Vantage Magazine August 2011 - St John's Wood Edition

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&AUGUST 2011 i s s u e 1 3

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


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Va ntageexplore Nw’s rich

artistic history

Culture Vulture

sailor the best of beachside liviNg

chic

Welcome to a new chapter in Bentley history. The new Continental GT

– a remarkable fusion of breathtaking performance, sensuous luxury

and modern technology. This stunningly sculpted coupe’s sharp features

are indicative of Bentley’s DNA. It harnesses an incredibly powerful

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capa bilities for everyday driving. This is matched with an exquisitely

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all-wheel drive across countries and continents in superior comfort and

elegance. Supreme motoring that is unmistakably Bentley. Welcome

to the new Continental GT

For more information call 01270 535032† or visit www.bentleymotors.comThe name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2011 Bentley Motors Limited. Model shown: Bentley Continental GT, mrrp £135,760. Price correct at time of going to press and includes VAT at 20%. Price excludes road fund licence, registration and delivery charges. †Calls will be recorded for training purposes.

Fuel economy figures for the Continental GT in mpg (l/100km):

Urban 11.1 (25.4); Extra Urban 24.9 (11.4); Combined 17.1 (16.5).

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15

featurespotlight

I t’ll come as no surprise that we’re staunch advocates of North West London. This rich and vibrant area has character and class around every corner, some of the best fashion and interiors shops and designers in the capital and a vast array of unique, renowned and completely fabulous eateries and watering holes. In addition, it is the perfect place

to expand your mind, indulge your creative side and soak up some culture. Just another of the many, many reasons why you never need to leave NW.

TheatresHampstead Theatre, a stalwart of new writing, is well-supported in the locality and offers a wealth of thought-provoking productions that seek to explore and question the big issues of the day. Having

celebrated its 50th year in 2009 and welcomed new artistic director Edward Hall and his theatre company Propeller in 2010, the coming months are looking exciting for the theatre with plays by Tim Price, Sarah Helm and Steve Thompson running throughout the summer, and a fascinating take on Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors starting towards the end of September. “We maintain a commitment to investing in the talent of the future, and our long history bears witness to our dedication to discovering the next generation of writers, actors, and directors,” says Hall.

Located just off Heath Street, New End Theatre, run by father and daughter team Brian and Alexa Daniels – one of London’s few family run theatres – is housed in the former morturary of the now closed New End Hospital. According to local legend it is said to be haunted, but this doesn’t stop it producing numerous successful plays, many of which later transfer to the West End. Artistic director Brian has a long running history with theatre in the local area, having also run the Shaw Theatre in Camden, and uses his considerable skill to produce cutting-edge theatre and works with some of the best names in the business, including patron Judi Dench.

Not content to be patron of just one theatre, Judi Dench has lent her name, and considerable support, to the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, a veritable destination feature of NW. This fabulous theatre produces a range of Shakespeare, opera and classic plays, all staged in their dramatic steeply raked stadium, enclosed by trees, glittering with fairy lights. People traditionally arrive early to picnic with hampers and Pimms before relaxing with blankets and letting the drama commence.

Just as dramatic and memorable is the Roundhouse in Camden, a renowned and historic theatre and music venue that offers an enviable selection of live performances by world famous musicians and artists, productions of new and old plays, dramatic collaborations and an impressive programme of courses and opportunities for young people.

Also doing a lot of work for the community, as well as providing rehearsal space and recording facilities is The Cockpit Theatre in Marylebone. At once an excellent event space, theatre and educational facility, The Cockpit is a wonderful community resource and a great place to catch new writing. We’re looking forward to New Works in September, a ground-breaking new writing collaboration with Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland.

The Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn, which also supports young talent and new writing, is one of the best loved cultural spaces in London and boasts a full theatrical programme, a cinema and an art gallery. The spacious bar also makes for a great spot for an early evening drink.

If you fancy venturing a little further afield, The Almeida in Islington is a lovely local theatre with distinctly national appeal. Despite its relative small size – with 325 seats – the theatre commands some of the most exciting new writing and productions in the local area; we are especially excited about the world premiere of Stephen Poliakoff’s play My City, which runs from 8 Sep - 5 Nov.

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homes, designer fashion boutiques and luxury dining options, North West London is also an amazing hub of culture and art. Emma Mills and Gaby Lane expand their horizons

Cultural life in

Le geek, c’est chic. It may be July but the British weather is unpredictable enough to break out waistcoats and wool, ties and tailoring, and channel smart girl summer style

Photography: Anthony Edwin Fashion Editor: Lucie Dodds

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57

GREUBEL FORSEY’S VICTORY

interview ...........................................PATEK PHILIPPE jewellery .....................BUTTERFLIES & BEES trend ................................................................BLACK & GOLD

When a watch wins the coveted Grand Prix L’Aiguille d’Or prize at the annual Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève,

it enters the history books as one of the greatest watches of its time. When that watch comes courtesy of a company yet to celebrate its eighth birthday, this achievement heralds an illustrious future. Winning last year’s overall prize for the finest watch from all categories – and adding its name to a list that includes Vacheron Constantin’s Tour de l ‘Île and Patek Philippe’s 5102 Ciel Lune

– was Greubel Forsey with its Double Tourbillon 30° Edition Historique.

Designed both to conclude and commemorate the watch that launched Greubel Forsey, the timepiece boasts a gold dial with three sapphire crystal plates and is limited to 11 5N red gold pieces (priced at £380,000) and 11 pieces in platinum (priced at £403,000). While the mechanical complexity and aesthetic beauty of the Edition Historique make it the perfect send-off to a range of revolutionary tourbillions, it also whets the appetite for what Greubel Forsey will bring us in the future. �

Before Greubel Forsey sets forth to explore new

technical territories, the company honours the

watch that earned it a position among the élite

RUNWILDM E D I A G R O U P

Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Runwild Media Ltd. takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any �*��?�0 ��?�

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Homes, interiors, interviews, gardens, food, family, fashion and travel: Every month VANTAGE delivers the definitive lifestyle guide boasting the best life has to offer.

With carefully selected lead interviews and stories, our team of writers brings to life the people, personalities and places that are both relevant and inspirational.

VANTAGE is the latest publication from dynamic, independent publishing house Runwild Media (RWM). The ethos of high-quality and intelligent editorial combined with a stylish aesthetic has helped them carve a niche in the field of luxury publishing.

Specialising in bespoke, luxury titles with exclusive partnerships (including Canary Wharf Group, British Land, The Royal Exchange, Visit London, The O2 and many more) the company is rapidly expanding its portfolio with many new exciting magazine launches coming soon.

about us...

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&AUGUST 2011 I S S U E 1 3

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VA NTAGEEXPLORE NW’S RICH

ARTISTIC HISTORY

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SAILOR THE BEST OF BEACHSIDE LIVING

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HAMPSTEAD EDITION: COVERING HAMPSTEAD, HIGHGATE, HAMPSTEAD HEATH, BELSIZE PARK AND WEST HAMPSTEAD

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Canary Wharf magazine The City magazine, Vicinitee

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Editorial DirectorKate Harrison

EditorEmma Mills

Fashion EditorLucie Dodds

Assistant EditorsGabrielle LaneRichard Brown

Head of DesignHiren Chandarana

Brand ConsistencyLaddawan Juhong

Senior DesignerDalton Butler

DesignerAshley Lewis

Production ManagerFiona Fenwick

ProductionDaniel Harris

Advertising ManagerKate Oxbrow

Head of FinanceElton Hopkins

Managing DirectorEren Ellwood

Augu

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��As fell walker and author Alfred Wainwright once wisely said: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” And if the recent drop in temperature has taught us anything, it is to always be prepared. With looming grey skies, the threatening patter of giant raindrops and blustery winds becoming an all too common feature of our daily life, now is the time to find new ways to inject some sunshine in to your life.

If the thought of spending the last two summer months of the year wrapped up in winter woollens and thick socks is just too depressing then get thee to the beach! Our Ibiza feature this month provides some serious inspiration for the sun starved, showcasing the best hotels and the most luxurious ways to soak up some rays. Get the lowdown on p.80.

Banish all thoughts of the miserable weather and lose yourself in our interview with Sairah Hicks, head designer at Fitriani. This divine fashion house, specialising in the most sumptuous couture ballgowns, is sure to bring some heart warming glee to any girl with a soft spot for silk, lace and luxury evening wear (p.32).

Forget barbeques and salads, London has some of the best restaurants in the world, manned by some of the best chefs in the world. See our round-up of the best eponymous restaurants you must try on p.92.

And don’t forget to read our review of the brilliant JW Steakhouse, just the place to forget about the world outside and lose yourself in some great wine and great steak (p.93).

In addition this month we speak exclusively to Trevor Sorbie about his impressive career and why he chose Hampstead as the location for his fourth boutique salon (p.10). We take a cultural tour of NW London, seeing everything from fringe theatres to stately homes and museums (p.14), while still having time pamper ourselves in Urban Retreat (p.48), have a weekend away at Luton Hoo (p.84) and look at bringing a bit of beachside chic to a second home (p.36).

And, if all that isn’t enough for you to forget the absence of summer this year, then perhaps our round up of some of the best experience breaks in luxury hotels will give you some food for thought on p.87.

Happy planning!

Emma Mills

Editor

11

featureinterview

O ne would think that hair stylist Trevor Sorbie would be content with three highly successful and uber glamorous salons, an award-winning product range and an MBE. Not so, and local residents are reaping the benefit.

In May, Sorbie chose Hampstead as the location of his fourth boutique salon and spoke of his desire to provide the luxurious and personalised service, for which his other addresses have become renowned. While the outlet is already proving popular with clientele, Sorbie himself is equally enchanted with his new environs.

“I only open salons in areas of the country that I want to work in,” he tells me. “Hampstead is a wonderful village, and has a sophisticated atmosphere. I fell in love with its charm.”

Sorbie himself was born in Paisley, Scotland, but his family moved south during his childhood. With his father a barber, hairdressing was the family trade and Sorbie quickly discovered a natural aptitude for the skill himself.

He worked in his father’s barbershop before finding that the range of possibilities within women’s hairdressing held the most interest for him. Such was his passion that he initially worked for free at legendary brand Vidal Sassoon, before undertaking session styling for both Toni & Guy and John Frieda.

It is now over three decades since his talent was spotted by an investor, who gave him his first shop. Sorbie has become internationally renowned for his pioneering spirit which has spawned trends such as scrunch-drying and The Wedge cut, and has won the British Hairdresser of the Year title, an unparralleled four times.

However, he remains grounded. “I don’t think you ever feel that you have ‘made it,” he explains. “I feel that I can still be better and I think it’s a negative thing to feel that you have accomplished everything.”

Therefore, while few could disagree that his eponymous hair care collection is anything other than a formidable brand, the man himself channels much of his energy into remarkable charity work. As founder of My New Hair he has cultivated a network of professionals who offer styling advice and wig customisation to patients suffering from medical hair loss, and his aim is to develop this service further.

HighlightHampstead

With a new Trevor Sorbie salon now open in Hampstead, Gabrielle Lane talks to the renowned stylist about his incredibly successful career

“I am really proud to have received a grant from the government for My New Hair,” he says, citing this achievement above the joy of receiving his MBE in 2004. “It started off as a germ of an idea and has become widely recognised, it’s one of my ultimate highlights,” he adds.

Although an undoubtedly admirable concept in its own right, Sorbie’s commitment to the charity embodies the passion which underpins each of his salons and products. That is, the belief that everyone deserves to look their best and receive expert attention, care and advice from their stylist.

12

feature interview

The Hampstead branch features a comprehensive menu of services including innovative colouring techniques and state of the art conditioning treatments. Clients are offered complimentary refreshments in a contemporary setting and are talked through every stage of their visit.

Sorbie feels that those in London particularly embrace such an ideal and enjoys taking walks in the city during his

free time. “London

has an edge,” he declares. “It has street-based fashion which is very inspiring and of all the countries I have visited

during my career, London still is the most exciting city for hair and beauty.”

However, while he acknowledges how trend-oriented the industry has become and freely admits a desire to work with Madonna, Sorbie is very realistic about what clients need. “It’s about individuality but everyone should find a style which suits them,” he explains. “The style has to work for the person.”

Unsurprisingly therefore, his suggestions for current looks are varied and detailed, including glossy, exaggerated waves for brunettes, a laid-back beach inspired version for blondes and a chic, hippie alternative for those with longer hair.

As he rattles off instructions including twisting a damp ponytail into a knot at the neck to achieve one style and running fingers through the hair to remove the crispiness of mousse for another, it is clear that these are widely applicable and easily achievable results for all. “(When tonging) just make sure the ends are smooth,” he chimes. “You want the hair to drop out of the tong and brush the wave through from underneath. Gel and styling crème will help create a smooth silhouette.”

Such a conscientious approach ensures that Sorbie’s salons prove as popular with working mums as A-list models. And the need for practical, client-centred results is continually instilled in all salon employees, who are subjected to a rigorous and ongoing training regime and mentored by senior management.

The team have become just as sought after for international catwalk shows and can be found perfecting the looks for collections such as Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton and Vivienne Westwood, which should give new clients every confidence.

“Hairdressing is a bit like life,” says Sorbie. “You start as a baby, you grow into an adult and then you become a parent. I feel a bit like a parent in hairdressing now,” Sorbie concludes. With a career such as his, many would agree that this is entirely justified. �

42 High Street, NW3 1QE www.trevorsorbie.com

I only open salons in areas of the country that I want to work in.

Hampstead is a wonderful village, with a sophisticated atmosphere.

I fell in love with its charm

When furniture looks this goodyou may not want to go out

Harrods 3rd Floor Knightsbridge | www.hulsta-harrods.co.uk

Heal’s 1st Floor Tottenham Court Road | www.hulsta-heals.co.uk

Hülsta-Rolf Benz 23-25 Baker Street | www.hulsta-westend.co.uk

NWNWWhile being renowned for its beautiful homes, designer fashion boutiques and luxury dining options, North West London is also an amazing hub of culture and art. Emma Mills and Gaby Lane expand their horizons

Cultural life in

15

featurespotlight

I t’ll come as no surprise that we’re staunch advocates of North West London. This rich and vibrant area has character and class around every corner, some of the best fashion and interiors shops and designers in the capital and a vast array of unique, renowned and completely fabulous eateries and watering holes. In addition, it is the perfect place

to expand your mind, indulge your creative side and soak up some culture. Just another of the many, many reasons why you never need to leave NW.

TheatresHampstead Theatre, a stalwart of new writing, is well-supported in the locality and offers a wealth of thought-provoking productions that seek to explore and question the big issues of the day. Having

celebrated its 50th year in 2009 and welcomed new artistic director Edward Hall and his theatre company Propeller in 2010, the coming months are looking exciting for the theatre with plays by Tim Price, Sarah Helm and Steve Thompson running throughout the summer, and a fascinating take on Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors starting towards the end of September. “We maintain a commitment to investing in the talent of the future, and our long history bears witness to our dedication to discovering the next generation of writers, actors, and directors,” says Hall.

Located just off Heath Street, New End Theatre, run by father and daughter team Brian and Alexa Daniels – one of London’s few family run theatres – is housed in the former morturary of the now closed New End Hospital. According to local legend it is said to be haunted, but this doesn’t stop it producing numerous successful plays, many of which later transfer to the West End. Artistic director Brian has a long running history with theatre in the local area, having also run the Shaw Theatre in Camden, and uses his considerable skill to produce cutting-edge theatre and works with some of the best names in the business, including patron Judi Dench.

Not content to be patron of just one theatre, Judi Dench has lent her name, and considerable support, to the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, a veritable destination feature of NW. This fabulous theatre produces a range of Shakespeare, opera and classic plays, all staged in their dramatic steeply raked stadium, enclosed by trees, glittering with fairy lights. People traditionally arrive early to picnic with hampers and Pimms before relaxing with blankets and letting the drama commence.

Just as dramatic and memorable is the Roundhouse in Camden, a renowned and historic theatre and music venue that offers an enviable selection of live performances by world famous musicians and artists, productions of new and old plays, dramatic collaborations and an impressive programme of courses and opportunities for young people.

Also doing a lot of work for the community, as well as providing rehearsal space and recording facilities is The Cockpit Theatre in Marylebone. At once an excellent event space, theatre and educational facility, The Cockpit is a wonderful community resource and a great place to catch new writing. We’re looking forward to New Works in September, a ground-breaking new writing collaboration with Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland.

The Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn, which also supports young talent and new writing, is one of the best loved cultural spaces in London and boasts a full theatrical programme, a cinema and an art gallery. The spacious bar also makes for a great spot for an early evening drink.

If you fancy venturing a little further afield, The Almeida in Islington is a lovely local theatre with distinctly national appeal. Despite its relative small size – with 325 seats – the theatre commands some of the most exciting new writing and productions in the local area; we are especially excited about the world premiere of Stephen Poliakoff’s play My City, which runs from 8 Sep - 5 Nov.

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ArtWhether one’s artistic passions lie in 18th century portraits, furniture and porcelain like that of Marylebone’s Wallace Collection, or simply attractive prints for the home which are

available at the Zebra One Gallery in NW3, North West London has a host of galleries to suit. What’s more, many of these spaces are free to visit.

One of the most striking and specialised art galleries in the area is Hampstead’s Lahd Gallery, which is not only a local treasure but perhaps the most prominent venue in the capital for showcasing contemporary Middle Eastern and North African works. The gallery owes its origins to Saudi Arabia, where it was founded to present the work of emerging female artists. Today, it continues to bring undiscovered talent to a wider audience but presents a broad spectrum of cultural masterpieces created in mixed media. Many of these challenge the traditional stereotype of individuals within Arabic countries by depicting scenes of society and entertainment in vibrant colours, using Western styles such as Pop Art.

Sharing both the Lahd Gallery’s Hampstead environs and its modern style is the Catto Gallery which holds over a dozen exhibitions of contemporary fine art per year. Artists represented include Bernhard Vogel, who has previously produced a gorgeous image of Heath Street amongst his delicate watercolours, and Jhuma Sharma Roy whose acrylic pieces possess an almost mythical quality. The Catto Gallery also appeals to collectors of sculpture, and visitors can peruse hand-painted steel wall hangings for the home and dramatic metal outlines to be placed outdoors. For those who enjoy highly symbolic or humorous creations the Catto Gallery is a great place to visit. One such piece shown by Brogden Molea is in the form of a crumpled piece of paper entitled ‘Unwritten Letter’ and was snapped up post display.

In Heath Street itself is Gilden’s Arts Gallery which is relatively new to North-West London. The venue predominantly serves as a specialist dealership for 20th century works on paper, Israeli art and pieces by Jewish members of the famous European movement, Ecole de Paris. The gallery invites members of the public to view its exhibitions, of which there are three or four each year and is happy to offer advice to collectors and those interested in art.

Of course, there has been much deliberation in recent times about what constitutes art and the future of the field, but this consideration of new ideas and forms has raged through the decades. Since its opening in 1967, the Lisson Gallery has considered its role to be that of a pioneer and sought to promote those artists who have challenged traditional notions and styles. Two very different yet equally interesting displays are to be unveiled in September. The first is that of James Casebere who photographs the increasingly complex models which he makes. In light of his previous projects, visitors should expect bold social statements such as photographs of prisons and increasingly complex constructions.

The second September exhibition juxtaposes the nature of media and religion. Christian Jankowski’s video installation depicts 13 professional actors competing for the role of Jesus, as judged by a jury of Vatican members, to explore how the Catholic Church perceives the notion of Christ today.

� �� Samia Jamal, Lahd Gallery

Tricycle Theatre Gallery Bullet Series at Lahd Gallery

�� Ai Weiwei, 2010, Lisson Gallery

17

featurespotlight

HistoryFirst step on a historical hit list of North-West London should doubtless be a museum which honours the evolution of the area. Burgh House & Hampstead Museum, is exactly that. Founded

in 1979 and housed in an 18th century, Grade I Listed home is a collection of over 3,000 objects relating to art and life in Hampstead. Artefacts include the former mayoral throne and the iconic penguin figure commissioned by the eponymous publishing house in the 1960s which is signed by local authors.

Another Hampstead gem is Fenton House, a charming 17th-century merchant’s house which has remained virtually unaltered during more than 300 years of continuous occupation. Its gorgeous and expansive gardens are impressive all year round but best seen in the summer when they offer a veritable riot of colour, and a selection of evening concerts. In addition the house showcases a large collection of highly decorative porcelain, Georgian furniture and 17th-century needlework.

The former home of psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud is another local residence which proves utterly fascinating. The legendary figure resided at 20 Maresfield Gardens in Hampstead throughout his life, along with his daughter Anna who continued his directional ideas about the self and development.

The Freud Museum not only possesses huge intellectual significance but is a highly attractive property boasting a large collection of rare Egyptian, French, Greek and Oriental antiques. However, the most famous piece of furniture must surely be Freud’s couch which remains preserved as it was while his clients reclined while in therapy.

Literature lovers will know that it was fictional character Sherlock Holmes who is said to have lived at 221b Baker Street between 1881 and 1904, according to the stories of Arthur Conan Doyle. The property has now been turned into the Sherlock Holmes Museum to honour the books and includes items which would make the perfect personal artefacts for the detective. The house was last used as a lodging house during the 1930s yet the first floor study remains as it would have been during Victorian times if needed for puzzling out a tricky case.

A literary tour of North West London wouldn’t be complete without a visit to John Keats’ House in Hampstead, the poet’s residence from 1818 to 1820, where he fell in love with girl-next-door, Fanny Brawne, a relationship beautifully immortalised in the recent Jane Campion film, Bright Star. Keats House is the setting that inspired some of Keats’s most memorable poetry including ‘Ode to a Nightingale’, and the museum features exhibitions of his letters and early writings, including those to Fanny Brawne, theatrical productions about his romantic poetry and special walking tours around the wonderful gardens. �

AlmeidaAlmeida Street, Islington, N1 1TA 020 7359 4404 www.almeida.co.uk

Burgh House New End Square, Hampstead NW3 1LT 020 7431 2516 www.burghhouse.org.uk

�� 100 Heath Street, NW3 1DP 020 7435 6660 !!!?��*�?��?#�

�� Gateforth Street, NW8 8EH 020 7258 2920 www.thecockpit.org.uk

�� HouseHampstead Grove, NW3 6SP 01494 755563 !!!?�� #��?��?#� Freud Museum;=�%��-� ��3�� NW3 5SX 020 7435 2002 www.freud.org.uk

�� 87 Heath Street, NW3 6UG 020 7435 3340www.gildensarts.com

�� 98 Avenue Road, NW3 3HF 020 7722 9301 www.hampsteadtheatre.com

�� Keats Grove, Hampstead NW3 2RR 020 7332 3868!!!?��#��?��?��?#� �� 92 Heath Street, NW3 1DP020 7435 7323 www.lahdgallery.com

�� 67 Lisson Street, NW1 5DA 020 7724 2739 www.lissongallery.com

�� Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 4NS 0844 826 4242 www.openairtheatre.org

RoundhouseChalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH 0844 482 8008 www.roundhouse.org.uk

Sherlock Holmes Museum 221B Baker Street, NW1 6XE 020 7738 1269www.sherlock-holmes.co.uk

�� 269 Kilburn High Road, NW6 7JR 020 7328 1000 www.tricycle.co.uk ��!�� +��+�#�� Manchester Square, W1U 3BN 020 7563 9500 !!!?!� �� ?��

ADDRESS BOOK

Right: Freud Museum;

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(image Laura Nolte)

Not just another day at the offi ce

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+44 (0)20 7871 0460

19

Whether exuding intellectual appeal or a quirky edge, glasses have become a cultish fashion accessory.From a practical point

of view the fit and effectiveness of a pair is of obvious importance, but the wearer also needs to be confident in the appearance of their frame.

Tom Davies shot to fame whilst creating handmade couture designs for the glitterati, although his accessories expertise is also renowned.

Each of his stunning pieces is crafted from luxury materials such as acetate, titanium or

buffalo horn and is made to measure. Silhouettes take inspiration from a variety of sources including a 1950s cat’s eye which has given rise to a beautiful and strong winged shape.

This particular style pictured embodies the exclusivity of the TD Tom Davies brand as, although popular, it is only available to 50 clients in each of six colours. It can also be hand-finished using certified diamonds. These are often applied to the temples and brow line and the effect is, quite literally, dazzling. �

www.tdtomdavies.com

TD Tom Davies launches a new range of exquisite,

limited edition eyewear, encrusted with diamonds

A TWINKLE ON THE EYE

fashion .............................................................................GEEK CHIC interiors ............................................NAUTICA;L STYLE interview ..............BESPOKE BALLGOWNS

C E L E B R A T I N G T H I R T Y Y E A R S

120 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 3LS509 Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 4JS

Telephone: 020 7486 3080

email: [email protected] | www.halcyon-interiors.co.uk

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QUOTE OF THE MONTH:

Change is the healthiest way to survive.

KARL LAGERFIELD

��A perennial party look, embellishment has been featured even more heavily on the runway this season. From the baroque dresses ��0 ��%�|#��!� Z��#��%��1�� #��# ��Fashion Week. This clutch is super stylish. VALORIE GOLD GLITTER CLUTCH BAG, £250, ANYA

HINDMARCH, WWW.GIFT-LIBARARY.COM

FUNDRAISING IS IN FASHIONThe summer fundraising party of the English National Ballet yielded some fabulous couture creations, designed by top fashion houses including Giles Deacon, Julien Macdonald and Moschino.

Held in the gardens of Kensington Palace, the

VIP event allowed guests to bid on customised tutus, tiaras and shoes which featured crystals, feathers and beads on monochrome pieces.

All proceeds from the event go to supporting the dance company in its future endeavours. WWW.BALLET.ORG.UK

GIVE THROUGH GUCCI In an extension of its seven year partnership with UNICEF, Gucci has updated the design of its Surkey bag to raise funds for the charity’s ‘Schools for Africa’ initiative. The new edition features the brand’s signature diamanté motif, embossed on chocolate brown calfskin which has been hand-waxed for a vintage feel.

25 per cent of the retail price for each bag will go towards ensuring that children receive access to high quality education. It will be on sale until 20 February 2012 in more than 20 countries, as well as being available online.WWW.GUCCI.COM

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covetable. The concealed � ��"��'��+�� "�Court Shoe ensures comfort !� �� 1��#*�� Zlengthening. Team with that hot pink cocktail dress or ��Z�� #��?£185, POUR LA VICTOIRE,

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Le geek, c’est chic. It may be July but the British weather is unpredictable enough to break out waistcoats and wool, ties and tailoring, and channel smart girl summer style

Photography: Anthony Edwin Fashion Editor: Lucie Dodds

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Silk orange spot playsuit, £150, Whistles as before. %#��.$�#�� *��1�9</=�~""��2��;}�<1��

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The current Diane Von Furstenberg collection features the label’s signature prints with a seasonal twist. Monochrome patterns and chic accessories have been combined with flowing fabrics and fresh colours; the effect is highly sophisticated and inescapably summery

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Gabrielle Lane slips behind the scenes at Fitriani and meets head designer Sairah Hicks,

to explore the world of beautiful couture DreamsSummer

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fashion

T he Beauchamp Place boutique of luxury occasion wear label Fitriani is uniquely inspiring. It is here that the society princesses frequent, champagne glass in hand, to pore over every hand-sewn glass bead, flourish of

tulle and flutter of silk which make up a Fitriani dress. Channelling the poise of its namesake and founder

Fitriani Hay, the design house produces a selection of breathtaking limited edition dresses each season, alongside a stream of bespoke commissions.

“Each season we work with a theme,” explains head designer Sairah Hicks. “However, a client might see an existing piece which they love but want to change the colour or conceal part of their body, so there’s a real cross-over between the couture designs and existing collections.”

The Spring/Summer line reflects the delicate petals and soft colours found in nature and pieces include a floor-length gown made from layers of French scalloped edge lace and a gorgeous, almost balletic, cocktail dress with a daffodil-yellow skirt.

While the styles have been sought for events such as Ascot and the Royal Wedding, Sairah reveals that new trends are emerging within the made-to-measure sector. “Clients have come to us a lot this year requesting dresses for big engagement parties. They see it as an opportunity to have fun with their look and wear something amazing. Some are even having more than one celebration!”

Such personal commissions embody the nature of the experience offered to Fitriani clients. While those choosing an item from the boutique can rest assured that all pieces are relatively unique, those desiring complete exclusivity are invited

to meet with Sairah to discuss everything from the fabrics which will compliment their skin tone, to which dazzling crystals and semi-precious stones will adorn the finished article.

“I love the design process and I envisage many of our clients when I’m developing a collection, but it’s also lovely to form a relationship with each individual and help them feel the best they ever have,” Sairah explains. While ultimately sensitive to the preferences of the wearer, she is quick to acknowledge the importance of being honest. “We want everyone to look amazing and sometimes clients do suggest colours or concepts which might not work as well as they could. I’m always honest with them and they appreciate that, which is why we have many commissions from previous customers,” she smiles.

Such conscientiousness also ensures the brand’s signature blend of glamour and sophistication is upheld throughout every collection. “I see the Fitriani woman as a successful businesswoman who enjoys the finer things in life,” says Sairah. “She has homes in many places and likes to travel and to reflect these different cultures in the way she dresses.”

One of the reasons why this muse is so well reflected in each piece is likely to be the fact that the production studio sits above the boutique and enables the team and clients to observe every part of a gown’s creation. The upper floors of the elegant townhouse has rooms brimming with mood boards, vintage fabric swatches and beading, including an eye-catching sample which proves next summer’s collection is likely to be just as incredible as the current drop. “Its top secret but very feminine and fun,” beams Sairah. �

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interiors

newsGREEN WITH ENVYGraham and Green have added to their cute and quirky furniture and homeware range with a selection of bold prints from Hello Geronimo. All of the pictures are handmade and embellished with textiles and beads. However, of particular note are the colourful designs which feature single buttons arranged into a variety of scenes on white backgrounds. The effect is striking and interesting and this ‘LOVE’ print is in-keeping with the interiors trend for ornamental letters and word art. £240, WWW.GRAHAMANDGREEN.CO.UK

KNOW MUMOThe debut collection from ethical brand Mumo is now available. The company strives to be socially and environmentally conscious in all aspects of its business and sources its fabrics responsibly from less developed parts of the world. Textiles products are also created using rare artisan techniques with the aim of opening the market to smaller producers while all fabric dyes used are bio-degradable. The range includes cushion covers created from the discarded fish skins of resaturants in Asia. WWW.AMARA.CO.UK

STAY IN STYLEThe Lanesborough has long been considered one of London’s most elegant hotels and this reputation has been cemented with the redesign of its signature suite.

The eponymous room is set over 4,000 sq ft and includes four bedrooms, five bathrooms and a stunning dining room.

World-renowned designer Alberto Pinto was the man entrusted with the decor of the suite and has created an opulent space bedecked in silk drapes, rich colours and handsome antique furniture.

It is available for £14,000 per night. WWW.LANESBOROUGH.COM

DESIGNER SPOTLeading designer and architect Louise Bradley has expanded her signature furniture collection to include many more breathtaking pieces. Louise takes inspiration from travel, fashion, literature and art and her own designs reflect the grand and contemporary style of her interior design.

Art Deco armchairs, hand-made glass pendant lights and edgy floor-length mirrors are amongst her most recent creations, with throws, cushions and other luxurious soft furnishings, on the way. WWW.LOUISEBRADLEY.CO.UK

the trendEmbrace the spirit of the sea and the luxury of beachside living. Create a stylish and airy retreat using coastal colours, natural textures and nautical accessories

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Great Wave wallpaper in Blue, £POA, Cole & Son !!!?�� Z��Z��?��"�

Parlene Globe on a Stand£100, John Lewis !!!?�� !�?��"�

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Auction of Pocket Watches

Monday 15th August 2011 at 10am

Visit www.fellows.co.uk/vantage for a complimentary catalogueAugusta House | 19 Augusta Street | Birmingham | B18 6JA | Tel: 0121 212 2131 | www.fellows.co.uk

Architects Pennington Phillips have worked in NW London for over 25 years, bringing expert knowledge to stunning local design and building projects. Emma Mills

meets managing director Stanley Phillips

Designprofessionals

X-Factor house interior

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Being local to the area in which you work can sometimes mean it’s hard to get space from your business, but for an architect, explains Stanley Phillips, it’s essential to know the area and its residents. “I find that living here

means I really understand all the different areas, I drive around and see houses we’ve built or worked on all the time, and when people phone for an initial inquiry we already know the road they mention and understand the local architecture.”

Pennington Phillips’ projects, which are rarely based outside of the NW postcode, range from the contemporary and high profile – they designed the striking ‘X–Factor House’ in West Heath Avenue, NW11 which saw hordes of people descend on an otherwise quiet and traditional street – to classic and heritage. “One of my favourite projects, but at the same most challenging, was working on a house in Hanover Terrace, Regents Park, NW1,” explains Stanley. “This was a Grade I Listed property which meant we had to work with Camden Council and English Heritage (both of which after years of development we have a great relationship with) to keep the essential character of the house but then develop it as our clients wanted. Usually in these types of houses, basements are of less architectural value, as they were traditionally the service areas. So this means we could create a more modern kitchen and dining space, while keeping the house’s beautiful period qualities upstairs.”

The house itself, as you can see from the images, is an impressive development, a hymn to classic design

and quality, showcasing Pennington Phillips’ skill in bringing luxury lifestyle and the best in design to a beautiful, traditional property. And then at the other end is Redington Road – a bold and contemporary house in NW3 which utilised the best in modern luxury living with unique materials and striking design features. “This was something completely different from the renovations and refurbishment projects we’ve done in older houses, and was very exciting to work on,” says Stanley. The house is a stunning statement of glass and exposed concrete, split over several levels, with mezzanines and vast windows flooding light throughout the property. And yet despite this bold approach, the house sits perfectly on a road filled with traditional terraces and villas, and is so revered it is included on an architectural tour of the local area. “We have worked hard on all our projects to ensure that they fit with their surroundings, which is sometimes actually harder than working on period properties, but it’s essential that we do that,” adds Stanley.

Part of Pennington Phillips’ charm, and the reason they list several high powered and high profile figures among their clients, is their ability to work for their clients, rather than for a developer. “We work with and for the end user mostly, so we can see people move into and live in the homes we’ve created for them. It means we always keep that focus on what they would want, and what works for homes today. It doesn’t matter whether you have a traditional, period property or a striking modern new build, luxury, quality and design are timeless.” �

Stanley Phillips’ own home in Crouch End

Redington Road, NW3 Hanover Terrace, NW1

X-Factor house exterior

Get the look

LE MANOIR AUX QUAT’SAISONS Le Manoir is an opulent boutique hotel, nestled amidst orchards and herb gardens in the Oxfordshire countryside. The vision of renowned chef Raymond Blanc, Le Manoir has been awarded two Michelin stars for its fabulous food but is equally loved for its 32 individually designed guest rooms, many of which Raymond has a personal hand in.www.manoir.com

LACE SUITEThis is the most feminine and romantic of all the superior suites at the hotel. Created with the aim of emulating a luxurious French boudoir, the room is dominated by a handsome ebony four-poster bed, flanked by velvet chaise longues.

A rich colour palette of scarlet and black has been combined with crushed silks and lace to create intimacy as well as a modern and attractive finish.

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Glass TopIncorporate random pieces from your home into your redecoration. This glass vase is sleek and simple, but looks funky when placed against dark woods and busy prints. LSA Malika Platinum and Clear Vase, £42, Heal’s, www.heals.co.uk

Five-star Four-poster Inject instant grandeur into a room using a striking master bed. This teak design has an almost colonial feel and features beautiful hand-carved details. Drape with soft gauze to finish. Keraton Four Poster Bed, from £1,795 Lombok, www.lombok.co.uk

Wonder WallUsing a monochrome illustration is a great way to ensure wallpaper is contemporary and versatile. This is the exact paper chosen by the Lace Suite’s stylist. We love it. Product 19419, £60 per roll, Ophelia by Barbara Hulanicki, www.wallpaperdirect.co.uk

Laid-back LuxeSomerville Scott has a range of beautiful day beds. In keeping with Le Manoir’s seductive look, this design has been finished in tomato mohair with brass banding and walnut legs. It exudes quality and style. Maven Chaise, £3,075, Somerville Scott, www.somervillescott.com

utiful day seductive n tomato lnut legs.

Finishing TouchesPart lamp, part stylish ornament, this porcelain piece from Ralph Lauren Home is the perfect bedside table accessory. Gable Gold Porcelain Table Lamp £POA, Ralph Lauren Home www.ralphlaurenhome.com

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Red AlertUse bold yet plain cushions to punctuate busy feature walls. This silk cushion is available in bright red or a deeper scarlet tone.Bright Red Douppion Silk Cushion, £28, Heal’s www.heals.co.uk

THREADING FROM £9The ancient art of threading is �� removing tiny unwanted hairs on the face and specially for shaping and tidying the eyebrows.

HOT AND STRIP WAX FROM £9Waxing can leave you smooth and hair-free for weeks. Hot wax can remove hair that is only 2-3mm long and is less painful than standard strip wax.

IPL (INTENSE PULSED LIGHT) HAIR REMOVAL £50 PER 30 MINA permanent treatment for hair reduction; IPL was once an �� that a razor-free future should be the prerogative of every woman!

Hair today...Gone tomorrow...

020 7125 0303www.thebeautylaboratorylondon.com

The Beauty Laboratory London, 7 Belsize Terrace, Belsize Village, NW3 4AX

T. 020 7125 0303 M. 07876 338 441 www.thebeautylaboratorylondon.com

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news

BEAUTY SCOOP: VAISHALY’S TOP PRODUCTS

In Madonna-esque fashion, Vaishaly is renowned enough to rely simply on her first name. The facialist has a huge following and a refreshingly down-to-earth and maintainable approach to skincare which yields fantastic results.

Incredible threading services and massage are available alongside her signature treatment at her Marylebone clinic and her own skincare range is praised by industry professionals and users alike. This month she shares her tips for a radiant glow with Vantage readers:

MUST-HAVE COLOURBLACK HONEY

Since its launch in 1971 Clinique’s Black Honey lip gloss has proved an enduring favourite. So it’s fitting that the brand has created the New Black collection, including an ultra wearable eye shadow quad, in tribute to the tone. FROM £13.50, WWW.CLINIQUE.CO.UK

MUST-HAVE TRENDBEAUTY BALMSExpect to see more products this year channelling the multi-tasking complexion perfectors that are beauty balms from Asia. Illamasqua’s Skin Base Foundation smoothes and softens simultaneously. £25, WWW.ILLAMASQUA.COM

MUST-HAVE ITEMSWEET SCENTS Lady Million from Paco Rabanne is our new perfume of choice. Designed in sleek and sassy packaging to embody powerful femininity, the bottle is as covetable as the fresh, floral and woody scent. FROM £33.70, WWW.PACORABANNE.COM

beauty

RELAX AND REVIVE The 17 August will see St John’s Wood acquire a unique new beauty retreat in the form of EF Medispa’s third London venue. The existing spas in Kensington and Chelsea are renowned for their stylish surroundings and specialised treatment menus which include everything from two-therapist massages to non-invasive face-lifts.

St John’s Wood was chosen especially for its

VAISHALY’S TOP PRODUCTS:

1. Vaishaly Cleansing Balm, £59

2. Vaishaly Night Nourisher, £65

3. Spa Find Perfect Purity Spot Treatment, £11

4. Boots Milk of Magnesia, £3.411 2 3 4

1. The most important product to get right is your cleanser. After washing, your skin shouldn’t feel tight or dry.

2. Exfoliate your skin gently once a week to help renew the skin.

3. Use a face mask for your skin type twice weekly. Use a nourishing mask for dry skin or a mud-based mask for oily skin.

4. Facial massage is crucial. It relaxes facial muscles and aids oxygen circulation.

WWW.VAISHALY.COM

elegant location and discerning clientele and services will be geared toward body perfection using state-of-the-art laser, radio frequency and acoustic wave technology.

The spa is offering Vantage readers a free skin analysis session and mini facial worth £100 upon registration at [email protected] 69-71 ST JOHN’S WOOD HIGH STREET, NW8 7NL

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Summer Kind of Wonderful

trend alert

Best

ORANGE ON THE EYE The tropical prints of Derek Lam’s Spring/Summer collection were teamed with bold orange eye make-up on the London catwalk. Creative makeup director Tom Pecheux of Estée Lauder mastered the look, using a bold stripe of colour just above the lash line.

POWDER EYE SHADOW in Daemon, £15.50, Illamasqua www.illamasqua.com

PIGMENT IN NEO ORANGE £15.50, MAC Cosmetics www.maccosmetics.co.uk

PURE COLOUR ORANGE CRUSH

COLLECTION £15.50 each, Estée Lauder

available exclusively at Harvey Nichols

www.harveynichols.com

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AQUA SHEKO14 Holland Street, W8 4LT

One of the best locations in the capital to enjoy a Garra Rufa pedicure is Aqua Sheko in Kensington. Dedicated to the unique spa treatment, which uses tiny live carp to exfoliate feet, the salon is styled with chic, black leather and glittering, back-lit fish tanks. www.aquasheko.co.uk

three of a kind

Post-HolidayEnhance post-holiday radiance and counter the dehydrating effects of sun exposure with these gorgeous must-haves

DIOR BRONZE AFTER SUN MANOI BALM£22, DIOR WWW.DIOR.COM A cooling, calming and collagen-boosting after-sun lotion.

CHUBBY STICK MOISTURIZING LIP COLOUR BALM, £14 CLINIQUE WWW.CLINIQUE.CO.UK Available in eight wearable shades, this balm contains mango and shea butter to soothe dry lips.

THE SPF 18 FLUID TINT £55, CRÈME DE LA MER WWW.CREMEDELAMER.CO.UKThis fabulous lightweight formula gives a subtle colour to the skin and has both protective and moisturising properties.

MASQUE UV DÉFENSE ACTIVE, £25.30 KÉRASTASE, WWW.KERASTASE.CO.UK Especially developed to soothe coloured and weakened hair which has been exposed to the sun, this leaves hair strengthened, soft and shiny.

address book

SELF-TANNERS

It’s never been easier to achieve a luscious, sun-kissed glow, thanks to the excellent range of self-tanning products which are now available. Those looking for a quick-fix should try He-Shi’s Express Liquid Tan, an instant and beautiful bronzer which comes highly recommended by tanning supremo James Read. Alternatively, Xen-Tan’s Transform Luxe builds colour gradually over time for a natural finish and also has a surprisingly gorgeous scent. Fake-tanning first timers will also love the Lancome Flash Bronzer owing to its quick-drying and tinted formula which makes application hassle-free.

essentials

� EXPRESS LIQUID TANHe-Shi, £21

� TRANSFORM LUXEXen-Tan, £24.99

� FLASH BRONZERLancome, £22

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Enjoy the expertise and indulgence of Crème de la Mer, exclusively at Urban Retreat, Harrods

SPA SPOTLIGHT ...The Radiance Facial

The Radiance Facial launched this spring in the wake of The Radiant Serum, a new potent yet lightweight gel formula which is proving hugely ��# ��!��?�

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The process starts with an intensive � �� ?�0�pressure-point massage then follows which not only feels amazing and relieves tension, but stimulates ��"��#��?�Metal wands are then used to encourage the penetration of an eye concentrate, before the wonder ��#"�� ?�

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very calming, and perfectly reflects the brand’s luxury status.

The setting for the sanctuary is the acclaimed Urban Retreat spa in Harrods, a spectacular high-end beauty destination, offering the latest innovations in cosmetics, hair care and body treatments.

TreatmentsCrème de la Mer treatments utilise three exclusive products; a Miracle Broth which is infused with vital nutrients, a dedicated Spa Oil which heightens the massage action used within facials and body rituals and water, which is seen as incredibly effective at inducing a relaxed state.

These ingredients underpin a range of four facials and two incredible body packages which involve top-to-toe pampering. The base facial uses sea quartz and diamond dust to refine the skin before signature products are applied. This experience can be combined with a gorgeous reflexology foot massage and body polishing or be adapted as part of an anti-ageing regime. �

5th floor, Harrods Old Brompton Road, SW1X 7XLwww.cremedelamer.co.ukwww.urbanretreat.co.uk

Cult beauty brand Crème de la Mer has long been associated with luxurious formulations and incredible skincare results, so one would

rightfully be excited that signature treatments are available at a dedicated suite in the heart of the capital.

ApproachCrème de la Mer spa experiences combine the therapeutic energies of light, sound and sea with the sense of touch to produce a feeling of well-being. The concept is based on the technology and practices employed by aerospace physicist Dr

Max Huber, who created the legendary product using bio-fermentation, while seeking a skin-healing agent.

SurroundingsThe Crème de la Mer treatment room has been designed with natural elements in mind. The result is a gorgeous and serene haven, styled in pristine white. It features a gently lit aquarium, water flowing over arrangements of slate and a large, cosy treatment bed. The result is both attractive and

Crème de la Crème

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Tel 020 7483 5148 Fax 020 7483 5618

[email protected]

www.theplatinummedicalcentre.com

Platinum Medical Centre15- 17 Lodge RoadSt Johns WoodLondon, NW8 8NX

Bringing Excellence Closer to You

The Platinum Medical Centre is a dedicated outpatient and day surgery facility, located in the heart of St Johns Wood.

The centre offers the highest standards of care in a friendly and calming environment. Our patients are provided with a platinum health service, delivered by some of the most experienced consultants and medical professionals in the capital.

This ultra-modern medical centre has brought together the international excellence and experience of The Wellington Hospital, creating one of the most advanced centres of its kind in the UK.

These extensive facilities include:

50 Consulting Rooms

Cancer Care Services

Private GPs

Diagnostic Imaging

Service

Day Surgery Unit

For an expert consultation call our team today

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news

Presence on the register indicates that the practitioner is qualified, trained in adverse reactions to treatment and uses approved substances in a clean location.

Dr Neesha Patel of New Tec Dental, Swiss Cottage is one local expert on the register. WWW.TREATMENTSYOUCANTRUST.CO.UK

TRUSTWORTHY TREATMENTSThose considering Botox or other injection-based cosmetic procedures should consult ‘Treatments You Can Trust’. The register is backed by the Department of Health and highlights qualified practitioners who meet the standards of the Independent Healthcare Advisory Service, in association with other leading medical organisations.

LOVE LIDO Hampstead’s Parliament Hill Lido is now operating its summer opening hours. The 60 metre open air pool is perfect for a bracing swim, offers a neighbouring paddling area for children, as well as an all important onsite café for refreshments.

Until the middle of September the pool is open between 7am and 6.30pm with a half an hour interval, while adults can enjoy an evening dip between 6.45pm and 8.30pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. WWW.CITYOFLONDON.GOV.UK/

HAMPSTEAD

GOOD VIBRATIONSPower Plate has recently launched the PowerBIKE, perfect for intensive home training, when away from the gym. The user’s activity on the bike pedals induces vibration to activate stretch receptors in the muscles, which prepares the rider for increased physical activity and builds strength. The Dutch professional cycling team Rabobank have been trialling the new equipment, with great success. Results from preliminary analysis from Greenwich University shows that the vibration may be accountable for up to 167% more activity in the quadriceps.WWW.POWERPLATE.COM

health & fitness

Brought to you in association with The Wellington Hospital, one of the world’s leading private hospitals.

www.thewellingtonhospital.com

YUMMY MUMMY Post-natal exercise guru Louise Whyte has joined forces with nutritionist Bethany Eaton to provide an excellent health and well-being package for new mums.

The Yummy Mummy Deluxe programme is a six week plan, incorporating three freshly- prepared meals and two snacks per day, as well as three training sessions with a post-natal expert each week.

The service is individually-tailored and undertaken within the client’s own home to maximise time, effectiveness and privacy. Healthy meals for partners are also available for delivery. WWW.PENELOPEFITSTAR.COM

Dr. Robert Greenbaum, a senior consultant cardiologist at The Wellington Hospital, explains how he works with his patients to ease their chest discomfort or pain

WHAT DOCARDIOLOGISTS DO?

In order to explain better what we do I will give an example of a

typical case. Details have been altered to preserve patient anonymity.

Mr E is a business man in his mid-50s. He had been suffering what

he felt was indigestion for some time. This was worse after meals,

especially if he went for a walk.

He needed to take out a new insurance policy, the insurance company

referred him for a medical and as a result he was sent to have an exercise

test . During this test you walk on a treadmill and the electrical activity of

the heart is monitored. In Mr E’s case there were changes in the tracing

that raised the possibility that there were narrowings in the arteries

supplying blood to the heart, the coronary arteries.

As a result I saw him in my clinic. I felt it was important to know if

there were indeed problems with these arteries, and I advised Mr E

to undergo a coronary angiogram. This is a test where, under local

anaesthesia and sedation, a fine tube is passed up though an artery

either at the top of the leg or at the wrist into the heart. A special dye

is injected down the heart arteries; in this case the test showed two

severe narrowings in the artery supplying the front wall of the heart.

I decided that the best treatment for these was coronary

angioplasty. I placed a fine wire down the artery across the

narrowings. Along this wire I slid a balloon on the end of a tube.

When the balloon was inside the narrowing I inflated it and this

pushed the narrowing into the wall of the artery. I took out the

balloon and then slid a second balloon on which was a metal coil

called a stent down the wire. When the stent was positioned inside

the previously narrow area the balloon was inflated pushing the

A lack of Vitamin D is commonly known as causing

rickets in children, but recently it has also been linked

to aches and tiredness, diabetes, arthritis and multiple

sclerosis. Recent trials have confirmed a link between

low levels of Vitamin D in pregnancy and the risk of a

child developing diabetes in later life.

In the UK, Vitamin D deficiency is now widespread and

can be diagnosed on a blood test. Vitamin D is mostly

made from the reaction of having sunlight on our skin.

It is also found in a small number of foods such as:

VITAMIN D

eggs and oily fish and is added to breakfast cereals

and fat spreads.

When exposing skin to direct sunlight, extreme care

should be taken not to burn. In terms of gaining

enough sun exposure to make Vitamin D, it is

recommended that fair skinned people have only a 15

minute unprotected exposure to the sun 2-3 times a

week. Darker skinned people can increase this further.

The Department of Health recommends that particular

groups of people take daily Vitamin D supplements:

Everyone is talking about Vitamin D – or rather the lack of it. So what makes Vitamin D headline news?

55

TOP TIPS REDUCE THE CHANCES OF GETTING PROBLEMS WITH

YOUR HEART (CORONARY) ARTERIES

To arrange an appointment at

The Wellington Hospital, please contact

The Enquiry Helpline on

020 7483 5148 or visit


MEET THE CONSULTANT

You can visit his website at

www.theheart.co.uk or contact

him at The Wellington Hospital.

Twitter: @RobertGreenbaum

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GREUBEL FORSEY’S VICTORY

interview ...........................................PATEK PHILIPPE jewellery .....................BUTTERFLIES & BEES trend ................................................................BLACK & GOLD

When a watch wins the coveted Grand Prix L’Aiguille d’Or prize at the annual Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève,

it enters the history books as one of the greatest watches of its time. When that watch comes courtesy of a company yet to celebrate its eighth birthday, this achievement heralds an illustrious future. Winning last year’s overall prize for the finest watch from all categories – and adding its name to a list that includes Vacheron Constantin’s Tour de l ‘Île and Patek Philippe’s 5102 Ciel Lune

– was Greubel Forsey with its Double Tourbillon 30° Edition Historique.

Designed both to conclude and commemorate the watch that launched Greubel Forsey, the timepiece boasts a gold dial with three sapphire crystal plates and is limited to 11 5N red gold pieces (priced at £380,000) and 11 pieces in platinum (priced at £403,000). While the mechanical complexity and aesthetic beauty of the Edition Historique make it the perfect send-off to a range of revolutionary tourbillions, it also whets the appetite for what Greubel Forsey will bring us in the future. �

Before Greubel Forsey sets forth to explore new

technical territories, the company honours the

watch that earned it a position among the élite

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newsThree of the best…

AVIATION WATCHES

JAEGER-LECOULTRE DAZZLES AT CANNES

collectionwatches

HERITAGE RETROGRADE LONGINES, £2,300 WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND

16 NEW BOND STREET

CHRONOMAT 01 BREITLING, £6,060WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND

16 NEW BOND STREET

U2 LIMITED EDITIONBREMONT, £3,250THE WONDER ROOM

SELFRIDGES & CO.

Following the opening of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Boutique in Cannes last year, 2011 saw the company cement itself as the dominant watch brand on the red carpets of the world’s most famous film festival. As well as the likes of Rob Lowe and Joshua Jackson, a host of other celebrities were spotted sporting a range of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s timepieces. Actress Diane Kruger dazzled at the premiere of Sleeping Beauty with a Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Art Deco on her wrist, while French star Inès de la Fressange chose to model an exceptional Queen’s Joaillerie 101.AVAILABLE AT WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND

16 NEW BOND STREET

2011 PORTOFINO, £4,650, IWC

“Available with a Milanese mesh bracelet, reminiscent of popular 60s fashion, the

2011 Portofino Chronograph brings a sporty touch to the elegant

Portofino family,”

One to Watch:This month Lyndon Jarvis, manager at Watches of Switzerland in The Royal Exchange, selects his favourite watch from the newest models

AVAILABLE AT WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND, 16 NEW BOND STREET

16 NEW BOND STREET

interview

honouredTradition

Annabel Harrison speaks to Thierry Stern, President of Patek Philippe, about new complications presented at Baselworld, keeping the business in the family and what he loves most about his multi-faceted role

Of the ten core values at the heart of Patek Philippe, I am hard pressed to choose which Thierry Stern exemplifies most strongly. Tradition? “For Patek there is continuity in terms of product. This is what I really

have in mind – to maintain continuity through all the lines”. Heritage? “We have a team working with us but it’s the family which is creating. This is the strength of Patek – it is the heart”. Spoken with a serious expression, his commitment to both Tradition and Heritage is immediately evident, and with that, he ticks the box for Emotion.

Stern’s genuine passion for the intricate, fascinating, complex and competitive world of luxury watchmaking could not be feigned. Undoubtedly he inherited this from his father Philippe, who handed the presidential reins over to his son just two years ago. Stern’s earliest memory is watch-related: “I was about six years old and I was opening a drawer in my father’s office... I still remember the smell of the drawer, the pocket watches – I was not allowed to touch them, just look at them! That’s when I decided, ‘this is what I would like to do; create watches’ and since then, I have never stopped”.

The first Patek he owned, at 20, was a Nautilus, “a simple automatic movement”, and as we speak, surrounded by gleaming Patek Philippe watches in David M. Robinson, Canary Wharf, he fondly points it out. “It’s wrong to start with too complicated a watch; what I see for Patek is to be able to go step by step for every type of movement and design”. Taking such a linear, cumulative approach to advancement, in terms of personally owned watches and the Patek Philippe watches, suggests a long-seated appreciation

of yet another brand philosophy, that of Value. Indeed, Patek has been in Stern hands since it was purchased in 1932 by Charles and Jean Stern, two brothers who owned a fine dial manufacturing company in Geneva. In 2009 the presidency was officially transmitted from the third to the fourth generation; Thierry Stern became President and his father Philippe, Honorary President.

While Thierry embraces the traditional approach to watches, woven into his family line and a fundamental cornerstone of a brand celebrating its 160th anniversary this year, the fifth value, Innovation, is “so important – this is my role; to preserve the line in terms of design but also in innovation”. As such, six new Grand Complications were presented this year at Baselworld, including Patek’s second most complicated wristwatch and its first Grand Complication for ladies. Why? Because his customers were asking for it and Stern listened, demonstrating the value Patek Philippe attaches to Service.

“People expect it of Patek. They say, ‘you are Patek Philippe. You’ve had the know-how since 1839 and always evolve’. This is in our blood”. However, Stern is extremely careful to keep the right balance between evolution just for the sake of it and evolution in order to better the products: “a watchmaker is someone who would like to improve the product every day. When I say improve, it has to be useful, not a gimmick. We have seen too many of those elsewhere and in the end, you don’t even know where the time is on your dial; this is not something I’m ready to do”. Improvements include a continual dedication to increasing precision, very important to Stern, and making thinner movements because “this is better for design”.

Time

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The consideration for the whole process from start to finish embodies the value Patek places on Aesthetics, sure to be protected by Stern, who, with time at the Watchmaking School of Geneva under his belt, has as thorough an understanding of the inner workings of a complicated watch as those making the Patek watches in the workshops. Producing just 45,000 pieces each year, a fraction of some of

their closest rivals, Quality and Rarity are assured from Patek; one craftsman can spend a whole year producing a Patek Philippe timepiece. Thierry is emphatic about this point: “you need to know a Patek. Not only the reference or the prices; you need to understand the difficulties of how to realise the case, the bracelet, the components for the movement”.

This takes us back to the critical balancing act of watch-making traditions and innovation. This is where I see Thierry adding the most value to the Patek brand in his tenure as President because not only does he appreciate this but he also has the vision, requisite knowledge and necessary resources to keep a perfect equilibrium. “You need new technology or new machinery but you have to breed that with the know-how of the past”, he points out. He uses the example of engraving: “The machine will do it even better [than the engraver] but without any life, without any mistakes. This is not what I want. I am ready to keep some mistakes of the artist because that’s his work. I think it’s much more beautiful”. However, despite this whimsical nod to fallible human craftsmanship, his feet are firmly earthed in the practical world: “I’m not ready to do this with the components, because this will affect the precision of the watch”.

Stern is already looking to the future, confident about the route Patek will take and why. “Already I see exactly where I will be in ten years – it will be Patek Philippe with new movements, more complicated, definitely. The demand that I can see for men and women is now for complications for Patek”. He ultimately cares about the product more than anything, perhaps more so than his peers: “I often have a hard time in discussions with the CEOs of other brands because they are talking figures... I care about the product”.

“Today it’s not because you’re in the family that you deserve to run the business – you need to earn the right to run it.” Stern has certainly earned this right. There is every reason to believe that Thierry and the Stern family will treasure and advance the Patek brand for another 160 years, keeping a firm hold of the tenth and final value: Independence. �

Patek Philippe watches available at Watches of Switzerland, The Royal Exchange and Boodles, The Royal Exchange

Today it’s not because you’re in

the family that you deserve to

run the business – you need to earn

the right to run it

The SAXONIA ANNUAL CALENDAR provides five different time indications at a

glance: the time of day, outsize date, day of week, month, and moon phase.

The latter, mathematically speaking, only needs to be adjusted by one day

every 122 years. This accuracy of 99.998 % is generated by the bidirectional

self-winding movement. All of the 476 individual parts are finished with

the utmost care, even the ones you cannot see through the sapphire-crystal

caseback. This micromechanical treasure will still gleam with its original per-

fection when the moon-phase display needs to be corrected for the first time.

The moon-phase indication needs to be periodically corrected.

About once every four generations.

For an overview of the exclusive retailers of A. Lange & Söhne please visit or contact:

www.lange-soehne.com � Tel. +34 91 454 89 81

float like a butterflysting like a bee

This summer, the most beautiful jewellery takes inspiration from nature’s wingéd creatures -

brilliant butterflies, birds and bees

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trends

1 Signature Pure Black and Red Gold Vertu with mixed metal front, £18,500, Mappin & Webb, 125-126 Fenchurch Street, from 1 July 2011 2 Big Bang Chronograph in rose gold and ceramic, £19,300, Hublot at Watches of Switzerland, 16 New Bond Street 3 Meisterstuck Solitaire Doué Geomtric Dimension Pen, £550, Mont Blanc, 13 Old Bond Street 4 RCD 81 Mk.I Mechanical Credit Card Dispenser, Roland Iten at Harrods, www.harrods.com 5 BR0192 in rose gold and PVD, £6,500, Bell & Ross at at Watches of Switzerland, as before 6 Blandon Black 48 Hour Bag,

£1,295, Dunhill, www.dunhill.com 7 +��$��>�@QZ>��>�_]�+� ��'[��=� 8 +��"�q(�{��*��*��>�*�=��'��!��>�+��(��>��`�?�� 9 $��^YY��=��>�@~>]QZ>��!��?�$<��>��`�?��

The Midas TOUCH

Couple the colour most synonymous with luxury with the sophistication and

boldness of black and the result is an array of strikingly stylish accessories

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motoring .................................................RANGE ROVER sports ...................................CHAMPIONS LEAGUE feature .......................................................GLOBAL GAMES

67

As discerning buyers of luxury goods continue to expect the exceptional, the yachting industry has responded with a vengeance. Boat interiors have moved on considerably in

recent years, with wider scope to individualise and reflect the taste of owners, as well as the current trend in designer decor.

Princess Yachts, pioneers in moving away from the traditional marine feel and seeking inspiration via collaborations with the most distinguished fashion houses and lifestyle brands, has recently launched designer yachts by fashion

giants Fendi and Armani at the 2011 London International Boat Show.

The Princess Fendi collaboration saw the Princess 85 furnished and accessorised entirely in Fendi, from soft furnishings such as headboards and bed linens to panelling and furnishings such as dining chairs and coffee tables. The yacht interiors were completed with a range of Fendi finishing touches from tableware through to lamps, cushions photo frames and vases.

The Princess Fendi boat interiors can also be wholly or partially recreated for customers upon request. �

Princess Yachts works with Fendi to create unique

luxury interiors for the ultimate in ocean chic

ALL AT SEA

EXC

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CTA

TIO

NS

Tel: 020 7407 2121

Whether it’s for business, a special occasion, test drive or just for fun, VIP Car Hire can

cater. We provide car hire from three days to 12 months and our fleet includes Ferrari 458 & F430, Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder,

Bentley GTC, Range Rovers and many more all the way down to the Mini Cooper S.

We also offer a nationwide delivery service with any of our cars.

[email protected]

Car HireLuxury

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'&��#'%(- THE LRX

It’s been a long wait but the newest Land Rover is just about upon us. The Range Rover Evoque, developed from the LRX concept car that broke cover at the Detroit motor show back in January 2008, is finally due on sale from September. Despite the delay, Land Rover’s

designers have resisted the temptation to tinker with the design too much; Evoque remains faithful to the striking concept, right down to the dramatic sloping roof line of the three door version.

Significantly, this baby Rangie will be available in 2WD as well as 4WD, the first Land Rover product without all wheel drive. It’s a tacit admission that not everyone who owns a 4x4 gets its wheels muddy. Available in ‘coupé’ form (LR’s description of the three door version, which frankly is

stretching it a bit) or as a more practical five door, Evoque will be available with a choice of one petrol and three diesel engines. The three ‘design themes’ are Pure (the entry level version), Prestige (luxury) and Dynamic (sporting).

Although there are still five months to go before it hits the streets, Land Rover has already announced prices. The five door Pure eD4 150hp diesel with 2WD will cost £27,955 (that’s £1k less than the three door), while the top-of-the-range, petrol-powered, 240hp Si4 Dynamic Coupé with an automatic ’box, four-wheel drive and all the bells and whistles of a LUX options pack (on-board TV, panoramic glass roof, 825W sound system), will be a hefty £44,320. Well, since when has a Range Rover ever been cheap? �

Matthew Carter gives us the lowdown on the latest Range Rover

S t y l e d b y C h e l s e a F C

Email : hospital i [email protected]��

chelseafc.com/tai lormade

These are not just any prawn sandwiches. These are Chelsea FC prawn sandwiches !

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sports

newsBADMINTON’S BESTHeld at a purpose-built venue within Wembley Indoor Arena Stadium, the World Badminton Championship will see the top 400 badminton players descend upon the capital. Always a display of athleticism, this year’s event promises to be even more astounding thanks to its location – the arena holds a crowd of 12,500 people, ensuring an electrifying atmosphere. The championship will include five events: Men’s singles, Women’s singles, Men’s and Women’s doubles and Mixed doubles. Those lucky enough to beat the rest will be bestowed with the title ‘World Badminton Champion.’8 -14 AUGUST 2011

WEMBLEY INDOOR ARENA STADIUM

WWW.BWFBADMINTON.ORG

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAWWith both Arsenal and Chelsea finishing amongst the Premier League’s top four clubs last season, the Champions League draw will be a crucial date for London’s football followers. While Chelsea’s new boss Andre Villas-Boas will be well aware of his club owner’s desire to bag the biggest prize in football, Arsenal will be seeking to silence the critics who highlight their lack of recent silverware. The draw takes place on 25 August. Pencil a note in your diary. 25 AUGUST 2011

WWW.UEFA.COM/

UEFACHAMPIONSLEAGUE

SAY WHAT?As a manager, you always have a gun to your head. It’s ��

there is a bullet in the barrel.

KEVIN KEEGAN SPEAKING IN 1995

Though it remains uncertain which two Rugby League sides will battle it out for the prestigious Challenge Cup trophy, the final is sure to be a close affair with a host of world class teams still in line for the cup. Warrington Wolves will be looking to defend the trophy, which, with the current version

taking over 800 man-hours to produce, is one of British sport’s most impressive. Prepare for an epic finale to what has been an enthralling season. 27 AUGUST 2011

WEMBLEY STADIUM

FOR TICKETS VISIT WWW.ETICKETING.CO.UK/RLE

CHALLENGE CUP FINAL

THE FINAL TESTThe summer cricket campaign against the visiting Indian national team will come to its conclusion in the world-renowned Oval this month. With Vauxhall tube station just half a mile away and the Oval station even closer, lack of transport is no excuse to miss the fourth and final test of the series. Sparks are bound to fly as both teams seek to rectify the records following 2007’s deadlock, which coincidentally occurred at the same ground.18-22 AUGUST 2011, THE KIA OVAL

FOR TICKETS VISIT

WWW.ETICKETING.CO.UK/SURREYTICKETS

THE Lee Brooks picks out the best five countries to visit in the next 12 months if you’re keen on blending a love for international sport with relaxing breaks from everyday life TRAVELLER

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spectacular Otago Peninsula before finding your way inland for a tour of the region’s famous vineyards. Then, if England makes it through to the knockout stages, which will take place in either Wellington or Auckland, take a detour to Akaroa Harbour near Christchurch to swim with the world’s smallest dolphins. And of course, no trip to New Zealand would be complete without a tour of the hallowed turf at Eden Park in Auckland, the country’s largest stadium, where you can learn how to perform the Haka, the Maori dance made famous by the iconic All Blacks rugby team.

Details: The 45-day tournament begins on 9 September, with host team New Zealand taking on Tonga in Auckland, and ends on the final in Auckland on 23 October. Flights to Auckland and Christchurch run daily from London Heathrow with both airports just 20 minutes by taxi to the city centre. World Cup tickets range from £21 for group games to £665 for the final. www.rugbyworldcup.com

�+'-�(-��ARGENTINE OPEN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP 2011Every November, teams from all over the polo-playing world head for Campo de Polo in Argentina’s bustling capital city of Buenos Aires for the most revered international tournament in the world – the Argentine Open Polo Championship. Held in Palermo since 1893, the star-studded event has been ruled by Argentina for the past century and attracts a crowd of more than 15,000 locals and international celebrities.

With 24 professional football teams – the highest concentration in any city across the world – football is a way of life in Buenos Aires. Typically, a match between Boca Junior and River Plate would be a once-in-a-lifetime event, should you get the opportunity to watch it. However, River Plate’s relegation from the first division for the first time in their 110-year history earlier this summer means you may have to wait a while to see the renewal of that epic rivalry. While you’re out there, you should head to the Cabana

Las Lilas for an incredible steak, for which Argentina is famous, before hunting around for an invitation to one of the exclusive Polo Finals parties in the city.

Details: The event takes place between 5 November and 31 December in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Tickets can be purchased on the gate for around £18 per person while travel packages cost from £2,299 through travel company Black Tomato. Flights to Buenos Aires fly daily from London Heathrow. www.aapolo.comwww.blacktomato.co.uk

�#$�+��(��*��(-�/��TEST AT MCG With the excitement and exhaustion of Christmas Day, all most of us want to do on Boxing Day is warm ourselves by the fire, watching bad TV and gorging on leftovers. But for those in Melbourne, Australia, 26 December usually heralds a fine summer’s day and an excuse to chill out with friends, so it’s no surprise that they head out in droves to watch the Boxing Day Test at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Former England cricketer Bob Willis described the spectacle as “one of the biggest occasions in the sporting world.” Capable of holding more than 90,000 people in high-banked grandstands, the MCG plays host to a vibrant mix of cricket-loving locals and tourists. This year, India is heading over to take on the mighty Australians with tickets due to go on sale in September. If you’re prepared to wait a little longer, England will be returning to the scene of their epic 2010 Ashes triumph in 2013.

Named the world’s best sports city in 2009, Melbourne hosts a plethora of sporting events throughout the year. In January, the city kicks off the tennis season in earnest with the first grand slam of the year – the Australian Open – at Melbourne Park and in March, it transforms Albert Park into a temporary grand prix circuit to host Formula 1. In September, the MCG hosts the Australian Football (AFL) Grand Final, then two months later it welcomes the world’s best golfers to the Australian Masters.

-'��'��-/��+#*��+�/��#\��Y^^In September, New Zealand will welcome thousands of fans to the country for the third biggest sporting event in the world: the Rugby World Cup. A feast of fixtures will take place across the country, otherwise known as the land of Lord of the Rings, giving you the opportunity to watch world-class rugby while sampling some of the country’s breathtaking attractions.

Base yourself in Dunedin, as England will play all three of the group matches at the city’s Otago Stadium, but make time to see the

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Details: The five-day Test kicks off on Boxing Day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Yarra Park. The stadium is easily accessible by bus, tram or train from anywhere in the city with one-day tickets starting from £13 either in advance or on the day, if available. Flights to Melbourne fly daily from London Heathrow. www.mcg.org.au

#-(�'/�$��'$��-��$#\'+�*��&(�It may be known as the motor racing capital of the world, courtesy of the Indy 500, but Indianapolis is fast becoming one of the sporting hubs of America and next year, Indiana’s capital will host the biggest sporting event of them all - the Super Bowl - an event which, watched by 111 million viewers earlier this year, is one of the most-watched TV events in history.

The Super Bowl is a professional football championship game which is played out between the champions of the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). Locals will be hoping their home team, the Indianapolis Colts, will make it to the final, especially as the game will be

held at their home ground – the Lucas Oil Stadium.

Aside from the Indy 500, which sees the world’s best IndyCar drivers battle it out in a 500-mile race, Indianapolis plays host to an annual round of MotoGP and Nascar. There’s also the Indiana Pacers, who play in the Eastern Conference of the NBA, as well as a clutch of amateur sports which are hugely popular in America.

Details: Super Bowl XLVI will be played on 5 February 2012 at 6.30pm Eastern Time. Flights to Indianapolis fly daily from London Heathrow via Washington or New York. Tickets to the game range from £650 to £5,000. www.indianapolissuperbowl.com

�+�-�'��'�"�-$��]�HOURS“Racing is life. Anything that happens before or after is just waiting.” Those famous words uttered by Steve McQueen in the legendary Le Mans film apply perfectly to the greatest race of them all – the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Steeped in history and excitement, the world’s oldest endurance race has made the tiny town of Le Mans

famous the world over. The race kicks off at 4pm on Saturday afternoon and ends the same time the following day. During that time, the likes of Audi, Peugeot, Aston Martin and Corvette battle it out on track, stopping only to repair damage or swap drivers, so they can take a short break and recharge their batteries before doing it all over again.

It’s not just motor sport which runs deep in the veins of the town. Birthplace to tennis star Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Le Mans is home to a high-tech karting circuit, a racecourse, an equestrian centre, and the Le Mans FC football team. What’s more, it frequently hosts a stage of the prestigious Tour de France cycle race. Plenty, then, to keep you occupied.

Details: The next race takes place 9-10 June 2012 in Le Mans, France. The most comfortable way to get there is by train, so hop on the Eurostar from Kings Cross St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. Take the underground to Montparnasse and catch the French high-speed train – the TGV – to Le Mans in less than an hour. Grandstand ticket prices start at £75.www.lemansrace.com �

Tel: 020 7483 5148 Fax: 020 7483 [email protected]


The Wellington HospitalWellington PlaceSt Johns WoodLondon NW8 9LE

GET BACK INTO THE SWING OF THINGSGET BACK INTO T

Are you experiencing difficulties, stiffness or pain when driving down the course?

Our specialist units:

London Hip Arthroscopy Centre

The Knee Unit

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London Hand & Wrist Unit

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Whether you’re professional or amateur, conditions and injuries affecting your hips, shoulders, knees and back can have a major impact on your enjoyment of golf.

The Wellington Hospital offers a variety of orthopaedic services by internationally renowned consultants and highly specialist therapists, to provide expert management for all orthopaedic conditions including, Golfer’s Elbow, Femoroacetabular Impingement, Shoulder Bursitis, De Quervains Tenosynovitis and Carpel Tunnel Syndrome.

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TRAVELLING IN STYLE

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G lobe-Trotter was founded by Englishman David Nelken, taking its name from a noun coined in 1870 which referred to someone who travels far, wide and frequently

around the world. Its luggage has been favoured for a century by not just by the affluent elite but also by film stars, fashionistas, royalty and explorers. Captain Robert Falcon Scott travelled with Globe-Trotter on his 1912 Antarctic expedition; the Dispatch Case was used by Sir Winston Churchill during his tenure as Chancellor of the Exchequer; Her Majesty The Queen chose

the brand for her honeymoon luggage in 1947; and Sir Edmund Hilary even took his Globe-Trotter to base camp during his conquest of Everest.

Supporting British craftsmanship, each Globe-Trotter item is made in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire. Vulcanised fibreboard, a special material invented in Britain during the 1850s, is used to make each case, and handles are produced by the leather team, also responsible for forming the Globe-Trotter corners; quaintly, this takes place over five days on antique Victorian presses. �

www.globetrotter1897.com

Founded in 1897, Globe-Trotter has

combined traditional craftsmanship with a

timeless aesthetic to create classic,

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travel ............................................................IBIZA RETREAT escape ..........................................COUNTRY CLASSIC food & drink ...................GOING STATESIDE

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Brought to you in association with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, an unsurpassable collection of over 500 hotels spanning 70 countries, which offer an infinite variety of experiences.

WEBSITE OF THE MONTH:

GO WILDBuilt into the impressive landscape of the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve in South Africa, the Earth Lodge has long been renowned as the most environmentally friendly development of its kind, and this is set to continue with a stunning refurbishment.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the interior of the lodge has been redesigned with the raw beauty

TRAVEL FACTAccording to recent tourism figures, Paris is the most visited city in the world.

ULTIMATE ESCAPISMThe slender coral island of Vamizi, just off the north coast of Mozambique is perfect for those desiring ultimate seclusion but an abundance of activities.

The isle provides easy access to Neptune’s Arm, which has been named one of the best diving sites in the world and offers canyons teaming with reef sharks, tropical fish, snappers and potato bass. Yoga, kayaking, castaway picnics and whale watching are also available.WWW.TOESCAPETO.COM

of the surrounding nature in mind. The twelve opulent suites are now bedecked in tones of gold, copper and silver and feature natural artworks including twig chandeliers and gilded branches.

Amenities at the lodge include an indulgent Armani spa, swim-up day bar with spectacular views across Kruger national park and a cosy library. WWW.SABISABI.COM

BUSINESS CLASSThose with business matters north of the border will be delighted to hear that Glasgow now has its very own five star hotel in the form of the contemporary yet comfortable, Blythswood Square. The property boasts 100 luxury bedrooms and six spacious suites, including a dramatic penthouse with its own terrace.

Guests can dine in the relaxed and fun environment of the main restaurant and cocktail bar and try out traditional Scottish beauty treatments in a beautiful spa. WWW.BLYTHSWOODSQUARE.COM

ICONIC DESIGNOne of Zurich’s most recognisable landmarks has undergone a sensitive restoration programme. Hotel Sweizerhof operates within a Grade I listed building and while its elegant façade and original features remain, antique furnishings sit alongside discreet state-of-the-art technology to provide modern luxury for guests. WWW.DESIGNHOTELS.COM

Annabel Harrison revisits the jewel in the Balearics’ crown, casting off memories of childhood holidays in favour of exploring the multi-faceted island. As long as you’re looking for sun, there is something here for everyone

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It’s 14 years since I’ve been to Ibiza. Memories of idyllic summer holidays in family-friendly Cala Llonga are filled with swimming pools, pedaloes and pesetas, a wholesome image readymade for filling the pages of travel brochures. Since then, it

hasn’t escaped my notice (or that of the rest of the world) that Ibiza’s big draw is the clubbing scene, which makes sense of vague recollections of leather and fluoro-lycra party garb I’d seen as a child on excursions to Ibiza Town.

On closer inspection, these two extremes have a treasure trove of options in between for visitors not keen to party in Pacha and lacking a handful of children to amuse. The popularity of the third largest Balearic isle (the ‘season’ of which stretches from Easter to October) is no doubt due to the fact that there really is something for everyone here. In just four days, I saw this first hand; the 150,000 Ibizencans (pronounced I-bi-then-kans) have gone all out to cater for every type of visitor – and it shows. From clubbing to culture, fine dining to dancing and spa-going to cycling, the expression ‘spoilt for choice’ can’t help but spring to mind.

The BA flight from London City Airport to Ibiza is speedy (two hours) and stress-free (City is much smaller than its sister behemoths Gatwick and Heathrow), getting you in the Ibiza frame of mind from the word go. Touch down on the tarmac and be immediately

absorbed by clear blue skies, stretches of cerulean sea and enveloping warmth. As the island is so small (there are only three main roads and you can’t drive more than 41 kilometres in any one direction), transfers are quick and travel is easy. Hire a car and explore for yourself; book a guide and driver to do the hard work for you; splash out on cabs here, there and everywhere; or take the healthier, more scenic option of cycling.

The island is steeped in history and the influence of the Phoenicians, who arrived 27 centuries ago and dedicated it to their god of music and dance, Bes. Ibiza is habitually linked to hippies, albeit wealthy ones, and reasonably so, as they arrived in their droves in 1978 and just never left. Indeed, the vibe of the island reverberates (slowly, for speed is as foreign to the Ibizencans as a lack of spirituality) with a casual, happy, hippy resonance and even the architecture is sympathetic to this; buildings have smooth walls and curved edges. As our wonderful guide Dominique says, ‘things go [emphatic pause]… slowly here’.

Dominique also instructs, in keeping with the fashion ethos of the island, ‘wear whatever you want, as long as you look good’. This mentality applies just as much to the hotels scattered over the island; hugely different but all equally cool, they make and break their own rules. I can’t choose a favourite, so here are the best of the bunch.

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THE LUXURY OF NATURECan Curreu, Sant Carleswww.cancurreu.com

My first impression of this rural hotel and spa, formerly a farm, is that it is almost too immaculate to be true. The buildings, pristine white cubes with smooth walls and curved edges, look as though they have been crafted out of icing for a particularly beautiful wedding cake. Dotted amongst them are picture-perfect orange and lemon trees, as well as an olive tree believed to be 1,000 years old and rolling hills. With 17 rooms, the peacefulness is overwhelming, in a relaxing way, perfect for couples seeking solitude. Rooms offer exclusivity, elegance and comfort, as well as privacy, but you will certainly be tempted out by the spa with its modern thermal circuit, the tranquil, pretty pool area and prestigious restaurant. For an alternative to a romantic stroll, ride on horseback along ancient mule tracks. The hotel believes in the luxury of nature and, after a stay at Can Curreu, you will too.

BOUTIQUE BEAUTIFULThe Giri Residence, San Joanwww.thegiri.com

Its delightful owners describe The Giri as “hippy chic with a big city touch”. Indeed, I adore this place and photos don’t do it justice. With just five suites, it feels like you’re staying in a very luxurious private house, which is, quite simply, the epitome of cool. Owners Lars and Rosa have done an incredible job with the décor: despite splashes of Scandinavian minimalism, Balinese comfort and Moroccan detailing, somehow The Giri exudes Ibicenco soul. I find myself wanting to reach out and touch everything because of the wonderfully original use of clashing, tactile textures; granite and wood, bamboo and stone, marble and glass. The colours are also perfectly eclectic: gold, slate, cerulean, grape, oak, sand. Service is impeccable, thanks to a staff to guest ratio of 1:1 and if you want to use the incredible spa, it’s “yours while you’re here” – exclusive use and privacy galore. I have never experienced anything quite like The Giri.

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SOPHISTICATED LUXEAguas de Ibiza Lifestyle & Spa Santa Eulaliawww.aguasdeibiza.com

This stunning waterside hotel in Ibiza’s Santa Eulalia Bay marina has a beautiful view of the sea and a quaint beachside promenade leading to Santa Eulalia. Built by Ibizencan architect Juan de los Ríos, designed by Barcelona-based Triade Studio and run by the Torres family of seasoned Spanish hoteliers, Aguas knows what it’s doing and does it well. From the striking tree painted white outside to the huge circular reception, bright and airy thanks to lofty ceilings and bands of glass floor to ceiling, the overall impression is modern and sophisticated, with a clean design palette of white, black, stone, silver and marble. The 112 rooms, all smart and sleek, come with latest technologies, including state-of-the-art, energy-saving domotics for personalised lighting.

Aguas has everything you could possibly need: a gym, climatised pools, two outdoor pools, a beauty salon, a boutique, on-site Business Centre, High Performance Executive Centre and a sumptuous spa. For a more social experience, try out the rooftop “chill-out” bar, Air Ibiza, or have a drink at the Scuba cocktail bar downstairs.

FOR THE JET SET: Ushuaïa, Playa D’en Bossawww.ushuaiabeachhotel.com

Ushuaïa is the coolest new kid on the block. One look at the website and you’ll be hooked; teasing phrases pop up and vanish, all extolling the virtues (and vices) of The Unexpected Hotel. It’s also the “I Don’t Remember My Room Number” Hotel, “Just Like Heaven” with “Everything You Want”, and it promises to pump up the volume: if you’ve ever wanted to watch a concert from your hotel room balcony and you love music, Ushuaïa is the perfect place for you. It boasts an enormous, purpose-built poolside stage, where top international DJs and artists will perform between 5pm and midnight for up to 4,000 guests, as well as a Pioneer Recording Studio and its own radio station.

In the 236 rooms, clever touches prove they’ve thought of just about everything for to cater for bright young things: blackout blinds allow for sleep any time of day or night; aromatherapy fragrances and chromotherapy LEDs help to soothe the morning-after feeling; and when you’re ready to party, rooms come kitted out with their own DJ booths, the Ushuaïa radio channel and a Maxi-Bar (when Mini just isn’t enough).

IBIZA’S HOT SPOTSBeach Club

Blue Marlin, Playa Cala Jondal www.bluemarlinibiza.com

Lunch ZenSea, Playa Cala Nova

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Of all the country estates touched by the landscaping mastery of Capability Brown, Luton Hoo surely endures as one of the most magnificent. Working at the Bedfordshire residence in the latter half of

the 18th century, ‘England’s greatest gardener’ enlarged the park from 300 acres to nearly four times that size, transforming the estate’s gardens by damming the River Lea and creating two imposingly grand lakes.

Set amongst the mature trees of this gently undulating parkland is Luton Hoo’s Mansion House. A former private residence that boasts amongst its previous visitors Queen Mary, Her Majesty the Queen, Sir Winston Churchill and Lord Mountbatten, the property is now a luxury five-star hotel, and one, I can attest, that offers its guests a whole host of delights.

Approach Luton Hoo via a majestic driveway after a ten

minute ride from Luton Airport, or a 40 minute drive from Heathrow, and you can’t fail to be impressed by extensive views of the estate’s picturesque grounds and its 18 hole golf course – a course designed sympathetically around Brown’s sweeping gardens.

Inside, the hotel is styled authentically and in keeping with the original décor of the house. Ornate chandeliers hang from high ceilings under which dark woods complement rich carpets and period furniture. In terms of accommodation, in addition to The Parkland building in which I spent the night, Luton Hoo provides several other room or suite options, including five state suites and four principle suites in Mansion House itself, 12 bedrooms in the Grade II listed Robert Adams Stables building, and a further 59 rooms in the Flower Garden house.

Just a short stroll from Mansion House, my ground-

21st CENTURY

Once a private residence frequented by royalty and Prime Ministers, Luton Hoo is now a luxury hotel where guests can dine in period opulence and walk amongst acres of manicured parkland, discovers Lana Jordan

Refinement

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floor, air-conditioned room came equipped with not only a flat-screen LCD television and broadband but also its very own terrace – perfect for enjoying breathtaking views of the grounds.

Enticed by said views, I decided to set off on foot to experience the park for myself – something that I soon realised could easily take up an entire day. After taking in the estate’s 18th century octagonal walled garden, I navigated the perimeter of the smaller of Brown’s two lakes. A couple of hours later, although aware that I had only scratched the surface of Luton Hoo’s 1,100 acres, I returned from a walk that proved a fantastic way of reacquainting myself with the British countryside after a tiring week in the city.

It also left me with an appropriately-sized appetite for afternoon tea, which at Luton Hoo consists of a selection of delicious finger sandwiches, freshly baked raisin and plain scones with Devonshire clotted cream and an assortment of delectable tea cakes and pastries.

Energised, I elected to make use of the hotel’s fitness studio, indoor swimming pool and heat therapy suite. After a rewarding workout and refreshing swim, the sauna and steam room capped off a thoroughly rejuvenating afternoon. Guests can also benefit from a number of exclusive spa blends inspired by flowers and herbs found on the Luton Hoo estate, as well as ‘his and hers’ treatments that range from traditional massages to speciality body programmes. I tried the Deep Tissue Massage which was nothing short of fantastic.

When it comes to hotel dining, there can be few more spectacular settings than Luton Hoo’s Wernher Restaurant. Named after one of the estate’s most distinguished former owners, the restaurant was extensively remodelled in the early 20th century by the architects of the Ritz Hotel in London. Comprising exotic marble panel work, heavy curtains and richly coloured fabrics, you could be forgiven for thinking you had been transported into the Palace of Versailles.

It is an opulence that is mirrored in the restaurant’s menu, in which executive head chef Kevin Clark reveals his culinary flair through a combination of adventurous dishes and traditional British classics. Elsewhere on the estate, The Adam’s Brasserie, housed within the historic Stables building, offers a slightly more informal style of dining, while the country club-themed The 19th restaurant provides leisure guests with a range of casual snack options.

As a retreat from the stresses of the city, a stay at Luton Hoo offers something for everyone. In addition to the par 73 golf course and exclusive spa, the estate boasts a fully restored Victorian grass tennis court as well as the opportunity to partake in game or clay pigeon shooting. Away from the hotel itself, local attractions of Whipsnade Zoo, Woburn Safari Park and the Xscape indoor ski centre at Milton Keynes mean that families are catered for in abundance.

Located less than a mile from junction 10 of the M1 and five minutes from Luton Parkway station – where there’s a frequent 30 minute service into the City of London – the historic wealth and luxurious splendour of Luton Hoo make it the ideal country getaway. �

Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3TQ01582 734437www.lutonhoo.co.uk

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VANTAGEpromotion

Since its origins 20 years ago, Small Luxury Hotels of the

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A TRADITION OF LUXURY The exclusive and exquisite Small Luxury Hotels of the WorldTM celebrates its 20th anniversary of offering boutique elegance across the globe

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From pearl-farming in Phuket to learning calligraphy in China, Small Luxury Hotels of the WorldTM offers guests the chance to enjoy incredible experiences whilst staying at one of their hand-picked, opulent properties. The brand’s 20-year history ensures that there is an inspiring activity for everyone, wherever one’s enthusiasms or intentions lie. Be sure to visit www.slh.com for full details

BE INSPIRED

WILDERNESSEXPERIENCE:

Crocodile Spotting, Queensland, Australia

Whilst staying at a unique rainforest lodge guests are able

to learn about the eco-system before taking a river cruise

to see crocodiles in their natural habitat and visiting a local

aboriginal population.

STAY:

Bloomfield Lodge Hotel, Queensland, Australia

Take to your own elegant timber cabin and enjoy the views

of the natural landscape. This exclusive lodge is reached

only by four-wheel drive, giving it an air of mystery

and serenity.

OTHER FAVOURITES:

Reef Checking and a stay at Baros Maldives in the Maldives;

Elephant riding and a stay at the Anantara Golden Triangle

Resort & Spa in Thailand; Snorkelling, scuba diving and

touring boiling lakes and stalactites with a stay at the

Misibis Bay Resort, Phillipines; Observe Japanese Wild

Monkeys and stay at Hoshinoya Karuizawa, Japan.

GOURMET EXPERIENCE:

Truffle Hunting, Burgundy, France

This relaxing expedition gives guests the opportunity to

embrace life outdoors, with a specially planned search for

truffles. Led by a trained dog, treasures are unearthed before

a tasting session accompanied by fine wine.

STAY:

Château de Gilly, Burgundy, France

A former home of medieval monks, the château is a

grand residence boasting impressive architecture and

beautiful parkland grounds. It overlooks the River Vogue

providing breath-taking views and an overwhelming sense

of tranquillity.

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OTHER FAVOURITES

Deep Sea Fishing in the Cook Islands and a stay at the

Pacific Resort Aitutaki; A Guided Tour of Coffee and Spice

Plantations and a stay at the Orange County Coorg in India;

An In-Suite Cooking Class and a stay at Hotel Bergs in Latvia;

A Vineyard Tour and stay at the Hotel Viura in Spain.

CULTURE EXPERIENCE:

The Pearls of Asia, Phuket, Thailand

Take a fascinating trip to a pearl farm by speedboat and gain

an insight into the cultivation, protection and values of one

of the ocean’s most precious treasures. This experience also

gives guests the opportunity to source their own pearls as a

lovely reminder.

STAY:

Aleenta Resort and Spa, Phuket, Thailand

This resort makes the most of its coastal setting with a light

and airy design which maximises the opportunity for outdoor

living. Suites have retractable glass walls, loft rooms offer

incredible views and villas have outside seating areas.

OTHER FAVOURITES

A Photography Trail and stay at the El Rodat Hotel, Costa

Blanca; Learn the Basics of Hunting with a Hawk and stay at

the Lainston House Hotel in Hampshire; A Traditional Glass-

blowing Class and stay at the TomTom Suites in Turkey; An

Algarve Cruise and stay at the Monte do Casal, Portugal

SPA & WELL-BEING EXPERIENCE:

Make your own Beauty Product, Mcely, Czech Republic

This experience enables guests the opportunity to learn

about the cosmetic properties of natural ingredients,

guided by the experienced owner of the hotel. Each visitor

can then apply their knowledge by creating a gorgeous,

personal blend to keep.

STAY:

Chateau Mcely, Mcely, Czech Republic

With its rooftop observatory, rejuvenating spa and

collection of 17th century scientific instruments, this is

an interesting and delightful place to stay.

OTHER FAVOURITES

Soak up the style of Royal Ascot with a Backstage Tour

and stay at the Pennyhill Park Hotel and The Spa, Surrey;

Luxury facilities and a stay at The Fortress, Sri Lanka;

Championship Tennis at the Sanctuary Camelback

Mountain Resort and Spa, Arizona; Holistic Renewal at The

Balé, Indonesia.

VANTAGEpromotion

A TASTE OF SUMMERExclusive Vantage Reader Evening:

Gaucho’s sommelier Jake Crimmin will be hosting a ‘Sticky & Sweet’ evening at Gaucho Hampstead from 6pm on the 23 August 2011.

Vantage readers can register via email at [email protected] for a complimentary Masterclass (usual price £50) of Gaucho’s signature Argen-tine dessert wines and Freggo Ice Cream, including their famed Malbec and ��

��

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Beauty comes from within; I eat a

lot of organic food.

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food & drink

NEWS: FOOD LINGO: QUOTE: WEBSITE:

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J SHEEKEY GETS CHICERJ Sheekey and its neighbouring Oyster Bar have long been renowned for their delicious fish dishes and opulent surroundings. However, Sunday evening reservations have now become even more covetable owing to a brand new entertainment event which the latter is holding once a month.

‘Sheekey’s Speakeasies’ will see the venue

TEA WITH A TWISTThe gorgeous Artesian Bar at The Langham hotel continues to show itself as a modern and fun venue for drinks. And now an exclusive partnership with Beefeater 24 gin will allow visitors to enjoy a G&T tea tiffin; sparkling specially prepared cocktails and a selection of tempting grazing dishes such as native lobster, Lancashire cheese scones and crème brulee.

The concept is sure to appeal to fashionistas in need of refreshment after shopping in the West End and provides the perfect option for an early evening catch up with friends.BEEFEATER 24’S G&T TIFFIN

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Raw Food FairiesCombining the skills of Cordon-Bleu ��0��$��!��#�� 2��0��!1�(�!�� #�#��#�� ?��-�� "�� "��!��"��"�� energising enzymes through cooking.

Dishes include sun-dried tomato tart and delicious mushroom burgers. The plans start from £29.50 per day. WWW.RAWFAIRIES.COM

ELLE MACPHERSON,

MODEL AND DESIGNER

transformed into laid-back show space offering a variety of music and comedy ensembles under the talented eye of curator Hardeep Singh Kohli, himself a writer and performer.

The accompanying menu will offer seasonal dishes such as grilled tiger-prawns with piri-piri butter and sautéed octopus. WWW.J-SHEEKEY.CO.UK

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food & drink

Let’s be honest, when faced with the myriad of summer flavours on our outdoor grills, it can often be a daunting task to find the perfect wine to match. The problem can be further exasperated by our guests bringing in their own offerings. As a result, many of us

opt for the safe option - beer for the boys and something pink for the girls!

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Wines can not only complement your al fresco culinary masterpieces, they can positively complete them. As ever, the golden rule of food and wine matching applies – there are no rules! Of course there are certain things we stay clear of (that’s just chemistry) but on the whole, experiment.

One of the old school rules first to be thrown from the train is the ‘reds with meats’ rule. While basking in the glorious humidity of an English summer, the idea of a big, heavy, aged Californian cabernet sauvignon paired with your Angus and Stilton burger may well leave you wanting a ruddy good dousing from the garden hose. So the key word here is ‘refreshing’ and if that means a white wine with your steak, then so be it.

Trade the traditional Pinot Grigio rosé in for the grape’s more sophisticated cousin, Pinot Noir. Grab a 2008 Wanaka Road Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand and stick it in the fridge for an hour. This gorgeously youthful pinot will be full of soft, summer red fruits and at that temperature, it will keep the acidity vibrant and refreshing, heavenly with a grilled salmon skewer in a chilli marinade.

For something with a little more oomph, opt for an Argentine Malbec. The people of this country plough through more meat per capita than anyone else on the planet so they know a thing or two about what goes with a fired meat and their national grape delivers in spades. Big, bold, fruity and delicious while young, it’s a champion with red meats, especially those fresh from the charring. The 2008 Vina Patricia Malbec is a deliciously voluptuous, black fruited wonder with a velvet tail that will seduce the most tender of rib-eyes.

www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk/wineboutique

Barbeque Drinking

Jake Crimmin, head sommelier at Gaucho suggests broadening your horizons when matching wine for summer barbeques

LOCALRoux at The Landau

Handily located at the top of Regent’s Street in the stunning Langham Hotel, Roux at The Landau brings together the father and son combination of Albert and Michel Roux Jr for the first time in 19 years. The restaurant is classic and grand in its David Collins decor, embracing strong themes of gold and taupe, with rich wood and bold curves. Food has retained its impressive and traditional French roots, while embracing lighter flavours and a modern European twist.

The Langham Hotel 1C Portland PlaceRegent Street, W1B 1JA 020 7636 1000 www.langhamhotels.co.uk

IN THE PARKAspleys, a Heinz Beck Restaurant

If you’re lucky enough to get yourself a table at The Lanesborough, situated directly opposite Hyde Park, on one of

Three of a Kind... EPONYMOUS RESTAURANTS

the 60 days a year when Heinz Beck comes back to cook in the kitchen with his team, then you’re in for a treat. Offering the best in Michelin starred Italian fare, this beautiful restaurant, complete with awe inspiring light fittings and subtle pink and gold decor, is the perfect romantic destination, with the added bonus of exemplary service and divine, melt in the mouth food from start to finish.

The Lanesborough Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA 020 7333 7254www.lanesborough.com

IN KNIGHTSBRIDGEMarcus Wareing at The Berkeley

Still considered by many to be the best restaurant in London, Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley is a sublime dining experience from start to finish. The tasting menu offers the best way to see this chef’s impeccable skills in action, and if you can get the chef’s table, do it – you won’t regret it. Service here is equally impressive, smooth, efficient and flawlessly smart, while decor feels intimate and decadent.

The Berkeley Wilton Place, Knightsbridge SW1X 7RL 020 7235 6000www.the-berkeley.co.uk

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food & drink

It could be argued that we don’t do too badly in comparison to the rest of the world when it comes to raising and producing some of the best meat and produce. Wales holds its own against New Zealand in the lamb stakes, and Ireland and the Lake District

fare well when it comes to sausages. And, while Alaska is a mighty salmon giant and Iceland the king of cod production, British waters around Anglesey, Cornwall and the Highlands offer more sustainable and often tastier options, and Gloucestershire and Hampshire offer a much better quality of pork, and pig welfare in fact, than the Danes.

However, while Scotland does a renowned line in excellent Aberdeen Angus steak, it has to be said that the Americans really know how to handle their beef. And nowhere perhaps is this better displayed than at the JW Steakhouse on Park Lane.

Unashamedly American in style, but still retaining top notch style and decor, the place specialises in both American and, as a nod to its location in the UK, British cuts of beef. We have a lengthy discussion with our super waitress who patiently and expertly explains the differences between the tastes, textures and flavours of the cuts, depending on how they were reared and how they’re cut, and the comparative benefits of how to cook them. As it turns out, we both plump for the American style steaks, I have a hearty fillet and the date has the New York Style Strip.

Before these arrive we wet our appetites with some fried calamari – crisp, tasty and vast – and the lump crab – decadent and delicious. Then it’s onto the steaks – my

Emma Mills dines at the JW Steakhouse in Mayfair and discovers that when it comes to beef, and also cheesecake, the Americans really know what they’re talking about

huge fillet coming perfectly cooked, beautifully tender and accompanied by super coleslaw and sautéed wild mushrooms. The New York strip for the other half is a vast, brazen piece of meat, achingly succulent and rich in flavours. Its accompanying hand cut chips are a perfect addition to the rich meat, but don’t order too many portions, as we couldn’t even make a dent in them.

Full and distinctly soporific we are planning to head home and walk the steaks off, before our waitress insists we have the cheesecake before we leave. “I know you’re full,” she says. “But you won’t be.” I don’t believe her. We are stuffed. However, when the cheesecake arrives, huge and regal with a stunning buttery base and crust, encasing the cheesecake inside it, she is right. We do find space. JW claims this is the best cheesecake this side of the pond, and they’re not wrong. It is both light and rich at the same time, full of flavour, with a delicious crumbly base. We eat over half of it before admitting defeat and taking the rest home (just like everyone else in the restaurant that night) for a treat the next day.

JW Steakhouse is far less ‘trendy’ than some of its Mayfair partners, but that’s just its charm; it is a classic restaurant, serving excellent food, with impressive and informative service, and huge helpings of class. We loved it. You will too. �

86 Park LaneW1K 7TL020 7399 8460www.jwsteakhouse.co.uk

Going stateside

From rustling up roast dinners to perfecting pavlovas, dinner parties can become extra special with expert guidance. Reuben Phillips is a talented and uber friendly foodie who offers one-on-one tuition to clients in their own home. The sessions are brilliant for all and available at a variety of skill levels. Reuben will also provide guidance on where to shop, which wines to choose and how to save money on produce. www.cookwithreuben.co.uk

North West London is a hive of creative talent, from the colourful wares of Camden Market to the chic boutiques of Primrose Hill. Budding fashionistas should read ‘How to Set Up and Run a Fashion Label’ by Toby Meadows, an interesting guide to putting ideas into action. £17.95, Laurence King Publishing

COOK: READ:

DRINKIn honour of its 80th birthday this year, the Dorchester is celebrating with a special edition of its legendary afternoon tea. The Anniversary Champagne Afternoon Tea includes an exclusive Ceylon Black brew with a subtle woody flavour, to acknowledge the Plane tree which stands at the entrance to the hotel. Tea and champagne will be served alongside delicate pastries, sandwiches and scones which have been made to the same recipe for over 50 years.www.thedorchester.com

&aboutout

connoisseur

95

out & about

PLAYThe Wallace Collection in Marylebone becomes the setting for a fun-filled treasure hunt on 4 August as the whole family are invited to search the gallery for treasure style artworks. Children are encouraged to sketch daggers set

Whether your taste is for unusual salad leaves, fresh seafood, fine cuts of meat or delicious mushrooms, the Marylebone Farmers’ Market is well worth a Sunday visit. With the increasing popularity of raw and organic diet plans, the huge range of stalls is popular with locals and visitors alike who flock to buy their weekly produce here, giving the market a great atmosphere.The market runs from 10am-2pm in Cramer Street Car Park.www.lfm.org.uk/markets/marylebone

ESCAPEAs if relaxing in a beautiful hair salon wasn’t escape enough, Tatiana Hair Extensions offers the opportunity for complete transformation. The team specialise in luxurious hair extensions and are continually reviewing their attachment technology to ensure the effect is natural and comfortable. The salon is one to have on your pre-event radar as a bespoke clip-in extensions service is also available for instant glamour. www.tatianahairextensions.co.uk

Have fun, learn a skill and raise awareness on 14 August with a charity tango session in Regent’s Park. Visitors will be taught the basics of the Argentinean dance in a beginner’s class before dancing away the afternoon al fresco. The annual event is in aid of the Royal Parks Foundation. www.royalparks.org.uk

Work out the holiday excess with a strenuous session of Bikram Yoga. Classes encourage participants to work through 26 postures and selected breathing exercises in a room which is heated to 40 degrees centigrade. The heat encourages the body to detox and also loosens muscles and joints to aid stretching.

This makes it ideal for those who are new to the activity.Classes are held daily in Primrose Hill.www.bikramyogaprimrosehill.com

SHOP: STRETCH: DANCE:

with emeralds, golden statues and priceless porcelain as they tour the space, before creating a treasure chest for their pictures, under the guidance of artist Faye Ross-Magenty. www.wallacecollection.org

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HOW MUCH? £60 per person, based on a minimum of 8 people (£50 per person for members)

WHEN? F riday nights, May - August 2011

BOOKINGS: Phone 0845 680 0783 or email [email protected] and Quote ‘Vantage’ to receive a £10 discount. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.

MACS LONDON61 Kilburn High RoadNW6 5SB020 7328 9777

MACS LONDON9 Princess RoadNW1 8JN020 3204 2020

MAD LILLIES 34 Heath StreetNW3 6TE 020 7435 3869

MARGARET DABBS FOOT CLINIC & NAIL SPA7 New Cavendish Street, W1G 8UU 020 7487 5510

PRIVATO170 Regents Park RoadNW1 8XN 020 7586 6887

RENEW MEDICA Oriel Court, 12 Heath StreetNW3 6TE 0844 576 8306

THE BEAUTY LABORATORY LONDON7 Belsize TerraceNW3 4AX020 7125 0303

THE LABORATORY SPA & HEALTH CLUBThe Avenue, Muswell HillN10 2QE020 8482 3000

TONI & GUY30 Heath StreetNW3 6TE020 7431 7421

TONI & GUY8 Marylebone High StreetW1U 4NN 020 7935 7900

VAISHALY CLINIC 51 Paddington StreetW1U 4HR 020 7224 6088

Health & Fitness

MOVERS & SHAPERS148 West End LaneNW6 1SD020 7372 4222

THE DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC50 New Cavendish Street W1G 8TL 020 7009 4650

THE WELLINGTON HOSPITALWellington Place, St Johns Wood,NW8 9LE020 7483 5090

InteriorsDIVERTIMENTI33/34 Marylebone High StreetW1U 4PT020 7935 0689

Hair + BeautyBEAUTY BOUTIQUE17 Flask WalkNW3 1HJ020 7431 9111

CHUAN SPA 1c Portland Place, Regent StreetW1B 1JA 020 7973 7550

COURTENAY CHEMIST3 St. John’s Wood High StreetNW8 7NG 020 7722 3814

GIELLY GREEN 42-44 George StreetW1U 7ES 020 7034 3060

JOSHUA ALTBECK 82 St. John’s Wood High StreetNW8 7SH 020 7722 1225

LISA HAUCK HAIR & MAKEUP 148 Gloucester AvenueNW1 8JA 020 7722 1043

LOST IN BEAUTY 117 Regents Park RoadNW1 8UR 020 7586 4411

SEE BELOW FOR A LISSSEEEEEEE BBBEEEELLLOOOWWWW FFFOOORRRR AAA LLLIIISSSSST OF OUR VALUED PARTNERTTT OOOFFFF OOOUUURRRR VVVAAALLLUUUEEEDDD PPPAAARRRRTTTNNNEEERRRRSSSSSSAND AAANNNDDD SSSSTOCKITTTOOOCCCKKKKIIISSSSSTTTTSSSS OF OOOFFFF VVVVAANTAGEAAANNNTTTAAAGGGEEEVVVVAAAVVVV

GRAHAM AND GREEN164 Regents Park RoadNW1 8XN020 7586 2960

HALCYON INTERIORS120 Wigmore StreetW1U 3LS020 7486 3080

HÜLSTA ROLF BENZ WESTEND 23-25 Baker Street W1U 8EQ 020 7034 1930

MARK WILKINSON FURNITURE41 St. John’s Wood High StreetNW8 7NJ 020 7586 9579

RIPPLES138 Wigmore StreetW1U 3SG020 7935 6112

SKANDINTERIORS57 South End RoadNW3 2QB0779 464 0937

Food + Drink

BRASSERIE GÉRARD 122 St. John’s Wood High StreetNW8 7SG 020 7722 0400

THE PROVIDORES AND TAPA ROOM109 Marylebone High Street W1U 4RX020 7935 6175

THE WINERY }�2 ��(��W9 1SS020 7286 6475

Out + About

EVERYMAN CINEMA BAKER STREET96-98 Baker Street W1U 6TJ0871 906 9060

EVERYMAN CINEMA BELSIZE PARK203 Haverstock HillNW3 4QG0871 906 9060

EVERYMAN CINEMA HAMPSTEAD5 Holly Bush Vale NW3 6TX0871 906 9060

HAMPSTEAD THEATRE��0��#�1��!��2�*��NW3 3EU020 7722 9301

HEARTBREAK GALLERY17 Bulstrode StreetW1U 2JH020 3219 5710

CAFE LUC50 Marylebone High StreetW1U 5HN020 7258 9878

CAFÉ ROUGE120 St. John’s Wood High StreetNW8 7SG020 7722 8366

COCORINO ALIMENTARI18 Chiltern StreetW1U 7QA020 7935 0860

GELATO MIO138 St. John’s Wood High StreetNW8 7SE020 0011 3889

GINGER & WHITE4A-5A Perrins Court NW3 1QS020 7431 9098

HARRY MORGAN29-31 St. John’s Wood High StreetNW8 7NH020 7722 1869

JEROBOAMS1 St. John’s Wood High StreetNW8 7NG 020 7722 4020

LANKA71 Regents Park Road NW1 8UY020 7483 2544

THE PRIMROSE EATERY38 Primrose Hill RoadNW3 3AD020 7483 3222

If you are a local business and would like to stock Vantage please contact Fiona Fenwick on 020 7987 4320

[email protected]

ALEXANDERS35 Ivor Place

NW1 6EA

020 7402 0066

www.alexanders-uk.com

ASTON CHASE69 / 71 Park Road

NW1 6XU

020 7724 4724

www.astonchase.com

BENHAM & REEVES56 Heath Street

NW3 1DL

020 7435 9822

www.b-r.co.uk

BRIAN LACK & CO4-6 Saint Ann’s Terrace

NW8 6PJ

020 7586 5929

www.brianlack.co.uk

CLUTTONS53 Charlbert Street

NW8 6JN

020 7586 5863

www.cluttons.com

ALEXANDER GREEN ASSOCIATES www.alexandergreenassociates.com

ANSCOMBE & RINGLANDwww.anscombes.co.uk

ANTHONY CASINGENAwww.anthonycasingena.com

ARLINGTON RESIDENTIALwww.arlingtonresidential.co.uk

BARGETSwww.bargets.co.uk

BEAUCHAMP ESTATESwww.beauchamp.com

BEHR & BUTCHOFFwww.behrandbutchoff.com

CARTER JONASwww.carterjonas.co.uk

CHESTERTON HUMBERTSwww.chestertonhumberts.com

DAY MORRISwww.day morris.co.uk

DRUCEwww.druce.com

FOX GREGORYwww.foxgregory.co.uk

FOXTONSwww.foxtons.co.uk

GLENTREEwww.glentree.co.uk

GOLDSCHMIDT & HOWLANDwww.g-h.co.uk

GREENE & COwww.greene.co.uk

HARRIS LATNERwww.harrislatner.co.uk

HEATHGATEwww.heathgate.com

IAN GREEN RESIDENTIALwww.iangreenresidential.com

KINLEIGH FOLKARD & HAYWARDwww.kfh.co.uk

LUROT BRANDwww.lurotbrand.co.uk

MARCUS PARFITT www.marcusparfitt.com

PLAZA ESTATESwww.plazaestates.co.uk

SANDFORDS www.sandfords.com

SAVILLSwww.savills.co.uk

THE ESTATE CO.www.theestatecompany.com

WINKWORTHwww.winkworth.co.uk

For Estate Agent Listings Please contact Fiona Fenwick on: [email protected]

FARON SUTARIA140 Kensington Church Street

W8 4NB

0207 908 1563

www.faronsutari.co.uk

GREENSTONE83 Boundary Road

NW8 0RG

020 7625 7000

www.greenstone.com

HAMPTONS INTERNATIONAL99 St John’s Wood Terrace

NW8 6PL

020 7722 2131

www.hamptons.co.uk

HAMPTONS INTERNATIONAL21 Heath street

NW3 6TR

020 7794 8222

www.hamptons.co.uk

HANOVER RESIDENTIAL112 Boundary Road

NW8 0RH

020 7372 4499

www.hanover-residential.co.uk

JONATHAN ARRON18 Blenheim Terrace

NW8 0EB

020 7604 4611

www.jonathanarron.com

KNIGHT FRANK5-7 Wellington Place

NW8 7PB

020 7586 2777

www.knightfrank.co.uk

KNIGHT FRANK79-81 Heath Street

NW3 6UG

020 7431 8686

www.knightfrank.co.uk

MARSH & PARSONS35 Maida Vale

W9 1TP

020 7368 4458

www.marshandparsons.co.uk

PARKHEATH208 Haverstock Hill

NW3 2AG

020 7431 1234

www.parkheath.com

PARKHEATH8a Canfield Gardens

NW6 3BS

020 7625 4567

www.parkheath.com

PARKHEATH192 West End Lane

NW6 1SG

020 7794 7111

www.parkheath.com

PROPERTY DIVAS34a Rosslyn Hill

NW3 1NH

020 7431 8000

www.propertydivas.com

RESCORP11 Hanover Gate Mansions

Park Road, NW1 4SJ

020 3348 8000

www.rescorp.co.uk

TK INTERNATIONAL20 Heath Street

NW3 6TE

020 7794 8700

www.t-k.co.uk

SEE BELOW FOR ESSEEEE BBEEELLOOWW FFOORR EESSSTATE AGENTTTAATTEE AAGGEENNTTSSS IN THE AREA IINN THHEE AARREEAA

LISTING

Rubens Painted Dressing Chest, And So To Bed

www.andsotobed.co.uk

PROPERTYS H O W C A S I N G T H E F I N E S T H O M E S I N Y O U R A R E AS H O W C A S I N G T H E F I N E S T H O M E S I N Y O U R A R E A

If you would like to appear within the property pages of VANTAGE, contact Giles Ellwood, property manager on

020 7987 4320 or [email protected] E D I A G R O U P

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CUMBERLAND TERRACEREGENT’S PARK NW1£2,395,000 L/H: APPROX. 100 YEARS UNEXPIRED

A beautifully appointed and extremely bright apartment (114sq m/1,230sq ft) set on the first floor of this highly soughtafter Grade II Listed Nash Terrace. The apartment, which is presented in immaculate decorative order, further benefitsfrom sensational views towards Regent’s Park from all principal rooms, a secure garage and basement storage room. A one bedroom apartment within Cumberland Terrace Mews is also available by separate negotiation.

Cumberland Terrace is enviably located on the Outer Circle of Regent’s Park, within close proximity to all of theamenities of Marylebone Village, and both Regent’s Park (Bakerloo Line) & Great Portland Street (Metropolitan,Hammersmith & City and Circle Line) Underground Stations.

ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIESBedroom with Dressing Room and En-Suite Bathroom, Reception Room, Dining Room, Fully Fitted Kitchen, GuestCloakroom, Utility Room, Balcony, 24 Hour Resident Porterage, Monitored CCTV Security Cameras, Secure Garagein Cumberland Terrace Mews, Basement Storage Room, Communal Gardens, Unallocated Off Street Parking.

JOINT SOLE AGENT

astonchase.com

SPRINGFIELD ROADST JOHN’S WOOD NW8GUIDE PRICE: £9,750,000 FREEHOLD

An exceptional opportunity to purchase a handsome low built double fronted detached residence (664sq m/7,150sq ft)newly refurbished to an exceptionally high standard throughout, benefiting from a lower ground floor leisure complexincluding cinema room, swimming pool, steam room, sauna and gymnasium.

Springfield Road is one of the most sought after roads on the west side of St John’s Wood located within easy walkingdistance of The American School in London, St John’s Wood High Street and both Swiss Cottage & St John’s WoodUnderground Stations (Jubilee Line).

ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIESPrincipal Bedroom with Large Dressing Room, Her En-Suite Bathroom & His En-Suite Shower Room, 5 FurtherBedrooms, Family Bathroom, 2 Further En-Suite Shower Rooms, Reception/Dining Room, Cinema, Kitchen/Family Room,Swimming Pool, Steam Room, Sauna & Gymnasium, Front and Rear Landscaped Gardens, Off Street Parking, IntegralGarage, Plant Room.

JOINT SOLE AGENT

PRICEREDUCED

REGENT’S PARK OFFICE69–71 PARK ROADLONDON NW1 6XU

T–020 7724 4724F –020 7724 6160

ABBEY ROADST JOHN’S WOOD NW8£3,950,000 FREEHOLD

A well presented semi-detached home (325sq m/3,493sq ft) refurbished and interior designed toa high standard throughout providing well planned family accommodation benefiting from secureoff street parking for 2 cars.

Abbey Road is enviably located moments from The American School in London and only a fewminutes walk from both St John’s Wood Underground Station (Jubilee Line) and St John’s WoodHigh Street.

ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIESPrincipal Bedroom with Dressing Room & En-Suite Bathroom, 4 Further Bedrooms, 3 FurtherBathrooms (1 En-Suite), Double Length Reception Room, Dining/Family Room, Kitchen/BreakfastRoom, Utility Room, Guest Cloakroom, Balcony, Terrace, Landscaped Front Garden, Garage, Off Street Parking for a further 1 Car.

JOINT SOLE AGENT

astonchase.com

ABERDARE GARDENSSOUTH HAMPSTEAD NW6£3,950,000 FREEHOLD

A double fronted semi-detached Victorian family home (412sq m/4,431sq ft) with off streetparking for 2 cars and an attractive 73ft rear garden. The house features an unusual doublevolume artist’s studio room and benefits from excellent entertaining areas together withspacious bedroom accommodation.

The property is conveniently situated within a short walk of extensive local shopping facilitiesand Finchley Road Underground Station (Jubilee & Metropolitan Lines).

ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIESPrincipal Bedroom with En-Suite Bathroom and Walk-In Wardrobe, 4 Further Bedrooms(En-Suite Bathroom and En-Suite Shower Room), Double Volume Artist’s Studio ReceptionRoom, Family Room, Dining Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Utility Room, 73ft Rear Garden,Patio, Off Street Parking for 2 Cars.

JOINT SOLE AGENT

REGENT’S PARK OFFICE69–71 PARK ROADLONDON NW1 6XU

T–020 7724 4724F –020 7724 6160

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Set over the raised/lower ground floors of a period house a spacious maisonette with private entrance and garden

Belsize Park office 020 7431 1234

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

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West Hampstead Office 020 7794 7111

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Belsize Park Office 020 7431 3104

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North Gate has always been regarded as one of the

premier developments in NW8 and we are proud to be

able to offer a spacious apartment situated within this

majestic building.

North Gate is beautifully located on Prince Albert Road,

opposite the open spaces of Regents Park and moments

from all the amenities of St John’s Wood High Street

with its charming character and chic boutiques.

Unlike many similar properties, the apartment

enjoys an exclusive setting on the first floor, enabling

residents to uniquely benefit from a very desirable

2,200 sq ft of space.

With large apartments becoming increasingly rare in

the prime areas of north west London and inviting an

unprecedented amount of interest, viewing is strongly

recommended and offers are invited around £2,575,000.

PERFECTLY PLACEDHOT PROPERTY:

115

Rescorp Residential

www.rescorp.co.uk

020 3348 8000

ST JOHNS WOOD, NW8£2,575,000

homes & property

St Johns Wood Office ��

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ROSECROFT AVENUEH A M P S T E A D N W 3

LOCATED IN A TREE LINED AVENUE WITHIN THE HEART OF

THE ‘CROFTS’, A SUBSTANTIAL EDWARDIAN SIX BEDROOM

SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE OFFERING ALMOST 6,000 SQ FT (555 SQ M)

OF ACCOMMODATION OVER THREE FLOORS.

• SIX BEDROOMS

• FIVE BATHROOMS

• FIVE RECEPTION ROOMS

• GATED PARKING

• MATURE GARDEN

The house, built circa 1905, is offered for sale in good decorative condition throughout and benefits from off street parking and a 70ft east facing garden. The ground floor provides a spacious entrance hallway, sitting room, drawing room, dining room, conservatory and a 32ft Clive Christian ‘Victorian’ kitchen/breakfast room enjoying direct access onto the garden.

Rosecroft Avenue is located approximately half a mile from both Hampstead Village and the open expanses of West Heath.

FREEHOLD PRICE ON APPLICATION

St Johns Wood Office: 020 7586 5929

Abbey Road, St John’s Wood, London, NW8

Located within this landmark development is this fabulous two bedroom apartment situated on the 10th floor with glorious views across London. The property offers master bedroom with en-suite, luxury family bathroom, large reception/ dining room and a fully fitted Baulthaup kitchen. 20 Abbey Road enjoys a grand entrance lobby, lifts to all floors, 24 hour front of house porterage, secure allocated underground parking and a luxury swimming pool.

£965,000 Leasehold

Elstree T: 0208 387 1546 Knightsbridge T: 0207 225 0878

St Johns Wood Office: 020 7586 5929

www.brianlack.co.uk

Langford Place, St John’s Wood, London, NW8

BL & CO are delighted to offer for sale a charming one bedroom apartment set on the ground floor of a converted flat in this ever popular location. This character filled property is presented for sale in excellent decorative order and comprises a good size reception room with large bay window and oak style parquet flooring throughout, double bedroom, separate modern fitted kitchen and family bathroom. The apartment further benefits from access to a well maintained communal garden.

£400,000 Leasehold

Belgrade T: 381 11301 1161St Johns Wood T: 020 7586 5929

Knightsbridge: 020 7586 5929

Princes Court, Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW3

A superb lateral, three bedroom apartment in the heart of Knightsbridge on the 5th floor of this 24 hour portered building. Newly refurbished throughout to a very high standard with marble bathrooms (one ensuite), new double glazed windows with excellent views of Harrods and a quiet, south facing aspect.

£2,200,000 Leasehold

Elstree T: 0208 387 1546 Knightsbridge T: 0207 225 0878

Knightsbridge: 020 7225 0878

www.brianlack.co.uk

Lancelot Place, Knightsbridge, London, SW7

An impressive lateral apartment situated in this fabulous modern building boasting 24 hour concierge, swimming pool, gym, steam and sauna. The apartment is approximately 2,000sqft and benefits from air conditioning throughout, modern fixtures and fittings and keyless entry. Comprising two bedrooms, two bathrooms, excellent entertaining space and pleasant views. Also benefiting from an underground car park space

£5,500,000Leasehold

Belgrade T: 381 11301 1161St Johns Wood T: 020 7586 5929

S et in the heart of

The Cotswolds,

this architecturally

impressive development

boasts striking wood

and glass features and a stunning

waterside setting. Is it structured

around a network of six lakes and

spread over 650 rural acres of the

beautiful landscape.

The Lakes by yoo is a joint

venture with The Raven Group and

is a unique combination of beautiful

country living and all the urban

luxury you could imagine - from very

stylish interior design to a concierge

service that can have your home

prepared for your arrival and your

fridge stocked when you arrive.

The Lakes by yoo presents a

number of firsts consolidated into

one development – it’s the first

time yoo has developed property in

the country, and it’s the first time

Jade Jagger for yoo designs have

been available in the UK. Buyers at

The Lakes can pick which plot their

home will occupy as well as select

the interior style of Jade Jadder or

Kelly Hoppen from the yoo in-house

studio. Minimalist in design, the

properties bring sleek modern city

glamour to the weekend country

retreat.

Within easy travelling distance

from London, The Lakes by yoo

is a second home concept helping

busy families return to a nostalgic

form of weekending, based around

a commitment to quality time and

fun. It is hoped that home owners

will build relationships with their

neighbours and encourage children

to engage in country pursuits

such as building tree houses and

camping under the stars. Fun is

ensured though a full range of

activities including canoeing, hiking,

biking, riding and fishing all set

against the natural backdrop of the

lakes. A concierge and hotel-style

housekeeping service will also ensure

maximum relaxation.

In accordance with its rural

setting, The Lakes strives to adhere

to a concept of sustainable luxury,

LAKERETREAT

A NEW DEVELOPMENT JUST AN HOUR FROM

LONDON OFFERS A UNIQUE LAKESIDE RETREAT

AND PERFECT LOCATION FOR A SECOND HOME,

SAY CASPER GREY

125

homes & property

with a dedicated on-site ecology

manager responsible for creating

and maintaining wildlife and flora

habitat and monitoring nationally

rare species. Other sustainable

initiatives at The Lakes include an

on-site organic farmers market, the

usage of sustainable timber in the

construction process and the option

for owners to purchase solar panels,

rainwater harvesting and wind

turbines as part of their homes.

From the outside, homes at The

Lakes by yoo look identical yet

beautiful; sleek contemporary glass-

fronted houses over-looking the

Clearwater lakes. The floor to ceiling

windows flood the interiors with light

and each home has a large decked

area that extends over the lake.

However, each property gives

residents the opportunity to frequent

as and when they desire and enjoy

a leisurely country lifestyle at their

own pace and in their own way. �

Prices range from £810,000 - £2.2m

www.thelakesbyyoo.com

126

homes & property

TK International started life

back in October 1998

( as Talisman Karpel!)

when Jeremy Karpel

got together with Ronny

Talisman and Ben Stagg, with the intention of opening

a boutique estate agency specialising in the sale of

quality houses and apartments within the core area of

Hampstead and Belsize Park.

“Within a year of opening our doors we had already

made a mark, as clients and applicants who we had

dealt with for years sought us out,” explains Jeremy.

“We were also generating new enquiries via our ‘stand

out’ marketing, and as our register increased and

business was transacted we looked to expand our field

of interest down in to St John’s Wood and Maida Vale.”

Following this expansion, Daniel Zimmerman

and Daniel Epstein became partners in the business,

and Danny Charalambous was recruited as senior

sales negotiator, creating what Jeremy feels is

arguably the most knowledgeable sales team in the

area, with a combined experience of 120 years. “This

we see as our unique selling point. We sell property

to and for the children and grand-children of clients

we were acting for 25 years ago! This historical

knowledge helps us to deal with all situations and

the element of having a few ‘grey hairs’ makes both

buyers and sellers feel a little bit more confident

when a little bit of life experience is needed.” This

impressive philosophy has helped the company forge

a respected brand, allowing them to take a noticeable

part of market share in the North West London

property market, where we have a reputation for

achieving ground breaking prices.

“The business ethos that we worked by and instilled

in to both our sales and subsequent lettings teams is

that all successful businesses succeed by providing

the three ‘S’s’ – service, service and more service,”

says Jeremy. “The ability to listen to the needs of both

seller and buyer is absolutely paramount in ultimately

getting the right result for both parties.” In an industry

bombarded by numerous inexperienced agents that

often see the buyers merely as cattle, rushing to get

the latest property on the market, TK International’s

approach is refreshing, and reassuring.

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF TK INTERNATIONAL, JEREMY KARPEL, TALKS TO US ABOUT

PROVIDING A BUSINESS DRIVEN BY EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SOUND ADVICE

BACKED UP BY SECOND TO NONE LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

“There are always

disgruntled buyers who

have failed to get the

property they wanted. Our

job is to get them back up

and running again as soon

as possible and try and do

our very best to find them

an even better alternative.

There is nothing nicer

than dealing with both a satisfied and happy buyer

and seller who feel they were treated well and with

respect.”

In addition to their established sales and

development department, TK International have

also built up a successful lettings team run by Marie

Beirne, which has an enviable reputation with both

relocation agents and landlords alike.

Clearly a successful agency, relishing the challenges

that buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords bring,

Jeremy also says that he is so happy to be working in

such a unique, historic and beautiful location. “Green,

buzzy and vibrant in summer; moody, compelling and

welcoming in winter. Hampstead and Belsize Park

are a veritable melting pot of personalities including

writers, composers, actors, directors, poets, bankers,

premier league footballers and eccentrics, which help

to make this one of the most desirable and eclectic

places to live in London.

This part of North West London offers a huge range

of estate agents that consumers can choose from, all

offering different levels and aspects of expertise. In a

market which has gone through so many high’s a lows

over the past three to four years it can be confusing

for people entering in to the market for the first time

whether they are a buyer, vendor, tenant or landlord

and therefore it takes a sure hand and an agency with

a proven track record to guide them through what can

be both an unsure and worrying process. “Remember

it is easier to add to a great reputation than to get it.

We have never forgotten that,” finishes Jeremy. �

TK International

20 Heath Street, NW3 6TE

020 7794 8700

www.t-k.co.uk

LOCAL EXPERTISE

faronsutaria.co.uk

LONDON ESTATE AGENTS FARON SUTARIA ARE OFFERING 0% SALES COMMISSION FOR 3 MONTHS IN THEIR NEW CAMDEN OFFICE*.Our network of London offices are wholly dedicated to providing an exceptional level of service by attracting local and international buyers through innovative marketing and a high media profile.

To find out more please contact Polly Ogden, Manager

07958 006650 [email protected]��* Terms and conditions apply

SALES & LETTINGS IN CAMDEN • CHELSEA • CHISWICK • EARLS COURT • FULHAM • NOTTING HILL • SHEPHERDS BUSH • SOUTH KENSINGTON

Hampstead Village NW3In the same family ownership since 1945, an imposing semi-detached late Victorian house set well

back from the road. The property affords bright high-ceilinged family orientated accommodation

with the added benefits of a 110ft south-west facing rear garden and off street parking for 4-5 cars.

Planning Permission was granted in 2006 (now lapsed) for a basement extension comprising

approximately 3500 sq ft to include an indoor swimming pool.

6 Bedrooms * 3 Bathrooms * 4 Reception Rooms * Conservatory * Study * 2 Kitchens * Utility Room * Guest WC * Cellar *Roof Terrace * 103ft South-West Facing Garden * Off Street Parking For 4/5 Cars * Planning Permission (Now Lapsed) ForBasement Extension (approximately 3500 sq ft)

Guide Price £5,500,000 Sole Agent

Hampstead | Highgate | Dartmouth Park | West Hampstead020 7435 9822 020 8348 2341 020 7284 0101 020 7644 9300

[email protected]

www.b-r.co.uk

020 7586 [email protected]

S T J O H N ' S W O O D

Marlborough Place NW8An impressive detached family home arranged over three floors offering fantastic family living and entertaining space, staff accommodation and a beautifully landscaped walled garden to the rear. Marlborough Place is one of the prime roads in St John’s Wood and is only a shortdistance from The American School, Regent’s Park, St John’s Wood High Street and the underground station (Jubilee line)

2 reception rooms | living room | dining room | main bedroom (en suite) with dressing room | 4 further bedrooms (en suite) | kitchen | leisure room/bar |swimming pool | gym | steam room | cinema | games room | study | utility room | 2 guest cloakrooms | parking for 4 cars | front and rear gardens

Guide price £13,000,000 freehold

020 7586 [email protected]

S T J O H N ' S W O O D

St Marys Mansions W9A beautifully presented four bedroom mansion flat located in this quiet street off Maida Avenue. The property has been finished to anexacting standard making this a truly stunning family home with exceptional entertaining space. The local amenities of Little Venice are ashort distance away, as are Warwick Avenue underground station (Bakerloo line) and Paddington station (Bakerloo line and National Rail)

reception room ��dining room ��4 bedrooms (1 en suite)��2 further bathrooms � kitchen ��patio (not demised)

Guide price £1,300,000 leasehold

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Instructing Rescorp Residential to sell your property will ensure you the best possible marketing,

the best price and, more importantly, the right buyer.

Make the right move and instruct Rescorp Residential today!

Melrose Apartments was built and delivered to the market exactly a year ago. The block has proven to be exceptionally popular with young couples, single professionals and families with

young children. The block’s location is unrivalled in terms of accessibility to Swiss Cottage Station, the wealth of shops on Finchley Road and is a few minutes walk from both Primrose

Hill and Regents Park. Melrose Apartments benefits from a daytime concierge service and this particular 1200 square foot apartment has a beautifully fitted kitchen, comfort cooling

throughout and of course a secure designated underground car parking space.

The property has been maintained very well and offers are invited around

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£725pw 2 Bed Balcombe Street, Marylebone, NW1 Contact Branch:

Marylebone

Nestled within the thriving Marylebone neighbourhood this property offers the tenant both a quiet living space

and a lively central London area. High-end shops, period architecture, famous landmarks and the tranquillity

of Regents Park merge to give the tenant the best of both worlds. A quirky layout gives this triplex maisonette a

definite unique character. Reflecting the creative personality of its owner, a renowned author, it offers 2 large

bright reception rooms leading onto a charming terrace ornate with herb garden, 2 double bedrooms one with a

west facing balcony and 2 bathrooms (one en-suite).

Property Consultants Marylebone Branch West Hampstead Branch [email protected]

Established 1954 35 Ivor Place 337 West End Lane www.alexanders-uk.com

Marylebone West Hampstead

London NW1 6EA London NW6 1RS

T: + 44 (0)20 7402 0066 T: +44 (0)20 7431 0666

F: + 44 (0)20 7224 8140 F: +44 (0)20 7794 0620

LET

LET

St John’s Wood, NW8 Regents Park, NW1

LET

LET

St John’s Wood, NW8 Regents Park, NW1

Jonathan Arron Residential18 Blenheim Terrace, St John’s Wood, London, NW8 0EB

St John’s Wood, NW8 St John’s Wood, NW8

SOLD

St John’s Wood, NW8 Swiss Cottage, NW3

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

T: 020 7604 4611W: jonathanarron.com

homes & property

141

STATE OF THE MARKETSALES:

TOM HAGUE, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ALEXANDERS,

COMMENTS ON THE CURRENT TRENDS IN THE LETTINGS MARKET

Busy times for tenants and landlords

The overheated rental market

shows no signs of cooling

down, while low interest rates

and cautious lending by the

banks still favour purchasers

with substantial deposits and

cash buyers. This has lead to

a shortage of available rental

properties as potential buyers

build up savings or bide their

time until the home of their

dreams comes onto the market.

North West London continues to be a property hot spot for

anyone looking to buy or rent. It has the magic combination of

excellent transport links, schools and leisure facilities which

ensure that prices remain strong. This is excellent if you are

already on the housing ladder in the area but somewhat more

daunting if you are looking for a first time purchase or looking

to rent. West Hampstead in particular is experiencing a drought

of rental flats and houses, and you could argue that the area is

becoming a victim of its own success.

Too many tenants are chasing too few properties, as

highlighted in the recent Royal Institution of Chartered

Surveyors report (April 2011) and this has inevitably increased

rental values. Our office in Marylebone has seen rents increase

by sever per cent compared to this period last year. Demand

from overseas tenants has been overwhelming this year, a

positive sign as these tenants usually have strong financial

backing and the ability secure and occupy properties quickly.

We believe the rental market in this area will continue to

show strong growth for the coming months and into 2012 as

banks remain cautious, while corporate and overseas tenants

continue to demand rental accommodation in both Central and

North West London.

Alexanders, Marylebone

0207 4020066

www.alexanders-uk.com

LETTINGS:

NATASHA GREENWOOD, SALES MANAGER AT MARSH

AND PARSONS COMMENTS ON THE CURRENT TRENDS IN

THE SALES MARKET

Summer is set for success

London has been in the limelight

over recent months. The global

celebration of the royal wedding

and the forthcoming Olympic Games

means that activity has firmly

returned to the central London

property market. International

buyers are viewing our cosmopolitan

city as a safe investment and

foreign buyers now account for 45

per cent of purchases across our

central London offices.

Little Venice is attracting interest both internationally and

locally, notably from the ‘cash rich’. So far this year, 38 per

cent of our transactions have been to purchasers who require

no mortgage finance whatsoever. Inevitably, this is making the

market competitive and buyers who do have a mortgage are

faced with little alternative but to make a higher bid themselves

in an attempt to be more attractive comparatively. As a result,

prices have risen rapidly, and are now above the highs of 2007 on

premium stock.

There is an abundance of serious buyers also coming into

the market, and this growing demand, alongside a lack of stock,

has been a contributor to prices being driven upwards. The

imbalance between properties on the market and a demand

from buyers has also resulted in an increase of ‘best and final

offers’ followed by a very swift exchange. In preparation for

this, I’m advising vendors to be totally organised from the

outset: instruct a solicitor, apply for management information

and request title deeds to prevent any delay moving forward.

Summer can be a quieter period for many buyers, sellers and

agents, but with this current level of energy in the market, I’m

confident that the industry is going to have a busy couple of

months ahead and the second half 2011 will be positive for the

London property market.

Marsh & Parsons, Little Venice

020 7993 3056

www.marshandparsons.co.uk

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

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

lettings | sales | bespoke property management | property finder service

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� �� for sole agency instructions throughout July, August and September 2011.

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Documents

Vantage Magazine August 2011 - St John's Wood Edition