

Formulated with 99.9% natural ingredients including refining salts and shea nut shell, this weekly body exfoliator sloughs away dead skin cells, without stripping the skin. £47 mirrowater.earth

BUFF UP SELF DEFENSE

EDITOR’S PICK

NATURAL CURL

CORDINA HAIR

This clever heatless hair curler can be worn in the day (as well as at night). Easy to set and even easier to remove, it creates beautiful natural curls without causing any heat damage to your hair. From £35 counterculturestore.co.uk

GROWN ALCHEMIST

This lightweight, gel-based serum strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier and protects against environmental aggressors by increasing the skin’s natural ability to self-defend overnight. £58 grownalchemist.com

It’s a sunny evening when I arrive at the Waterhouse Young Clinic, just off London’s famous Harley Street. Waterhouse Young is renowned as one of the UK’s leading skin clinics and I’m booked in with Senior Aesthetic Practitioner, Rosie Waters for a 3-in-1 super booster treatment that includes a HydraFacial, Pressotherapy, and LED Celluma treatment. After a mad dash across town to make it on time, I’m a bit flustered, but Rosie immediately puts me at ease. We have a chat about my skin concerns, and she walks me through the treatment. Lying down on the bed, she zips me into the mechanical massage suit – which is kind of like a big pair of trousers. The Pressotherapy aims to drain the lymph nodes, increase circulation, remove toxins, and reduce cellulite. As the trousers inflate, my limbs are rhythmically compressed. The feeling is not uncomfortable and if anything, I find it strangely comforting. Rosie turns her attention to my face. A celebrity favourite, the medical-grade HydraFacial combines deep cleansing, with exfoliation, extraction, hydration, and antioxidant protection. Rosie targets my problem areas, gives me a chemical peel, and pushes lots of hydrating hyaluronic acid into my skin. The facial ends with the LED Celluma treatment –where an array of LED lights work on smoothing my fine lines, help to prevent breakouts, and brighten my skin. It’s so relaxing, I nearly fall asleep. I leave fresh-faced and feeling detoxified, with super glowy skin that lasts for days afterwards

WATERHOUSE YOUNG CLINIC 21 Devonshire Street, £350 waterhouseyoung.com

EDITOR’S

Sun Drops SPF 30, £115 drsturm.com

ULTRA VIOLETTE ™ Fave Fluid SPF 50+ Ultralight Skinscreen™ , £37 ultraviolette.co.uk

CHANTECAILLE

Ultra Sun Protection SPF 45 Primer, £45 chantecaille.co.uk

SUN SAFE

With the weather hotting up, we've got you covered

By CARLY GLENDINNING

DERMALOGICA

Porescreen SPF 40, £55 sephora.co.uk

CHA VØHTZ Daily SPF 30 Moisturiser,

UPCIRCLE

Upcircle SPF 25 Mineral Sunscreen, £27.49 counterculturestore.co.uk

INSTITUT ESTHEDERM

Hydra-Protective Sun Water, £50 spacenk.com

KRI

Kri Skincare SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen, £22 counterculturestore.co.uk

GREEN PEOPLE

Scent Free Sun Cream SFP 30, £29 greenpeople.co.uk

SUPERGOOP!

Unsen Sunscreen SPF 40, £34 heliocare.co.uk

DR. BARBARA STURM

HELIOCARE 360° Oil-Free Gel SPF 50, £31 heliocare.co.uk

£42 greenpeople.co.uk

HAIR to STAY

Both men and women are asking questions about treatments for hair thinning. This is a topic that has been in the media recently and is driven partly by hair loss that can occur in those who lose weight rapidly in the months leading up to summer.

LIFESTYLE FACTORS

It’s not only significant weight loss that can lead to a phase of increased hair loss. Any major stress to your body, such as illness, anxiety, depression or a change in diet, can result in changes to the quantity and quality of your hair. Hair can become brittle, dry and even lose its colour, made worse by nutritional deficiencies

and hormonal changes. Many of the key vitamins needed for hair growth come from food: vitamins A, B, C, D and E, iron, zinc and selenium. A good place to start is to increase your intake of nutrient-rich food, with targeted supplements, including taking Vitamin D during the winter months.

HOME REMEDIES

Rosemary oil is the social media hair product of the moment, with claims that it helps promote growth and improve scalp health. It been used for centuries for hair health, and both rosemary and tea oil have anti-fungal properties which help to reduce yeast overgrowth and oil build-ups that can lead to itching and a flaky scalp. Be careful to apply an adequately dilute formulation designed for use on the scalp.

MORE ADVANCED TREATMENTS

The most common cause of hair loss in men is androgenic alopecia (known as malepattern baldness). This can also happen in women, albeit with a different pattern of hair loss, and there are many other causes of thinning too. If you have patches of thinning in the middle of an area of healthy hair, loss of your eyebrows, or concerns about the condition of your scalp, you should have this looked at by your doctor. A skin scrape or blood test can help to rule out other factors such as iron deficiency or an underactive thyroid. Medications for hair loss may be appropriate.

There is an increasing body of evidence for the benefits of some of these treatment modalities. Low Level Laser therapy (LLLT) – particularly in women – and scalp microneedling treatments, with and without the incorporation of growth factors in the form of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are increasingly being used in specialist hair loss clinics world-wide.

In androgenic alopecia, hair follicles become progressively smaller over time resulting in thinner, more brittle hair. If the hair follicle can be restored before it disappears completely, the process can be reversed allowing the hair to growth back thicker and less prone to breakage. Microneedling the scalp induces a healing cascade in the scalp that stimulates production of growth factors and tissue recovery, with the intention of rejuvenating hair follicles in areas of thinning.

DR KIM PRESCOTT

practices Aesthetic Medicine in Cobham and Knightsbridge, as well as lecturing, training and working in clinical research. You are welcome to send your questions to drkim@psmd.co.uk.

Drkpclinic.co.uk 01372 810850

Thinning hair is a common problem – but there are lots of things you can do, says Dr Kim

“Many of the key vitamins needed for hair growth come from food”

HEALTHY HABITS

Private Client by Bupa share their tips to help look after your health and wellbeing

hen you lead a busy life, it can be difficult to know how to introduce healthy habits that can make a positive change to your physical and mental health. Whether it’s supporting a morning routine, setting time aside for exercise, prioritising nutrition, or focusing on techniques to manage stress, it’s important to not only implement good habits but also to make sure they become a consistent part of your daily routine.

When it comes to creating habits, try to be realistic. Experimentation is key, it’s okay if some methods take time or don’t work out.

Dr Caroline Wood, Head of Behavioural Insights & Research at Bupa Global & UK, explains: “Everyone is different and what works well for one person may not work well for another. It's important to try different things and see what works best for you. If something doesn't work, don't be discouraged.”

SIX WAYS YOU CAN BUILD HEALTHY HABITS INCLUDE

• Start small and be consistent: Rather than trying to make a lot of changes all at once, start with one or two habits and practise them daily.

• Set specific goals: Define your habits with clear and specific goals so that you can track your progress and know when you have achieved them.

• Create an action plan: Break your goals

Wdown into smaller actionable steps and create a plan that will help you stay on track.

• Be kind to yourself: It's important to practice self-compassion and don’t worry if you miss a day. Recognise that building habits is a journey and that setbacks are completely normal.

• Use positive reinforcement: Reward yourself for meeting your goals, this will reinforce the positive behaviour and make it more likely to stick.

• Be patient: Remember that building new habits takes time, so be patient and persistent in your efforts.

The more you practise and feel the benefits, the more likely they are to stick. Busy people are turning to personalised services such as Private Client by Bupa to seek support on their wellness needs.

Their Ultimate Global Health Plan comes with a uniquely valuable benefit – a Lifecare Concierge Manager – a dedicated person at the end of a phone or email who makes it their mission to help you look after your health and wellbeing; from managing wellness treatments and booking routine healthcare appointments, to arranging emergency medical care.

Private Client by Bupa offers premium private health insurance that goes beyond health cover. The Ultimate Global Health Plan provides a complete concierge service and award-winning medical cover at home or abroad provided by Bupa Global, with rich, proactive, preventive wellbeing benefits that are designed to be used.

HAIR ESSENTIALS

2 4 5

1 3

ONE AND DONE

GHD

This miracle all-in-one tool uses ground-breaking technology to dry, smooth and add shine to hair without damaging it. Duet Style 2-in-1 Hot Air Styler, £379. ghdhair.com

THINK STRONG THIX

Thix is a gender-neutral hair care brand whose caffeine shampoo and conditioner feature a combination of optimal proteins and vitamins for thicker, stronger and healthier hair. All packaging is plastic-free and infinitely recyclable. thisxhair.com

HYDRATE IT ELEVEN AUSTRALIA

A blend of Aloe Vera and White Mulberry Leaf to restore and treat lost moisture, this antioxidant rich formula will leave hair feeling strong and hydrated. eleven-australia.co.uk

IT'S A WRAP SILKE

This 100% silk hair wrap shields hair against the nightly friction and moisture absorption of bed linen that causes breakages, frizz and split ends… all while you sleep. silkelondon.com

SCALP AID ACT + ACRE

New York based Act + Acre was founded by board-certified trichologist andcelebrity hairstylist Helen Reavey, who has patented the Cold Processed®️ technique to create clinically tested plant-based scalp products. actandacre.com

ALL YOU NEED TO KEEP YOUR LOCKS IN CHECK

BRIGHTEN UP WITH BALAYAGE

Absolutely takes a closer look at the latest collection from Headmasters

The Creative Ambassadors at Headmasters have launched a balayage collection showing different techniques perfect for a glorious summer. Balayage is a freehand technique which allows stylists to use a variation of techniques with foils, and tissue to provide a perfect blend of blondes to suit you – from super-natural sun-kissed to full-on ombre. Headmasters Colour Ambassador, Sian Quinn, here takes us through three key balayage looks.

“Luxe Balayage is one of the hottest hair trends this year,” explains Sian. “This year we are seeing more high-definition colour trends with clients asking for brighter face framing along with a full head balayage, with warmer

honey tones that reflect sun-kissed colour. This works particularly well on super-long hair although it can be adapted to suit midlength styles too. The key to maintaining the luxe finish is to keep hair well-conditioned, try Kerastase Resistance Masque Force Architecte Hair Mas 200ml £41.40 for an interim refresh and toner after six weeks to get rid of any unwanted brassy toners that can happen in the summer months.”

Natural Balayage is for that pure sunkissed look – even on darker hair colour bases. If you are new to colour or prefer to keep your natural root colour, but have your Headmasters’ stylist add a few ribbons of colour using tissue lights, this can provide depth and brighten and enhance facial features. Sian explains: “The trick to this colour is keeping a very soft tone

that is simply a few shades lighter than your own natural colour without going too warm. The great thing about this technique is that it grows out very naturally – although having a refresh of baby lights at six weeks will keep it looking fresh.”

Then, give your curls real impact with a balayage and curl contour. Sian explains: “Balayage can help to showcase curls’ natural texture and movement, but for extra drama and brightening effect add a curl contour.”

Unlike straight or wavy hair, this means your stylist will be picking out individual curls and using a freehand technique to create brighter balayage ribbons just where you need them. Combining these techniques means that your balayage will look amazing regardless of whether you style your hair curly or straight.

Whatever your hair type, colour, or style, give balayage a go this summer. At Headmasters, every colour is bespoke. Your hairstylist will provide a complimentary colour consultation prior to colouring your hair, and with the highest number of L’Oréal colour experts across all salon groups in the UK you can feel assured you are getting expert colour advice.

HEADMASTERS

are renowned for creating beautiful, confidenceboosting hair in their 55 salons located across London and the South-East. Find your local salon at headmasters.com

BEND

JAMES ARMITAGE

IT

Yoga has an abundance of benefits for your physical and mental health. It doesn’t really matter what kind of yoga you do or where you are when you start. When you practice consistently, you feel better. Don’t worry about being ‘good’ at yoga; that’s not what it’s about. It’s about getting on your mat regularly and putting in the time. If you do that, you’ll see improvements in your sense of well-being.

STRENGTH

Yoga is body-weight exercise, which improves your strength and muscle tone.

FLEXIBILITY

Lengthening your muscles through stretching improves your flexibility. A yoga session included many different postures, which combine to target all your major muscle groups and some deeper connective muscles you might not even be aware of.

MOBILITY/JOINT HEALTH

Mobility is the range of motion of your joints, which is super important for preventing injuries. Yoga encourages active engagement of your muscles while taking you into positions that are outside your everyday routines, both of which are excellent for improving mobility. Liforme Yoga Mats' comfortable, supportive construction provide unmatched comfort for your joints and you can add one of their Yoga Pads for even more cushioning under your knees and elbows when necessary.

Liforme founder James Armitage outlines the benefits of yoga

BALANCE

Good balance is a crucial part of healthy ageing. Yoga improves core strength and includes many postures and transitions that combine balance and movement.

BODY AWARENESS

This is one of yoga’s underappreciated benefits. Many of us are quite out of tune with our bodies. Yoga helps integrate your body and mind through detailed alignment instructions for every posture. At first, you may not know how to engage your core, stack your joints, or line up your hips, but over time, your body absorbs these instructions, and they start to make sense. Liforme’s AlignForMe system, which puts intuitive alignment guidelines right on the surface of your mat, is an amazing tool for body awareness.

PAIN PREVENTION

Improving strength, flexibility, and mobility and keeping your body moving to prevent pain and injuries from both sports (like running) and inactivity (like sitting).

MOOD

Movement is a mood-elevator and yoga is no exception. You almost always feel better after a yoga session, whether you take a class or practice at home.

MENTAL CLARITY

Yoga occupies all your attention, which gives your mind a much-needed break from its habitual frenetic activity. An hour of yoga clears the clutter and leaves you feeling refreshed.

STRESS

A lot of stress comes from anticipating future events or reliving past ones. Yoga’s strong emphasis on existing in the present moment brings a new perspective on your stresses. Releasing tension from your body and focusing on your breath also help.

BREATH AWARENESS

Yoga introduces an awareness of how air enters and leaves your body and how controlling the breath can induce calming or energizing effects.

liforme.com

“Movement is a moodelevator and yoga is no exception. You almost always feel better after a yoga session”

Marylebone, London

Eat well

By JESS HILLARD

Protein is widely known predominantly for its ability to help grow and repair muscles. However, many people do not know that protein has many other great benefits for the body. Surprisingly, protein has a higher satiety status than any of the other macronutrients (carbohydrates and fat). This is due to protein reducing Ghrelin, commonly understood as the hunger hormone. Therefore, it can be a crucial part in helping with weight loss. By increasing protein consumption while decreasing carbohydrate consumption, you can stay full throughout the day, yet be consuming less calories and also helping to rebuild muscle while exercising during this weight loss journey too. This increase in satiety with fewer calories in one meal can also help with avoiding snacks throughout the day and thereby decreasing the number of calories consumed throughout the day.

High blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of stroke and coronary heart disease, including heart attacks. Research has found that increased protein diets lower systolic blood pressure readings by 1.76mm Hg and diastolic by 1.5 mm Hg. Likewise, other research suggests that protein not only lowers blood pressure, but LDL cholesterol levels too . This LDL cholesterol is not good for the body as it builds up as plaque within arteries, increasing blood pressure and risk of heart attacks etc. Another surprising fact which many are not aware of is that protein actually helps red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body, giving the body energy where it is needed. The protein haemoglobin is a key molecule which carries oxygen. Red blood cells contain this a compound which carries oxygen around the body, helping to keep the body energised with oxygen, nutrients and energy. Without this key molecule/consuming protein, the body would feel vary lacklustre, at

risk of dizziness and feeling faint. Although most people think that calcium is the ‘golden child’ for bone health, protein also comes into the mix. Protein is essential for optimal bone mass growth, predominately in key growth periods during childhood. Not only this but it is key for preserving bone mass as we age. Research has found links to increased protein consumption, reducing risk of osteoporosis and bone fragmentation.

Hillard is a Sports Nutritionist at Warrior teamwarrior.com

“Protein has a higher satiety status than any of the other macronutrients”

Jess

Why protein isn’t just a fitness thing

MATTERS Knowing more

How Randox Health’s full body health check can empower you to prevent future illness

With so much to enjoy in life, protecting your future health is crucial, but keeping track of your health isn’t always easy to do. Faced with time pressures across a busy work and social life, it can become all too easy to let your health slide. As the UK's largest healthcare diagnostics company, we are passionate about empowering you to take control of your health and really understand what is going on with your body.

David

Ferguson, Chief Operating Officer, says: “Over the past few years, we’ve seen a dramatic change in people’s behaviours as they seek to understand their health and wellbeing better. At Randox Health, we provide a range of specialised health packages that enable you to take control of your health. Our innovative diagnostic technologies can deliver hundreds of results to give you a comprehensive overview of your health and help detect the earliest signs of illness.”

One of the most reliable ways to maximise your health is to monitor it. By staying on top of your health, we can stay alert to any potential changes and take preventative action to help ensure they don’t become a bigger problem than they need to be.

Our full body Everyman | Everywoman health check is designed to give you unrivalled insights into your current health and future health risks, empowering you to take action to help prevent future illness. Over 150 data points relating to key health areas are measured from a simple blood and urine sample, and a comprehensive health report explaining key findings provided. Full repeat testing is included six months later to help you see progress and identify areas for further improvement.

Harnessing Randox Health’s patented technology, the elite Signature package, a cutting-edge and personalised health “MOT” uses more than 350 data points to map potential risks to your health with regards to thousands of conditions. Drawing in on advanced testing including tumour-associated markers, autoimmune conditions and genetic testing for inherited conditions, we are able to provide you with a detailed insight into your health. Full repeat testing and biomarker tracking is included after six months, and three remote consultations with a private GP are included to help you understand your results, provide expert advice, and next steps.

Whether you are a professional athlete, a fitness fanatic, or just starting our on your fitness journey, the Randox Health Everyathlete programme will provide key health data to help optimise your training and nutrition .Over 80 data points relating to your hormonal health, nutrition, muscle, and body composition are measured, with repeat testing at a time that suits your training schedule to help you keep on track, stay motivated, and monitor your health data.

A range of female-dedicated health checks are available to help address the concerns of women at every life stage, whilst helping them to better understand their hormones and fertility. Packages include the popular female hormone, AMH (ovarian reserve), PCOS, menopause, fertility health, and

Everymother blood tests. The fertility health test is ideal for anyone trying to conceive or thinking about starting a family, while the AMH test may help to make informed decisions on IVF or egg freezing.

Our range of genetic testing tests for a range of inherited conditions including cancer, cardiac conditions, and genetic haemochromatosis. The core cancer panel screens for mutations in 29 genes associated with cancer risk, and the hereditary breast and ovarian cancer risk screens for mutations in 8 genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2. The hereditary cardiac risk test screens for mutations in 174 genes associated with 17 inherited cardiac conditions to assess risk, which goes alongside the familial hypercholesterolemia genetic test, which is an inherited cardiac condition affecting 1 in 250 people in the UK, causing high cholesterol.

Need an energy boost? We offer a range of IV therapies and booster shots designed to help deliver the vitamins, nutrients, electrolytes, minerals, and antioxidants your body needs. Our therapies are quick and easy to deliver, helping you to feel hydrated, energised, and refreshed. With several clinics located throughout London and a range of home test kits available, it has never been easier to take control of your health.

Learn more about your health today at randoxhealth.com

A world-class preventative health programme carefully tailored to your individual needs - now available right on your doorstep.

Bringing together two world-renowned names in healthcare and medical research, the Health and Wellness Plan from Mayo Clinic Healthcare in partnership with Oxford University Clinic combines access to an unrivalled network of international medical experts with world-class diagnostic and screening facilities.

Developed for discerning individuals who expect and deserve the very best, we help you to take a proactive approach to your health for a healthier, happier future for you and your family.

Book with us now:

Email: appointments@mch-ouc.co.uk

Website: www.mch-ouc.co.uk

When it comes to your health, you deserve the very best

Personalised CARE

Private adult and paediatric care at Kingston Private Health

e offer affordable private healthcare for both adults and children supported by Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the first Trust in South West London to be rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission. As a patient of Kingston Private Health, not only will you benefit from the comfort and exclusivity that comes with

Wprivate healthcare, but also have the knowledge that any profit generated by the private unit is reinvested into the Trust's NHS services, helping to support the needs of the wider community.

PRIVATE MATERNITY

We recognise that giving birth is a very special time for you and your family. Our private consultant-led maternity service offers delivery packages which provide you and your baby with the highest level of care throughout your stay with us.

WHY KINGSTON PRIVATE HEALTH?

We provide excellent, personalised care to meet your individual requirements, delivered by the expertise and compassion of the area's leading consultants. Our patients are accommodated in single, en-suite rooms on a dedicated private ward within Kingston Hospital.

PAYING FOR YOUR PRIVATE CARE

Whether you have private medical insurance or wish to pay yourself, we will be very happy to discuss your individual circumstances to ensure you get the best price for your care.

NHS AMENITY PATIENTS

Patients wishing to remain having their care on the NHS can also take advantage of the privacy and comfort of Kingston Private Health's single, en-suite rooms.

KINGSTON PRIVATE HEALTH

Please contact us for further information and our current rates.

Telephone: 020 8546 6677

Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm, Saturday 7am to 1pm.

KingstonPrivateHealthEnquiries@hs.net

KingstonPrivateHealth.co.uk

“Any profit is reinvested into the Trust's NHS services”

SUPPLEMENTARY INFO

WHERE BEAUTY COMES FROM WITHIN

BRAIN POWER BRAINS PURE CBD

The BRAINS PURE CBD® + range is formulated with the addition of herbs, researched, and acknowledged to have functional health properties, and vital nutrients to support health and wellness. brainspure.com

SKIN DEEP STARPOWA

Starpowa's Hair, Skin and Nails gummies contain the highest quality beauty boosting ingredients including Biotin, Zinc, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Aloe Vera extract & many more for thicker, longer hair, healthier skin and stronger nails. starpowa.com

DAILY DOSE VIDA GLOW

The next generation of ingestible skin care, Radiance is a daily capsule to target dull and uneven skin. It o perates on a cellular level, addressing imperfections dark spots, darks circles and overall skin luminosity. vidaglow.com

MARINE LIFE KOLLO

The UK’s leading liquid collagen sachet with a power-packing 10g of premium marine collagen, plus added vitamins B and C, Kollo is specially formulated to support whole-body health for both men and women. kollohealth.com

GUT INSTINCT PURESPORT

This forward-thinking blend is designed to help support your gut microbiome,responsible for energy, immunity, skin, appetite + mood. puresport.club

BACK in the

SWING

Absolutely meets Sir Ian Botham to talk cricket, golf and the power of cannabidiol

By JOSEPH FITZGERALD

Sir Ian Botham is remembered for routinely besting titans of cricket. Now 67, Botham enjoyed a long and (very) illustrious career; for Somerset, the England team, as well as spells in Australia.

Frankly, it’s good of them to let him in, given his celebrated match-winning performance against Kim Hughes’s baggy greens during the Ashes Test at Headingley, in 1981. Electing to bat first, Australia had England on the ropes and enforced the follow-on. Out strode Botham, clocking an unbeaten 149 runs before heading back to the dressing room for a cigar. That he also took seven wickets only cemented his legend.

So it came as something of a challenge when in July last year Botham found himself unable to walk around a golf course as he once could – in addition to being one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders, golf is a lifelong passion.

It was his son, Liam, who sent his father something new to incorporate in his daily routine. Specifically, the EthicaCBD Sports Gel with CBD and CBG. Based in the seaside town of Bude, in Cornwall, the company launched three years ago and have quickly earned global recognition, winning a gong at the World CBD Awards in 2022. CBD products

are increasingly being incorporated into wellness regimes. As the name suggests, EthicaCBD go to great lengths to create what they describe as, “the highest quality ethical CBD for people and planet”.

As it turns out, alongside proving themselves as the ethical front runner of the UK CBD industry, they’re also getting sporting legends quite literally back into the swing of things. After using the all-natural CBD gel, Botham returned to the fairway and renewed his spot in competitive golf, turning out in the Alfred Dunhill Links last year.

In conversation with Botham, ‘competitive’ is a word that crops up a lot. The Botham family is a genuine sporting dynasty. His son, the aforementioned Liam, played county cricket for Hampshire, as well as dual codes in top-flight rugby (union for Cardiff Blues, league for Bradford Bulls).

Liam’s son, James, meanwhile, plies his own sporting trade in elite rugby union, both for Cardiff and the Wales national side. As a passionate Englishman, is Botham senior conflicted about having a dragon in the dynasty? “Goodness, no. James was born in Wales and always swore allegiance.”

Just as well, considering James’ fiancée is the Wales hockey international Izzy Webb. In any Botham household, the competitive instinct is strong. “I play everything to win. I even want to beat the grandchildren at tiddlywinks”, Botham says.

These days it’s golf that keeps his competitive juices flowing. “When I was playing county cricket, a lot of the guys played golf.” For a world-class batsman, golf is surely a seamless transition. “It should be, given a golf ball is still when you hit it but it doesn’t always work that way.”

Of those able to make the switch, Botham recalls that, “Viv could hit the ball a long way”. ‘Viv’, for those too young to remember, is Sir Vivian Richards, the fearsome West Indies batsman who could no doubt hit a cannonball across the Channel. “At my peak I played off a handicap of 3,” Botham says. Which must have seemed a distant memory last summer. At the Dunhill Links, Botham found that the gel was the competitive advantage that he needed.

The gel’s active ingredient, cannabidiol (CBD), was first discovered in 1940 but it’s only in recent years that it has been developed for use in a wide range of products. EthicaCBD Sports Gel combines two powerful cannabinoids with other dynamic natural extracts such as organic silicium, blackpepper oil, menthol and camphor, ensuring you get the very best plant-based care.

ETHICA CBD GEL

“When it comes down to it, this stuff is incredible”

LORD ‘BEEFY’ BOTHAM

SIR IAN BOTHAM

Get back to peak fitness

Whether you’re recovering from an injury or simply want to feel your best, our chartered physiotherapists have helped thousands of people achieve their goals.

With a whole team of physios to choose from and appointment times to suit you, there’s really no reason to wait.

TOP PICKS

FOR HIKING IN NATURE THIS SUMMER

FITNESS NOTES

By CARLY GLENDINNING

CARRY ALL

Designed for adventuring, the Crossroads® Backpack from Yeti is made from water and abrasionresistant TuffSkin™ Nylon. It has plenty of space for all of your hiking essentials too. £230; yeti.com

COME UP FOR AIR

WIND SHEILD

The Summit Series ™ Futurefleece™ Jacket from The North Face is super light. The clever fabric technology delivers breathability, insulation, weather resistance, and moisture management. £135; thenorthface.co.uk

Q Tell us about your retreats?

A &Breathe retreats are about coming up for air and focusing on yourself and your wellbeing –something many of us don't get the chance to do in everyday life.

Q What made you want to set them up?

Q What can those joining your retreats expect in terms of fitness and movement?

STEP UP

With Energy Foam technology for long-lasting cushioning, the Predict Hike hiking boots from Salomon provide a comfy stride on any terrain. GORE-TEX material keeps the weather out and your feet cosy too. £165; salomon.com

A I founded &Breathe after I had my first daughter and struggled with the lack of information about postnatal rehab, pelvic floor and birth recovery. I wanted somewhere I could go and focus on myself and my mental and physical health, with experts, but also spend time with my family. There wasn't anywhere like that, so I created it! We now do women's wellbeing/menopause retreats too, because as we have children later, women are diving straight from the postnatal period into the perimenopause, and we need proper support there too.

A &Breathe only offers tailored programmes to your own fitness level and life experience, and we do this with pre-retreat consultations with our expert PTs. With smallish groups, your experience is bespoke to you. Strength and mobility are key to our approach, as well as providing rehabilitation for postnatal and 'prehab' for perimenopause, to set us up for strength and health as we age. We try to move outside when we can too, so that we can enjoy the beautiful outdoor French setting.

Q Why is strength training so important as we age?

A Osteoporosis is a huge issue as we age, muscle mass decreases, and muscles become more lax too. In the perimenopause period,

strength training is important to help retain that muscle and help us keep moving healthily and carry on being active. It's also crucial in motherhood, as being a parent is incredibly physical!

Q Why is a sustainable approach to wellbeing important?

A Keeping fit and healthy is an essential part of self-care, but it's nearly impossible to do that if we treat fitness and nutrition as a feast or famine situation. My approach with &Breathe is to encourage small habit changes, exercise little and often and aim for positive change over time. We're about long-lasting changes.

Clio Wood is the Founder of &Breathe, award-winning wellbeing retreats andbreathewellbeing.com

There's a focus on strength and mobility at Clio Wood’s &Breathe wellbeing retreats for postnatal, families, and perimenopause

Why choose between NHS and private maternity care when you can choose the best of both worlds?

The Fitzrovia Suite University College Hospital, London

The Fitzrovia Private Maternity Suite at University College Hospital is a dedicated private facility within one of the most highly specialist maternity services in the country.

We provide everything you would expect from a private maternity service: a choice of expert consultants; a dedicated midwife team; and a private en suite bedroom in our beautiful newly-refurbished ward, offering you privacy and comfort to enjoy your early days as a family.

We also offer world-class maternity care, with access to all major acute specialities to support even the most fragile and premature babies and complex maternal care needs, giving you the reassurance that you and your baby are in the safest possible hands.

To find out more or to book a tour, please get in touch.

020 3051 5583

uclh.private.enquiries@nhs.net

www.uclhprivatehealthcare.co.uk

FIT CHECK

Everyone knows the benefits of getting fit. But how does it affect your sense of identity?

By PENDLE HARTE

Becoming someone who goes to the gym after several decades of being someone who never goes to the gym is quite a change. At the start of this year, I was not a gym goer. Some people just aren’t, or at least that’s how we think of ourselves, and it feels like a fixed characteristic. As a non-gym goer, you don’t know how to behave in a gym, you don’t know what to wear or what to bring with you. I didn’t know any of those things six months ago, and now I do. And in fact, I feel so comfortable with it that after six months I don’t feel like an imposter any more and I’m used to the routine: scheduling my classes, washing my kit, filling my water bottle. What happened? First off, I signed up to one of F45’s challenges. Reluctantly, but out of a sense that something needed to change. A working at home routine can quickly become an entirely sedentary existence and the risks of this kind of lifestyle are well-documented:

basically you’re looking at deteriorating health and an early death. My gym classes get me out of the house and, six months in, I’m feeling stronger and more energetic – and regular body scans are showing a significant decrease in my body fat percentage, including – crucially – my visceral fat level. There’s no denying that a programme of regular resistance exercise and lifting weights is a positive and even essential lifestyle choice for women in middle age – and there are mental benefits too. In fact, psychologically it’s quite a shift. I no longer regard all forms of exercise as esoteric pursuits for other people, and this has an effect on my wider sense of identity – which is something that strikes me as I find myself, for the first time in my life, inside Sweaty Betty. Until very recently I did not own a sports bra, or any gym kit. I could manage a pair of leggings and a t-shirt, but not ones in performance fabrics, and not matching, and I realise that having the right kit not only make you feel like you belong but also has practical benefits. A top that doesn’t ride up, for instance, and leggings that don’t fall down. A sports bra is a game-changer. Gym shorts for hot days are breezier than leggings. The old adage “dress for the job you want” applies here too: dress for the fitness level you’re hoping for. In my new uniform I barely recognise myself. If I can get this far, then anyone can.

THREE of the best Gym kit

1. POWER SPORTS BRA The game-changer: medium support. £55 sweatybetty.com

2. TEMPO RUN SHORTS Crucially, sweat-wicking. £65 sweatybetty.com

3. POWER GYM LEGGINGS Stretchy and flattering, £88 sweatybetty.com

“As a non-gym goer, you don’t know how to behave in a gym”

THE EYES

don't lie

The eyes are windows to our health, says Trevor Pillay of The Eye Place

An annual eye examination not only ensures that we see clearly but also helps to detect eye and health conditions early, in both children and adults.

Good vision helps children succeed in school. There is an increasing number of children developing short-sightedness (Myopia) at an early age. Early detection and myopia control measures will ensure a slow progression of the myopia and reduce your child’s risk of serious eye problems later in life. A yearly eye examination will ensure

your child sees clearly and comfortably, from reading in the classroom, to sports and other activities.

They say that the eyes are “the windows to our souls”. In fact, they are the “windows to our health”, as many people first learn that they have an underlying health condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even cancer from a routine eye examination.

Following a comprehensive eye examination, the Optometrist will be able to evaluate your vision and the health of your eyes. Specialised scans like the Optomap and the OCT assist us in identifying sight threatening

abnormalities that need medical attention.

In this way, early signs of several eye conditions may be detected, like dry eyes, Glaucoma, Cataracts, Macular Degeneration and any retinal changes due to other systemic diseases.

Options for correcting short or long sightedness, astigmatism, photophobia and presbyopia (the need for readers) includes but not limited to, spectacles, prescribed sunglasses, contact Lenses, ortho K and refractive surgery.

Trevor Pillay Optometrist Eye Place Towcester BOptom(Hons) UDW SA, MCoptom UK.

“Many people first learn that they have an underlying health condition from a routine eye examination”

Creative WELLBEING

Atifa Balding is an Integrative Wellbeing Therapist who’s passionate about supporting others to find success in self-care

By ATIFA BALDING

Iam passionate about helping others find success in self-care. I support people from all stages of life with their wellbeing, to help them make connections with their mind, body to find balance through The Sensory Journey.

I draw from my experience and expertise in the following fields to run The Sensory Journey and HypnoTouch. I am an integrative psychotherapist, clinical hypnotherapist and a BACP registered Integrative Counsellor. I am also a mindfulness coach, yoga, and meditation teacher. I am an advanced EFT (tapping) therapist and offer Vietnamese facial reflexology. I am trained in EMDR and NLP practices. I am also a creative youth mindfulness coach. As an Eco therapist I also offer ‘Chai & Wander’ sessions (these are walk & talk sessions) I am also a qualified gentle release and EnerQi practitioner which uses the model of traditional Chinese medicine as its foundation to promote facial rejuvenation. I offer Hypnotouch which is a combination of restorative touch therapy with Hypnosis to deeply soothe the nervous system. I also use colour and sound to add to the therapeutic journey.

I don’t believe that one size fits all which is why I offer packages and different elements for each person that I support. I work with stress release, confidence, self-esteem and nervous system support. I also support the menopause journey. I have worked in several schools and corporates in London & Surrey and I have a wonderful client base in London & New York. I offer 1-2-1, groups, school and corporate work.

WHAT OTHERS SAY

• You have the most soothing voice.

I have had the best sleep in years! Hilary

• I find it hard to put into words how powerful your sessions are, they are heavenly Lisa

• You always manage to send me off into a state of deep bliss Melanie

07832 190224

surreyhillswellness.co.uk

instagram @surreyhillswellness

ATIFA BALDING

Screen TEST

Six questions about breast cancer screening, answered

Becoming breast aware, and understanding how you can proactively support your own breast health, is important to staying well. Thanks to advancements in imaging technology and radiology, the prevention and early detection of cancers — as well as patient outcomes — are improving all the time.

The KEVII Breast Health Centre regularly performs screening mammograms supported by a team of experts. Amelia Cook, Breast Unit Manager at the Centre, answers our questions to give more insight into managing your breast health.

ABOUT KING EDWARD VII’S HOSPITAL’S BREAST UNIT

The King Edward VII’s Hospital Breast Unit offers the most advanced imaging technology which allows us to detect the earliest level of change within the breast, guiding earlier interventions which can dramatically improve patient outcomes.

1 Does a mammogram hurt?

A mammogram may be slightly uncomfortable but it shouldn’t be painful. Your breast care team will explain the process fully to you, so you know what to expect. Often, patients ask if their breasts will be completely ‘squished’ or ‘flattened’. The breasts are firmly compressed when undertaking a mammogram, not just to see the tissue but also to reduce the radiation exposure. This doesn’t hurt, but it can feel a bit uncomfortable.

2 How long does a mammogram take to perform?

While a unique approach for each person is considered, the actual mammogram is very quick. Some screenings are completed in minutes, while others can hour. Ask questions — your breast care nurse will be more than happy to provide you with information.

3 Would you recommend a breast MRI or ultrasound over a mammogram?

No. A mammogram is the gold standard in breast screening. You should always choose a mammogram unless you are under 35 and asymptomatic (which means when you aren’t showing any symptoms).

4 A few women in my family have had breast cancer – should I go for further testing?

We recommend patients be given the right guidance before going for an elective mammogram. For example, this could consider important factors such as whether the breast cancer is present in your family history in what is called the first tier (your mother or grandmother).

5 Can I go for a mammogram if I have breast implants?

Of course! The breast implant will still remain intact, so you don’t need to worry about your implants being ‘squished’.

6 What happens if I need further testing? If there is any cause for concern, an ultrasound will be performed and from here a biopsy will be taken to be examined further. Our team of clinical experts includes breast surgeons, breast specialist nurses, specialist radiographers and radiologist who deliver gold standard care and treatments, supported by holistic services including a counsellor, a wellbeing coach, physiotherapists, a menopause specialist, a comfort support consultant and links with holistic service providers such as hypnotherapy. Our centre is here to support you.

KING EDWARD V11 HOSPITAL

The KEVII Breast Health Centre has been purposely designed to be a place of comfort, reassurance and expert care for our patients and their families. 020 4571 2097 kingedwardvii.co.uk

GEOMETRIC COFFEE TABLES

Kaare Klint’s visionary ideas and appreciation of materials influenced generations of Danish furniture designers. Over a number of decades, he created many iconic pieces of furniture that became the epitome of Danish Modern. The circular KK66870 Coffee Table is one of Kaare Klint’s more detailed designs. The band that wraps around the tabletop gives the table a soft and tactile look. The square KK44860 Side Table has a more minimalist aesthetic, where function is paramount, and the wood serves as decoration in itself.

KK66870 Coffee Table, oak, oil, £1529 | KK44860 Side Table, oak, oil, £854

CARLHANSEN.COM

+44 0 (20) 7730 8454

Monday - Friday: 10 am - 6 pm Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm

INTERIORS

PASTEL SHADES

HABITAT

Habitat's latest cookware collection celebrates the joy of pastels. A soft palette of blush pink, soothing sage and baby blue adorns the range of non-stick pans, roasting tins, and utensils to bring a refreshing feel to the kitchen. Hero pieces in the range include the 3.3L cast iron casserole dish and a cookware ceramic roaster which is perfect for hassle-free table dining. habitat.co.uk

NOTES INTERIORS

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

DREAM GARDEN

SECRET LINEN STORE

Secret Linen Store has collaborated with the brilliantly talented Kitty McCall to print her joyful and vibrant Summer Garden design on their high quality European 100% linen.Pair with gorgeously green coordinating throws and cushion covers for bedtime perfection.

secretlinenstore.com

ON THE BALL

VLUV

VLUV products are a great way to keep you active, to get fit and to keep your spine and muscles strong. The ergonomic Kapsul desk chair adds movement, balance and activity into the working day and at just £150, it's an affordable alternative to an ergonomic chair. backinaction.co.uk

BUBBLE BUBBLE

Hay's lovely Peas rug is woven in India. The coloured wool felt balls have slight nuances that give the collection a unique and versatile expression, and a comforting feeling underfoot. skandium.com

TAKE FIVE

Bookends...

HUNG UP

DAVID

David Hunt Lighting's new petite version of the treasured Scallop Pendant offers more flexibility when designing smaller spaces, giving scope for grouping multiple pendants together, whether it be in a hallway or to make a statement above a kitchen table or island. davidhuntlighting.co.uk

CLEAR WINNER

DURALEX

French glassware manufacturer Duralex's iconic glasses inspire nostalgia – especially the iconic Picardie, known as “the original French tumbler” which launched in 1945. It now comes in a stylish new amber shade, which has a 1970s feel as well as a contemporary vibe. duralex.com

HAY

HUNT LIGHTING

LIGNE ROSET Marble bookends, £76 ligne-roset.co.uk

THE FARTHING Gold mouse bookends, £27.99 thefarthing.co.uk

SWEETPEA & WILLOW Midas Bookends, £95 sweetpeaandwillow.com

AFTER NOAH Deco Style Head Bookends, £59, afternoah.com

OKA Misse And Turlu Bookends, £80 oka.com

CUT THE

MUSTARD

How a house in Hampstead was transformed through creative use of colour

Having recently moved from a Paris to her new period home in Hampstead, Amanda Jennings enlisted architect Siri Zanelli of Collective Works and Mylands to use colour to make it feel like a home. Siri Zanelli worked with Amanda to transform the property’s original stark white interiors with an ambitious Mylands colour palette that accentuates the architecture and transforms its character.

The collaboration was the result of an existing friendship between Amanda and Siri; Amanda had always admired Siri’s projects at Collective Works as well as her colour-filled home, so Siri was the natural choice. An appreciation of good design and the powerful effect of colour on mood and wellness are a core part of Amanda’s own life; following a career in product development and design, she now owns her own tailormade retreat company at the recently renovated Oliveto Estate in an untouched area of Italy.

With Siri’s guidance, Amanda was brave with colour and together the two developed a broad palette bold and earthy hues. Though she hadn’t worked with Mylands before, Siri was introduced to the brand during a visit to the Dulwich Picture Gallery, and was impressed by their extensive palette and long history as expert manufacturers of quality paint. The final decision, however, came down to sourcing the perfect shade of mustard yellow – Amanda’s favourite colour. After sampling shades from multiple companies, Mylands’ richly pigmented Freegrove Mustard proved to be the perfect hue, developed bespoke by creative director Andrea Gelardin who had also been on the hunt for the perfect shade of yellow, and its low VOC content solidified the decision. Changed in different lights and times of day, and

when placed next to other colours (an effect called metamerism); for example she was intrigued that Freegrove Mustard would evolve from a warm honey to a deeper caramel. This, Siri says, is part of the joy of working with colour.

Each colour was chosen to introduce atmosphere and craft an experience, combined with the client’s personal preferences while also taking into consideration what shades would work best with the existing furniture and art collection. Pale olive-green hues Serpentine™ No.192 and London Plane™ No. 200 are earthy and pared back for a relaxing living space, while the main sitting room and study are enveloped in the more punchy Freegrove Mustard, Amanda’s favourite colour.

“The transformation of the kitchen really shows how a thought through colour palette can transform a space,” says Siri. “The existing beige kitchen was a very bland starting point, but when combined with blue and green, with similar tone and nuances, the space immediately became sophisticated.” Siri and Amanda chose Museum™ No.151 for the walls and ceiling and desaturated olive-green Beauvais™ No.195 to define the dining area. On the other side of the kitchen, Stirrup™ No.114 frames the brighter green hues outside with the rich silver-grey paint.

In the hallway, almost all of Mylands’ whites were tested on the walls before St James™ No. 40 was chosen, a subtle off-white paint with green undertones that imbues the space with a soft and airy quality. “Sometimes choosing the right white is the most difficult,” Siri says. In the dining room, the smoky green Museum™ No. 151 creates a peaceful space, with hints of green, blue and grey that feels nuanced and atmospheric for evening entertaining.

Siri says: “Colour is a very powerful design tool when used right, and it is a way of bringing wellbeing and the beauty of nature inside in a subtle way. Nature isn’t clean and white, it is complex and vivid, calm and embracing, and I often look for colour combinations and palettes in nature for inspiration.”

“The final decision came down to sourcing the perfect shade of mustard”

AMANDA JENNINGS AND SIRI ZANELLI

THE UK'S FINEST OUTDOOR FURNITURE

A Garden For All Seasons

For over 45 years, Bridgman has rede ned modern outdoor living. Through hot summer days and crisp autumn nights, enjoy everything your garden has to o er with their award-winning furniture and accessories, beautifully crafted to last for years to come.

Visit bridgman.co.uk, call 020 8804 7474 or head to your nearest Bridgman Showroom to discover the UK's favourite luxury furniture for yourself.

OLD AMERSHAM

ENFIELD CHELTENHAM ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS

IN THE GARDEN

MAKE YOUR GARDEN INTO AN EXTRA ROOM

METAL HEADS HAY

Hay’s Palissade collection of outdoor metal furniture was designed by French brothers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, to be clean, minimalistic and functional. There are several variations of chairs, tables and benches. skandium.com

GIMME SHELTER EDEN VERANDAS

Enjoy your garden throughout the year with a stylish Eden Veranda –with up to 25% off in the Summer Sale quoting code AM130523. Each Veranda is constructed from the highest quality materials, which are bespoke manufactured. edenverandas.co.uk

IN THE SHADE ROTUNDA

All East London Parasols are handmade with traditional Balinese craftsmanship with over 20 separate stages; from cutting the bamboo spokes to hand painting the golden lotus pattern onto the canopy. eastlondonparasols.com

TOP POTS BERGS POTTER

Bergs Potter's Elizabeth Pot is durable and elegant with its stylish Gothic arches The tall, slender pot is made of high-quality materials and is zvailable in two stunning colours; grey and rosa terracotta. bergspotter.com

LOUNGE LOVE FERM LIVING

Ferm Living's simple Desert Lounge chair has a tubular steel frame that's perfectly complemented by a woven textile seat made from recycled post-consumer waste. roseandgrey.co.uk

MODERN EASE

From its original use as a laboratory through several reincarnations, this turn-of-the-century building in California has had many lives and has finally found its raison d’être as a home with singular beauty

CONCEAL AND REVEAL

Showcase your favourite pieces, but keep the number in each display to a minimum for more impact and to avoid clutter. Built in 1907, the 1,100-square-foot/102square-meter building is home to the visionary designer Noah Guy and his partner, photographer Aysia Stieb. It was clear to Noah that a lot of work and time had been invested in the property over the years, but equally evident was the need to undo some of the less sympathetic alterations. “It doesn’t fit a specific architectural style, as it was built as a chemist’s laboratory out of poured concrete,” he explains. “Because of this, the building does to this day have a striking originality and quality. Though it was never intended to be a residence, clearly various people had inhabited it for several decades and along the way many changes were

made that were at odds with the stunning austerity of the original structure.”

In addition to its unquestionably unique history, construction and design, the building has an attractive location in Berkeley, Northern California—high up on a hill with a large retaining wall and a private garden—which only added to Noah’s belief in its potential.

MAKE IT CLEAR

The right lighting makes all the difference in helping a small place look larger than its actual size.

“My goal was to pay respect to the original builder’s and architect’s work by eradicating all the previous poor attempts to make the building into a residence and rolling back to the original interior plan but with some modern updates,” he says. Time and money were the main

“When using real materials, you can create a more beautiful livedin experience”

concerns. The San Francisco Bay Area is notorious for expensive real estate and materials, so Noah undertook much of the labor by himself. “It added several years to the project, but it brought the cost down and the quality way up,” he says. “The building itself was sound, but we had to update just about everything, including all the systems and the interiors. I carried out the necessary changes to make the structure more habitable—adding modern and technological improvements, but at the same time enhancing the original design.”

STORAGE SAVVY

When using containers to corral items, stick with identical ones for a unified look.

Noah names modern architecture and interiors, simple and honest materials and ancient building techniques as major influences on his personal decorating style, which he defines as “reductionist.” “I like that when using real materials throughout the building, you can create a more beautiful lived-in experience,” he explains. “Natural materials such as steel, wood and stone create a more organic and calming experience.”

It took a long time, but Noah and Aysia have succeeded in transforming this structure into an exceptional home. The space welcomes with its inspired redesign based on inviting, comfortable simplicity, while still celebrating its industrial-minimalist origins.

Extract taken from Small Spaces, Big Appeal by Fifi O'Neill, published by Cico Books Photography by Mark Lohman

SPACE SAVERS

CLEVER PIECES WITH SMALLER DIMENSIONS

DINNER PARTY DANETTI

With a subtle brass sheen detailing and oak veneer finish, this dining table effortlessly transform your space into dinner party perfection, seating 4-6 normally and extending to 10. danetti.com

TIGHT SPACE LOAF

If space is tight go for Loaf's Tight Spaces Store bed as, instead of drawers, the mattress lifts up to reveal loads of space for all your bedsheets and other bedroom essentials. loaf.com

STACK IT

PEPPER SQ

3

2 4 5

The Bogart dining chair is a space saving stackable design handcrafted from beech wood along with a paper cord seat expertly handwoven to achieve the intricate and durable woven seat. peppersq.com

NEST EGG CULT FURNITURE

The Madison nesting coffee tables are a must for the home when you need space-saving solutions with a Art Deco twist. In brass metal with a white marble top - the Madison is compact and easy to move around. cultfurniture.com

SLIM LINE ATKIN

& THYME

A slim, space-saving design perfect for smaller hallways and landings, the Zen Console is a beautifully textured travertine stone console table that complements all interiors. atkinandthyme.co.uk

KOKET Pink Bloom Chair, £5,120 bykoket.com

BODE LIVING

ZigZag Mirror, £110 bode-living.com

EDITOR’S

BRAIDED RUG COMPANY

Dusty Pink Placemat, £7.50 braided-rug.co.uk

ROSE & GREY Curly Martini Glasses, £32 for two roseandgrey.co.uk

RAJ TENT CLUB

Riviera parasol, £325 rajtentclubshop.com

BURLINGTON

Confetti Pink Edwardian basin, £342 tapnshower.com

A BARBIE WORLD

Pink is the colour of summer 2023

By PENDLE HARTE

JONATHAN ADLER Mustique cone vase, £125 jonathanadler.com

RAJ TENT CLUB

Egyptian glass candlesticks, £20 each rajtentclubshop.com

ROCKETT ST GEORGE

Outdoor Cushion, £24 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

ERCOL

Marlia armchair, £1,060 ercol.com

BOBBI BECK

Barbie Dreamhouse Ice Cream Stripes Wallpaper, £75 bobbibeck.com

SPICER AND WOOD

Hot Pink Ceramic Vase, £22 spicerandwood.co.uk

Iconic design is

combination of simplicity, aesthetics and functionality

SCANDINAVIAN

HYGGE

Preserving Danish design classics at Carl Hansen & Søn

Founded in 1908, design company Carl Hansen & Søn is a third-generation family-run Danish business. At Carl Hansen & Søn, we believe that iconic design is a combination of simplicity, aesthetics and functionality brought to life through skillful work with the highest quality materials.

Through the years, Carl Hansen & Søn has maintained a strong focus on preserving Danish design classics while continuing to expand our collection to represent influential new designers.

As an extra element in all Flagship Stores, a broad and exciting accessories program has been developed. A program that matches our furniture and helps to give the interior the special touch that makes it different and personal. We use nature’s own produce: wood, Carl Hansen & Søn’s most important material, along with other sustainable materials, such as clay, glass, wool, linen and paper.

Carl Hansen & Søn’s accessory range also creates new and exciting experiences and relations. And for our customers - many exciting items, made in the spirit of passion and good conscience, both for decoration or as a fun and functional thing in the everyday life.

carlhansen.com

a

A POOL FOR EVERYONE

GREAT DESIGNS AND SPEED OF INSTALLATION

Easy Pool’s huge modular range means that there is a shape and size to suit everyone. Gone are the days when building a pool meant having builders on site for weeks on end, not to mention delays caused by rain.

Most pools in the range are completed in a week or two. Compare that to a concrete pool that can take months to complete, during which time your garden looks a mess. Pool sizes range from 4m to 12m with flat or sloped bases. There are currently short lead times as most models are in stock.

SMOOTH FINISH

Leisure Pools fibreglass swimming pools have a smooth, clean gelcoat finish that is non-abrasive.

MAINTENANCE-FREE

The gelcoat finish on a Leisure Pool not only looks great, it is also so easy to look after. The surface is smooth and non-porous so it cleans easily and is very stain resistant.

COLOUR RANGE

Leisure Pools offers an exclusive range of seven beautiful colours, each with its own sparkle and shimmer finish, ensuring you will be able to find the ideal colour to suit your home and taste.

COMPATIBILITY

Salt chlorinators, chlorine, fresh water systems and ozone systems all work wonderfully well with Leisure Pools fiberglass pools. Whatever your choice may be, it will be compatible.

SAFETY FOR CHILDREN AND PETS

Automatic safety covers comply with all EU regulations. Many pool owners have children or grandchildren, or entertain friends with children. When owning a pool where kids will be playing, safety is a major concern. The side of a swimming pool can often be slick and hard to grasp for children. The safety ledge allows children to stand on the ledge and grasp the side of the pool. This can be helpful for children learning to swim, and can provide parents with added peace of mind.

WARRANTY

If you are getting quotes, ask if a lifetime warranty is being provided on the structure of the swimming pool. At best with a concrete pool you will get a seven-year warranty. Do you hope to have a pool for longer than that? The manufacturer is so certain it builds the world’s best composite pool that it offers a Lifetime Structural Warranty and a Lifetime Structural Osmosis Warranty on all swimming pools.

EASY POOLS

For further information contact Easy Pools by calling 01444 411 411 or 07710 402 917, or visiting swimpools.co.uk

“The gelcoat finish not only looks great, it is also so easy to look after”

There are so many reasons to choose Easy Pools…

GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP

Rediscover comfort and sustainability with Woolroom

At Woolroom, they are committed to providing the most comfortable and sustainable sleep environment. With a focus on quality, craftsmanship, and environmental consciousness, they offer a unique experience that redefines what it means to create a cosy and sustainable bedroom.

COMFORT REDEFINED

They understand the significance of a good night’s sleep. Wool’s unique properties regulate body temperature, wicking away moisture and providing insulation, ensuring a restful and comfortable sleep. Their wool bedding collection, including mattresses, duvets, pillows, and mattress toppers, is carefully crafted to deliver the ultimate sleep experience. By choosing Woolroom, you are investing in your sleep quality.

SUSTAINABILITY AT THE CORE

In an era where sustainability is paramount, they are dedicated to minimising their environmental footprint. Wool, a renewable and biodegradable material, is at the heart of their production process. Sourced from British farms (with full traceability for the customer), the wool is carefully cleaned and processed using eco-friendly methods, ensuring the highest standards of quality and sustainability. By opting for Woolroom products, you contribute to the preservation of our planet, reducing your carbon footprint while enjoying premium comfort and the most natural sleep.

ETHICAL FARMING AND ANIMAL WELFARE

Woolroom take pride in maintaining strong relationships with farmers who prioritise animal welfare and follow the Five Freedoms Act. Their commitment to ethical farming ensures that the sheep providing the wool are

treated with care and respect. By adhering to strict guidelines and standards, they can guarantee that the sheep live in natural, spacious environments, free from harm. This transparency in sourcing process allows consumers to feel confident in their purchase.

INNOVATIVE DESIGN AND STYLE

Their products not only excel in comfort and sustainability, but also in design and style. Their commitment to providing the most cutting edge bedding (such as the world’s first machine-washable organic wool bedding), is matched by their commitment to providing the most stylish bedroom furnishings. From their wool bedding to stylish throws, they provide the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality. By choosing Woolroom, you can create a cosy and inviting space while making a statement of sustainable living. Woolroom is not just a brand; it’s a lifestyle choice that combines comfort, sustainability, and style. Their dedication to using natural wool, supporting ethical farming, and promoting a greener future sets them apart from the competition. By choosing Woolroom, you invest in your well-being, while also contributing to a more sustainable planet. It’s time to rediscover the joy of comfort and experience the satisfaction of making a conscious choice for a better world. Embrace the naturally better sleep that Woolroom brings, and let their products transform your home into a sanctuary of comfort and sustainability.

thewoolroom.com

Patio Black Spot Remover®

The UK’s Best Selling Stone Restorer

Burning AMBITION

It’s 60 years since Diptique invented the scented candle as we know it

By EVE HERBERT

Everyone loves a scented candle, and especially a Diptyque one. The Diptyque candle, in its signature simple glass with elegant illustrated label, is an icon that has spawned countless copies – but the original remains the gift that everyone wants to receive.

And this year the candle is celebrating its 60th birthday. Born in Paris from the imaginations of the Diptyque’s three founders, a trio of candles were first introduced in 1963: Aubépine (Hawthorn), Cannelle (Cinnamon) and Thé (Tea). Since then, the brand has expanded its collection to a dream-like herbarium of almost 50 scents, designed to be burned alone or combined with others to create another unique olfactory landscape. Thanks to its timeless design, beloved fragrances and recognisable codes, the classic Diptyque candle has become a recognisable icon that speaks to every generation.

Desmond Knox-Leet, Christiane

Montadre-Gautrot and Yves Coueslant were three aesthetically oriented friends united by their sense of beauty and love of nature. Just two years after the opening of their Boulevard Saint-Germain boutique, a place rich in objects and rare finds from around the world, they went on to reinvent the scented candle – which until then was an item used purely for practical purposes – as an object with sensorial and decorative qualities. The claim was that it was possible to travel without leaving your living room, because of the extraordinary and emotive power of scent. They could not have predicted that their simple candles would become the standard bearers that they are today.

“Diptyque's candle is an icon that has spawned countless copies”

Serenity in a KITCHEN

Poggenpohl invites Absolutely in to see one of their recent unique kitchen projects

This kitchen features a design that effortlessly marries simplicity, elegance and functionality, using a combination of ‘Natural Nut Tree’ and ‘Blossom White’ doors alongside the exquisite Neolith ‘Himalayan Crystal’ worktops. With a soft and elegant colour palette, this kitchen embodies a sense of tranquility and warmth.

The customer wanted a natural and organic feel to the kitchen. The warm tones and distinctive grain patterns of the ‘Nut Tree’ doors lends a touch of rustic charm, whilst the matt lacquered ‘Blossom White’ provides a clean and modern backdrop. Together they create a harmonious balance that is visually appealing and soothing. The porcelain worktops in Neolith’s Himalayan Crystal finish add a luxurious touch which is enhanced by its satin finish. The combination of the durability and stunning aesthetics makes them an ideal choice for a kitchen that aims for both style and practicality. Ensuring a modern finish, the LED lighting is adjustable and integrated into the kitchen, allowing the client to easily control the mood and atmosphere of the space. The play of light and shadow further accentuates the textures and tones of the materials, creating a captivating visual experience.

The client’s request for a muted colour palette that still exudes warmth is achieved with this design. The soft and elegant tones create a serene ambience, fostering a sense of tranquility and comfort in the kitchen. The clean lines and uncluttered layout further allow for easy navigation and smooth workflow. This kitchen goes above and beyond meeting the client’s expectations as it harmoniously blends aesthetics, functionality and the desired ambience. The use of the warm finishes and modern Siemens appliances achieves a

balance between visual appeal, practicality and the desired serene and inviting atmosphere.

This kitchen design captures the essence of simplicity, elegance and efficiency. The choice of materials, colour palette, lighting and appliances all contribute to a space that is both visually stunning and highly functional. Whether the client is cooking, entertaining or simply enjoying a quiet moment, this kitchen offers a quiet and inviting environment for the client and their loved ones to gather and create lasting memories, all while ensuring an ergonomic design that will stand the test of time.

To find your nearest Poggenpohl dealer, visit poggenpohl.com or phone 01737 728 100

“The client's request for a muted colour palette that still exudes warmth is achieved with this design”

Scattered across eight idyllic Caribbean islands, discover our 17 breathtaking adults-only resorts. Enjoy creatively crafted cocktails and indulge in mouth-watering cuisine at up to 16 on-resort restaurants, all included within your stay. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, look no further – we include that too with unlimited land and water sports. For the ultimate relaxation experience enjoy our award-winning Red Lane® Spas - each a tranquil sanctuary to rejuvenate and heighten all your senses. Here at Sandals Resorts we’ve been perfecting our holidays for over 40 years, leaving you to sit back, relax and enjoy all that’s included.

LAKESIDE LUXURY

HOTEL EDEN ROC ASCONA

Moving Mountains is a wellbeing programme dedicated to mind and body, taking in a wholesome diet alongside activities that range from the gentle to the energetic, all in the beautiful lakeside surrounds of Hotel Eden Roc in Ascona, on the shore of Lake Maggiore. tchuggencollection.ch

The Italian lakes are impossibly beautiful – but in high season it can feel as though half the population of the world is drawn to Como. But there are several other lakes, not all of them quite as hectic, and that’s why we have come to Maggiore, the region’s second-largest lake. Most of Maggiore belongs to Italy, but the northernmost part is Swiss – and it’s here that the quietly beautiful town of Ascona combines a Swiss wholesomeness with the glamour of the Italian lakes.

Ascona’s main waterfront strip is a colourful run of brightly hued houses that look more German than Italian, with the microclimate’s signature palm trees defining the landscape, along with the mountains behind. It’s an extraordinary spot. We’re staying at Eden Roc, a luxurious hotel with a strong focus on wellbeing and relaxation. Built in the 1970s, it has an enviable position with lots of spots from which to enjoy the views, which are, without exception, breathtaking.

Here it’s all about the lake, which we admire over breakfast, lunch and dinner on the shore, and also from various boats in the water. Activities include excursions on the hotel’s sailing boat and on the hotel’s

Sail

yacht, on which we cruise towards a small island that’s home to an extraordinary botanical garden filled with lush and unlikely flora – there are spectacular rhododendrons, mature palms and sprawling cacti surrounding a private Italianate palazzo.

Eden Roc – along with the rest of the Tschuggen group to which it belongs – has a wellness programme called Moving Mountains. This, they say, is designed “to help you restore vitality, reconnect with nature and celebrate joy”, which is a pretty accurate description of how we actually do feel here. A diverse offering of activities spans paddleboarding, kayaking, lake swimming from the hotel’s own beach, yoga, paragliding and hiking as well as lots of excursions into the region. We take a guided tour of Bolle de Magadino to see one of Switzerland’s last remaining delta ecosystems where a heavily protected wetland is home to an impressive number of rare and endangered species. Here we watch nesting swans and swimming turtles and learn about the area’s significance as a rest stop for migratory birds.

Back at the hotel, dining options are varied: the Moving Mountains menu options are wholesome, with a vegan slant, but there are also less worthy options in the name of gastronomic excellence. We are promised the world’s best tomato pasta, and treated to

“It’s all about the lake, which we admire over breakfast, lunch and dinner”

By PENDLE HARTE

a live cookery demonstration as staff roll up a mobile hob and proceed to sling quantities of tomatoes into hot olive oil to demonstrate the resulting alchemy. Another restaurant offers a global menu with a cavalier mix-and-match approach, so we enjoy dim sum and mezze along with excellent lake-caught pike and Italy’s popular Franciacorta sparkling wine.

Sustainability-wise, there’s a strong commitment to the hotel’s carbon neutral pledge. A temporary art exhibition is currently on display (until the end of August), a site-specific project commissioned specially to use waste generated by the hotel. So in the lobby there’s a wall of bricks made from recycled menus and discarded cut flowers and a row of ornate frames displaying tangles of plastic packaging.

With the hotel’s dual focuses on sustainability and wellbeing, there’s a serene, quiet feel to the place. Rooms are spacious and bathrooms are vast (we note that we’ve never found a bathroom scale in a hotel before). The spa is high class, and the heated indoor/outdoor pool is a luxury for when the lake is just a little too chilly. In all, Eden Roc is a treat for all the senses.

Rooms start at CHF 390 based on two adults sharing a standard double on a B&B basis. edenroc.ch

HOETL EDEN ROC, LAKE MAGGIORE

Perched on the stunning Devon coastline, overlooking the mesmerizing expanse of sea, Gara Rock Hotel stands as a true testament to laidback luxury. Its unrivalled location is perfect for exploring nearby Salcombe and Dartmoor, plus dogs are welcome too. Combined with the exceptional amenities, it has become a favoured destination for travellers seeking an indulgent retreat in the south-west.

You can't help but be captivated by the breathtaking vistas that greet you as you arrive. The panoramic views of the sea stretching into the horizon never fails to amaze, whether you're lounging on your private balcony or sipping a refreshing drink on the terrace.

The accommodations at Gara Rock Hotel are an exquisite blend of comfort, style, and impeccable attention to detail. From elegantly appointed rooms to spacious suites, each designed with tasteful decor, guests

COAST

Gara Rock Hotel is a coastal haven of luxury and relaxation in Devon

are treated to an atmosphere of understated luxury. However, it is the out-of-the-ordinary suites that steal the show, offering guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience with their stunning sea views and unparalleled opulence.

To satiate those discerning tastebuds, the hotel boasts an award-winning restaurant helmed by its talented Head Chef, Paul Hegley. Drawing inspiration from land, sea and allotment, the culinary team crafts a menu that showcases the best flavours of the region. With every bite, savour the freshness and authenticity of locally sourced ingredients expertly transformed into classic dishes with a twist.

For those seeking ultimate relaxation, the hotel's spa and indoor and outdoor pools offer peace and serenity. Indulge in a wide range of treatments designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. Whether it's a revitalising massage, a refreshing facial, or a soothing dip in the pool, the spa's extensive menu ensures that guests find solace and renewal amidst the tranquillity.

Beyond its remarkable features, Gara Rock embodies the true essence of hospitality. The attentive and knowledgeable team cater to every need with warmth and professionalism, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience for every guest.

In a world that often moves at an alarming pace, Gara Rock offers a respite from the demands of everyday life. Nestled on the captivating Devon coastline, it promises an idyllic escape where guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while indulging in the finest comforts.

gararock.com

“Guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature”

Luxury Holiday Rentals at Glenmor

Make yourselves at home in the heart of Gleneagles

The Gleneagles experience is one of a kind – you can now enjoy it from the comfort of a Glenmor luxury holiday home, located in the heart of Gleneagles. On your stay you can enjoy complimentary golf for one person, plus access to all of the leisure, dining and pursuits of the 5 star estate. We have 2, 3 and 4 bedroom properties available, perfect for all the family. With prices starting from £3,680 for a 2 bed, £4,630 for a 3 bed and £5,080 for a 4 bed for 7 nights.

Find out more: GLENEAGLES.COM/GLENMOR + 44 (0)1764 694321 OWN@GLENEAGLES.COM

The Timeshare, Holiday Products, Resale and Exchange Contracts Regulation 2010 requires Gleneaglesto provide you with certain key information in relation to the proposed seasonal ownership contract. A standard information form which contains this key information in relation to that contract may beobtained by contacted us via the above methods.

ON THE CASE PACKING

ESSENTIALS FOR SUMMER TRIPS

WHEELS UP

JULY

The new must-have suitcase is July's excellent Carry On: the study hard shell spinner looks sleek, fits in the overhead lockers and is large enough for a two week trip, we believe. It even has an integrated power bank. £249 july .com

BIG BLUE RIMOWA

Icon of the carousel Rimowa has launched a new colour, inspired by the blue waters of the Arctic Ocean. The collection sees the German Maison’s iconic travel pieces crafted in a subtle and refreshing shade of blue. rimowa.com

COMFORT ZONE HASTENS

Hastens' travel pillow is made from a dreamy mix of duck feather and down, and its handy zipped design means that you can store things inside it too. £165 hastens.com

SOUND PROOF URBANEARS

The new active noise-cancelling Juno earphones are made with 91% recycled plastic and offer 26 hours of playtime, perfect for even the longest journeys. £89.99 urbanears.com

TOUGH LOVE MOUS

Mous' waterproof 25L backpack keeps you cool and dry – even on sweaty train rides – and it incorporates the firm’s signature impact absorbing technology to keep your belongings safe on the move. £249.99 uk.mous.co

Escape To… BERKSHIRE

The Vineyard Hotel, Newbury is a fantastic location for a minibreak, with a special focus on food

Words CRAIG DAVIES

The Vineyard Hotel in Newbury is a luxurious and elegant destination that offers a truly exceptional experience for its guests. From the moment you step foot inside the hotel, you are greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that sets the stage for a memorable stay.

The hotel's architecture is a blend of contemporary design and classic elegance, creating a visually stunning backdrop. The interiors are beautifully decorated, with attention to detail evident in every corner. The hotel boasts an impressive art collection, featuring works from renowned artists, further enhancing its sophisticated ambiance.

Rooms are tastefully furnished and equipped with modern amenities to ensure your comfort. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the plush bedding to the high-quality toiletries provided. The rooms also offer stunning views of the hotel's picturesque surroundings, adding to the overall charm.

One of the highlights of The Vineyard is its exceptional dining experience. The hotel is home to a Michelin restaurant, where guests can indulge in a culinary journey like no other. The menu is carefully curated, showcasing the finest local produce and a creative fusion of flavours. The sommeliers at The Vineyard are more than happy to guide you through their extensive wine list, ensuring the perfect pairing for your meal.

For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, visit The Vineyard spa. Here, you can pamper yourself with a range of luxurious Irene Forte treatments and therapies, all designed to help you unwind and de-stress. The spa facilities are topnotch, featuring a sauna, steam room, and a fully equipped fitness centre.

The Vineyard Hotel in Newbury is a true gem, offering a luxurious and unforgettable experience. With its stunning architecture, elegant interiors, exceptional dining, and impeccable service, The Vineyard is undoubtedly a destination worth visiting.

CATCH

Catch, a new experience at The Vineyard Hotel, is a delightful culinary destination that offers a remarkable alfresco dining experience. With its warm and inviting ambiance, attentive staff, and exquisite menu, Catch has quickly become a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

The restaurant boasts a modern and stylish décor, creating an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. Seating is comfortable, and the lighting is just right, setting the perfect mood for an enjoyable dining experience.

Catch has a diverse and creative menu. The chefs skilfully combine fresh, seasonal ingredients to craft dishes that are not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavour. From seafood delicacies like seared scallops and grilled lobster to mouthwatering meat options like succulent steaks, the menu offers something for everyone.

Flavours are well-balanced, and the culinary techniques used showcase the skill and expertise of the kitchen staff. Service is top-notch, plus there is an extensive wine list that complements the menu perfectly. The sommelier can recommend the perfect pairing to enhance your dining experience. Overall, Catch is a true gem in the culinary scene. With its inviting ambiance, exceptional menu and impeccable service, it is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience. Whether you're a seafood lover or prefer other culinary delights, Catch is sure to impress. the-vineyard.co.uk

“Stunning architecture, elegant interiors, exceptional dining, and impeccable service”

EDUCATION

MALVERN COLLEGE

Wrapped in the warm embrace of the glorious Malvern Hills, Malvern College is regarded as one of England’s great independent schools. With an admired and distinguished history, Malvern alumni have helped to shape the modern world of science, sport, literature and the arts for generations.. malverncollege.org.uk

Nursery BENEFITS

North Bridge House Nursery & Pre-prep discusses its approach of widening children’s experience while providing a strong learning foundation

Department of Work & Pensions records show that 76% of mothers now return to work within 18 months of having a child, with day nurseries remaining the most popular childcare for under threes While cutting the umbilical cord and enrolling your little one can still be a tough decision, the benefits are clear. Aside from the daily routine, spending time in a play and learning environment helps academic readiness. “A nursery or pre-school setting provides structure and routine for young children, while building the social, pre-academic, and general life skills that prepare them for ‘big school’,” says Eilish Sleator, Head of School at North Bridge House Nursery & Pre-Prep in West Hampstead.

So how do you choose the best nursery for your child? The difference between settings often lies in how the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is delivered. EYFS providers are not bound by the same staff-to-child ratios. For children aged 3+ years in a private nursery or pre-school, the typical staff to child ratio is 1:8. At North Bridge House, the ratio at Nursery (age 2+) is 1:4 and in the

pre-Reception (3+) class, it is 1:6. The team say this enables individualised teaching and helps children thrive. NBH has also adopted a ‘mastery’ approach. Pupils master key concepts before moving on to the next topic. Individualised support gives children time to grasp an idea and gain deeper understanding.

It’s important to consider the whole nursery experience, as non-cognitive learning is just as essential. Nursery is your child’s opportunity to discover life outside the family unit – also developing key social and communication skills and self-confidence.

“Again, this comes down to what the pre-school or nursery offers above and beyond the EYFS,” says Eilish Sleator.

“While this framework is designed to ensure a child’s personal development as well as academic progress, we look to provide as much opportunity as possible to spark curiosity outside of the formal curriculum.”

Specialist subjects are offered from the outset, with Italian, drama, music and dance, delivered on a weekly basis in the Nursery. In the 3+ class, children also benefit from twice weekly French lessons and bi-weekly Forest School.

“At this age, we do not offer specialist subjects with the aim of developing the next Mozart or Ginger Rogers,” says Eilish Sleator. “Our primary aim is to provide breadth and depth to the earliest years of education, to inspire that lifelong love of learning, and to equip our little ones with the confidence and resilience to thrive.

“While factors such as location and ease of access will play a significant part in the decision-making process, when choosing a nursery for your little one I would always recommend finding out about how they will be supported and developed as an individual, and what the nursery or pre-school can offer to provide an even wider learning experience than the EYFS framework.”

“We provide breadth and depth – and equip children with the confidence to thrive”

A PUPIL AT NORTH BRIDGE HOUSE NURSERY

MATHS MISTAKE

At the start of the year, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans for all pupils in England to study maths to 18 to tackle innumeracy and equip them with analytical skills to thrive in data-driven careers. Yet, unlike a strong maths student, Mr Sunak failed to show his workings.

For those who don’t enjoy the beauty of maths (I admit there are some!), and who won’t progress beyond a GCSE to A level, it is unclear what Mr Sunak’s plans are. I can only imagine it would be some kind of functional maths or practical maths course.

If the job of educators is to excite, inspire and convey knowledge, I fear this could subject some students to a further

two years of misery. If a student isn’t venturing into maths- or science-based degrees, is this really constructive?

The 60% of Sixth Form girls at St Catherine’s who have chosen to study Maths and Further Maths at A level don’t necessarily love every lesson and they do find concepts challenging, but they also delight in the challenge of unsolved problems and their results speak for themselves.

In the workplace, a sound understanding of percentages and fractions may be all someone needs to function effectively. This is covered at GCSE in detail, so I can’t see how this can be dragged out over a further two years, tethering students to their calculators to 18. Learning to run your own finances and gaining an understanding of mortgages and interest rates would certainly be useful life lessons, but in most schools these areas are sensibly covered in PSHE (personal, social, health and economic) lessons.

Compounding the challenge for Mr Sunak’s ambition is the lack of maths teachers nationwide. It hasn’t been suggested how we are going to recruit more to fulfil the extra maths teaching that would be needed. Nor how we address the fact that, at the moment, half of secondary school pupils are taught maths by non-specialist teachers, as noted in a TES report published last November. I’ll end with a nod to my teaching

colleagues. Any extra maths sessions that students are made to do post 16 will inevitably be at the detriment of other subjects, such as art, music and drama. With the Arts Council estimating that the creative industries bring £8.5bn to the UK economy annually, it is not just the worlds of science and finance that make economic sense. I’m happy to help with the calculations Sunak.

“Compounding the challenge for Mr Sunak’s ambition is the lack of maths teachers nationwide, as noted in a TES report last November”

Alasdair Wright of St Catherine’s School, Bramley gives a mathematician’s take on Rishi Sunak’s plans to make students continue the subject to 18

ALASDAIR WRIGHT Head of Maths St Catherine’s School, Bramley

Rosemead Preparatory School in Dulwich has announced a new initiative with a leading software company to develop a new wall garden for pupils and staff to enjoy. The school will be working with SovTech, who are sponsoring the project, in bringing the wall garden to life in the school’s playground. The project, led by the Eco Club, will build upon the school’s commitment to sustainability and outdoor learning. Pupils in the club have eagerly embraced the new opportunity and will play a nurturing role in looking after the new wall, ensuring it supports the club’s sustainability pledges and helps to combat pollution. Speaking about the new partnership,

The future is GREEN

Rosemead Preparatory School announces a new initiative to develop a wall garden

Head, Graeme McCafferty said: ‘We are incredibly excited to be working closely with SovTech to develop our new wall garden. I’m looking forward to seeing the work of the Eco Club in building and bringing this space to life over the next few years.’

A spokesperson for SovTech added: ‘The wall garden at Rosemead Preparatory School stands as a testament to the collective efforts of SovTech, the Rosemead Preparatory School and the children, demonstrating the potential for positive change when organisations and individuals work together towards a common goal. It serves as a symbol of hope, reminding us all of the impacts we can make in curbing pollution and creating a sustainable future.’

The news comes at an exciting time for Rosemead Preparatory School. Earlier

this year, the school announced it would be merging with the award-winning St Dunstan’s College. At the time, St Dunstan’s Head, Nick Hewlett, explained: ‘We are delighted to be bringing our schools together, which will strengthen and enrich both our communities. The two schools have a long and deep commitment to a values-driven education, preparing our young students for the world of tomorrow.

‘The merger will be a wonderful opportunity for our two schools, one set in the heart of Catford, and the second in the heart of Dulwich, to work closer together, learning from one another and enhancing our students’ educational journeys.’

To book your place on Rosemead Preparatory School's open day on Saturday 7 October 2023, visit rosemeadprep.org.uk

BILINGUA L BENEFITS

Countless studies point to the benefits of bilingualism, not only to broaden one’s linguistic skills, but also to develop certain brain areas and connections, thereby strengthening cognitive abilities, creativity and productivity.

The benefit of acquiring these linguistic skills as early as possible is also generally accepted. Recreating the natural circumstances in which an infant acquires its native language’s oral skills is key to success. Bilingual families know this and will often seek to have their offspring educated at an international school. In cases where a child is born in a monolingual family, school becomes the place to experience an international context first-hand from a very young age.

With this in mind, all French schools in the global AEFE network, which is the French Ministry for European & Foreign Affairs’ Agency for French Education abroad (and with 566 schools in 138 countries) apply the same system. This means they teach the French curriculum and the French language, as well as the language and culture of the host country. Beyond bilingualism, these schools’ programmes actually aim for multilingualism, where an additional foreign language becomes compulsory at secondary level. This is achieved through dedicated language classes and other subjects being taught in one language or the other – for instance, historygeography, mathematics, science, sports.

The Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle de Londres – with its four locations in South Kensington, Clapham, Ealing and Fulham –is no exception. From age 3, our pupils are immersed in both languages. This happens in the classroom with intensive English lessons or a 50/50 programme, or even in informal

learning situations such as the playground, the dining hall, extracurricular activities and other peer-to-peer interactions in our community of over 40 nationalities.

Following the Ronjat-Grammont method, where each adult is encouraged to only address pupils in their own native language, the Lycée focuses on having children acquire equal ease of oral comprehension and expression before they leave primary school. Pupils then develop written language skills and leave their school at 18 with excellent proficiency in at least two languages. This enables them to enter the most competitive higher-education courses around the world.

The educational offer at the Lycée caters for all tastes and abilities. Pupils with a strong interest in literature get to enhance their knowledge of English-language written works in the International Section. Pupils wanting to pursue an all-British education in an international environment can prepare and take their GCSEs and A levels in the British Section. Pupils considering multilingualism a priority can learn other modern languages (Arabic, German, Italian,

Russian or Spanish), or opt for ancient Greek or Latin. They can also attend the International French Baccalaureate Section and even graduate with a trilingual qualification in French, English and German. Beyond bilingualism, multi-linguistic proficiency and multicultural backgrounds are key skills for individuals to develop in a globalised world. Started at age 3, the multilingual educational journey of international school pupils leads them to become well-rounded citizens of the world, able to adapt to diverse environments and to communicate efficiently across borders.

“Pupils are immersed in French and English languages within a community welcoming over 40 nationalities”

Cerian Maraviglia of Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle de Londres explains how bilingual learning works at its four schools – and the benefits it brings

CERIAN MARAVIGLIA

Primary English Coordinator for the Lycée schools

A LYCÉE FRANÇAIS CHARLES DE GAULLE DE LONDRES PUPIL

SOCIAL Entrepreneurship

Paul Vanni, Founding Head of the soon-to-open Senior London Park School Clapham, discusses its approach

Schools have for decades taught business studies and economics. For longer still they have taught numeracy and financial literacy and have instilled in generations of students the kind of dynamism and chutzpah that traditionally have seemed essential to business, particularly the world of the entrepreneur.

Over the years, competitions such as Young Enterprise have done much to promote the entrepreneurial spirit. Sir Alan Sugar and the glamour of The Apprentice have only served to make entrepreneurial pathways more attractive to young people. This approach to business, however, centres on the bottom line. In a modern, progressive school we should be able to harness this in a way which is more altruistic.

At London Park School Clapham, we want our students to have a real understanding of the world around them and of their place in it, and to have the wherewithal to be positive changemakers. We want the school to be a base camp for inquisitive minds and to empower leaders for a new world. As such, we have a focus on social entrepreneurship

– we want our students to have the skills and real-world understanding to develop, fund and implement solutions to social, cultural and environmental issues. These solutions eventually need to be selfpropelling and sustainable, not reliant on the industry of one or two individuals.

Students will work hard to develop an understanding of the challenges facing the world and – alongside our academically rigorous curriculum – we run our own courses structured around the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Once you have understood an issue and felt that sense of personal agency, the next challenge is to decide what to do to tackle it head on. This is really where social entrepreneurship comes in.

Our students will be encouraged to develop innovative solutions to realworld problems and much of what we will do will be centred on encouraging critical thinking and the links between different disciplines. In Design Technology, for example,

students will look at practical issues faced by people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Building on this, and drawing on skills learnt in Mathematics, Computer Science and IT, they will design – and in some cases build – devices to improve the quality of life of others. Students will be given the guidance to take their ideas and make them accessible. Young people will learn financial literacy and digital marketing. They will also learn to work together to formulate plans and develop ideas, turning them into real business outcomes. Support will be given not just by teachers, but also by local professionals who share our sense of community and our desire to be ethical changemakers.

These mentors will work with us to deliver student-led ventures, providing invaluable experience of entrepreneurship and of how to run a start-up business. We will provide the space and the platform at London Park School Clapham. Our students will demonstrate their capacity for understanding and empathy, and their ability to make the world a better place.

“We want the school to be a base camp for inquisitive minds and to empower leaders for a new world”

PAUL VANNI Founding Head London Park School Clapham

LONDON PARK SCHOOL CLAPHAM WILL PRIORITISE REAL-WORLD LEARNING

Arthur Road, Wimbledon £5,500,000

A substantial house with commanding views in glorious gardens of just under 0.5 acre. Entrance hall, drawing room, dining room, study, 37’ kitchen, breakfast room, cellar rooms, 9 bedrooms, 3 bath/ shower rooms, garage and driveway parking, ER/F

Belvedere Drive, Wimbledon GP £4,000,000

Elegant Grade II listed house with an exceptional 150’ southerly garden situated close to the Village. Reception hall, 2 reception rooms, conservatory, study, kitchen/breakfast room, cellar rooms and utility room, 7 bedrooms, 4 bath/showers, driveway parking

Wool Road, Wimbledon £2,895,000

With a lovely 96’ Westerly rear garden located on one of Wimbledon’s most sought after roads. 2 reception rooms, study, kitchen, breakfast room, 2nd floor family room, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, garage, OSP ER/C

Crooked Billet, Wimbledon Common £2,250,000

Innovatively redesigned and modernised in a picturesque setting near the Green and the Common. Vestibule and hall, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/dining/family room, 3-4 bedrooms, 3 bath/shower rooms, dark room, walled gardens, ER/D

PROPERTY

Riverview Road, W4

£1,384

per week

Located close to the River Thames, this outstanding family home has been recently renovated to a high standard. There is a generous reception room leading onto a bespoke kitchen with Quartz worktops and dining space. The large garden has the added luxury of a custom made bar in the summer house. Over the first and second floors you will find four bedrooms and two bathrooms, energy rating c.

Dexters Chiswick. 388 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 5TF

T: 020 8995 5439 E: chiswicklettings@dexters.co.uk

Esmond Road, W4

£4,500,000

Set within the sought after Bedford Park Estate, a unique five bedroom house arranged across four floors. Retaining period features throughout, the impressive entrance hall features stained glass windows, Edwardian mosaic floors and a striking spiral staircase. There are two spacious reception rooms, a formal dining room and kitchen diner as well as a garden room which opens onto a south facing garden, energy rating e.

Dexters Chiswick. 388 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 5TF

T: 020 8995 4321 E: chiswicksales@dexters.co.uk

@dextersestateagents

Whitehall Park Road, W4

£1,039 per week

Close to Chiswick House and Gardens and the shops on Chiswick High Road, this well-presented house has four bedrooms, a rear garden and the added bonus of a roof terrace, energy rating d.

020 8742 4100

chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

Beverley Road, W4

£1,732 per week

Positioned on a tree-lined road and parallel to Chiswick High Road, a five bedroom family home including a spacious reception room, an extended eat-in kitchen and a garden, energy rating e.

020 8742 4100

chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

Cornwall Grove, W4

£1,175 per week

Perfectly placed next to Chiswick Lane, an exceptional four bedroom home. Offering impressive living space with a through reception and a L-shaped kitchen and dining room, energy rating c.

020 8742 4100

chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

Friars Place, W3 £1,442 per week

Located in the heart of Acton, this semi-detached house has been newly refurbished throughout. The property comes with four bedrooms, a large garden and Juliette balconies, energy rating e.

020 7603 0603 brookgreenlettings@fletcherestates.com

A striking three bedroom apartment set within an exclusive development. There is an open plan reception area which leads onto a wraparound balcony providing panoramic views of the Thames. Residents have access to a swimming pool, gym and spa, energy rating b.

Situated in one of the most desirable mansion blocks overlooking Brook Green, a split-level apartment which has been meticulously renovated. The property offers two bedrooms and a generous reception room as well as a south facing terrace, energy rating d.

Parr’s Way, W6

Queens Mansions, W6

NEW HOMES

A look at Oldlands Grange, a new development from Nicholas King Homes

Oldlands Grange, located on the outskirts of the popular Surrey village of Ripley, is now nearing completion. This small development of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom new homes, by Nicholas King Homes, has already welcomed its first occupants who are relishing the foodie delights that Ripley has to offer and no doubt planning the future of their new gardens by visiting nearby Wisley Gardens, the home of the Royal Horticulture Society. There are just a handful of homes remaining available for those who wish to move this summer and autumn – and want to take advantage of the huge energy savings these new homes can provide.

EPC ratings of A and B give new home buyers savings of around £135

per month on average, based on Ofgems new Ofgem’s new price cap. These savings are coupled with high specification interiors and home sizes that are much larger than average new 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes that are also kind to the environment. The homes at Oldlands Grange are built with timber frame construction. High performing insulation within the timber frame rather than traditional lower performing cavity insulation creates modern homes that not only save money but are also kinder to the environment by using less energy and renewable resources as well as reducing the carbon footprint.

Internally, Oldlands Grange provides superb fitted shaker-style kitchens with stone worktops and a full range of integrated appliances ready to cook up your own foodie dinners.

There are hotel-styled ensuite and

family bathrooms with contemporary ceramics, large mirrors, Amtico flooring and sumptuous showers, all warmed by large ladder-style towel rails.

Underfloor heating to the ground floor means your walls are free and ready for your own interior design touches.

Each Oldlands Grange home is fitted with Amtico flooring to the hall and kitchen/dining areas, with sumptuous carpets to the rest of the house.

Patios and gardens laid to lawn are ready for al fresco dining, and have an external tap as well as an electrical socket.

Homes are available from £499,950 to £975,000 – and can be viewed daily from 10am – 5pm.

NK HOMES

For more information visit nkhomes.com or telephone 01483 340 776 to arrange a private viewing.

Opus COURT

Final apartments for sale at luxury Leatherhead development

The Jaspar Group have just four apartments remaining at Opus Court in Leatherhead following remarkable demand since the launch.

Now ready to move into and with many already occupied, Opus Court is a luxurious new collection of 47 one and two bedroom apartments within walking distance of the picturesque and vibrant town of Leatherhead.

Designed to provide wonderfully modern living, the apartments feature a superb specification from double glazed anthracite windows, bespoke matte kitchens with Quartz worktops and Bosch integrated appliances to

LED feature lighting and touch screen video entry systems. With allocated parking and EV charging points, owners benefit from a fully landscaped communal garden exclusively for residents.

Opus Court lies within easy reach of Leatherhead station and the M25. Leatherhead High Street is home to several artisan cafes, restaurants, a theatre, and high street brands including Waitrose, Sainsburys, Boots and WH Smith. Further afield, Guildford offers an impressive range of shops and entertaining options.

The final one and two bedroom apartments are priced from £249,950. Find

SMART investing

Smarter Rent co-founder Alex Sullivan on why now is the right time to buy if you’re a smart property investor

People often ask us if now is the right moment to invest in property. While none of us can see into the future, we can see that the days of ultra-low interest rates and cheap mortgages are behind us for at least the foreseeable. With the base rate at 5% and mortgage rates higher still, the favourable economics that contributed to the boom in landlords pre-pandemic has gone. As a result, a third of landlords plan to sell at least one property, according to the National

Residential Landlords Association. Does this mean it’s a bad time to invest in property? With landlords leaving the market, this can open up opportunities for savvy investors who are prepared to invest in a quality home, but only if they are smart about how they do it.

IT’S A BUYER’S MARKET

The number of new properties for sale is tipping in the favour of buyers as higher mortgage rates squeeze buyers out of the market. According to Zoopla, 42% of sellers are currently accepting 5% or more off the asking price of their homes. You may be the only one bidding, so make a cheeky offer.

LOWER RISK BY INVESTING SMARTER

At Smarter Rent, we source the property, interior design it and then manage it for you. We earn 30-50% more in rental income for owners compared to traditional agents, and our occupancy rate is 95%+. Our investors pay more upfront to bring properties up to high standards.

ACHIEVE LONG TERM REWARD WITH A SHORT TERM REFURB

We recently secured a two-bedroom house in Surrey for an investor for £302,000, well below market rate. This is the third house we’ve taken on for this investor and he was happy to be led by our in-house designer Lisa Durrant. “It’s a 1960s house and was in need of a total overhaul. While the amount of work may scare some people, we see this as an opportunity to turn something run down into a beautiful product designed for renters. We wanted to maximise the feeling of light and space, so we put in a new kitchen with double doors out to the garden. We laid hard-wearing flooring which can cope with pets and went for neutral colours and cosy furnishings to make the property feel homely ” says Lisa. “The neighbours didn’t recognise it when we invited them in to have a look around.”

The house has now been rented out for £3,200 a month and will earn its owner 40% more than similar properties in the area, plus capital lift.

TRY THE SMARTER RENT ROUTE?

Want to see a Smarter Rent home for yourself? We complete refurbishment projects each month and would be delighted to show you one of our beautiful homes. Call us to arrange a time: 020 7550 9396

hello@smarterrent.co

www.smarterrent.co

ALEX SULLIVAN

Join this well-established and sophisticated Thameside community close to Chelsea and Fulham. These bright, light apartments are set within extensive mature gardens, with swimming pool and gyms. The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is conveniently available from the Wandsworth Riverside Quarter Pier itself.