WIMBLEDON
ABSOLUTELY South West Wimbledon MAY 2018 / £3.95
SISTER ACT The women behind Aesme flowers
MAY 2018
Meet the
MAKERS BEST OF LONDON CRAFT WEEK
Spring
FASHION WORKS Improving office-
wear with Joanna Dai
ZEST.LONDON
FLING
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FA L L I N G F O R F L O R A L S
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or try out a beautiful upholstered bed or two, and if you need any advice, then their superb team are always on hand to assist. Even if it’s just to pour you a thirst quenching G+T, or make you a delicious barista style coffee at the fabulous new bar.
Upon entering their doors, you’ll be transported to a world of exquisite handmade furniture and luxury home accessories. Each of their stunning room sets are distinct from the last, taking you from the opulence of a dreamy Parisian bedroom, to a bold and dramatic living area which exudes pure colonial chic.
As well as luxury sofas and beds, the showroom is filled to the brim with absolutely everything you need to help make your house a home. With plenty of beautiful accessories which are ready to take away today.
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ABSOLUTELY
Contents M AY 2 0 1 8
112
32
C U LT U R E 16 ABSOLUTELY LOVES
52 BRIGHT START The vitamin C products you need now
20 AGENDA
FOOD & DRINK 60 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL
10 things we’re coveting this month
Diary dates for May
News from the industry
22 LONDON CRAFT WEEK
62 SCANDI KITCHEN
FA S H I O N 32 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL
INTERIORS 72 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS
Discover the creatives of the capital
This month’s hottest trend updates and brands to know
34 GOOD SPORT Athleisure just got luxe
Summer recipes from Scandinavia
News and views from the world of design
36 JOANNA DAI The designer making smart clothes comfy H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 50 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL
PROPERTY 126 LIVING THE DREAM
This month’s best beauty buys
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N The online guide to inspirational London living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.
78 THE NEW CHINTZ House of Hackney's controversial collection T R AV E L 104 MODERN MUNICH Tradition meets innovation
59
The most luxurious London properties
ON THE COVER LENA HOSCHEK SS18 shop.lenahoschek.com
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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Replacing beautiful timber windows and doors, beautifully EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR HELEN BROWN FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER JOY MONTGOMERY EDITORIAL ASSISTANT GEORGIE RUTHERFORD EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE GROUP SALES DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES MAGAZINE MANAGER ROLLO DENNISON ACCOUNT MANAGER ANABELA KOLECI ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN DESIGNER CATHERINE PERKINS PRODUCTION MANAGER CHRIS COUCHMAN MARKETING MANAGER LUCIE PEARCE
Make an entrance
FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR JAMES FUSCHILLO DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS EVA LEHOCZKY For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 3397 8706 or email: craig@zest-media.com
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We b si t e
a b s o l u t e l y. l o n d o n
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Editor’s
LETTER
W
e're looking at a lot of flowers this month. It's May, which is properly spring, and there's the Chelsea Flower show, so focus is on colour and freshness. Throughout this issue there are bright shades and floral patterns, plus conversations with actual florists, as well as a preview of the flower show itself. Foodwise, we're preparing for the new season with a focus on summer salads, courtesy of our friends at ScandiKitchen, and looking forward to Syon Park's annual Foodies Festival which is set to return this month with a wide array of tempting stalls and interesting newcomers. In fashion, we look at Daiwear's clever new performance workwear, which is designed for the office (not the gym) but feels as comfortable as any yoga outfit. We quiz the woman behind the brand as we covet her stylish key pieces. A large interiors section this month spans chair design, wall storage, floral displays and House of Hackney's chintzy new collection, while we take a philosophical look at home life for families with the School of Life. Travel takes us to Munich and Jamaica in search of interesting things to report, and there's the usual mix of diary dates, local events and property news too. We hope you enjoy the magazine.
ABSOLUTELY’S favourite floral pieces for spring
1
AESME FLOWERS
PENDLE HARTE EDITOR
The sisters behind Aesme Flowers create some of the most beautiful arrangements with a loose, natural flair. aesme.co.uk
2
DE GOURNAY
De Gournay's beautiful Amazonia print on pink silk is exactly how I picture the backdrop to my dream house. degournay.com
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MAGGIE JONES
In honour of The Chelsea Flower Show (22-26 May 2018), Kensington restaurant Maggie Jones’s is giving its menu a floral makeover by adding edible flowers to each of its dishes. maggie-jones.co.uk
4
5
LENA HOSCHEK
Austrian designer Lena Hoschek's summery collection is inspired by bohemian, gypsy looks and her florals are bright and bold. lenahoschek.com
3
L’ARTISAN PARFUMEUR
Developed by perfumer Anne Flipo for L'Artisan Parfumeur, Champ de Fleurs is a transparent white floral inspired by the first flowers of spring. With grapefruit, pear, lily of the valley, jasmine, cedar, musk and amber.
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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19/04/2018 14:24
Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY
H E L E N B R OW N
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SPORT MEETS ST YLE Danse Lente takes inspiration from gymnastics for a SS18 collection of striking silhouettes and sculptural design. Imagine the clean lines of vaults, rings and pommel horses, robust hardware and the fluidity of the athlete. danselente.com
Drinking in Design
A limited edition whisky from Blue Label and decorated by Tom Dixon for the dapper drinker who enjoys design. £195; selfridges.com
WALL FLOWER
Junique's poster is just what we need to brighten the mood as we wait for summer to show up. Warning: evokes wanderlust. £24.90; juniqe.co.uk
L E AT H E R H E AD Get dressed head-to-phone this season with the new collection from Greenwich. Cases come in a range of pastel hues and promise to protect from every bump and scrape. £129; greenwich.design
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES
Silk Road
Dolce & Gabbana's scarf is decorated with the label's vibrant Maiolica motif and cut from fluid silk-twill. We'll have ours tied around the handles of a tote. £155; net-a-porter.com
SLEEPING BEAUTY
W I NGI N G I T Finlay is a British eyewear brand born with a rebellious spirit. We’ve opted for the winged Willow frames in blue for guaranteed Brti-chic cool. £165; finlayandco.com
Nighttime has never been so chic with the Cotton Sateen PJ set from Laurence Tavernier at Amélie’s Follies. Simple and practical, yet modern and elegant, each design showcases refi ned details and elegant fabrics. £144; ameliesfollies.co.uk
HOME COMFORTS
Muted hues and eclectic embroidery make the Tasseled Salima Cushion a spring sofa staple for delivering a sophisticated splash of colour. £58 each; anthropologie.com
TAS SEL FEVE R Radiant rose gold, stamped sentiment and tassels; the Luxe Bangles from Joma Jewellery are the only bracelets you’ll want to stack this summer. £19.50; jomajewellery.com
Perfect Pastels
Specialising in demi-couture, Roksanda bags are elegant with a touch of effortless modern cool; ideal for adding interest to an otherwise safe spring ensemble. £1,531; farfetch.com
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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Levante. The Maserati of SUVs Levante. The Maserati of SUVs Maserati Levante. Yours. From £598 per month* Plus initial rental. Maserati Levante. Yours. From £598 per month* H.R. PlusOwen initialMaserati rental.London Melton Court, 25-27 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3TD 0333 240 1580 hrowen.co.uk/maserati
H.R. Owen Maserati London
Melton Court, 25-27 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3TD 0333 240 1580 hrowen.co.uk/maserati Official fuel consumption figures for the Maserati Levante Diesel MY18 in mpg (l/100km): Urban 34.4 (8.2), Extra Urban 42.8 (6.6), Combined 39.2 (7.2). CO2 emissions: 189g/km *Personal Contract Hire. Maserati Levante Diesel Estate MY18 V6d 5dr Auto (incl. metallic paint and Sport steering
wheel and gear knob in premium fine grain Nero leather at £840 incl. VAT). Initial rental of £5,980, followed by 47 monthly rentals of £598 incl. VAT & excl. maintenance. Based on 8,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charges apply. Vehicles must be registered between 01/04/18 and 30/06/18. Subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Ts&Cs Official fuelSL1consumption figures for the Maserati Levante apply. Leasys, 0WU. We work with a number of creditors including Leasys.Diesel MY18 in mpg (l/100km): Urban 34.4 (8.2), Extra Urban 42.8 (6.6), Combined 39.2 (7.2). CO2 emissions: 189g/km *Personal Contract Hire. Maserati Levante Diesel Estate MY18 V6d 5dr Auto (incl. metallic paint and Sport steering wheel and gear knob in premium fine grain Nero leather at £840 incl. VAT). Initial rental of £5,980, followed by 47 monthly rentals of £598 incl. VAT & excl. maintenance. Based on 8,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charges apply. Vehicles must be registered between 01/04/18 and 30/06/18. Subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Ts&Cs apply. Leasys, SL1 0WU. We work with a number of creditors including Leasys.
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CULTURE
Amy Judd, Blue Jay Girl; Beautifully Obscure at Hicks Gallery, hicksgallery.co.uk
What’s On 20 • London Craft Week 22 • The Chelsea Flower Show 26 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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The Agenda LO N D O N ’S H OT T E ST H A P P E N I N G S
T H E AT R E
A Substitute for Life 15-17 May OMN IBUS THEAT RE
Born to affluence in the middle of the nineteenth century, Francis uses his love of books as a means of insulating himself from real life. But books can’t protect him when a family accident brings him face to face with reality. Tim Hardy stars in Simon Brett’s riveting one-man play. 1 Clapham Common Northside, SW4; omnibus-clapham.org
EXHIBITION
Beautifully Obscure F RO M 25 MAY • H I C KS GALLERY
Acclaimed London artist Amy Judd unveils a monumental collection of Flora paintings in a bold and beautiful reimagining of traditional mythology and the power of the female form. Beautifully Obscure sees Amy’s signature female figures, captured on an impressive scale in oil on canvas, transformed into Amazonian goddesses obscured by, enveloped in and armed with gigantic, voluptuous blooms. 2-4 Leopold Road, SW19; hicksgalery.co.uk
20
BALLET
Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella 1-5 May
N EW WIMBLEDON T H EAT RE
Matthew Bourne returns with his version of Cinderella, a thrilling and evocative love story set during the Second World War. His interpretation has at its heart, a true war-time romance. This, plus sumptuous costumes and award-winning sets make it an event not-to-be-missed. The Broadway, SW19; atgtickets.com
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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS
ART
Power to the People On sale now
Around Town EXHIBITION
SISTER BROTHER
PULLMAN EDITION S
Until 20 May
Made famous by Pink Floyd who featured a pig floating between two chimneys of the Battersea Power Station on their 1970s Animals album cover, the now decommissioned coalfired power station is an iconic landmark on the south bank of the River Thames. Here, Charles Avalon has imaginatively depicted the landscape with a distinct Art Deco flavour. pullmaneditions.com
V&A MUSEUM OF C H ILD H OOD
The roles we are given at an early age within the family group become defining elements of who we are. Sister Brother shines a light on the impact siblings have on our identity as we grow up. Bringing together a set of portraits by Madeleine Waller, the exhibition aims to explore sibling relationships and how they affect our sense of self. Cambridge Heath Road, E2; vam.ac.uk/moc DAMIEN FROST, BOURGEOISIE FROM NIGHT FLOWERS
FA I R
WIMBLEDON ART FAIR 10-13 May W I M B LE DO N A RT STU D I OS
This Month’s Must See
This unique event invites visitors to explore the paint-splattered artist studios and meet the creators behind London’s leading contemporary arts and crafts. Wimbledon Art Fair is a four-day extravaganza showcasing paintings, prints, fashion, photography, ceramics and sculptures, all available to purchase with prices from as little as £70. 10 Riverside Yard, SW17; wimbledonartfair.com
L
EXHIBITION
LONDON NIGHTS From 11 May MUSEUM OF LOND ON
WA N DS WORT H A RTS F R I NGE 4- 20 MAY • VARIOUS LOCATION S
ondon’s answer to the Edinburgh Fringe is back with a jam-packed and eclectic programme of arts and culture that is sure to move and inspire audiences from across the city. This year, Wandsworth Arts Fringe brings together over 150 artists in comedy, theatre, street performance, dance, music and more, revealing a Wandsworth you never knew existed.
As daylight fades, the city’s character changes and a new night persona emerges. Delve into the darkness and explore nocturnal London at this major new photography exhibition at Museum of London. 150 London Wall, EC2Y; museumoflondon.org.uk
EXHIBITION
TEETH From 17 May WELLCOM E COLLEC T ION
From vampires and tooth fairies to barber surgeons and professional dentists, Wellcome Collection’s summer exhibition traces the evolution of the relationship with our teeth and what they say about us with over 150 objects, cartoons, caricatures and more. 183 Euston Road, NW1; wellcomecollection.org
wandsworthfringe.com
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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ZETTELER; DAYLESFORD ORGANIC
ZETTELER; LUCIE ELEANOR, ARTIST CHRISTABEL BALFOUR
State of the
ART London’s most creative locations give themselves over to London Craft Week for a celebration of craftsmanship in Britain and beyond
D
esign has one. Fashion has one. And since 2015, craft has had one too. Back for its fourth edition between 9-13 May, London Craft Week sees hundreds of locations around London give themselves over to the discovery and celebration of craftsmanship in every sector of making – from Britain and around the world. It invites the public into previously off-limits corners of the capital to reveal its most creative spaces. This year is its biggest, and most international event yet, bringing the world’s finest makers to London for a dynamic celebration of making in all its forms – from ceramics and fashion to watch-making and letterpress. Whether it’s an intimate hands-on workshop with a craftsman, an afternoon in a West End costume department, or behind-the-scenes introduction to the crafted interiors of an iconic building, there’s something for every field of interest. London Craft Week was launched in 2015 is the only festival of its kind in the world. With 227 events, 70 exhibitions, 41 workshops, 87 talks and 61 live
22
By HELEN BROWN
demonstrations, there is certainly something to suit all. Over the course of the week, you might learn the intricacies of Swiss horology, British millinery and Danish ceramics; you can blend your own fragrance, print your own book and craft your own tableware. There is also the opportunity to hear the stories behind crafted works and iconic luxury products direct from their makers. But this still only scratches the surface of what London Craft Week has to offer. The disciplines represented range from jewellery and leathercraft to printmaking and carpentry, and involve both established makers of global standing – including Tom Dixon, Bill Amberg and Georg Jensen – and emerging talents on the cusp of their careers, such as the ceramic artist and Woman’s Hour Craft prize winner Phoebe Cummings. With more than 275 taking part in this year’s festival, one of the core aims of London Craft Week is to celebrate and support the community of independent makers in Britain and beyond. This year’s festivities are sponsored by dunhill and Purdey who have partnered to produce the Home of Craftsmanship: a creative hub and focal point for press and visitors, celebrating the craftsmanship and heritage integral to dunhill. Every room of Bourdon House will be transformed through a fascinating and immersive demonstration of craftsmanship, alongside
ZETTELER;MAUD AND MABEL
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EVENT • LONDON CRAFT WEEK ZETTELER; MAUD AND MABEL
“Learn how to blend your own fragrance, print your own book and craft your own tableware”
a series of short films. Purdey is renowned for making the finest-quality shotguns, rifles and shooting equipment and this iconic British company brings the same attention to detail and craftsmanship to their clothing and accessories. For London Craft Week they will be hosting a series of demonstrations in their beautiful Audley House store. Elsewhere, The AMAZING CHINA exhibition at the Hospital Club promising a fascinating overview of contemporary and traditional techniques and aesthetic philosophy, while Experience Kyoto at Nobu Hotel Shoreditch will shed light on Japan’s wabi-sabi making culture through regional crafts and cuisine. Many of Switzerland’s most revered small watchmaking houses – including Laurent Ferrier, Romain Gauthier, Ludovic Ballouard, De Bethune, Ferdinand Berthoud, Graham, H. Moser & Cie, and Moritz Grossmann – are brought together by William and Sons. And, across its stores in Chelsea, Marylebone and Selfridges, The Conran Shop hosts Global Market, gathering international makers such as Danish furniture designer Carl Hansen & Søn, Japanese ceramic miniaturist Yuta Segawa and Dartmoor lifestyle brand Feldspar, for live craft CUBITTS HORN COLOURS demonstrations and exhibitions of slip-casting, textile painting, cane weaving and more. All of this, plus a series of meet-the-maker talks and interviews, exclusive exhibitions and one-off events at leading retailers, rare insights to some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands and fashion houses and Behind-the-scenes access to some of London’s most iconic, off-the-beatentrack and otherwise unexplored locations. Taking place across the city, some London Craft Week events and experiences are ticketed, most are free to attend and many are held on a drop-in basis. A full list of events can be found on the London Craft Week website. Authenticity is at the heart of London Craft Week and the programme aims to attract a broad audience united in their appreciation of imagination, individuality, passion and skill. It bridges iconic heritage and contemporary brands as well as independent makers and allows them to tell their stories. Each year, with the city as its backdrop, this week-long event shines a spotlight on artists and makers and celebrates a golden age of creative talent. LO N D O N C R A F T W E E K
ZETTELER; LUCIE ELEANOR, ARTIST CHRISTABEL BALFOUR
9~13 May Various locations londoncraftweek.com
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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CAMPUSES IN
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17/04/2018 13:54
CULTURE • THEATRE
ROUND UP
Best in
SHOW
Get the most out of London’s theatre scene with our top stage picks for the month
Peter Pan
MUST SEE
★★★★★
From 17 May REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE
For the wounded soldiers of WWI, imagination is their only escape. Yet as they’re transported to the fantastical lagoons and pirate ships of Never Land, the war they’ve left behind seems ever present. George Llewelyn Davies was one of the children who inspired Peter Pan. Remembering him, and a generation of Lost Boys, this spellbinding rendition is not to be missed. Regent’s Park, NW1; openairtheatre.com
By H E L E N B R O W N
Life and Fate ★★★★★
8-20 May TH E ATRE ROYA L H AYMA R K E T
It’s early 1943. Hitler’s Germany and Stalin’s Russia are in a bitter struggle for their very survival. Vasily Grossman’s celebrated novel, Life and Fate, is a sweeping panorama of Soviet Society and an epic tale of a country told through the fate of a single Jewish family, the Shtrum’s. 18 Suffolk Street, SW1Y; trh.co.uk
Faceless
LIFE AND FATE
Until 12 May
Schism
PETER PAN
★★★★★
PARK THEATRE
Inspired by a true court case, Faceless highlights the power of the internet and its far reaching consequences in the 21st century. This insightful play follows the life of Susie, a suburban Chicago teenager who converts online from Christianity to Islam and tries to reach Syria. In the ensuing court case she finds herself portrayed as an enemy of the State and is prosecuted by a young female Muslim lawyer. Clifton Terrace, N4; parktheatre.co.uk
Chess
★★★★★
From 16 May PA R K THEATRE
Schism is the stunning play from disabled playwright, Athena Stevens. Highlighting the power dynamics between male and female, and disabled and non-disabled, at its heart Schism is a play about two people finding each other. Thoughtprovoking and moving, it asks at which point do dreams and relationships become unrealistic? Clifton Terrace, N4; parktheatre.co.uk
★★★★★
From 26 April LO N D O N CO LI S EU M
In the first West End production of Chess since 1986, Michael Ball stars at Anatoly alongside Alexandra Burke as Svetlana. The much-adored production tells a story of love and political intrigue, set against the background of the Cold War in the late 1970s/early 1980s, when the lives of two chess masters are thrown into turmoil as superpowers attempt to manipulate an international chess championship for political ends. St Martin’s Lane, WC2N; eno.org
SCHISM
CHESS
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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RHS, LINDLEY LIBRARY
RHS/JON ENOCH
FLORAL TRADITION
RHS/LUKE MACGREGOR
The Chelsea Flower Show returns in full glory this May. These are our top tips for floral fanatics By GEORGIA MCVEIGH RHS/NEIL HEPWORTH
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CULTURE • CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW RHS/HANNAH MCKAY
W RHS/JOANNA KOSSAK
ith a reputation almost as prestigious as those who attend it, the Chelsea Flower Show is returning to London on 22 May. A favourite of Royals and celebrities, its 2018 return promises to showcase some of the most aspirational and innovative of recent garden designs, as well as many favourite exhibitors from previous years. With over a century of history behind it – having run in its Chelsea location since 1913 – its longevity is owed to its ability to adapt and change with the times, and many of the installations reflect the issues that face our planet through living displays. Here are this years highlights:
RHS/LUKE MACGREGOR
G R E AT PAV I L I O N
ne of Chelsea's biggest attractions, the Great Pavilion will exhibit over 85 of the best nurseries in the world and play host to some of the most prestigious florists in the business. There will be interactive plant science displays in the Discovery Area and a Hampshire Carnivorous Plants section to watch as the prey becomes the predator. Or help celebrate alpine specialist D’arcy & Everest’s 25th anniversary.
O
ARTISAN GARDENS
he Artisan Gardens combine traditional materials and methods with the most innovative recent design approaches, and are dotted throughout Ranelagh Gardens. Always a favourite at the show, it’s possible to observe rustic materials married with stylish, modern twists as a tasteful combination between the contemporary and the classic. The gardens will also showcase artisan products and the highest quality detailing.
T
“Many installations reflect the issues facing our planet through bright, living displays”
C H E L S E A AT T W I L I G H T
new feature for 2018, the Chelsea at Twilight event will take place on Friday evening. For the first time, the Chelsea Flower Show will open its doors for an evening event from 8-10PM. It will feature a live band, an artisan food market and wandering artists – but most excitingly, the chance to enjoy the Artisan Gardens by twilight as a farewell to the show for another year. Tickets are limited, so speedy booking is essential.
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E N V I R O N M E N TA L AWA R E N E S S
he aquatic theme of the Pearlfisher Garden subtly suggests how the natural beauty of the ocean is being irrevocably damaged. Large aquatic tanks surround the central piece – a threedimensional pearl diver, and suspended Tillandsia will hang from the top of the tanks to produce an algae effect. Live fish and coral will feature, as a final reminder of those which are most deeply affected by our damage of the planet; making it the most poignant and evocative exhibition this year.
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A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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CULTURE • CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW RHS/GEORGI MABEE
H E A LT H A N D W E L L B E I N G
new place to sit and contemplate life, the inception of the Garden of Health and Wellbeing is a result of research that focuses on the beneficial qualities of plants and trees to general welfare. The garden aims to show that both gardeners and those simply in the presence of flora and fauna can achieve a sense of calm and tranquillity, thus championing the immense power of plants. It’s little wonder that Prince Charles famously takes the time to talk to his plants.
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S PAC E T O G R OW
he Space to Grow Gardens are a collection of new exhibitions for 2018 that focus on designs for the naturally smaller urban garden. The designs will show how to maximise on the space available, aiming to provide inspiration for London dwellers who are struggling to plant the minimal terrain that comes with an urban townhouse. Great for anyone London-based looking to give new life to their outdoor space.
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JA R D I N B L A N C
( R AY M O N D B L A N C )
ardin Blanc with Raymond Blanc will be returning to the Chelsea Flower Show with day and evening packages in the food and hospitality area. Package depending, options include exclusive access to the Jardin Blanc area, breakfast, a four-course lunch and Afternoon Tea designed by Raymond Blanc himself, as well as botanically themed cocktails. The evening package offers canapés and a champagne reception, musical entertainment and dinner. A great (and delicious) way to ensure you’re fully fuelled for some serious flower foraging.
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RHS/GEORGI MABEE
R H S C H E L S E A F LOW E R S H OW RHS/GEORGIE MABEE
will run from 22~26 May rhs.org.uk
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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0039 ITALY ABRO BAGS ABSOLUTE CASHMERE ALPHA STUDIO ASH CARACTERE CHARLI LONDON CREENSTONE ESSENTIEL ANTWERP GREAT PLAINS HOGL INTROPIA KANNA KENNEL SCHMENGER LOLA CRUZ MAC JEANS OAKWOOD ROSSO 35 SET TOM FORD EYEWEAR UNISA
1 Bellevue Parade, Wandsworth Common SW17 7EQ • 020 8767 7294 • olivierslounge.co.uk Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm • Sun: 12pm - 5pm
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FASHION
GARDEN OF DELIGHTS BIMBA Y LOLA
Bimba Y Lola is celebrating a summer of love, with a collection inspired by the bohemian spirit of the 1970s. Delivering plenty of frayed denim, natural leather and paintbox brights, this is psychedelic made stylish. bimbaylola.com
Fashion Notes: Cold Shoulder Tops and Bridal Jewellery 32 ¡ Trend: Good Sport 34 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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FASHION NOTES
Blouses are given the cold shoulder and fashionable brides get bejewelled this May By J OY M O N TG O M E RY
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4 OF THE BEST
ONE-SHOULDER B LO U S E S
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1. HELLESSY, One-shoulder textured linen and silk-blend top, £885; net-a-porter.com 2. MSGM, One-shoulder broderie-anglaise cotton top, £455; matchesfashion.com 3. SELF-PORTRAIT, Plumetis frill top, £240; self-portrait-studio.com 4. THEORY, Ruza one-shoulder crepe top, £275; net-a-porter.com
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CORNELIA WEBB X N E T-A- P O R T E R
This year, self-taught Stockholmbased jewellery designer Cornelia Webb is returning for a second bridal collaboration with Neta-Porter. Fascinated by human anatomy, Webb sketches all of her designs directly onto her own body rather than paper. The result is undulating, graphic pieces, which add a stylish spin to any bridal ensemble. corneliawebb.com
BEJEWELED B R I D E
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19/04/2018 14:46
FASHION • NOTES
COLOUR
A B S O L U T E LY T R I E S . . . PERSONAL SHOPPING
CONCEPT ST I N E G OYA
Copenhagen-born Stine Goya entered the scene 12 years ago with its art-inspired designs. This season, the brand embraces floaty fabrics, whimsical prints and bold colourways. With the brand now available on Net-a-Porter, there’s no excuse not to get in on the action. stinegoya.com
Fit & Style Studio
EDITOR’S PICK
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B y J OY M O N T G O M M E R Y
Frill
SEEKER G RAB BAG
JOSEPH
It might look unassuming, but Joseph’s Sevres bag quietly claimed the crown of fashion week’s most coveted tote. Made from Italian leather and featuring a statement buckle, it offers a fresh take on the 2017 bucket bag. Wear now with androgynous separates, and come summer, a linen sun dress; £476 joseph-fashion.com
VAMPIRE’S WIFE
The Vampire’s Wife's ruffled dresses have been spotted at countless fashion parties and worn by everyone from Keira Knightley to Sienna Miller. Chic, flattering, and a little bit retro? Consider us sold; £1,395 doverstreetmarket.com
Slumber
PARTY E B E RJ E Y
There’s nothing more satisfying than the cottonfreshness of a new pair of pyjamas. As the weather warms, we’re looking to Eberjey for fabrics that let skin breathe. In feminine fits and soft colourways, their PJs are surely too pretty to confine to the bedroom. Available from Amélie’s Follies; 34 Webbs Road, SW11; ameliesfollies.co.uk
he idea of personal shopping has always filled me with dread. I love shopping (I am a fashion writer after all), but my trips tend to be onewoman missions carried out with military precision. I know what I want, what I like and where I want to go. So when Marks & Spencer invited me to experience their new 'Fit & Style Studio', I was hesitant but also intrigued. Firstly I'm asked to fill out a short questionnaire, which details everything from sizing to 'my typical day'. The studio itself is spacious and elegantly furnished, and I sip on a glass of Prosecco while my stylist Sara reveals the rails of clothes she has picked out for me. With decades of celebrity styling under her belt, I am impressed by both her professionalism and, most importantly, her taste. So far so good. We begin with one outfit, and I'm asked which aspects I do and don't like. We use this as a starting point from which to add and take away pieces - swapping a blouse for a T-shirt, a block heel for a brogue. I feel at ease with Sara and welcome her expert opinion. I even enjoy being pushed out of my sartorial comfort zone, trying colours and shapes that I would usually recoil from. Three hours and many outfits later, I leave with a classic white shirt, on-trend pastel blue blazer and nude patent brogues, all of which slot perfectly into my summer wardrobe. Mission accomplished. So whether you’re looking for a dress for a special occasion, or simply something to shake up your style, give personal shopping a try. You might just become a convert. FIT & STYLE STUDIO
Westfield Shopping Centre, Shepherd's Bush, W12; 02082662200 To book an appointment visit marksandspencer.com
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FASHION • TREND ALBUS LUMEN
CALVIN KLEIN
Fishermans Linen Shorts, £118; matchesfashion.com
Chantal Slides, Chambray, £29.99; office.co.uk
ZARA Jogging Trousers With Stripes, £29.99; zara.com
SOLID & STRIPED The Nina Waist-Belt Swimsuit, £155; net-a-porter.com
KENZO ARKET Fishtail Parka, £150; arket.com
Good Sport Pound the pavement in this season’s elevated sportswear. Athleisure just got luxe
VALENTINO
Embroidered Cotton Sweater, £225; net-a-porter.com
VETEMENTS X TOMMY HILFIGER Striped Socks, £85; matchesfashion.com
GUCCI Grosgrain-Trimmed Pleated Washed-Silk Skirt, £795; net-a-porter.com
B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y
EDITOR’S PICK
ZARA Backpack With Metal Detail, £19.99; zara.com
CHRISTIAN DIOR
ADIDAS
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Trefoil T-Shirt by Adidas Originals, £23; topshop.com
NIKE Waffle Racer Shoe, £75; arket.com
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LINGERIE • NIGHTWEAR SWIMWEAR • BEACHWEAR Lingerie and swimwear measuring and fitting service available all year round without appointment from A to J cup (size 8 to 20) GIFT VOUCHER AND GIFT WRAPPING AVAILABLE 34 Webb’s Road, London SW11 6SF Tel: 020 7924 3826 www.ameliesfollies.co.uk
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WORK AND PLAY
Absolutely quizzes Joanna Dai, financier turned fashion designer, about making smart clothes that are comfortable too
Could workwear feel like yogawear, but wear like a powersuit?
Interview PENDLE HARTE
PENDLE HARTE What inspired you leave the world of finance for fashion? JOANNA DAI I was always creative and entrepreneurial when I was young – between my grade school art recognitions and always running for student government so that I could plan events for my fellow classmates. I was analytical at the same time, so spending the first eight years out of college in finance was exhilarating. I’ve acquired a business mindset from banking which has been invaluable. As I looked ahead, I felt I was ready to be more creative and entrepreneurial again. I wanted to create something more tangible, something
36
the consumer would appreciate, and to build a brand where there was no roadmap, just a vision for positive impact. PH Your collection is all about being comfortable. How does it work? Is it about the fabrics or the cuts? How is it possible to be both tailored and comfortable? JD I grew up in Southern California where getting dressed was relaxed and easy. I swam and played water polo all year round where it was just your suit and towel. I’m still active with a long-distance running in breathable sportswear. So clothes never constricted my movement until
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FASHION • Q&A
my professional life, when I was working more than 12 hours a day. When I saw the athleisure trend take off and become a lifestyle, I asked myself if workwear could feel like yoga, but wear like a powersuit. My hypothesis was more about the fabrics and making them tailored. Our first cuts are quite classic and tailored with modern, minimal details. As we’re combining elegant tailoring with innovative fabrics that have quite a bit of stretch, we’re constantly testing the finishings and details to achieve the clean and high-end look while withstanding the stretch-enabled movements. PH How does feeling uncomfortable affect your performance? JD What you wear represents you and how you want to be perceived. It impacts how you feel. So clothes can have a transformative power on your mindset and your confidence. I’ve been through days where scratchy tag,s stiff linings, skirts that keeps riding up or constrictive waistbands have been really disctracting, especially at the moments when I needed my laser focus the most. I want to optimise women’s performance and confidence, not create distractions for them with shortcomings in their clothes. PH What fabrics are you using? JD Our technical fabrics are sourced from premium, environmentally friendly Italian mills. We look for performance functions such as four-way stretch, breathability, wrinkle resistance, anti-pilling, machine washable, eco-certified, and no bagging out after wear (the list goes on). For seven out of eight styles in our capsule collection, we’re using a microfibre jersey that’s double bonded, meaning two breathable single layers which are joined together for extra
structure, making it comfortable yet great for tailoring. We also love silk, a natural fibre that has a luxe hand feel, temperature control, and drapes beautifully. PH How old are your customers and who are they? JD Our customers generally range from 30 to 65+, which is amazing because it shows that comfort is universal. From urban professionals to countryside entrepreneurs, the common thread is busy women seeking comfort that looks smart. PH With no background in fashion, how did you learn the basics? JD Over the course of five months, I took fashion design and womenswear patternmaking at London College of Fashion, and interned with luxury British womenswear designer Emilia Wickstead, whom I knew and admired from making my wedding dress. The combination of these experiences – aka my crash course in fashion – gave me the foundation to venture off on my own. PH Which designers do you admire? JD From the archives, Christian Dior for his waist-defining silhouettes which were revolutionary at the time and fundamental classics today. In the modern day, the designers I admire the most are also
powerhouse businesswomen on a mission to support other women, give back socially and/or change the world environmentally: Tory Burch, Stella McCartney, Diane von Furstenburg, Maria Grazia Chiuri. PH Do you miss the world of finance? JD I definitely miss aspects of it. I still love numbers and being technical, and these days I’m not the technical expert in almost any aspect of my day-to-day, except for the Dai brand, products and values. I miss the fast-paced environment with constant news flow and always having a point of view that impacted the direction of market transactions. I miss the amenities of a city office building such as a reception, IT on call, cleaners and maintenance. Our last studio did not even supply toilet paper, which always makes me laugh, but I’m building something that women are enthusiastically responding to and that’s what matters. PH What’s next for Daiwear? JD We’re expanding our range, introducing new colours and using a few new lighterweight fabrics for our spring/summer collection. We’ll have more styles and silhouettes for trousers, tops, dresses and skirts. And size UK 16, which we’ve had a lot of women ask for. daiwear.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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PRETTY COOL Embrace your feminine side with summer florals, bright embroidery and playful textiles anthropologie.com
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Carolyn De La Drapiere
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Luxury clothes for sizes 14-32
Studio 6, The Mews 46-52 Church Rd, Barnes, London, SW13 0DQ 020 82888 919 07948 9979 35 design@drapiere.com
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DISTINCTIVE STYLE
ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION
Watches, diamonds and gems: these jewellers are a cut above the rest 44
M I C H A E L P L AT T
R E B E C CA BY D U M AU R I E R
Why not mark a special time or memorable occasion with a remarkable gift? Michael Platt, Goldsmith and Jewellers in Wimbledon Village will work to your requirements and budget to make an exceptional and bespoke piece of jewellery just for you, with a complimentary design consultation for new jewellery or remodelling dated or inherited jewellery. 1 Church Rd, Wimbledon, London SW19 5DW020 8947 4772 michaelplatt.co.uk
If you’re really in the mood for something fresh and sparkly, the Rebecca by Du Maurier will definitely do the trick. The lovely white lizard strap offsets the Rebecca’s twelve diamonds, rose gold and mother-of-pearl perfectly. Try it on at The Pommier in Covent Garden and see the full choice of lovely strap colours while you’re there. Alternatively, see the full collection at dumaurierwatches.com
LOV E F I N E D I A M O N D S
D U M AU R I E R WATC H E S
When it’s time to shine look no further than Love Fine Diamonds, located in Hatton Garden. Their team of experts and master jewellers will help you select fine jewellery to treasure forever. Whether it's a celebratory event to rival the royals or a more laid-back intimate occasion, they'll find you a fit whatever your budget. lovefinediamonds.co.uk
Known for their stunning Swiss-made watches, Du Maurier have recently launched a capsule collection of desirable jewellery. The Sylvia Collection, featuring gorgeous aqua chalcedony and citrine in a gold setting are versatile enough to add the perfect finishing touch to everyday outfits or some sparkle to a Little Black Dress. See the full collection at dumaurierwatches.com
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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Fine Bespoke Jewellery
‘Love’. . . a Sparkling Diamond Ring
Engagement Rings from £1200
Bespoke Fine Jewellery Designed & Hand-Crafted in-store by Master Goldsmiths An exceptional Personalised Service for New, Dated or Inherited Jewellery Complex Restoration Work & Valuations undertaken
www.michaelplatt.co.uk Goldsmith & Jeweller in Wimbledon Village 1 Church Road | Wimbledon Village | London | SW19 5DW Tel. 020 8947 4772 | info@michaelplatt.co.uk
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n ow OPEN
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Se rv i ces w e s p ec i ali s e i n: Face and body •Laser hair removal •Skin tightening
•Medical facials •Injectables
•Skin peels 0208 767 3888 | 0751 836 7219 7 Upper Tooting | Tooting Bec | SW17 7TS 5AVECLINIC.indd 2
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FASHION • JEWELLERY
Chain Gang Link up with this season’s heavy metal jewellery trend
GIVENCHY
DINOSAUR DESIGNS
TIFFANY & CO.
Double-Chain Choker, £570 matchesfashion.com
Louise Olsen Liquid Chain Gold-Plated Earrings, £305 net-a-porter.com
Link 18-Karat Gold Bracelet, £5,800 tiffany.co.uk
CHLOÉ
JENNIFER FISHER
ISABEL MARANT
Drop Hoop Earrings, £230 matchesfashion.com
Chain Link Silver-Plated Cuff, £318 theoutnet.com
Africa Multi-Linked Earrings, £130 matchesfashion.com
OSCAR DE LA RENTA
LAURA LOMBARDI
VANDA JACINTHO
Entangled Chain Necklace, £498 farfetch.com
Interlock Gold-Tone Earrings, £135 net-a-porter.com
Chunky Chain-Link Necklace, £520 matchesfashion.com
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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into Summer Shimmer Summer into Summer Shimmer Shimmer Summer
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*Terms and Subject to *Terms to registration registration and and consultation. consultation.Over-18’s Over-18’sonly. only.Discounts Discountscan canonly onlybe usedon first *Terms and Conditions: Conditions: Subject to registration and consultation. Over-18’s only. Discounts can only bebeused used ononfirst first lotion purchase, Discount cannot be used with other Offer and Enfield. lotion cannot be used in in conjunction conjunction withany any other offer. Offerexcludes excludes Lakeside and Enfield. *Terms and Conditions: Subject to registration and consultation. consultation. Over 18’s offer. only. Discounts cancan onlyLakeside be used on first lotion purchase, Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer excludes Lakeside and Enfield. *Terms and Conditions: Subject to registration and Over-18’s only. Discounts only be used on first Student discount valid on packages only. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Student packages only. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Student discount validDiscount on packages only. Not conjunction with any other offer. lotion purchase, Discount cannot used ininin conjunction with any other offer. Offer excludes Lakeside and Enfield. *Terms *Terms *Terms and and and Conditions: Conditions: Conditions: Subject Subject Subject to to tobe registration registration registration and and andconsultation. consultation. consultation. Over-18’s Over-18’s Over-18’s only. only. only. Discounts Discounts Discounts can can can only only only be be be used used used on on onfirs firs first lotion purchase. cannot be used conjunction with any other offer. Offer excludes Lakeside and Enfield. Student discount valid on packages only. Not conjunction with any other offer. lotion lotion lotionpurchase, purchase, purchase, Discount Discount Discount cannot cannot cannot be be be used used used inin inin conjunction conjunction conjunction with with with any any any other other offer. offer. Offer Offer Offer excludes excludes excludes Lakeside Lakeside Lakeside and and andEn En Enfield. Student Student Student discount discount discount valid valid validvalid on on onpackages packages packages only. only. only. Not Not Not inin inconjunction conjunction conjunction with with any anyother other otheroffer. offer. offer. offer. Student discount on packages only. Not in conjunctionwith withany any other
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
SWING LOW CHANEL Largerfeld muse and teen it-girl, Lily-Rose Depp, is fronting Chanel’s latest beauty campaign, Rouge Coco Lip Blush. With a silky gel formula that melts onto lips and cheekbones, these little tubes of colour are perfect for offering your complexion a natural flush. Healthylooking skin here we come. chanel.com
Beauty Notes: Sea Salt Scrubs and Water-Fresh Formulas 50 · Trend: Vitamin C 52 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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BEAUTY NOTES
From sea salt scrubs to water-fresh formulas, it's all about embracing the Big Blue this May By J OY M O N TG O M E RY
WASH Out R I T UA L S
Inspired by an ancient Balinese ceremony, The Ritual of Banyu honours the powerful healing properties of water, with every item in the eight-piece collection infused with purifying sea salt and revitalising kelp minerals. rituals.com
TOUCHE ÉCLAT
YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch Highlighting Pen, £25.50; boots.com
IT COSMETICS
Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer In Medium, £23.50; qvcuk.com
5 OF THE BEST UNDER EYE CONCEALERS
NARS
Radiant Creamy Concealer, £24; feelunique.com
BOBBI BROWN
Creamy Concealer Kit, £26; bobbibrown.co.uk
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TARTE
Shape Tape Contour Concealer With Quickie Blending Sponge, £28.02; qvcuk.com
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES
SCANDI SKIN
SALON REVIEW
BJORK & BERRIES
We’re always on the lookout for products that have style and substance, and Swedish botanical brand Bjork & Berries, delivers both. Combining centuries-old Swedish beauty traditions with modern-day technology, this eco-conscious skincare brand prides itself on using as few ingredients as possible. bjorkandberries.com
SO ME
BEAUTY & WELLNESS
EDITOR’S PICK
B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y
HERE COMES THE SUN MEDIK8
RIDE THE WAVE DIOR
Dior’s Cool Wave collection is guaranteed to freshen up your makeup game this summer. From cobalt blue eye shadow palettes to vibrant coral lipsticks, the edit packs plenty of personality. Wall flowers need not apply. dior.com
SPF is essential for maintaining a youthful complexion, yet finding a formula that doesn't clog the skin can be tricky. Enter Medik8. Boasting broadspectrum UVA and UVB protection, anti-pollution technology and SPF 30, this complexion-loving formula will both shield skin and combat signs of photoageing. medik8.com
Cool Runnings CREME DE LA MER
La Mer has always been our go-to for rich antiageing formulas, however their latest release, Moisturising Cool Gel Cream, is a godsend for combination skin. Refreshing and light, this water-fresh formula packs hydration without the heaviness. An essential for summer holidays. cremedelamer.co.uk
W
e all have that local beauty salon that feels like home. The place where you know every member of staff by name and can recite the treatment menu by heart (not that you ever get anything but ‘the usual’). On stepping through the door, So Me Clapham North offers just this. Located two minutes from Clapham North tube on busy Clapham High Street, So Me appears unassuming from the outside. Yet as we shut the door behind us, the noise of the road was quickly muted. The salon is small yet light-filled, with a backwash and hairdressing chairs at one end, nail bar at the other and treatment rooms at the back. It offers everything from hair, nails and waxing to massages, facials and aesthetic treatments - essentially all you could ever need in one place. With a two week holiday looming, we were there for some serious pre-holiday pampering. Our therapist was so friendly and accommodating that we felt at ease straight away and relaxed into enjoying some serious ‘me’ time. It might not be the most luxurious venue, but what it lacks in grandeur it makes up for in homely comfort and purse-friendly prices. Both our treatments - bikini wax and pedicure - were expertly done and we left a few hours later feeling suitably relaxed and thoroughly ready for our holiday. If you’re looking for a local beauty destination with a personable yet professional feel then So Me is the place for you. SO ME BEAUTY & WELLNESS
21 Clapham High St, Clapham, SW4 7TR 0207 720 3330 so-me.me
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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Issey Miyake SS18
HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND
LIXIRSKIN Vitamin C Paste, £32; cultbeauty.com
DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Eye Cream, £69; spacenk.com
SUNDAY RILEY C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum, £70; spacenk.com
EDITOR’S PICK
NATURA BISSÉ C+C Vitamin Scrub, £58; net-a-porter.com
THE ORDINARY Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%, £4.90; theordinary.com
BRIGHT START
SKINCEUTICALS C E Ferulic, £135; skinceuticals.co.uk
EMMA HARDIE SKINCARE Moisture Boost Vitamin C Cream, £46; feelunique.com
Brightening, anti-ageing and pollution-fighting; vitamin C is your skin's secret weapon B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y
ALPHA-H
YOUTH CORRIDOR
Supersize Vitamin C Serum, £55.02; qvcuk.com
Ultimate Antioxidant C Boost Serum, £140; net-porter.com
MZ SKIN Brighten & Perfect 10% Vitamin C Corrective Serum, £245; harveynichols.com
THE HERO PROJECT PERRICONE MD Vitamin C Ester Serum, £80; allbeauty.com
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Vit C-30 Ultra Brightening Serum, £35; qvcuk.com
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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SOUTHSIDE | WANDSWORTH
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SELF PAY
at Parkside Hospital
Affordable private healthcare available right now. Why wait? Whether you are waiting for treatment or simply want a second opinion, you can access specialist care now. Just phone to book an appointment for a detailed discussion with one of our specialists for the fixed cost of ÂŁ200. OF EXCELLENCE Call 020 8971 8026 or email
selfpay@parkside-hospital.co.uk PSH.indd 1 PS_Self-Pay_35_Years_(210x297)_T&L_Ad_FAW.indd 1
53 Parkside, Wimbledon London, SW19 5NX www.parkside-hospital.co.uk
17/04/2018 17:00 11:52 04/04/2018
HEALTH & BEAUTY • SCENT
PERFUME
SUMMERY SCENTS
With trees in full leaf and gardens bursting with blossoms, May is a month full of colour and promise B y M I C H A E L D O N OVA N
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erfume’s ability to reflect the very best in nature never ceases to inspire me and so, at this most effusive juncture in the calendar, it would be appropriate to unveil some of the most exciting and enthusiastic summery scents that stimulate the soul and the senses. One of my favourites is ‘Agua di Colonia Concentrada’ from Alvarez Gomez, a family perfumery in Madrid. The formula dates back to 1912 and is perhaps the ultimate Spanish cologne, full of juicy lemons, lavender, rosemary and thyme. It reminds me of childhood holidays and can still lift my spirits in seconds. The truly gifted David Seth Moltz at D.S. & Durga also has a joyful olfactory hymn in ‘Italian Citrus’. Chinotto and blood oranges with green mandarine and cold-pressed lemons dance across this scent. It is expansive and sparkling with a really interesting and rather serene drydown of copaida balsam and incense. It has its heart in the grand tradition of soft Mediterranean colognes but its head in an altogether more spiritual place. Heavenly. James Heeley is a British talent and a lovely guy whose rather epic ‘ Note de Yuzu’ is perhaps the most potent infusion of sunshine ever bottled. Here, sharp and effervescent yuzu is teamed with sea salt and a vivid white musk to become the olfactory equivalent of a double espresso. Heliotrope is one of my favourite flowers and smells like almonds but slightly sweeter and creamier. ‘Heliotrope’ from the legendary French fragrance house of Molinard is perhaps the finest rendering as it layers the flowers over the top
“Scents that stimulate the soul” and heart of the scent. The clever inclusion of neroli adds a little zing and the classic triumvirate of rose, iris and jasmine provides the fragrance’s unyielding good taste. This is an intoxicating perfume and one application is never enough. Addictive. Finally to figs and coconuts, two tropical temptresses that never fail to mesmerise the mind and seduce the senses. The fact that they are gourmand notes probably plays a role in the attraction however it is the mellow, unhurried ease of these notes that I find bewitching. Two outstanding candidates are ‘Gorse’ from Laboratory Perfumes and ‘Figue en Fleur’ from Andree Putman. The former is a scent based on the prickly bushes that occupy scrubland across Europe, brought to Britain by the Romans and, unusually for us, a plant the flowers almost all year round. Its flowers actually smell like coconuts and here they are combined with fresh green and citrus over the lemony spice of cardamom. Creamy and dreamy. From Paris, ‘Figue en Fleur’ utilises the aromatic leaves for the fig tree, which has an almost vanilla green scent, and adds the ethereal beauty of almonds and tonka over the spiced sweetness of sandalwood. It is Provence in May, windows down, driving through the green undulating hills before the summer sun has baked them brown. Effortless chic. These are the scents of endless summers; shimmering and incandescent - Enjoy! A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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No w Open
50 free consultations for Absolutely readers 020 7223 7372 | info@theglasshouseclinic.co.uk www.theglasshouseclinic.co.uk • Anti-wrinkle Injectables • Bespoke Skincare • Coolsculpt • Hydrafacial • Microneedling • Medical Grade Peels • Pain Free Laser Hair Removal • Tailored facial treatments • Non Surgical Skin Tightening Treatments 32 Wimbledon High Street | SW19 5BY
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HEALTH & BEAUTY • ACTIVE
FITNESS
Running WILD Get tails wagging with these top pieces for working out with you four-legged friend
NOTES By H E L E N B R O W N
NIKE Nike Swift Running Trousers, £89.95; nike.com
MUNGO & MAUD Storm Dog Coat, from £135; mungoandmaud.com
BOGG Doggy Bag Dispenser, £16; amazon.co.uk
HURTTA Padded Active Dog Harness, from £29.99; fetch.co.uk
PERFECT FIT
LULU LEMON Speed Sock, £18; lululemon.co.uk
EZYDOG Road Runner Lead, £36.75; fetch.co.uk ORVIS Soggy Doggy Drying Towel, £20; orvis.co.uk
MUNGO & MAUD Goody Bag, £28.95; mungoandmaud.com
NIKE Nike Zonal Aeroshield Running Jacket, £129.95; nike.com
VIVO Primus Trail Swimrun Shoes, £110; vivobarefoot.com
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EXPERT TIPS FOR BUYING A SPORTS BRA
ports bras have recently become somewhat of a fashion accessory but they still play an essential role in providing comfort and protecting health during your fitness routine. A sports bra that fits incorrectly can ruin a workout and affect your health. We spoke to Hagen Schumacher, expert consultant cosmetic surgeon at MyAesthetics for the five things you need to consider before buying one.
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ARE YOU BEING MEASURED AND FITTED CORRECTLY?
Any kind of exercise, particularly high-impact fitness like HIIT or running, places tension on the supporting muscles of your breasts, so it’s important to have a professional fitting. Get measured around the smallest part of your lower bust, where the band sits and then the fullest part of your bust. Go up or down a letter for each inch of difference and you’ve found your cup size.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU’VE FOUND THE RIGHT FIT?
The band of your sports bra should sit firmly around your chest at an even level and the shoulder straps should provide support without leaving marks. You should be able to set the hooks on the loosest setting when you first begin wearing your bra, so you can tighten it as it begins to naturally lose elasticity. When it comes to augmented breasts, it’s important to invest in a supportive sports bra rather than one with a compression fit. Compression bras may squeeze implants unnecessarily, but a supportive sports bra will take the burden off the connective tissues, keeping the breasts in position.
WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOUR SPORTS BRA?
Tell-tale signs your sports bra is the wrong fit: • The band rides up the back, or you’re using the tightest hook • The straps dig into your skin • There’s spillage when you bend over
SELECT YOUR SPORTS BRA BY ACTIVITY
Low-support bras are best for lowimpact activities like walking and yoga, medium-support is suitable for brisk walking and cycling and high-support is designed for sports like running and aerobics. Compression style bras do not have cups and are usually worn by pulling them over your head. They compress the breasts against the body to limit movement. Encapsulation designs have individual cups. There are now sports bras offering a combination of compression and encapsulation. They offer the most sturdy support for women of any breast size.
KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME TO UPGRADE
Just like all bras, sports bras stretch over time. It is recommended that you replace it every four to six months, depending on the frequency of wear and quality of care. myaesthetics.uk
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London’S BIGGEST CELEBRATION OF FOOD, DRINK & WELLBEING
london syon park
BANK HOLIDAY
26, 27, 28 MAY
top tv chefs
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FOOD & DRINK
PERFECT SETTING KAHLER DESIGN Created in collaboration with Anders Arhøj, Kähler's Unico bowl is decorated with a heavy and colourful glaze, which creates an exciting contrast against the delicate ceramics. kahlerdesign.com
Food Notes 60 • Recipes - ScandiKitchen Summer 62 • Eating Out 67 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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WHAT TO DRINK
GRAPE news
TASTING NOTES
London’s food news and delicious things to see you through May By MIRIAM CAREY
Wine recommendations for the month By BERRY BROS. & RUDD
2014 Etna Rosso, Feudo di Mezzo, Graci, Sicily, Italy £42.75 Created predominantly from Nerello Mascalese with a small proportion of the darker, more brooding, Nerello Cappuccio grape, this is a bold red with seductive ripe, smoky berry fruit flavours and complex finish.
2015 Arbois Chardonnay, Les Bruyeres, Tissot £37 From south-facing vines – the oldest planted in 1938 – which are farmed biodynamically, this superb Chardonnay is rich, buttery and voluminous on the palate, with a subtle spicy, savoury character towards the finish.
NV Berry Bros. & Rudd Grand Cru Champagne, Mailly £28.50 This classic blend of 75 percent Pinot Noir and 25 percent Chardonnay showcases all the hallmarks of Grand Cru Champagne with flower aromas on the nose and an elegant palate of lemon grass, gingerbread and honeysuckle.
BERRY BROS. & RUDD Berry Bros. & Rudd is Britain's oldest wine and spirit merchant, having traded from the same shop since 1698. Today the company also has offices in Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong, a Wine School and an exclusive fine wine and dining venue in St James's.
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Food for Thought T H E B R I T I S H L I B R A RY
Unleash your inner culinary critic as Food Season kicks off at the British Library. Whether its tackling tastes or understanding traditions, food writers, Michelin starred chefs, campaigners and creators are on hand to walk you through the food-iverse with talks, workshops, demos and more. 96 Euston Road, NW1; bl.uk
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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES Our pick of the best
V EGA N R E STAU R A N T S
MILDRED’S
Mildred’s has earned its stripes with a menu packed with Asian and Middle Eastern dishes. Highlights include gyoza dumplings with a mirin and soy sauce, as well as creative desserts like Persian lemon, almond, pistachio and polenta cake. Even the wine, coffee and milk are organic. Various locations; mildreds.co.uk
SPICE AS NICE C I N N A M O N K I TC H E N B AT T E R S E A
Having spent the past decade serving up innovative modern Indian cuisine to the City’s top power players, Cinnamon Kitchen are bringing their signature blend of fire and spice south of the river to Battersea Power Station. Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea is part of the first chapter in the exciting regeneration of the Grade-II listed Battersea Power Station and will serve creative dishes, imaginative cocktails and bar bites. 4 Arches Lane, SW11; cinnamon-kitchen.com
CUTTER & SQUIDGE
Following the hugely popular Genie’s Cave Afternoon Tea, Cutter & Squidge have conjured up their latest immersive experience, The Potion Room. Join them in adding a dash of magic to sweet treats and tea under the watchful eye of a virtuoso Potion Master. Guests will concoct their own edible and drinkable potions, before devouring an all-natural afternoon tea. 20 Brewer Street, W1; potionroomlondon.com
BISCUITTEERS
To celebrate the wedding of the year, Biscuiteers have created a limitededition tin fit for a royal. The biscuit pioneers are total ninjas with an icing nozzle and have packed the handillustrated tin with a fanfare of regal inspired, hand-iced treats. Plenty to share and the best way to make an impression. biscuiteers.com
WULF AND LAMB
With help from Franco Casolin, formerly of famous veggie Vanilla Blacks, Wulf and Lamb brings creative vegan cuisine to Sloane Square. This minimalist cafe boasts a terrific line up of vegan dishes including the Open Burrito and the mac ‘n’ cashew cheese. Don't leave without picking up a guilt-free treat. 243 Pavilion Road, SW1; wulfandlamb.com
BY CHLOE.
THE POTION ROOM
WEDDING BELLS
By Chloe. has been making headlines as the new vegan hotspot for fast food. Here you'll find British classics with a twist like fish and chips with crispy tofu. It comes as no surprise that this place has been rammed since day one and is a serious hit with non-vegans too. 34-43 Russell Street, WC2B; eatbychloe.com
FARMACY
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Farmacy is the sort of venue that wouldn’t look out of place in California. Here you can indulge in nutritional dishes that are satisfying and guilt-free. The Mezze Feast is a sharing platter of dreams and the signature Farmacy Burger is a triumph for the tastebuds. 74 Westbourne Grove, W2; farmacylondon.com
AL FRESCO FEASTING NO. 29 POWER STATION WEST
As the weather warms, the river terrace at No. 29 Power Station West provides the perfect backdrop for relaxed eating and drinking. From breakfast and brunch, to snacks and Sunday roasts, it’s our go-to summer social hangout. 29 Circus West, SW8;
no29powerstationwest.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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Curried Cauliflower & Rye Grain Salad Serves 4 as a side dish
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his salad is so delicious and a perfect platform for the humble cauliflower. Our good friend Kobi Ruzicka came up with this a few years back. We didn’t put it on the café menu for a while and then, one day, we found his notes and, well, it was a bit like discovering your favourite toy that you thought you’d lost. Kobi left London and now runs his own restaurant in Hobart – you should look him up if you ever go to Tasmania. Use whatever grain you like, at the café, we use boiled whole rye grain. Cooked spelt or pearl barley also work well – anything with a good, firm bite.
INGREDIENTS • 1 medium head of cauliflower • glug of olive oil • 1–2 teaspoon(s) mild curry powder • 1⁄2 bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped • 1 bunch spring onions • 75 g feta cheese • a good handful of plump raisins • 100–150 g cooked grains such as rye grain, pearl barley or spelt • squeeze of fresh lemon juice • glug of good rapeseed or olive oil • salt and freshly ground black pepper
METHOD 1
SUMMER Salads
Bronte Aurell’s new book ScandiKitchen Summer brings a nordic focus to summer food. Here are some of her favourite salads words BRONTE AURELL p h o t o g r a p h y P E T E R CA S S I DY
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Preheat the oven to 160°C Gas 3.
2 Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Put the florets in a bowl and toss together with the olive oil, curry powder and salt and pepper to taste. Spread out on a baking tray and roast for about 10 minutes – the cauliflower should be more on the firm side than soft. 3 Meanwhile, place the parsley in a large salad serving bowl. Remove the outer layer from the spring onions and finely slice both the green and white bits at an angle and add to the bowl. Lightly crumble the feta into the same bowl with your fingers and set aside. 4 When the cauliflower slightly cooled, add to the bowl along with the raisins and cooked grains. Stir, then add oil, a squeeze of lemon juice and season to taste.
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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES
Black Rice & Salmon Salad Serves 4 individual portions or 6–7 as a side dish
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lack rice lends itself well to being used cold in salads. It is known sometimes as ‘forbidden rice’, and sometimes as ‘black venus rice’. It has a hard husk and a great bite to it – and, of course, a wonderful dark colour.
INGREDIENTS • 200 g uncooked black rice • 1 cucumber • 1 green apple • 1 shallot, finely chopped • squeeze of lemon juice • 1 bunch of fresh dill, chopped • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley • 1 tablespoon freshly chopped mint (optional) • 150 g/51⁄2 oz. hot-smoked salmon
Dressing • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar • 4 tablespoons good quality olive or rapeseed oil • 1 tablespoon honey • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice (plus extra as needed) • salt and freshly ground black • pepper
Raw Courgette Salad
with Västerbotten Cheese Serves 2–3
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t the café we love using uncooked courgettes in different types of salads; this one in particular looks really pretty on the plate. We use Västerbotten cheese at the café, but you can also substitute with pecorino or any similar aged cheese. It’s the saltiness of the cheese that really lifts the raw courgette – and with the dressing as well as the nuts, it makes for a really lovely side dish.
INGREDIENTS • 50 g flaked/slivered almonds • 2 medium-sized courgettes • 1 small bunch of rocket (or other strongflavoured salad leaves of your choice) • 50 g Västerbotten cheese, shaved (or use a good pecorino instead)
Fo r t h e d r e s s i n g • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar • 1⁄4 teaspoon Dijon mustard • 1 teaspoon sugar • salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 Rinse the black rice a few times, then bring to the boil in a large pan of water. Cook until al dente following the packet instructions. (It can take about 30 minutes to cook).
METHOD 1 Lightly toast the almonds over a gentle heat in a dry frying pan/skillet and set aside. 2 Shave the courgettes into thin strips lengthways. You can use a mandoline for this, or a flat metal cheese plane also works well. You want long, thin flat strips. 3 Place the courgette/zucchini strips in a big bowl, then add the leaves and mix gently. Add the cheese and fold in. 4 Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl, whisk well and season to taste. This salad doesn’t need much dressing, so don’t pour it all on at once – taste as you go along. 5 Scatter the toasted almonds on top of the salad and serve at once.
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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2 course set lunch £15.50 monday to saturday
3 course set dinner £25 monday to thursday
offers available until end of may, mention offer when booking.
to make a booking call 020 8944 6338
Wimbledons favourite neighbourhood restaurant.
Great value set menus.
Seasonal cooking at its best
020 8644 8523 www.annsdesignercakes.com
www.lighthousewimbledon.com 75-77 ridgway wimbledon SW19 4ST
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to book please call
020 8946 3031 Authentic Punjabi Restaurant
mon to fri - 8am - 10.30pm sat - 9am - 10.30pm sun - 9am - 3.30pm
lightwimbledon.co.uk | 48 High St, Wimbledon SW19 5AX
Vin and his team specialize in the finest, most authentic Punjabi cuisine, using traditional Tandoor cooking methods and family recipes passed down from generation to generation Try our magnificent champagne beer as well, Curious Brew, the perfect accompaniment to wash down our delicious food
~
“This is the best Indian in London. I work in central London and haven’t found anywhere that compares, brick lane falls way short in comparison…” J. Macdonald,Wimbledon
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193 Worple Road, Wimbledon SW20 8RE 020 8947 2212 info@sairestaurant.co.uk www.sairestaurant.co.uk
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three course set dinner £23.50 offer available until the end of may - monday to thursday. mention offer when booking.
tuesday nights - 2 rib-eye steaks, chips, salad and a bottle of house wine - £45
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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES Dressing • 3 generous tablespoons good quality mayonnaise • 3 tablespoons buttermilk • 1 tablespoon icing sugar • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar (only if needed) • 1⁄2 teaspoon celery salt • 1 teaspoon grated fresh horseradish or horseradish sauce • salt and freshly ground black pepper
To s e r v e 3 spring onions, sliced 50 g toasted, chopped walnuts 30–35 g pumpkin seeds 1 Place the shredded white and red cabbage in a large bowl. Finely slice the red onion into half rounds, and then grate (or julienne, if you can be bothered) the carrots and add both to the bowl.
In another bowl, mix together the water, white wine vinegar, icing sugar and salt. Pour over the cabbage, then cover the bowl and shake well. Leave for at least one hour, ideally two – shake it once in a while. 2
3 Press the cabbage free of excess vinegar liquid and leave in a sieve until excess vinegar has drained. The cabbage will now be softer and the onion appear almost a little cooked. Make sure the vinegar is well pressed out or the end result will be too acidic.
2 Once cooked, rinse well to remove the excess colour. Set aside for a moment and leave to cool.
Slice the cucumber lengthways, then scrape out the seeds and chop into 1/2 cm pieces. Chop the apple into similarly sized small pieces. 3
Add the cucumber, apple and shallot to a serving bowl with a squeeze of lemon juice to keep the apple fresh. Add the cooked and cooled black rice, dill, parsley and mint (if using). Flake in the salmon pieces and mix gently to combine. 4
5 Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and season to taste. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir. Do adjust the seasoning once you have done this – it may need more lemon juice or even a squeeze of lime (this depends on the saltiness of the fish and the sweetness of the apple you have used).
My Summer Slaw Serves 4–6 as a side dish
I
love coleslaw, I really do, but I detest the gloopy factorymade rubbish that seems to have become standard fare in supermarkets all over. If you ask me, the secret to a good slaw is lightly pickling the cabbage base before adding a punchy, flavourful dressing.
4 Mix together the ingredients for the dressing. Mix the dressing with the slaw and taste – it should be a bit tangy. If not, add a teaspoon extra of vinegar (this depends how much of the pickle juice was pressed out – it is easier to add a bit than remove if too much).
Just before serving, fold in the spring onion and toasted chopped walnuts. Sprinkle over the pumpkin seeds for extra crunch. This coleslaw is extra delicious on days two and three – when it will be pink (if you have used red cabbage). 5
INGREDIENTS • 300 g shredded white and red cabbage • 1 red onion • 2 large (or 3 smaller) carrots • 100 ml plus 1 tablespoon water • 100 ml plus 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar • 3 generous tablespoons icing sugar • 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
R E C I P E S TA K E N F R O M
SCANDIKITCHEN SUMMER by Bronte Aurell (Ryland, Peters & Small, £16.99)
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CANNIZARO
PRESENTS
A N I G H T O F CO C K TA I L S CANAPÉS AND LIVE MUSIC At Hotel du Vin Wimbledon J o i n u s in t h e l o u n ge f o r a n e veni ng o f li ve musi c and d eli ci o usl y cr af ted c anapés, w h il st sippin g on o u r c oc ktai l of the month, d eli vered str ai ght to yo ur t a b l e f rom o ur hou se co c ktai l tro l le y. First Friday of each month ‘Cannizaro Presents’ will host a new and exciting musician from 6.30pm. F O R M O R E I N F O R MAT I O N E MA I L : E V E N T S . W I M B L E D O N @ H OT E L D U V I N . C O M OR CALL 0330 0240706
Visit our website for more details: HOTELDUVIN.COM HOTEL DU VIN & BISTRO WIMBLEDON
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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW
ABSOLUTELY eats out…
“The pork cheeks fall apart and the depth of flavour is something special”
Nutbourne
A farm-to-table restaurant from the guys behind The Shed and Rabbit
FOOD Seasonal and sustainable
B y MIRIAM CAREY
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ocated next to a small harbour just off the Thames in Battersea, Nutbourne looks like a mix between a chalet in the Alps and a greenhouse. Bedecked with fairy lights, the alpine theme is extended to the interior – as we walk in we are greeted with a deerskin wine menu and seated in a corner underneath a rather imposing taxidermy deer head. The menu boasts a large selection of small plates, alongside options of a larger meal from a wood-fired BBQ grill. After much
DECOR deliberation, we decide on three small plates and a larger main course to share. First comes the Lulworth scallop. Served in its shell sitting atop a dill velouté and sprinkled with fish roe, it’s almost too pretty to eat. But eat it we do and the flesh is succulent and flaky, melting in the mouth. Between two it doesn’t last long at all. This is closely followed by a plate of beef carpaccio, served alongside pickled carrots and horseradish. It is slightly thicker than any carpaccio I’ve had before, making it larger than most small plates.
Cool and quirky with a focus on foliage
PRICE Small plates from £6, mains from £8.50
The subtleties of the pickles and horseradish bring out the flavour of the beef. The star of the show is our next dish – malt braised pork cheeks, elderflower, truffled celeriac, chervil and chicken skin. The two pork cheeks fall apart and melt in the mouth, and the depth of flavour - with hints of truffle - is really something special. Finally, we decide on a main dish of meaty Gurnard with crispy caper and mashed potato. The fish is perfectly complemented by the saltiness of the capers which bring out the delicate flavours. We quickly polish it off. Feeling as stuffed as a Christmas goose, we really can’t eat another thing. Although the tantelising dessert menu very nearly sways us. With considered flavours in every dish and an expansive wine list, Nutbourne is a must. We regret not going for a pud, because if the starters and mains are anything to go by, a dessert would undoubtedly be exceptional.
VERDICT A brilliant all-day dining addition to Battersea’s food scene
● NUTBOURNE 29 Ransomes Dock, Battersea, SW11 nutbourne-restaurant.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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FULL RANGE AVAILABLE AT
@WhitleyNeill
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IN STORE AND ONLINE
/WhitleyNeill
@WhitleyNeillGin
#neverstopdiscovering
19/04/2018 14:21
FOOD & DRINK • EVENT
FOODIES Festival Hungry Londoners, amateur chefs and budding bakers; brace yourself for Foodies Festival 2018 By GEORGIE RUTHERFORD
T “Watch and learn from the pros who will be cooking up a storm in the Chef’s Kitchen”
he UK’s biggest celebration of food and drink is back for another year. Foodie’s Festival returns to the glorious grounds of Syon Park on the 26-28 May with another fantastic bank holiday line up of live music. This year will also mark the launch of a brand new Musicians Against Homelessness music stage that will be raising money for UK-wide homelessness charity, Crisis. The festival will feature performances from muchloved headliner Toploader and English pop rock band The Hoosiers, as well debuting talented new bands and solo artists. Alongside this, guests can watch and learn from the pros who will be cooking up a storm in the Chef’s Kitchen. The star studded line up includes Saturday Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt, Great British Bake Off winner Sophie Faldo and MasterChef winner Saliha MahmoodAhmed, to name just a few. If you’re feeling inspired, get hands on at one of the many workshops, or if you’re feeling competitive enter into the daily Foodies bake off competition in the mouthwatering Chocolate, Cake and Desserts village. Why not bring the whole family along to this gastronomic Glastonbury as it boasts special classes at the Kid’s Cookery School as well as games, bouncy castles and craft sessions. If reading this has made your taste-buds tingle and your mouth start to water, then grab your tickets to Foodies - there’s no better place to be this summer. F O O D I E S F E ST I VA L Syon Park London – 26, 27, 28 May Bank Holiday • Live Music: Sat 26th May – The Hoosiers Sun 2th May - Toploader • Tickets are on sale now at foodiesfestival.com and 0844 9951111 Children aged 12 and under go free on early bird tickets to all Foodies Festivals when accompanied by an adult.
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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SAS Roofing & Building Ltd SAS Roofing & Building offer a full range of professional and competitively priced roofing services “Workman worked very hard and did an excellent job” (Craig in Chelsea)
We specialise in: New Roofs • Flat Roofs • Tile & Slate Roofs Re-pointing Chimney Stacks • All Roof Repairs Leadwork Valleys Renewed & Repaired • GRP roofing New UPVC Fascias & Gutters • External Painting Moss Removal • All Work Guaranteed
20 Years Guarantee Durable & Waterproof Fire Retardant No Joints, Seams or Welds Maintenance Free UV Resistant
AVERAGE SCORE: 9.89/10
Recommended, vetted & monitored local traders and service providers. Recommended by previous customers, vetted by Checkatrade, monitored via customer feedback. Obtain an up-to-date report of SAS Roofing on www.checkatrade.com
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Call us today for a FREE quotation on 020 8050 8727 (landline) 07590 246 654 (mobile) info@sasroofingandbuilding.co.uk www.sasroofingandbuilding.co.uk
20/03/2018 17:30
INTERIORS
ELECTRIC DREAMS
SECRET LINEN STORE Secret Linen Store's collaboration with colour expert Sophie Robinson has resulted in this Dazzling Blue bedding set, which is setting a new standard for bright bedrooms . secretlinenstore.com
House of Hackney: The New Chintz 78 • Aesme Florists 80 • Iconic chairs 86 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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INTERIORS NOTES
Ideas, designs and styles for your home By PENDLE HARTE
Sit Soft
ZOFFANY
Bespoke sofa London colloborates with Zoffany on the launch of their new Muse Collection. The furnishings were launched at SLEEP London with the Bespoke Sofa London upholstered in Zoffany's Conway Velvets fabric. zoffany.com
SEASON YOUR SCENT ALESSI
Alessi has launched its first home fragrance selection, designed by Marcel Wanders. Called The Five Seasons, the collection is a love song to nature and available as diffusers, scented candles and room sprays. alessi.com
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INTERIORS • NOTES O
F AV UR
OR
ITE
K P I NC E S PIE NEWGATE Echo - Number Three Wall Clock; £85 black-by-design.co.uk
ECLECTIC INTERIOR A NEW TRIBE
DYNAMIC TWIST
A New Tribe brings together a curated selection of objects from across the globe - Including Milo Made's ceramic planter with geometric shapes. anewtribe.co.uk
PINCH Elan: £POA pinchdesign.com
EDITOR’S PICK
MUUTO
Copenhagen-based brand Muuto is the latest addition to Heal's Designer Collections. The stacked storage systems illustrate the evolving influence of Scandinavian design and innovation. Modules are versatile yet stylish, and their functionality fits any storage need. muuto.com
BOBBY RABBIT Felt Storage bag; £65 bobbyrabbit.co.uk
PAPIER Danielle Kroll Notebook of Palms; £12.99 papier.com
HAY Moroccan Vase; from £39 hay.dk
MADE Frame; £599 made.com
MAKE A WISH THE CONRAN SHOP
Carl Hansen & Son has launched a unique, specially treated edition of Hans J. Wegner's wooden Wishbone Chair in celebration of his 104th birthday. conranshop.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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IF YOU DON’T LOOK GOOD | WE DON’T LOOK GOOD
FOR YOUR NEAREST SALON VISIT WWW.SASSOON-SALON.COM
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PINORAMA H AY. D K
Pinorama is a flexible wall module that helps you organise your everyday life by providing a functional, stylish and versatile storage solution. The perforated metal features a cork backing and offers a wide range of accessories designed to fit onto the metal grid. From £29
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Absolutely’s favourite wall storage pieces
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WIRE MESH NOTICEBOARD B LOCKDESIG N .CO.U K
With its clean lines and minimalist style, this noticeboard's grid design makes it perfect for keeping desk accessories in one place or for making a creative mood board. Hang it in either landscape or portrait position and it's decorative as well as functional. £55
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PATTERNED PEGBOARD KREISDESIGN.COM
Kreis have updated the practical pegboard concept with the Peg-it-all pegboards that are made from heavyduty birch plywood and feature sturdy holes and pegs along with shelves and pegs of different types all of which slot into the main board giving an endless range of storage options. From £95
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Add a pop of pastel colour to your office, home or studio with Block's Pegboard, a unique and modern way to organise your home or work life.It also acts as the perfect design moodboard in your workspace All Pegboards are supplied with a range of coloured wooden pegs in a mid-century palette. From £65
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UTEN.SILO
VITRA .COM
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Dorothee Becker designed the practical Uten.Silo organiser in 1969. The wall-mounted organiser helps keep odds and ends tidy in homes, offices and workshops. Uten.Silo is equipped with clips, hooks and containers of various shapes and sizes, providing practical storage space for all kinds of everyday objects and making it easier to find things. From £235 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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MY ST YLE Bridie Hall, decorative artist and co-founder of Pentreath & Hall pentreath-hall.com BRIDIE HALL
MY FAVOURITE BUILDING… is the Rustic Temple in the Walled Garden of Houghton Hall designed by Julian and Isabel Bannerman
Colour is at the very heart of everything Bridie produces. Formerly a specialist painter of interiors, she has continued to keep up the practice through her homeware range. MY FAVOURITE PIECES FROM THE CURRENT COLLECTION… are The End of Day Confetti Turned Lamps. The strengthened glass columns are painted by me, then assembled with unfinished brass top and bottom plates. Over time the brass will develop a mellow patina.
MY FAVOURITE DESIGNER… is Italian Architect Gio Ponti, especially his painted ceramics.
P
entreath & Hall is one of the most unusual and exciting shops in London, in a quiet street of beautiful early Georgian houses in Bloomsbury. Catching a glimpse of the traditionally painted, glossy black shop front and painted glass sign is enough to tempt many passersby, where they discover an Aladdin’s cave of antiques, new homewares, and Pentreath & Hall’s growing range of exclusive decorative items. Ben is an architectural and interior designer. Bridie is a decorative artist and maker. They are creating a new British tradition that respects the past in the shop that they have run together since 2008.
MY FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION… is La Gazelle D’or, Morocco, Taroudant
MY STYLE ICON… is artist Maurizio Cattelan
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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Cheap as
CHINTZ
How House of Hackney is reviving the dreaded chintz By GEORGIA MCVEIGH
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s the brand once described as “Colefax & Fowler on acid”, it’s safe to expect a whacky and controversial new range from House of Hackney. And it doesn’t disappoint, the SS18 collection is breathing fresh life into classic chintz patterns. Bold prints, fantastic florals and a smattering of foliage are the direction of this range; House of Hackney have taken the classic British country house interior and turned it into a kaleidoscopic visionary assault. Bad connotations surround the word “chintz”. The 1980s turned the luxurious patterns that first took root in Britain in the 17th century into something old fashioned and, looking back, ugly. But House of Hackney’s approach to the classic design is anything but. For a start, it adds the
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INTERIORS • FOCUS
splashes of colour that have so long been absent from the washed out autumnal browns associated with retirement homes. High-octane palettes of lime, chartreuse, fuchsia pink, ochre yellow and azure blue are played off against lilac greys, rich carob-brown and tobacco, putting it into a colour-filled league of its own. Birds feature heavily, too, and the ornithological designs provide yet more opportunity to experiment with colour ranges. The driving force behind the company, husband and wife team Javvy M Royle and Frieda Gormley conceived the basis for House of Hackney from around their kitchen table, and started with a shared passion for the designs of textile designer, poet, novelist and social activist William Morris. Royle and Gormley’s designs echo the intricate, almost psychedelic patterns found in Morris’ work, using this as a springboard to explore their own revival of the classically uncluttered chintz designs. It works on themes: there’s the
“A sensory assault bringing the exotic into the everyday” perennial favourite “Artemis”, reworked into a brilliant azure for the new season to create a bold and bright take on the psychedelic floral originally inspired by pioneering fashion designer Diana Vreeland. Then there’s “Aurora”, adding a touch of the exotic with its pink and intricately detailed florals and birds; “Sebra” with its iconic tiger – the list goes on. Each of these themes includes touches of different cultures, the oriental, the exotic, the tribal, bringing them together under the umbrella term of “chintz”, which was originally associated with the
English country house but is now revived by House of Hackney to represent so much more. While wallpapers remain the nucleus of its designs, House of Hackney has also incorporated a range of furniture to complement and enhance. It boasts complementing wallpapers in British linen and velvet, curtains, lighting and cushions; plus a new porcelain Cockatoo lampstand to continue with the avian direction. If this wasn’t enough, the ethos behind the company remains outstanding. Its quirky designs are all made in England, and the whole collection is crafted with principles of local, fair employment and low waste production in mind. House of Hackney’s sensory assault is hard to ignore, successfully bringing the exotic into the everyday. If their reworking and resurrection of chintz is anything to go by, it means we have a lot to look forward to from them in the future. houseofhackne y.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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THE
enchanted FLORIST
From a Victorian railway arch in Shepherd’s Bush, Aesme Flower Studio creates exquisite arrangements using British garden flowers grown on a farm in Hampshire. Absolutely meets Alex Nutting By NANCY ALSOP
N
ew York is much vaunted as a place that fosters dreams. Few, though, can have been launched into the world quite so fully formed as Alex Nutting’s, and after so brief a spell in that insomniac of a city – its famous sobriquet proving, for her at least, entirely apt. Restless from an uninspiring office job, in 2014 she boarded a plane on a whim to take up a fortnight’s internship at Saipua, a florist in Brooklyn that was busy shaking off all the prescribed rules of formal floristry. Four years later, she and her sister Jess have together taken up residence in an old railway arch in Shepherd’s Bush, scrubbed up after a decade’s dereliction, as the cavernous studio of their own florist, Aesme. It is where they prepare for their myriad glamorous events and perennial round of (always stylish, probably thanks to them) weddings; it is where they hold their beguilingly titled workshops, such as Fruitful August and French Rococco; and it’s where some 22,000 Instagram disciples follow their every cascading arrangement and perfect posy, doubtless sighing at the beauty, almost as a reflex. Aesme’s trajectory has been a rocketing success, but, as Alex explains, none of it has been the result of the meticulous planning one is always told is requisite for starting a business.
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“When I went to New York, I’d been interested in flower arranging as a hobby, and in a naïve way, I probably thought, ‘oooh, maybe this is something I could do.’ So I did this training with Sarah Ryhanen who is the founder of Saipua, and it threw me into an amazing world. I’d only ever bought flowers in the traditional sense in shops – I had no idea there were studios doing these extraordinary things. Sarah has a farm west of Albany where all her flowers come from – it really opened my eyes to what things could be.” Fired up from her Brooklyn sojourn, Alex and her sister Jess, who was similarly stuck in an unrewarding job, met for coffee. By the time they drained the contents of their cups, they’d hatched a plan to start a business, and with that crucial milestone dispatched, Alex enrolled in the only traditional floristry training available in the UK. Promptly she realised that she loathed everything about it. “It was so tight and formal!” she says, groaning at the memory of its stiff and stifling cornucopia of rules. “It was flowers by numbers and it went against every reason I’d wanted to pursue it in the first place. It totally suffocated the idea of floristry as an artistic medium, so I left after this first level.”
Happily, the sisters remained committed – perhaps more so – despite the shaky start, resolving instead to look to the source for their education: Mother Nature herself, and more specifically, those gardens whose aesthetics they admired, where nature had been harnessed where strictly necessary, but otherwise permitted the crucial freedom so conspicuously lacking in her training. “We spent six months travelling the country, going to Sissinghurst and Great Dixter and Charleston, and taking notes of all these plants we wanted to grow, having no idea if we could. Those ran parallel just happened to run parallel with the realisation that we’d have to grow our own plants if we wanted to do this properly.” Aesme started out in Oxford, where the sisters began incrementally doing friends’ – and then friends’ of friends – weddings. All the while they were busy experimentally planting a patch of garden at Jess’s boyfriend’s family farm in Hampshire, where serendipitously an allotment sized patch of bramble had just come available. “That first year we got loads of sweetpeas, and we were astonished at the difference between using these and using imported flowers. It was a transformative realisation.” A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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FROM THE PLEASURE GARDENS
OF
LONDON
DON’T MIND IF WE DO! CUTLASS.indd 1 Marylebone_KEY-ART_Poster_FINAL.indd 1
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I N T E R I O R S | FLORISTRY
“We don’t place more importance on, say, a rose, than on a gorgeous weed or a vine or a root”
Since then, the garden has expanded, along with the whole Aesme operation (so named as a twist on a character, Esme, in a French novel they both love). The speed with which the sisters have gathered momentum, considering that four years ago both were total neophytes, is astonishing, but is doubtless rooted in their reverence for nature – a respect that isn’t always at the heart of floristry. “We wanted to keep everything connected to the garden,” explains Alex, ruminatively. “We wanted it to be evocative and deeper than just buying pretty things from the flower market, which seemed somehow shallow. The idea is to connect floristry to horticulture, and to collect ingredients without hierarchy. We don’t place more importance on, say, a rose, than on a gorgeous weed or a vine or a root. It somehow also connects us back to our childhoods, on-off between the city and Wiltshire – our memories are all of the sound of bumble bees, of heat, and long summers full of sensory joys. Oh, and we read ALL of Constance Spry!” The result is astonishingly beautiful; modern yet dripping with romance, that oft-overused word ‘timeless’, and above all, exquisitely painterly. Quite how radical such commitment to the seasonal and, where possible, the home-grown, is can only really be appreciated when you consider the normal modern parameters of flower selling. Some 90 per cent of consumer-bought bouquets, bunches and blooms hail from Holland’s industrial-sized flower auctions. Alex and Jess have been to see for themselves. “I don’t want to be too damning, because in some ways the Dutch industry is extraordinary – you have these monolithic airport-sized markets of flowers catering to millions. The flowers are imported from across the globe to Holland, auctioned and then brought to Britain. But it has had an affect, insofar as it has killed off the British flower industry, and only now are we seeing a few small scale growers, though it’s hard because there’s not enough land.”
The quality too, inevitably suffers when flowers travel long distances. “You have to consider why we buy flowers,” says Alex thoughtfully. “At its heart, they are as tokens of nature, of what’s going on outside. But for your flowers from the supermarket to last ten days on your table, they have to be refrigerated and covered in chemicals. They’re toxic really.” She remains optimistic, nonetheless. Marks and Spencer and Waitrose are, she says, trying to buy more British flowers, while there are good farms in Lincolnshire that can supply in volume. For her part, along with Jess, Alex has created a pocket in Shepherd’s Bush – via Hampshire – which changes with every nuanced shift in season and is so abundant with garden flowers trailing enticingly that it works a spell of enchantment on all who enter. Not, she says, that it isn’t serious work. “It’s not at all glamorous!” she laughs. “It’s really bloody hard work, bleaching buckets and working insane hours. It’s physical and messy and exhausting. But when we’re in the garden in the sunshine, amongst the wild crazy hedgerows, knowing we’re bring some of that back to the city, suddenly it’s all worth it.” aesme.co.uk
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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marblehill fireplaces the most impressive & extensive selection of fireplaces in the uK
With over 7 different shoW areas and more than 55 mantels on display With 14 actually under fire, marble hill is one of the leading london shoWrooms for all your fireplace needs. We are constantly striving to shoWcase innovative and neW designs.
70-72 Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 3BE
Tel: 020 8892 1488 info@marblehill.co.uk www.marblehill.co.uk
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INTERIORS • PRODUCTS MARIMEKKO Helmikka cushion cover, £29.50marimekko.com
ORLA KIELY Linear Stem tomato roman blind, from £68.45 englishblinds.co.uk
ANABEL JAMES Auricula jug, £29.95 annabeljames.co.uk
DE GOURNAY Amazonia wallpaper, £POA degournay.com
THE CONTEMPORARY HOME Teal flower wall plate, £10 tch.net
MIND THE GAP
MARIMEKKO
Tulipa wallpaper, £150 vivalagoon.com
Mynsteri teapot, £75 marimekko.com
IN FULL FLOWER CASADECO Romantic Garden wallpaper, £157.20 per mural selectwallpaper.co.uk
Absolutely’s ultimate floral edit By P E A R L B OY D
JOHN DERIAN FOR DESIGNERS GUILD The Rose Tuberose, £85 per metre deisgnersguild.com
HEINRICH LOFFELHARDT Porcelain coffee set, £120 nataliawillmott.co.uk
EDITOR’S PICK
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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CHAIR
£16.95; phaidon.com
Phaidon’s new book Chair: 500 Designs That Matter is a dictionary of chair design. Here are some key pieces
WOOD CHAIR, 1988
MARK NEWSON (1963–)
The W Wood Chair was designed by Mark Newson for an exhibition in Sydney of chairs made from Australian wood. Newson's approach to design is not simply to tinker with existing typologies, but to take a lateral look at them and imagine the perfect version.
MIES CHAIR, 1969 ARCHIZOOM ASSOCIATI POLTRONOVA (1969 TO PRESENT)
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In the 1960s and 1970s, Italy was a melting pot of radical design thinking. Perhaps most influential in this creative climate was Archizoom, a design studio founded in Florence in 1966. In designing the 1969 Mies chair, Archizoom set out to both honour and critique the larger-thanlife legacy of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who had passed away that year.
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HEART CONE CHAIR, 1959 VERNER PANTON (1926-98) VITRA (1960S TO PRESENT)
• During his creative peak in the late
1950s, Verner Panton fused Scandinavian Modernism with a futuristic Pop Art aesthetic, focusing especially on stark geometric forms that set him apart from his Danish peers. The idiosyncratic take on the classic wingback chair derives from Panton's original Cone Chair that arrived a year before and takes its name from the distinctive heart-shaped silhouette of its large, projecting wings.
PEACOCK CHAIR , 1947 HANS WEGNER (1914-2007)
The Peacock Chair was first shown as part of the Living Room for a Yong Family at the 1947 Cabinetmakers' Exhibition in Copenhagen. Wegner launched several spindle-back chairs inspired by the English Windsor chair, often with a unique feature, such as the distinctive back slats that give the Peacock Chair its name.
STITCH CHAIR, 2008 ADAM GOODRUM (1972–) CAPPELLINI (2008 TO PRESENT)
• With his award-winning Stitch Chair,
Australian industrial designer Adam Goodrum was looking to create a folding chair unlike any other – one that could fold completely flat. Made entirely from laser-cut aluminium, with a polished lacquer finish, the Stitch Chair has multiple hinges which allow it to fold and reduce to a mere 15mm thick. It is a fresh take on the folding chair, both fun and practical.
DE LA WARR PAVILION CHAIR, 2006 BARBER & OSGERBY
• When Edward Barber and Jay
Osgerby were commissioned to design a chair for the renovated De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea, they created an innovative aluminium chair that respects the history of the modernist landmark, its rear skid leg referencing the crisp lines of the architecture and its colour a nod to the building's original wooden chairs.
CAFE MUSEUM CHAIR , 1898 ADOLF LOOS (1870-1933) J&J KOHN (1898)
Designed in 1898 for a Viennese coffee house, the Cafe Museum Chair refined a model first developed by German-Austrian cabinetmaker Michael Thonet in the mid-nineteenth century. Bentwood furniture was light, durable and affordable –practical qualities which make it a perfect choice for commercial spaces.
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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The Legacy Danish ceramics company: Kähler
“Today, they reinterpret the best from their artistic ceramic heritage ”
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he story of Kähler begins in 1839, when the Holstein potter Herman J. Kähler opened a small ceramics workshop in the city of Næstved. However, it was not until his son, Herman A. Kähler, took over the workshop in 1875 that the ceramics adventure gathered speed. With production of international art ceramics, the groundwork was laid for one of the greatest successes in Danish ceramics history. With handicraft experience passed down from generation to generation and great insight into the versatile moulding potential of clay, Kähler has now been at the cutting edge of Danish ceramic art for more than one hundred years. Since its foundation in 1839, Kähler has been showing its works of art at exhibitions and museums all over the world, and the vision is to restore Kähler as an
internationally acclaimed ceramic workshop with a strong artistic inheritance. Today, they take the best from their artistic ceramic heritage and interpret it in a contemporary light. The results are promising new ceramics with broad appeal in a timeless idiom, yet individually interpreted. One hundred years ago, highly respected artists such as Thorvald Bindesbøll, Svend Hammershøj and Kai Nielsen explored ceramics at Kähler. Today, Louise Campbell, Bjørn Poulsen and Jeanette List Amstrup carry on the tradition, with the ambition of bringing art to the people. Kähler Design’s Hammershøi Teapot won in the Household/Tableware category of the 2017 iF Design Awards, elected by a 63-member jury made up of independent experts from all over the world. The teapot has a modern idiom, decorative brassplated handle and a built-in strainer that controls the pouring speed and filters out the tealeaves. It is a beautiful and functional designer product created in accordance with historical principles of design and tea-brewing. Kähler’s Hammershøi range is designed by Hans-Christian Bauer who draws his inspiration from the original works by Svend Hammershøi for the Kähler workshop in the early 20th century.
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NO APPROVALS REQUIRED Designed to comply with Permitted Development Regulations.
“What would you do with an extra room?” You could start the day doing yoga in a peaceful, private space then have a refreshing cup on the sofa! Use the space for work or crafts without having to clear away until end of play. Talking of play, let the kids rampage noisily until they go to bed so you can watch a slideshow with your guests. Leave them to settle down for an impromptu overnight stay then wave them goodbye in the morning Anything is possible in the Ultimate Garden Room!
KEY FEATURES • No foundations, mess or noise during installation. • Rapid installation and relocation (if required) • No maintenance and very energy efficient.
• 2700 standard colour combinations plus unlimited other finishes. • Interior design service available.
Call now for even more ideas! 07788582779 | hello@ultimategardenroom.com
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The Foundation for Perfection Manufacturers of Fine Parquet & Inlay flooring Bespoke flooring • Engineered wood flooring Range of soft carpets • Add robust tiles to your kitchen
For beautiful new flooring that will last, give us a call on 020 8543 9083 258 - 260 The Broadway, London SW19 1SB
abbotswoodflooring.co.uk
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INTERIORS • OUTDOORS
FAST BUILD Commercial designer Jeremy Hopkins tells us how his extraordinary Ultimate Garden Room came to life
I
t feels like my whole life has been leading to the creation of the Ultimate Garden Room. I had been looking to build an annexe for an elderly relative that could double as a place for one of our children to use with their family if they could not afford a place of their own. The possible location was narrow so SIP construction was ideal to maximise internal space and to simplify the construction. However, I was still concerned that the OSB sheet still required a traditional skin of brick and tile which was heavy, messy, expensive and labour intensive. From my earliest experiences of building houses and swimming pools I was always dismayed by the mess, waste and chaos of traditional construction so I was keen to keep things ultra clean and fast. Fortunately, over 30 years of constructing workplaces has provided access and insight into a world of cutting edge building techniques. Once I discovered a new SIP using MgO as the panel with ultrastrong PUR at the core I realised I could build a strong waterproof structure including floor with better insulation than most houses.
The roof panels were of a similar design but with an incredibly low pitch to maximise the internal space. I still had to overcome the issue of foundations and I wanted to avoid ‘breaking ground’ as that was a world of digging, barrows, sand, cement and mud everywhere. Online research led me to a high tensile steel screw pile being used to secure mobile phone masts and temporary art installations which was perfect as I could support my base and level the ground at the same time. These robust fittings can be removed in the future leaving the site unscathed yet are strong enough to take huge loads – brilliant. I now had a strong warm structure that needed a lovely coloured finish that would blend in, yet I didn’t have to paint or stain every few years. Also one
“It feels like my whole life has been leading to the creation of the ultimate garden room”
By JEREMY HOPKINS
that did not rot or leak or catch fire as it was to be located tight to the boundary. The solution is American siding, a strong factory finished board designed for the rigours of the wild west and available in any colour you choose including black. Large sliding patio doors provided the final luxury feature letting in glorious daylight and fresh air while keeping the interior toasty warm. So, as I sit on my Ikea sofa from eBay dictating my experience on an iPhone to the house over wifi, I can look out over the garden into the spring sunshine, sitting in a lovely room constructed from modern materials that I never have to paint. We have used it as a workshop, studio, music room, social space, yoga studio and study area. There is even a fold down double bed for the odd guest or two, should the need arise. What would we do without the Ultimate Garden Room? A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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Queen’s Stairs, Hampton Court Palace
Celebrate your love at the magnificent Historic Royal Palaces hrp.org.uk/hireavenue 020 3166 6399 Dress by Naomi Neoh
Hampton Court Palace • Banqueting House • Kensington Palace • Kew Palace • Hillsborough Castle
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INTERIORS • PRODUCTS THE WISHFORD SOFA Turmeric, £1270; willowandhall.co.uk
THE HAXTON The Haxton Sofa in Ink £1,315; willowandhall.co.uk
MALVERN Malvern Midi Sofa, £1,235 darlingsofchelsea.co.uk
EDITOR’S PICK DOODLE Romo Linara Watermelon Pink Linen, From £1,542; libertylondon.com
SOFA.COM Satruday sofa, from £801 sofa.com
LOUNGE LOVERS
JASPER Medium Corner Sofa, £3,230; sofa.com
All the softest sofas
WINDSOR
By G E O R G I A M C V E I G H
Velvet three-seater sofa, 1,399; dfs.co.uk
HARESFIELD Designers Guild Brera Lino Grass, from £1,811; sofasandstuff.com
BRIGHTON Midi-Sofa in Portland Velvet, from £1,893; sofasandstuff.com
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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‘ Enjoying childhood and realising our imagination.’ 2018. What a year! Our 40th Birthday, an MBE and an Outstanding Ofsted. Celebrate with us… Dallington is a family-run co-educational independent school, with a nursery, in the heart of London. Personal tours each day of the week, except Wednesday. Next Open Evening: Thursday 3rd May 2018 from 6 to 8 pm
Headteacher, Proprietor and Founder: Mogg Hercules MBE Email: hercules@dallingtonschool.co.uk Phone: 020 7251 2284 www.dallingtonschool.co.uk USE.indd 2
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KIDS & EDUCATION
STREETS AHEAD
MARC JACOBS Daring designs with cool credentials defines Marc Jacobs' SS18 for tots. Think skater chic with an 80s vibe. childrensalon.com
Small Talk 97 · Education: How the rules of the playing field help revision
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ad_A4__03_16_Layout 1 05/04/2016 11:02 Page 1
MARYMOUNT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL LONDON
International Catholic Day and Boarding School for Girls
Education that is formed from our past and transforms for the future. LONDON
•
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www.marymountlondon.com
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KIDS & EDUCATION • NOTES B RA N D F O CU S
Father and son
UUIO
TO M & T E D DY
With fun prints and quick-drying, UV-protected fabric, Tom & Teddy surf-style swimwear is ideal for the beach – and a lovely gift for the little (and big) men in our lives. Boys shorts, £34.95; men’s shorts, from £69.95. tomandteddy.co.uk
C
SMALL TALK Design-led furniture, fun with numbers and fashion made easy
MINI STYLING
EDITOR’S PICK
M U D DY C R E AT U R E S
Muddy Creatures takes the effort out of shopping for kids by delivering a box of handpicked and hard-to-source brands (tailored to your kids’ style, needs and age) direct to your door. You only pay for what you keep.
muddycreatures.com
hildren’s furniture and toys” is how Uuio defines itself online – a spare, straightforward description that both reflects the German brand’s minimalist ethos and belies the beguiling nature of its products. Design is at the heart of the Uuio project, which began with an effort to reimagine the humble high chair. The result, which forms one part of the broader Uuio SIB furniture concept, is a modern masterpiece combining a classic form with high-end materials and functional simplicity. The remainder of the collection is just as enticing – from Uuio TRE, an arboreal spin on building blocks hewn from solid oak, to Uuio ONN, a multicoloured wool rug made in Germany from completely natural fibres. But our current favourite is Uuio VII, a child’s bed crafted from oak and featuring a softly angular design and fun yellow struts under the mattress. The effect is one of playful dynamism, albeit a dynamism of the most stylish sort. Available in two sizes, it’s soon to be reworked as a daybed – which we’re sure we’ll be seeing all over Pinterest and Instagram before the summer is out... shop.uuio.de
HAPPY FEET
COUNT UP
CLARKS
5 WILD NUMBERS
Clarks Originals has launched its first-ever collection for tiny feet. The Mini Me Icons features three of the classics perfectly recreated in a series of muted colours in kids’ sizes 5-2.5. From £45; clarks.co.uk
We love Bella Gomez’s new board book, which uses clever paper engineering to help young ones learn to count from one to five – all in the company of some very fetching wild animals. £9.99; foyles.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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HEAD
S PA C E Is creating a beautiful setting enough to guarantee a harmonious and happy home life with a family? Probably not. Absolutely seeks some assistance from the School of Life
Illustration PHIL COUZENS Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E
I
mages of beautiful family homes can be seen everywhere. Small children are artfully stumbling down stairs, their hair cutely dishevelled. Breakfast tables feature stylishly mismatched crockery, the crumby remains of a meal scattered elegantly. Sofas have cushions intact. A single pair of shoes is neatly arranged in a hallway. Throws are casually tossed across flawlessly made beds. Swathes of well-ordered space is shot from all angles. If a visitor from another planet were to flick through the pages of a magazine, they’d think humans lived in flawless spaces with decorative objects tastefully displayed on shelves in groups of three. But here are some of the things you never see on Instagram. The total kitchen devastation caused by children baking cakes. Abandoned towels on the floor. Messy piles of dog-eared leaflets. Shelves of tatty books arranged with no regard for size or colour. Yesterday’s coffee cups. Discarded shoes, especially muddy ones, or lone ones. Unfinished craft projects too big for the cupboard. The detritus of family life requires endless clearing up, throwing away, sorting out, and that is, ultimately, what home means. The key to a happy home life, according to the School of Life, can’t be found in a new rug or in matching towels or even in a loft conversion. Happiness comes through emotional intelligence, nurtured through ideas and discussion, and it is entirely immune to the colour of your walls. The reality of family life comprises arguments, sulking, irrational behaviour, door slammingand general
emotional volatility – is this what we’re trying to tame with our storage solutions and our careful lighting? If home is a state of mind, how can we achieve the serene yet characterful home life implied by all the heavily styled images? The School of Life, Alain de Botton’s centre for the pursuit of emotional intelligence, has a few tools to offer. Many of them are simply conversation starters – but they’re very well thought out (not to mentioned elegantly packaged, so they also work as decorative objects for shelves). We start with 100 Questions: Family Edition, which is a simple box of cards, each featuring a leading question that can apply to all ages. It’s designed to be an improvement on this familiar exchange: “How was school today darling?” “Fine.” “Did anything interesting happen?” “No.” “What did you have for lunch?” “I can’t remember. Stop asking me things.” Instead, here are ‘100 carefully composed questions designed to get you into imaginative, thought-provoking conversations between children and adults’, neatly packaged ‘for families who enjoy lively discussions and meaningful conversations,’ it says. It’s pitched to be revealing, rather than exposing, and to appeal to all ages. In my household, everyone is keen to play. First question: ‘If you had to join someone else’s family, whose would you choose?’ Ouch. This could easily lead to one of our oft-revisited rows which begins with the recrimination: “Stella’s mother would never put spinach in macaroni cheese. I wish I lived with her.” But happily the ensuing conversation is remarkably civilised, leading seamlessly into the following cards: What’s the best thing about your family? And the
“WHAT ARE WE TRYING TO TAME WITH OUR STYLISH STORAGE SOLUTIONS?”
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KIDS & EDUCATION • FAMILY LIFE
worst? Again, getting quite close to the bone but without actually bruising anything or slamming any doors. Answers to ‘The best way to get me to do something I don’t want to do is…’ are predictable, involving money and chocolate, while more widereaching questions reveal heartfelt convictions about plastic in the oceans and global consumption and waste. Soon we’re in an intense and wide-reaching discussion spanning capital punishment, the value of learning maths, artificial intelligence, the existence of God and whether parenting should be strict. Each of us learns something new about each family member, whether it’s the smell they most associate with school or their best ever dream. Further questions include: ‘What makes you feel lonely?’ ‘How strict will you be as a parent?’ ‘What would be the best job in the world?’ ‘Describe your ideal school day’, and the devastating: ‘Do you think your parents and siblings spend too much time on phones/computers?’
While we’re shopping at the School of Life – and on the subject of time spent on phones – we’re distracted by a stylish glass sand timer with enough yellow sand to mark out 15 minutes. This is another row-abater. When our youngest refuses to address her homework, we instate a 15-minute rule. Screen time can come in 15-minute increments. So can question time. And quiet time. And tidying up time. Soon we're almost living to a timetable. This doesn’t work for everything: 15 minutes is long for toothbrushing, showering and the naughty step. Needless to say, the curvy timer looks nice on a shelf too. Ultimately, creating a lovely space for your family to inhabit is important, but it needs to be filled with what the Germans might call ‘lebensinhalt’ – literally, life content. (The School of Life also has a whole set of cards on the subject of German untranslatable words, but that’s another conversation). A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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“The investment in education for our daughters at Westonbirt has been invaluable. The growth in their confidence and self-esteem has been amazing.” Current Parent
OPEN DOOR DAY: THURSDAY 3RD MAY 9AM-12PM Bookings at www.westonbirt.org/admissions/open-days Day Fee £4,995/term; Boarding Fee £9,750/term. E: admissions@westonbirt.org T: 01666 881301 www.westonbirt.org
Celebrating 90 years of excellent educational provision in the heart of the Gloucestershire countryside WESTONBIRT.indd 1 +3mm - 19.2.18.indd 1 Absolutely Ed - full page
19/02/2018 15:30 14:50
EDUCATION • FOCUS
KING’S WIMBLEDON PUPILS AIMING HIGH
CHANCE A educational expert says the rules of the playing field can help with successful revision By TIM WILBUR
F
or some 20 years, I spent my time at the chalk-face preparing literally thousands of youngsters for GCSEs and A-Levels. From the early 1980s onwards, I began to deliver homilies on revision technique. Interestingly, these were drawn more from my experience coaching school sport to the very highest level than teaching itself. I have long believed in the crucial connection between the playing field and the classroom. My favourite sporting adage was that to be good, one needed
physical ability, high levels of relevant skill and the correct temperament. To be better than good, one needed to have these three facets perfectly balanced. If this is transferred to revision, the skill in question is the revision process, and in modern parlance, the other two might constitute ‘well-being’. The truth remains, however, that to revise successfully requires far more than cramming knowledge for the fateful day. It requires a lifestyle and commitment. Most good revision guides will suggest a variety of ways for
Break your day down into three sessions of 90 minutes
A Sporting
knowing and understanding the material; two very different concepts. The strategy is to balance the competing demands on an individual’s time in the period before a major exam. The vital interests to be balanced are: Revision, Relaxation and Rest – the three Rs. The good news for those revising is that the process is limited and achievable. There is absolutely no way the average student can concentrate for more than the five teaching hours that constitute a normal day. I would suggest further that this should be broken down into three sessions of 90 minutes, with a 10 minute break mid-way. However, as stated this is only a third of the story. The concept of ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ has, as always, a lot to recommend it. Thus, the relaxation component does not mean one should be supine; that is the ‘R’ for rest. Physical activity of any sort, even a brisk 10-minute walk, will suffice to increase stimulation. There is also no reason for an adolescent to compromise on a much-needed eight-plus hours of sleep. In fact, if the candidate plans their revision well, every other aspect of their normal life should find room for itself. There is room to find time to eat healthily, meet up with friends, visit the dreaded internet, etc. If the person can ‘balance’ they can succeed. The other good news is that successful revision does not have to be a seven day a week endeavour; plan days off. It goes without saying that the process needs to start early. If the student has all the materials necessary for revision, the process can be narrowed to six weeks. At the end of my examination coaching spiel, I liked to ruin the moment by asking the immortal question ‘Is that not how you live your life anyway?’ The quality and quantity of the derisory scowls used to tell me whether I had hit the nail
TIM WILBUR is Director of School Consultancy at Gabbitas Education
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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KIDS • CELEBRATIONS
PARTY
Pieces Meri Meri’s guide to a creative kid’s birthday celebrations
Step 1
RELEASE YOUR INNER CHILD
eri Meri’s team gets their design inspiration from a very emotional source: their memories of childhood. Especially all the waiting—they remember every big moment that they spent in breathless anticipation. Whether it was opening up a big present, waiting for friends to join the birthday party, or some other longest shortest moment in time, they try to imbue that excitement into their supplies. You should try it yourself. As you start listening to what your kid wants, try to exercise your empathy muscles a bit and remember the imaginative possibilities you used to have. It turns out you still do, you just might have put them on mute.
M
W
e admit it: we’ve been fans of Meri Meri for a while— long before they ever thought to collaborate with us on invitations. We love their sense of whimsy and artistry and we also love the way that their party supplies conjure up an immersive world, even if you aren’t a natural party decorator. Since they’re such fonts of creativity, we asked the team at Meri Meri for a few tips and touchstones to keep in mind as you plan your own party—ideally with a Meri Meri for Paperless Post invitation and supplies to match.
“We’ve long been fans of Meri Meri’s Sense of whimsy and artistry”
E x t r a c t f r o m PA P E R L E S S P O S T
Step 2
BUT DON’T GO (TOO) WILD
kay, we know we’re contradicting ourselves a bit, but remember: you are the adult here. Meri Meri suggests that once you get into the right state of mind for your little one’s dream theme, you start limiting your focus. Don’t let a unicorn party turn into “unicorns and princesses and astronauts and pirates.” Pick one and go deep: pick out matching supplies in your theme (which Meri Meri happens to have well in hand) and absolutely nothing else. Save your time and energy for the party itself – after all, the aim is to have fun with the planning and to throw an event that everyone enjoys!
O
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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TRAVEL
OLD MEETS NEW MUNICH
From Mediterranean street cafes to Mitteleuropa beer halls, highbrow art, high-tech industry and traditional charm, we discover it all in southern Germany's largest city
Traditional meets innovative in Munich
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Caribbean Dream 112 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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MUNICH OLD TOWN
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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST
THE CITY OF DREAMING SPIRES Tradition meets innovation in an action-packed city break to Munich
By J OY M O N TG O M E RY
E
verything in Munich comes back to beer. After all, the city’s name derives from the Old German term munichen, meaning ‘by the monks’, which refers to the beerbrewing Benedictine fathers who ran the monastery that later become the Old Town. Fast-forward to the present day and every summer sees seven million lederhosen-clad revellers swarm to the city for the iconic beer festival, Oktoberfest. The monks would be proud. This time-honoured love for ‘liquid bread’ is one of many examples of old meeting new in Munich. The contrast between past and present, tradition and innovation is a continual theme. We make it our mission to discover both sides of this vibrant city.
HOME COMFORTS
W
e’re staying at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, conveniently located down a quiet street in the heart of Munich’s Old Town. Built in 1880, the site originally housed a grand ballroom before becoming a hotel in 1990. Ten years later, it was taken over by the Mandarin Oriental Group, and in 2015 received an extensive refurbishment, unveiling a new entrance area, bar, restaurant and lobby lounge. The hotel expertly combines traditional Bavarian elegance with the high-end luxury of a contemporary fivestar establishment. The lobby boasts a sweeping staircase, wrapped around a dramatically lit central column, while to the left, a plush lounge area presents the perfect setting for a cosy afternoon tea, with elegant furnishings and a
seasonal art exhibition. Our room, meanwhile, features cherry wood furnishings, parquet floor, Oriental rug and panoramic views over the city’s rooftops, it is opulent yet homely, modern without trying too hard. It also provides the perfect base from which to explore the city sights.
T R ADIT IONAL C H AR M
S
teeped in history, the winding, cobbled streets of Munich tell a story at every turn. The best way to bring these narratives to life is to join a walking tour, and we link up with Veloso Tours and local guide Sabina. We start out at the Hofbräuhaus, one of Munich’s most famed beer halls. Located seconds from the hotel, this local establishment dates back to the 16th century and is a must for soaking up some Bavarian charm. Picture soaring vaulted ceilings painted with elaborate murals, thigh-slapping live music and long wooden tables groaning with brimming steins and caveman-sized joints of meat. With over 80% of the buildings destroyed during World War II, the city is made up of an incredible melting pot of architectural styles. We take a short walk from the beer hall to the Marienplatz, the city’s main square since 1158, which still houses the city council and Mayor’s office. The impressive Neo-Gothic New Town Hall dominates the landscape, tall spires piercing the grayscale skies, while to the east is the whitewashed exterior of the Old Town Hall. When it comes to museums in Munich, you are spoilt for choice. A quick 15 minutes from Marienplatz, is the unmissable Residenz Schatzkammer, one of Europe’s most magnificent treasuries. Housing the contents of the Palatinate treasury from Heidelberg, Düsseldorf and Mannheim, magpies will love exploring the jewelA B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST
CHINA MOON ROOFTOP
encrusted corridors, glinting with all manner of fantastical treasures. Keep an eye out for the travelling set owned by Empress Marie Louise of France, which contains cleverly disguised secret compartments and more than 120 items, including a dinner service for two, sewing implements, screwdriver and dentist’s instruments. A day of exploration would not be complete without a traditional Bavarian feast, and Spatenhaus an der Oper hits the spot nicely. With breath-taking views of the Residenz, the restaurant offers plenty of local allure with its panelled ceiling and waiters clad in traditional dress. For the authentic experience, make sure to order the roasted pork knuckle or Bavarian duck, both served with a sumptuous cabbage salad and traditional potato dumplings.
CONTEMPORARY COOL
T
he Maximilianstrasse, Munich’s answer to the Champs-Élysées, is a moment from the ancient grandeur of the Residenz, and offers an impressive array of designer fashion: Chanel, Valentino, Dior, Bulgari, you name it. MANDARIN ORIENTAL
BAR 31
Construction of Mystery’ exhibition, which runs until 10 June. Boasting never-beforeseen acquisitions from across the globe, the show primarily follows Klee’s Bauhaus years and his path as a ‘thinking artist’. Klee’s detailed, small-scale works offer glimpses into his whimsical worlds, where understanding and feeling, construction and intuition are held in perfect balance. It’s a thought-provoking and beautifully curated collection. For contemporary dining in Munich, you can’t do better than the Mandarin Oriental’s in-house restaurant Matsuhisa. From internationally celebrated chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa, the restaurant serves innovative JapanesePeruvian fusion cuisine, with particular emphasis on seafood. Highlights include yellowtail jalapeno, made with tender yellowtail sashimi and topped with garlic purée, and the black cod miso, featuring Alaskan black cod marinated in sweet soy paste and garnished with Hajikami. The deceptively simple spinach salad with dry miso is another winner, delivering a punch with decadent flavours of Parmesan and truffle oil. As our final evening draws to a close, we enjoy a moment of calm on the Mandarin Oriental’s China Moon roof
“Magpies will love exploring the jewelencrusted corridors, glinting with all manner of fantastical treasures” It reveals a different side to the city. Woven between the towering churches and historic beer halls, modern Munich exists as a buzzing hub, where young people enjoy all the mod cons of a cosmopolitan city. To get a taste of local living, away from the crowds of the city centre, explore the streets around the universities Schellingstrasse, Türkenstrasse and Theresienstrasse. Think of it as your go-to for stylish fashion boutiques, independent coffee shops and happening bars. Quirky concept store Kauf Dich Glücklich is great for unique finds, while hidden gem Café Vorhölzer is essential for Sunday brunch with a view. As the night draws in, head to James T. Hunt for plenty of buzzy atmosphere and delicious cocktails. Modern Munich isn’t just about hipster cafes, however. Located a 20 minutes walk from the Old Town, Pinakothek der Moderne is a veritable cathedral of contemporary art, with a central, lightflooded space encircling a soaring, celestial dome. We’re here to see the new ‘Paul Klee:
terrace which during the summer months plays host to a restaurant, open-air pool and stunning 360-degree views of the skyline. Up above the spires and bustling streets, the city unfurls beneath us. We spot the iconic twin domes of Munich Cathedral, proudly visible due to city law that forbids anyone from building above it. Fittingly perhaps, the Mandarin Oriental is the highest rooftop in the Old Town and the only one with an unobstructed 360 degree view. Together they represent the two sides to Munich - the old and the new - both framed against the snow-capped Alpine horizon.
M A N DA R I N O R I E N TA L Rates for Mandarin Oriental, Munich start from EUR 525 per room per night (approx. GBP 470) For more information or to make a booking, please call +49 89 290 980 or visit mandarinoriental.com/munich
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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T
The House
T
his year saw the 150th anniversary of Huntsham Court, a grand Baronial mansion in the Devon countryside. Originally built in 1868, the gothic estate bridges the gap between hotel and country home. Huntsham Court is a private hire mansion. Guests who stay have full reign of the house, can supply their own food and alcohol with no corkage fee, bring their dogs, put their feet on the furniture and relax in every room with no limitations. It is the ultimate home from home.
Things to do
S
et in a magnificent five-acre garden within the rolling Devon countryside, there is certainly no shortage of things to do here. If the weather is good, get out and explore the grounds. The estate also makes the perfect base for venturing into the nearby countryside where you can try your hand at bell ringing, archery, shooting or fencing. If the weather is cold and dreary, you may prefer to explore the house. Get lost in a book in the library, thrash out a tune on one of the many organs, or organise a pamper evening and wine tasting.
The Rooms
T
he estate boasts 35 spacious, comfortable and lavishly decorated bedrooms. These are where the artistic background and penchant for antiques of co-owner Damian Llambias comes across. Loud colour palettes, four-poster beds, free-standing bath tubs, chinoiserie, grand mirrors, and a baby-pink fireplace scream opulence and fun, but at the same time manage to maintain good taste. There is no wifi or TV in the bedrooms which is a great help in switching off from the outside world and encourages guests to venture downstairs to spend time in the communal areas.
weekend
The Food
DESTINATIONS
TRAVEL • UK GETAWAY
he Ginger Peanut in Bampton is a must-visit during your stay. This gorgeous pub is the sister venue of Huntsham Court and is a gastronomic destination in its own right. We enjoyed starters of deep fried poached duck egg with pancetta, portuguese style pan-fried sardines and beetroot salad with candied walnuts and blue cheese. These were followed by show-stopping mains, including a fillet of sea trout, a rump of lamb and a 28-day, Himalayan salt-aged rib rump of beef.
“A baby-pink fireplace screams opulence and fun”
HUNTSHAM COURT A weekend of fun, frolics and finedining at this Devon countryside estate By MIRIAM CAREY
Early season price for two nights start from £86 per person, per night HUNTSHAM COURT Huntsham, Tiverton EX16 7NA; 01398 361 277 huntshamcourt.co.uk
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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“White and powder blue interiors blend seamlessly with an unmatched view of sky, sea and tropical palms”
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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST
Caribbean
DREAM We’re soaking up the sun at the romantic and relaxing, Jamaica Inn
W o r d s T A M A R VA N D E R H O E K
F
SINCE 1950, JAMAICA INN HAS RANKED AMONG THE TOP LUXURY HOTELS IN THE CARIBBEAN THE PRIVATE JAMAICA BEACH RESORT IS NEVER CROWDED
rom the moment you arrive at the Jamaican Inn, the rest of the world feels far away. The open-plan reception alone is enough to oust all thought of the nine-to-five with white and powder blue interiors blending seamlessly with an unmatched view of sky, sea and tropical palms blowing in the breeze. “Welcome.” We are greeted by the friendly staff - their hospitality as warm as the Jamaican climate, and take a sip of the hotel’s signature Planters Punch cocktail. And relax - we've arrived in paradise. Despite its Ocho Rios location - bang smack in the cruise capital of Jamaica, with 2,000 passengers stopping off each day - there is not a crowd in site at the privately owned Jamaica Inn. The hotel has a conservative 47 rooms which are spread throughout two buildings and seven cottages. This, coupled with a private beach that stretches across the length of the resort means there is no morning rush to reserve a seaside lounger. The accommodation is equally as spectacular as the landscape; each suite is tastefully styled without TVs, radios or clocks to intrude on rest. But if you really must take a peak at emails, there is no need to worry about expensive roaming charges with complimentary Wifi within reach of every room. Not compromising on personal outdoor space, the suites also come with a balcony or verandah, complete with a full-size sofa and breakfast table to take in the panoramic views. Established in 1958, Jamaica Inn is celebrating its diamond jubilee this year and is steeped in history. It quickly became the jet-set destination of the 50s and 60s, where Hollywood aristocracy would party with British nobility. It comes as no surprise then that silver screen siren Marilyn Monroe and Winston Churchill chose this as their place to retreat. Both stayed in the original premier offering of the White Suite, a large room situated on its own private peninsula, where breathtaking vistas of the Caribbean Sea can be seen from anywhere within the 2,000 square feet of living space. By the reception A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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Sale
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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST STAFF ARE ALWAYS ON HAND EITHER AT THE BAR OR HAMMOCK-SIDE
ROOMS ARE SPACIOUS, IMPECCABLE AND TASTEFUL
The beach is patrolled by the resident black labrador Shadow IV - the fourth incarnation for the Jamaica Inn and just as popular with the guests as her predecessors. Along with the domesticated pet resident, Jamaica Inn’s seaside plays host to a variety of marine and land wildlife, including birds, fish and most famously, sea turtles. Known to nest on its shore throughout the year, the beach at Jamaica Inn forms part of a group of protected shoreline in Jamaica, where conservation efforts ensure turtle hatchlings make it safely from the nest to the sea. Whether on the private beach or at another location, guests are invited to learn more about sea turtles and help the newborns by washing the tiny turtles, before placing them to a bucket where they are collectively released and scamper their way to the ocean. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment
“There is nothing quite like drinking and dining during sunset at the open-air restaurant” EACH SUITE FEATURE A PRIVATE FURNISHED BALCONY OR VERANDAH
a framed picture of a relaxed Mr Churchill is found alongside images of the glamorous Marilyn. She stayed here with her thenhusband, acclaimed playwright Arthur Miller and both are pictured enjoying the company of friends while dining at the resort. Speaking of dinner, there is nothing quite like drinking and dining during sunset at the open-air restaurant, where guests can choose from a variety of traditional Jamaican dishes and international cuisine, fit for all taste buds. A nod to a bygone era and its rich past, the Jamaica Inn maintains
its sense of sophistication by employing an evening dress code; men must wear collared shirts and ladies are encouraged to dress-up. As the sun falls, a live band descends upon the patio, playing everything from reggae to requests, keeping guests entertained from starter to main, dessert and beyond. In the morning, many guests return to the restaurant for breakfast. However there is the option to have it delivered to your door-step so as to feast on the terrace by the sea in total privacy. During the day, it’s easy to forget there is more to do at Jamaica Inn than lounging on a hammock or swimming in the sea. A range of activities are on offer including complimentary paddle boarding and snorkel excursions via the resort boat.
at a bucket-list-must destination. From the nostalgic touches to the impeccable service and the incredibly luscious setting, there really is something rather special about the Jamaica Inn. With such a variety on offer, both within and beyond its powder blue walls, there is a reason the Jamaica Inn has generations of returning clientele. Don’t be surprised if you book your next stay before you leave.
JA M A I CA I N N Rooms from $399 (approx. £281) per night jamaicainn.com
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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A magical outdoor tale for all the family
Life is suddenly turned upside down and everything becomes curiouser and curiouser…
21 July – 27 August 2018
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MADE IN GERMANY TO MEET YOUR DESIGN NEEDS Built in Kitchen Specialist
• KITCHENS REVOLUTION.APR.indd 1
Kitchen Revolutions Ltd 580 Kingston Road, Wimbledon SW20 8DR T 020 3302 6266 E info@kitchenrevolutions.co.uk W www.kitchenrevolutions.co.uk WE ARE OPEN Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm | Sun 11am - 4pm
17/04/2018 16:45
PROPERTY Living the Dream 128
ISABELLA HOUSE TW10
ÂŁ30,000 PCM
itting within the prestigious Richmond Hill conservation area, this extraordinary new-build home from luxury developers Richstone Properties is a rare rental opportunity on one of Richmond’s most desirable streets. The six-bedroom family home includes separate staff accommodation, formal reception and dining rooms, and a wrap around garden.
S
FEATHERSTONE LEIGH Richmond 020 8940 2332 featherstoneleigh.co.uk
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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MOVE Faster. Sell with Knight Frank Our understanding of the everchanging market enables us to price your property accurately, so you can rely on Knight Frank to get you moving. Call us today on 020 8115 9703 to arrange your free market appraisal.
KnightFrank.com/wimbledon wimbledon@knightfrank.com
Guide price: £4,450,000
West Side Common, Wimbledon SW19 Beautiful 18th Century country house overlooking Wimbledon Common. 3/4 bedrooms (1 en suite), family bathroom, double reception room, kitchen, utility room, cloakroom, studio, garden, garage, off street parking. EPC: F. Approximately 274.2 sq m (2,952 sq ft). wimbledon@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8115 9703
@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk
Guide price: £6,595,000
Highbury Road, Wimbledon SW19 A truly stunning house on one of Wimbledon Village's most sought after roads. 7 bedrooms (4 en suite), 2 family bathrooms, 3 reception rooms, kitchen/family room, gym, 2 cloakrooms, utility room, garage, off street parking, garden. EPC: C. Approximately 626.1 sq m (6,740 sq ft). wimbledon@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8115 9703
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ABSOLUTELY May 2018 - Sales
19/04/2018 10:36
11/04/2018 16:19:22
Brynmaer Road, Battersea SW11 A stunning Victorian home moments from Battersea Park An exceptional and unique six bedroom house that has been finished to the highest standard throughout, with excellent living space, high ceilings and private garden. 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, double reception room, living room, kitchen/dining room, bar, garden. Approximately 267 sq m (2,874 sq ft). EPC: B. Freehold
Guide Price: £3,500,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/battersea battersea@knightfrank.com 020 8033 9673
@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk
KnightFrank.co.uk/BAT170116
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Absolutely May Issue 2018
19/04/2018 10:36
10/04/2018 11:07:14
Frewin Road, Wandsworth SW18 Located on the Magdalen estate The house is set back from the road behind an attractive front garden and offers family accommodation with generous living space. 3/4 bedrooms, family bathroom, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/dining room, downstairs cloakroom, study, utility, 2 sheds and a southerly facing garden. Awaiting EPC. Approximately 228 sq m (2,461 sq ft). Freehold
Guide price: £1,695,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/wandsworth wandsworth@knightfrank.com 020 3589 2850
@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk
KnightFrank.co.uk/WND180043
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Absolutely - May 2018
19/04/2018 10:41
11/04/2018 14:51:42
Clapham Common North Side, Clapham SW4 A charming maisonette apartment with views over Clapham Common Situated within an imposing Victorian terrace house, this handsome apartment offers generous family accommodation with a wealth of period charm retained throughout. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, double reception room, kitchen, utility room, cellar, terrace, 2 balconies. EPC: D. Approximately 260.4 sq m (2,803 sq ft). Leasehold
Guide price: £1,495,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/clapham clapham@knightfrank.com 020 8115 4912
@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk
KnightFrank.co.uk/CPM180030
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Absoutely - Mayl 2018 - Clapham sales
19/04/2018 10:42
16/04/2018 14:45:54
Move This Spring get back to what you love sooner by selling or letting with Knight Frank.
We’d love to help you. KnightFrank.co.uk
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Connecting people & property, perfectly.
19/04/2018 09/01/2018 12:07 11:52
Vardens Road, Clapham Junction SW11 A beautifully refurbished two bedroom garden flat This spacious property offers generous living and entertaining space and an abundance of natural light flows throughout. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room, kitchen/ dining room, cellar, garden. EPC: E. Approximately: 85.69 sq m (922 sq ft) Available unfurnished.
Guide price: £575 per week
KnightFrank.co.uk/claphamlettings claphamlettings@knightfrank.com 020 8022 6491
@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk
KnightFrank.co.uk/clq287197
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Clapham Lettings
19/04/2018 16:07
19/04/2018 16:02:38
LIVING THE
DREAM The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market
1
RAILTON ROAD
S E 24 , £51 0,0 0 0
R
ailton Road is a collection of three newly converted flats in the heart of Brixton. Each apartment offers a large openplan kitchen, dining and living space with the kitchens and bathrooms fitted to a very high specification. The property is positioned in a highly soughtafter area of south London and within close proximity to popular amenities including Brixton Village and Brixton Lido. PEDDER Herne Hill, 0208 702 9999 newhomes@pedderproperty.com
CHARLOTTE ROAD SW 1 3 , £2,95 0,000
T
his gorgeous four bedroom house offers superb accommodation throughout and is finished to immaculate standards. The property is compiled of a stunning eat-in kitchen with French doors to garden, two reception rooms - one with original working fireplace, stylish bathroom with separate shower cubicle converted studio room, large garden and off-street parking. FOXTONS Barnes, 020 3728 2288 www.foxtons.co.uk 1
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PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET
SUDBROOK GARDENS T W 1 0 , £ 3 , 8 5 0,0 0 0
KT 4 , O I E O £ 1 , 2 0 0,0 0 0
O
S
FEATHERSTONE LEIGH
KFH
Richmond, 020 8940 1575 featherstoneleigh.co.uk
Raynes Park, 020 3792 1833 kfh.co.uk
ffering over 3100 sq ft of living space, this picturesque fivebedroom home sits moments from Richmond Park in one of Petersham’s most desirable locations. Within the brick-built wall surrounding the property, residents have access to a converted coach house and large swimming pool, plus garden space to the front and rear of the main home.
ROSENAU CRESCENT
SHERBROOKE WAY ensational sixbedroom detached family home built as the centre-piece of the awardwinning Hamptons development 12-minutes walk to Worcester Park station. The striking New England-style architecture has a stylish finish, five bathrooms and a large garage. The 30acre private park development includes tennis courts, community hall, gym and a lake.
SW 1 1 , £ 8 ,0 0 0 P C M
A
n exceptional and unique five bedroom house that has been finished to the highest standard with excellent living space, high ceilings, private garden and balcony. Popular features include aak Herringbone timber flooring, an attractive fire place, marble worktops, Lacanche oven and Bladon stone floor tiling. Glass sliding doors lead out to a south east facing garden.
PICTURESQUE FIVE-BEDROOM HOME SITS MOMENTS FROM RICHMOND PARK IN ONE OF PETERSHAM’S MOST DESIRABLE LOCATIONS
KNIGHT FRANK
Battersea, 020 8115 2327 battersealettings@knightfrank.com
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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HOLDEN STREET, BATTERSEA This unusually large and beautifully presented four bedroom Victorian cottage is located in the sort after Shaftesbury Conservation Area, close to the amenities of Clapham Junction. EPC = E
4
2
2
ASKING PRICE
£1,030,000 BATTERSEA 020 7228 2278
EVERSLEIGH ROAD, BATTERSEA Amazing two bedroom first floor maisonette positioned perfectly within the Shaftsbury Conservation area a short walk from Clapham Junction and sandwiched between Clapham Common and Battersea Park. EPC = D
2
1
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ASKING PRICE
£590,000 BATTERSEA 020 7228 2278
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Chiswick Hammersmith West Kensington Fulham Chelsea
Battersea Clapham Putney Barnes Richmond
Kew Sheen Twickenham Teddington Kingston
featherstoneleigh.co.uk
LAVENDER SWEEP, BATTERSEA Stunning three bedroom period garden flat presented to a very high standard and with a private front door and side entrance. The property has been modernised throughout whilst retaining many of its period features and offers excellent living space. Lavender Sweep is centrally located within minutes of Clapham Common, Northcote Road and Battersea Rise with the excellent transport links at Clapham Junction Station. Available early April. EPC = D
PRICE
ÂŁ2,800 PCM
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BATTERSEA 020 7228 2278
19/04/2018 14:22
Bring refined luxury to the heart of your home with Schmidt. Visit your new local showroom in Clapham NOW OPEN
Schmidt Kitchens made to measure to the millimetre Truly customisable designs and finishes 66% more storage
Come in store to discover our May offers Call now for more details 0203 903 1111 Or Visit – 188 Acre Lane, London, SW2 5UL www. schmidt-clapham.com Opening hours are 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday Sunday by appointment only
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