The City Magazine

Please savour resPonsibly

t h e l a s t w o r d .
w t h e m a c a l l a n . c o m
f a c e b o o k . c o m / t h e m a c a l l a n
@ t h e m a c a l l a n

CONTENTSJANUARY2014
COVER IMAGE:
Pierce Brosnan, shot by Terry O’Neill for
Hackett London, Interview, p. 12
40
76
19
108
90
48
features
12 STYLE SPY
Pierce Brosnan turns on the charm in a unique photoshoot by
Terry O’Neill for Hackett
19 DINNER WITH THE DAREDEVILS
From Mayfair to the mountains, Ben Fogle talks wining, dining
and living life on the edge
24 PSYCHO ON STAGE
American Psycho makes its mark in London as one of the last
stories you’d expect to be told by musical theatre
26 WHISPERS FROM THE PAST
JACK WATKINS gets acquainted with our predecessors through
a new book that delves into the world of Georgian London
style
play
88 GOLF MAJORS ON PERFORMANCE
All eyes are back on Volkswagen with the launch of their new GTI
90 IF IT LOOKS LIKE A MILLION DOLLARS…
NEIL BRISCOE gets behind the wheel of the Mercedes 300SL
Gullwing, an absolute legend in motor-racing
travel
108 BLUE PLANET
KARI ROSENBERG escapes to the Maldives to unwind and
explore the marvels of its crystal clear waters
112 FOR ALL SEASONS
Indulge in a luxury alpine escape, offering skiing excellence for
both families and sporting enthusiasts
48 BEST FASHION FORWARD
JACK PHILLIPS looks at the brands using London as a platform
to the international design stage
work
76 MAKING A COMEBACK
ANDY ROSENBAUM charts a positive turn of events for UK banks
regulars
31 fashion
55 WATches + Jewellery
75 work
83 play
87 MOTORing
95 food & drink
103 travel
117 Property

On behalf of the Belgravia Residents Association and the Belgravia Residents’ Journal we would like to wish you a
very merry Christmas. However you choose to spend your time over the festive period, we hope family and friends
will bring you abundant joy. We’ve headed to the streets this month to ask a few familiar faces which gifts they
would most like to find wrapped under the tree this year, as well as the presents that they might be purchasing for
lucky recipients. Our Belgravians are a most discerning lot, with impeccable taste, flick to page … for gift inspiration.
As the party invitations start to flood through our letterboxes, we have rounded up some of our favourite events
happening right on your doorstep this month on the Calendar page (p. ), as well as speaking to Sue Liberman, the
busiest lady in Belgravia, who has organised the Motcomb Street Christmas Party – an event we look forward to
every year. The Journal has also investigated what we can expect from the Elizabeth Street Christmas Party and
eagerly anticipates both events with barely contained excitement.
Please do not hesitate to get in contact with your news and updates, email Belgravia@residentsjournal.co.uk.
We look forward to bringing you all of the latest local news and features in 2014. Until next year…
Managing Editor
Katie Randall
Assistant Editor
Lauren Romano
Main Editorial Contributor
Henry Hopwood-Phillips
Editorial Assistant
Jennifer Mason
Editorial Intern
Kara Wright
Editor-in-Chief
Lesley Ellwood
Managing Director
Eren Ellwood
Senior Designer J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 • Client I s s URelationship e 2 0 Director
Sophie Blain
Felicity Morgan-Harvey
General Manager
Fiona Fenwick
Production
Hugo Wheatley, Alex Powell,
Oscar Viney
Publishing Director
Giles Ellwood
Associate Publisher
Sophie Roberts
Communications Director
Loren Penney
Head of Finance
Elton Hopkins
Above / Interior of Mosimann's
private dining club (p. 7)
Proudly published & printed in the UK by
Member of the Professional
Publishers Association / ppa.co.uk
work | Opinion
Published by
january
CONTRIBUTORS
Editor-in-Chief
Lesley Ellwood
Managing Editor
emma johnson
Deputy Editor
Richard Brown
Motoring Editor
Matthew Carter
Collection Editor
annabel harrison
Editorial Assistant
tiffany eastland
staff Writer
Amy-Louise Roberts
Senior Designer
DANIEL POOLE
Brand Consistency
Laddawan Juhong
General Manager
Fiona Fenwick
Gavin
Haines
Gavin Haines is a
freelance journalist and
photographer based
in London. When he’s
not writing for The City
Magazine, he is weaving
words together for the
BBC, The Independent
and National Geographic
Traveller. He has reported
on a broad range of
topics, but specialises
in interviews, lifestyle
features and travel writing.
Jack
Watkins
Jack Watkins is a freelance
journalist, writing on
history and heritage. He
has been published in The
Independent, The Guardian
and The Daily Telegraph,
while his interviews with
actors are frequently
featured in Country Life.
He particularly loves soul
and rockabilly, writing
for music magazines
like Record Collector and
Vintage Rock.
JACK
PHilliPS
Jack Phillips is a writer,
radio producer and
multimedia contentmaker
based in London.
He writes for a variety
of premium magazine
titles with a sharp focus
on arts and culture and
has recently finished
a feature-length
radio documentary on
cultural identity
in Brazil for Monocle
24 Radio.
Lucie
Dodds
Fashion editor and
stylist, Lucie Dodds
previously worked
at British Vogue and
Associated Newspapers,
and now works on luxury
publications, TV and with
British and US celebrities
and musicians and for
many brands as stylist
art director and creative
consultant. She splits her
time between London
and Los Angeles.
Production
ALEX POWELL
Hugo Wheatley
oscar viney
Property Director
Samantha Ratcliffe
COMMUNICATIONS
Loren Penney
Head of Finance
Elton Hopkins
Managing Director
Eren Ellwood
7 Heron Quay, Canary Wharf
London, E14 4JB
T: 020 7987 4320
F: 020 7005 0045
rwmg.co.uk
JOsephine
O’donoGHUE
Based in the Cotswolds,
Josephine has worked as
a writer and editor for
six years, specialising in
lifestyle, travel, culture
and local features. This
month, she provides an
essential guide to new
year health and beauty
solutions.
Matthew
cARter
Former editor of both
Autocar and Classic and
Sports Car, Matthew
Carter has been a
motoring journalist for
longer than he cares to
admit. He currently owns
three cars: a city-friendly
VW up! and two classic
Alfas – a 1960 Giulietta
Sprint Veloce and a
brutal SZ. He has been
motoring editor since
the beginning.
Neil
Briscoe
Neil has been a car critic
for 15 years, and still
hasn’t lived down the
shame of the time he was
overtaken by a Daweoo
Matiz while driving a new
Alfa Romeo. He lives in
Ireland but travels all
over the world to drive
new cars, and sometimes
even remembers to drive
on the correct side of the
road. His favourite car is a
Series 1 1948 Land Rover.
Andy
Rosenbaum
Andrew Rosenbaum is a
financial journalist who
also writes about food
and wine. For the past 15
years he has lived and
worked around Europe,
covering international
economics, banking,
corporate finance, along
with the best restaurants,
recipes and vintages.
He writes for the Wall
Street Journal, the Sunday
Telegraph and MSN Money.
Members of the
Professional
Publishers Association
Also published by
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. take no responsibility for omissions
or errors. We reserve the right to publish and
edit any letters. All rights reserved.
Dear Resident ,
BELGRAVIA
Resident ’ s Journal
Subscriptions:
A free online subscription service is available for
The City Magazine. Visit the subscriptions page
on our website.
www.rwmg.co.uk/subscribe
8 THE CITY xxxxxxx 2013

Discover true detail.
Take a closer look at the only future ready* UHD 4K TV. With 4 times the detail
of an HDTV and advanced picture quality technology, images come to life with
deeper blacks, purer whites and brighter colours. It’s a whole new world of viewing.
*Evolution Kit required, which is sold separately. It will enhance your smart features to the levels of the corresponding year of launch of your Evolution Kit. Only the software and processing hardware will be
upgraded; other hardware will not be upgraded. Evolution Kit may not support certain apps and functions previously installed or available on your TV. Please check www.samsung.com for more details before
installing the Evolution Kit. Based on currently determinable UHD connectivity, broadcasting and Blu-Ray standardisation initiatives. TV panel cannot be upgraded and may differ from future standards.

FROM THE EDITOR
January arrives like an unwelcome visitor after the
festivities of the previous month. A somewhat sharp
shock following the excesses of New Year’s Eve, the
return to the office can be a tough ask for even the
most committed of workers, and those long dark
months from January to March always feel like a bit
of an ordeal. Still, onward and upward...
And there will be plenty to look forward to this year – World Cup anyone?
Oh, wait... I said look forward to.... Well, there will be numerous other sporting
diversions to amuse and distract. Andy Murray will defend his Wimbledon title –
likely to be gripping stuff – while the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will see
Sir Chris Hoy attempt to compete one last time for gold on home soil before his
rumoured retirement. It’s the stuff great headlines are made of. Elsewhere, in the
business world, reports of an economic upturn mean good things for UK banks
(p. 76) while the opening of American Psycho the musical in Islington should
provide a rather humorous look at life (and death) in the rat race, (p. 24). We are
honoured this month to feature Pierce Brosnan as our cover star. His exclusive
shoot for Hackett with renowned photographer Terry O’Neill has produced
a series of striking images, which capture not only Brosnan’s warmth and
style, but his charisma and playful side too (p. 12). Our fashion shoot provides
inspiration for stylish winter woollens to keep out the cold (p. 40) and Ben Fogle
reminds us that, however hard that morning commute might be, it’s nothing
compared to walking across cracking crevasse fields, with a mile-long drop
beneath you (p. 19). Terrifying stuff.
Wishing you all the best for a prosperous 2014...
Emma Johnson
Managing Editor
10 THE CITY JANUARY 2014

www.bachet.fr

style spy
Playing Bond means being constantly expected to ooze effortless
charm and style – luckily for Pierce Brosnan, this seems to
come quite naturally. Fresh from recreating classic cinematic
images with renowned photographer Terry O’Neill in a unique
photoshoot for British heritage brand Hackett, he talks about
enduring style, finding your niche and living up to expectations
WORDS: CHRIS RITCHIE
Pierce Brosnan walks in, hair
swept back, immaculate in a dark blue
suit. It’s 12 years since Die Another
Day, his last role as James Bond, but
you would never know.
Brosnan is 60 but doesn’t look a day
over 40, still every bit the secret agent. Connery and
Moore have said it’s a role that never leaves you, and
they’re right. Today, all that’s missing is the martini. I
try to imagine him unkempt, in a jeans and a t-shirt –
but I can’t. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it. He probably
does the gardening in brogues and a three-piece suit.
A handy trait, then, for the debonair actor who
has just finished shooting an exclusive set of images
with the inimitable Terry O’Neill. Entitled The Leading
Man, the images (which you see on the following
pages) are part of a campaign with heritage fashion
brand Hackett and see the Bond star featuring in
a set of seven timeless, cinematic shots, wearing
Hackett’s Mayfair collection throughout. “I loved the
whole shoot with Terry O’Neill,” explain Brosnan.
“He has worked with two of my favourite heroes
from the world of movie making, Sean Connery and
Steve McQueen, so to replicate his own work with
these two great icons in the context of the shoot for
Hackett, was a wonderful challenge and a memorable
experience.”
Not only was Brosnan the perfect English gent for
the shoot, but O’Neill’s six decades of experience,
shooting everybody from Frank Sinatra to David
Bowie, made him an exciting and dynamic creative
partner for the actor to work with. Capturing the many
facets of Brosnan’s character for Hackett, the idea of
The Leading Man conjures images of a charismatic,
playful man, in control of his life and his work, with a
cheeky smile never far from the camera.
“Brosnan is in some ways typically English – he’s
played Bond and he has a resonance with our
customers, and he’s a bit more mature. He has an
international reputation and a huge following,” says
brand founder Jeremy Hackett of working with him on
the shoot.

interview
IMAGE: Terry O’Neill for Hackett London
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 13

IMAGE: Terry O’Neill for Hackett London

interview
IMAGE: Terry O’Neill for Hackett London
IMAGE: Behind the scenes at Terry O’Neill for Hackett London
IMAGE: Terry O’Neill for Hackett London
Typical, classic, smart – all words associated with
Brosnan – so it should come as no surprise that as
an actor, Brosnan is equally old school. He was a
film fanatic who studied and modelled himself on
Cary Grant for his early roles, and he still carries that
debonair gentleman with him. His look is classic,
ageless. The expensive overcoats and Italian leather
shoes are about style, not arrogance. There’s a
humility to Brosnan that complements his elegance.
“Humility is essential I think because acting is such a
capricious thing,” he says. “You are
constantly being challenged, in that
you have to show up and perform.
People are going to pay you a lot of
money to do the work and then other
people are going to pay money to
see you – so you have to be there for
the people.
“And for yourself as an artist to
stay alive and try to get better all the
time, you want to be in the game as
long as you can; you want to be at
the table playing.”
With Brosnan you imagine this is because he never
intended to become an actor, although he feels blessed
for the career that has presented itself. “I came upon
acting almost accidentally while working as a graphic
artist in London at a small studio, although I basically
cleaned the office and made tea for people. One day
I was talking to a guy in the photo department about
movies and he said: ‘You should come along to the
Oval House Theatre, they’re doing a workshop.’
“I had no idea what a workshop was. I went there
on a winter’s evening. I had to lie down on the floor,
hum, get up, wander around, explore people’s faces –
it was experimental theatre. And that’s how it started…
“You are constantly being
challenged, in that you have to
show up and perform. People
are going to pay you a lot of
money to do the work and then
other people are going to pay
money to see you – so you have
to be there for the people”
somehow that night at the Oval House turned into a
great exploration of self and the excitement about the
possibility of becoming an actor.”
He describes Bond as a “gift that just keeps giving”
– he’s still grateful for the chance, but admits that even
post-Bond, acting is a tough gig. “I like to work, and
I hustle. I have hustled all my life for my career. I have
always just found work and sometimes it really hits the
mark, and other times it just goes by the wayside, but
I’ve always worked. I have brought home the bacon so
to speak, and that’s still going on.
“I have a company – one of the
gifts from James Bond was creating
Irish Dream Time and a partnership
with my good friend Belle Marie
St. Claire, to be able to find work
that I wouldn’t normally have been
given. Something like The Matador
for instance, because I had painted
myself into a corner with a certain
performance, a look, so it’s a
challenge.”
It’s fair to say, that despite the considerable success
Brosnan has achieved, his life has been an uncertain
one. He was born in Drogheda, County Louth in
southern Ireland, but lived in County Meath. His father,
a carpenter, abandoned the family when Brosnan was
an infant and his mother moved to London to work as
a nurse when he was four. From that point he lived with
his grandparents until their deaths, before being moved
to more relatives and, eventually, boarding school. He
was then reunited with his mother, May, in London and
was educated there.
He described discovering acting as “liberation”
– something that he was good at, the greatest
satisfaction of his life.
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 15

From top to bottom: Pierce Brosnan
alongside Judi Dench as M in The World
Is Not Enough; shaken not stirred in Die
Another Day; armed and dangerous in Die
Another Day; Brosnan alongside Catherine
Banning in The Thomas Crown Affair
Brosnan began getting work at York Theatre Royal,
making his acting debut in Wait Until Dark, and then
in Tennessee Williams’ The Red Devil Battery Sign, to
considerable critical acclaim.
He’d go on to make cameos in the likes of the Bob
Hoskins classic The Long Good Friday and The Mirror
Crack’d in 1980. It was, however, America where
Brosnan first found fame with Remington Steele.
It was his late wife, Cassandra Harris, who died
of cancer in 1991, who had convinced him to move
to America. “We went to Los Angeles on a wing and
a prayer. And the first audition I went on was for
Remington Steele, and I got the job. And I had no idea
what to do; Bob Butler was the director, and he said:
‘It’s an old movie.’ So I looked at Cary Grant movies
and tried to be Cary Grant.”
He was earmarked for Bond as early as 1986 – but
it wasn’t until eight years later that he was announced
to play the part, going on to appear in GoldenEye,
Tomorrow Never Dies and The World is Not Enough
before Die Another Day. “I think doing James Bond
was a baptism by fire,” he says now. “I just remember
my first press conference and it was utterly terrifying.
And then promoting those films was just otherworldly,
in terms of meeting the world press, so I had a lot
of practice at it. It doesn’t necessarily mean it gets
easier, but you get wiser and you just sort of leave

interview
yourself alone and you try to keep it as simple as
possible and you listen to the questions and you try to
find an honest answer within yourself.
“You have done the film and hopefully the film
works and you are satisfied with it, you can’t please
everyone and you will get certain comments that
won’t please you, and they’ll wind you up if you look
for them,” he says.
Not just a baptism of fire but a catalyst, Bond
propelled Brosnan to one of the world’s most
recognisable stars. It means that now he’s able to
pick and choose his roles, moving from heavier to
lighter roles, and in the past decade, he’s enjoyed
something of a renaissance with the unlikely hit
Mamma Mia, Matador, Love is all You Need and
Love Punch. “I’ve become very comfortable with
the comedy genre in recent years. I’ve done a lot
of dramas, I’ve done Bond, I’ve done films like The
Thomas Crown Affair which had a certain elegance
to it, and comedy was something that still held a
certain allure and challenge.
“At this stage in my life, I want to do more
lighthearted films, although I’m still going to do the odd
drama or thriller like Ghost Writer (a 2010 film directed
by Roman Polanski) or November Man (directed by
Roger Donaldson and scheduled for release in 2014).
I’m not looking to prove myself anymore.”
Brosnan says that acting still takes “courage
and a healthy ego” – but, throughout our interview,
credits his wife, Keely Shaye-Smith, a journalist and
environmentalist, as his muse and rock, helping him
through various “darker times” in his life.
The pair met at a Hollywood benefit in 1994, and
have two sons, Dylan, 16, and Paris, 12, and divide
their time between homes in Kauai, Hawaii, and
Malibu, California. His adopted daughter Charlotte
tragically died in June 2013 from ovarian cancer, the
same illness that claimed her mother’s life.
“It’s very rare to find great love twice in one’s life,”
he says. “When I met Keely I thought I had a chance
to experience that incredible feeling again and I was
right. I never expected it to happen but when it did it
restored some of my faith in life in a very fundamental
and beautiful way. It’s an extraordinary thing.
“It will be 20 years next April and it’s been a
wonderful journey together. It’s more than just the
love you feel for someone, it’s also the sense of
companionship and friendship, which is what keeps
you together in the long run.”
Brosnan, nowadays, is part of a family – and though
he admits he misses his family “terribly” when he’s
IMAGE: Terry O’Neill for Hackett London
away on set, he shows no signs of slowing down.
“I just turned 60 in May,” he says. “So I am freshly
minted and one tries to maintain that. I’m having the
time of my life and I embrace it.” He puts his fitness
down to “pilates, tennis, stress and work” – and thus
has no plans of retiring. “No, I never think about it
myself. You’d just fall off the twig, and really, what
would I do? I have been an actor for so many years
and, God willing, I will continue to be an actor for
years to come.”
A life in Style:
Pierce Brosnan
Q. What’s the best style lesson
you have ever learnt?
Always make sure your fly is done up before going
out the door. Keep it simple. Head up, shoulders
back and smile.
Q. What one item in your wardrobe
can you not live without?
My brown Bottega Veneta slip-on shoes and their
belts. And the new Nike sneakers Air Free.
Q. You spend time in different parts of the
world including LA, Hawaii and London; how
does your style differ in each location?
Hawaii is shorts and flip flops and an old short
sleeved, well worn shirt. London is dark jeans,
white shirts and a well-cut Hackett jacket. LA is
blue jeans, sneakers and a great shirt from Armani.
Q. Is there anything you wouldn’t
go on holiday without?
Sunglasses: many pairs. Drawing pads and good
pencils....iPhone and Bose headphones.
And a great bag to carry it all; I have many.
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 17

feature
Dinner with
the daredevils
Jellyfish don’t like beards, there is Champagne at the South Pole
and the M25 is best experienced on foot. Gavin Haines learns
all this and more at a dinner party with Ben Fogle
Ben Fogle has a lucky cigar. He
rolled it himself in Cuba and since
then the panatela has accompanied
the TV adventurer on his most
dangerous expeditions. He hopes to
never smoke it, because it would be
the last thing he does.
“I have it for that Hamlet moment, just in case it all
goes horribly wrong,” says Ben, sporting a thick beard
and a tan that contrasts rather embarrassingly with
my pallid winter hue. “Luckily, it has never been lit.”
Ben is best known for his gruelling adventures in
some of the most inhospitable parts of the world,
so it seems surreal to be chatting to him in Mayfair’s
sumptuous 34 restaurant. But despite his rugged
reputation, he is a metropolitan man with a taste for
the good life. “People are surprised, but I love London
and I like my luxuries,” he says. “I like restaurants
and parties and the culture London has to offer. Half
my childhood was spent here; I grew up between
Portman Square and a farmhouse in Sussex.”
He still lives in the capital, sharing a home near
Wormwood Scrubs with his wife, Marina, and their
two children. The Scrubs is a green oasis in London
and gives Ben the “best of both worlds.”
Although ubiquitous on our screens – Ben fronts
shows for the BBC, ITV, Sky, Discovery and Channel
5 – his punishing schedule makes him a hard man to
pin down. However, Johnnie Walker and Alfred Dunhill
have succeeded tonight where others have failed and
Ben is at 34 to host a dinner party on behalf of the
luxury marques.
The lavish reception is designed to promote the
launch of a limited edition Johnnie Walker Blue Label
and Alfred Dunhill gift pack. Ben knows the drill
and explains the concept. “This dinner I’m hosting
for Johnnie Walker and Alfred Dunhill is about
collaboration and shared journeys,” he says, looking
sharp in a navy three-piece suit. “They said I could
invite whoever I like and my real passion right now is
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 19

celebrating other adventurers.”
Ben certainly indulged that passion when he drew
up the guest list, which includes Dee Caffari, the
most accomplished yachtswoman in the world, Sean
Conway, the only person to have swum from Land’s
End to John O’ Groats and Alastair Humphreys, a
National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. But this
isn’t just about fellow trailblazers.
“It’s about achievement in all areas,” says Ben.
“That’s why we have people like David Gandy coming
– he became the first international male supermodel
and that was no easy task.” Ben has also invited his
beautiful wife, Marina, and personal trainer, Bernie
Shrosbree, who he describes as an unsung hero. But
who would be his ultimate dinner guest?
“Ernest Shackleton,” he says. “A year before Scott
reached the South Pole, and perished on the way
back, Shackleton got to within 100 miles. But he
knew food was low, he knew that if he continued the
chances of making it back were slim and that his men
might perish, so he turned back.
“Shackleton said it was better to be ‘a live donkey
than a dead lion’. There are many people who would
prefer to die a lion, but I have always been someone
who likes having a go as far as it is safe.”
Ben looks back with an obvious admiration for
these early explorers, who ushered in a golden age of
polar exploration. “When you go into Scott’s hut in
Antarctica it is full of foie gras and Champagne,” says
the presenter, who filmed a documentary about the
polar explorer called The Secrets of Scott’s Hut. “They
lived the highlife when they were out there, it wasn’t
like expeditions nowadays.”
Conquering television
Ben first hit our screens in 2000 appearing on the
reality show, Castaway, which followed the fortunes
of 36 people marooned on an island in the Outer
Hebrides. It was one of television’s first social
experiments and participants were challenged to create
a self-sufficient community within a year. Those who
stuck it out succeeded, but for Ben the real glory came
afterwards when he was offered jobs in television.
He has since fronted shows such as Countryfile,
Wild in Africa and Swimming with Crocodiles, a
programme he considered pulling out of for fear of
being eaten alive. However, that wasn’t the closest he
came to his ‘Hamlet moment.’
“In the South Pole we found ourselves walking
over a crevasse field, which is about the most
dangerous place you can be,” he says. “We could
“We could hear the ice cracking beneath
us, which was terrifying because if you fall
through, you can fall up to a mile below”
hear the ice cracking beneath us which was
terrifying because if you fall through, you can fall up
to a mile below.”
More recently, Ben has been filming a Channel 5
series called New Lives in the Wild, which will interest
anyone who has considered quitting the rat race for a
humble life in the sticks.
“It is about professional people – bankers, city
workers, photographers – who have woken up one
day and decided they want to go off grid,” he says.
“We covered the amazing story of a man called Ian
Usher who eBayed his entire life – his house, his car,
an interview for his job – to buy an island off the coast
of Panama.”
Ben has plenty more shows in the pipeline and
will soon be jetting off to Russia to cover the Winter
Olympics for NBC. “I will be the Clare Balding of
America,” he laughs.
Somehow the affable adventurer makes time to
be a “hands on father”, and even harbours political
ambitions. “My wife thinks it’s the most ludicrous
idea, but it’s always been something that interests
me,” he says. “But that’s something for the future.
There is no natural home for me right now – they’re all
the same.”

interview
PHOTOGRAPHY: JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL & Alfred Dunhill ‘A Journey Shared’ Dinner
Ben Fogle was in London to host the
‘A Journey Shared’ private drinks and
dinner reception to launch the new
limited edition Johnnie Walker® Blue
Label & Alfred Dunhill giftpack
Ben Fogle & David Gandy
Adventurer Sean Conway
Left to right: Ben Fogle, Olivia Inge,
David Gandy & Heather Kerzner
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 21

interview
It’s easy to scoff at Ben’s political aspirations
(especially as he started reading politics at Birmingham
University only to drop out), but you have to admire his
enthusiasm for new ventures. He is clearly passionate,
but not just about his own achievements; when Sean
Conway arrives he seems genuinely awed.
Hairy moments
Sean recently became the first person to swim from
Land’s End to John O’ Groats and he is a joy to
interview. His beard is quite something too, but it’s
not a fashion statement. “After a week of swimming,
when I had a bit of a beard, I realised that my face
wasn’t getting stung quite so much by jellyfish,” he
laughs. “So I just let it grow.”
Getting stung was “the worst part” of his supported,
four-and-a-half month swim. “It feels like your face is
on fire – back on the boat it was really hard to sleep
because my face was stinging so much,” he says.
“The big crossings were also tough; psychologically
it’s really hard when you can’t see land.”
Curious sea lions and playful dolphins were a
welcome distraction in the choppy waters and Sean
was overwhelmed by the crowd that gathered to
congratulate him at John O’ Groats. “When I got
out of the water I just started crying – and I’m not a
crier,” he says.
However, Sean is an experienced adventurer, having
cycled around the world and climbed Kilimanjaro,
which he did dressed as a penguin. “I don’t like to take
myself too seriously,” he says. “I wouldn’t call myself a
daredevil; I just like to do quirky things.”
Sean is already planning his next adventure; a
run from Land’s End to John O’ Groats. “I cycled it
in 2008 and now I have swum it, so to complete my
triathlon, I’m going to run it next summer,” he says.
“One of the charities I support is Save the Rhinos and
I’m considering running it in a rhino costume – I have
put it to a vote on my website so we will see.”
The modest adventurer is keen to deflect the
attention from his own achievements and steers me
towards Alastair Humphreys, who describes himself
as being like Ben Fogle, but without the “TV shows
and really hot wife.”
He does himself a disservice because as well as
completing epic adventures – he rowed across the
Atlantic, cycled around the world and walked across
India – he has carved himself a niche as a microadventurer.“Not
everyone can quit their jobs and row
across the Atlantic and I want to prove that you can
squeeze an adventure into whatever time you have,”
he says. With that in mind Alastair completed a series
of micro-challenges which included, most famously,
walking around the M25.
“It was a physical challenge, I went to places I had
never been before, I saw some beautiful stuff and I
met interesting people,” he says. “Those are all things
I wanted to experience cycling around the world
and I got them from that short week walking around
the M25. These challenges are just as valid, just as
adventurous.”
And apparently, beards are optional.
22 THE CITY JANUARY 2014

International markets
never sleep & neither does
Connecting you to the world by private jet 24/7 from
an exclusive location less than one hour from the City
Where you want to go, when you want to go...
Fly from London Southend Airport to 900 airports across Europe and 5000 worldwide. Unlike
most London airports, we are open 24 hours a day for private jets - so you set the schedule. No
problem if your meeting runs over or you need a bit longer to seal the deal, your plane will wait.
It’s all about you...
Avoid the commercial flights check-in, security and immigration queues – relax in the private
terminal with your own Executive Lounge. Your dedicated customer service agent will be there
to greet you, look after all your luggage, serve refreshments and escort you directly on to your
aircraft.
From car to plane in literally seconds
Your private jet is parked right outside the door of the Executive Lounge – so you can land at
London Southend and be chauffeur driven to the commercial district of London within one hour.
More cost effective than you might think
Time is money, so saving time means saving money. London Southend Airport has private jets
based onsite that offer highly competitive prices.
Making things simply easier for you
That’s the name of our game at London Southend Airport – so it’s no surprise we were voted the
UK’s Best Airport in the latest Which? survey.
Want to find out more?
We will be happy to put together a quote or give you further details about private jets at
London Southend Airport – just get in touch
Email: Flymeprivate@stobartair.com
Call: +44 1702 538 595

PSYCHO
ON STAGE
Islington welcomes a new musical thriller
to the Almeida Theatre, with the opening of
American Psycho
WORDS: JOSEPHINE O’DONOGHUE
One of the most infamous,
intriguing and intense horror
novels (and later films) of all time,
American Psycho has made the
move to theatre and arrived in
London for shows throughout
December and January.
As journalist Edward Seckerson notes, it is a “crazy
but brilliant idea” – this is, after all, the last story you
might expect to be told via the medium of musical
theatre – but bizarrely, it works fantastically well.
Widely acknowledged as one of the most disturbing
novels of the 20 th century, the story of American
Psycho was hugely controversial on publication, but is
today considered to be a modern satirical classic.
Seated deep within the narcissistic Wall Street, in
psychopath Patrick Bateman, Bret Easton Ellis sired
one of the most iconic characters of our time – a deep
and disturbing perversion of the American dream and
as Seckerson states, “a sick twist on the ‘greed is
good’ culture of the 80s”.
Music and lyrics by Duncan Sheik frame this now
infamous tale of boom and bust as it opens on stage,
wrapped up in a synthetic fog of electronic sounds
and carefully penned lyrics.“There was a young guy
called Jesse Singer,” explained Sheik to Seckerson
in an interview for the Almeida Theatre. “He optioned
the rights from Bret and had this crazy idea of turning
American Psycho into a musical […]
“I was a little bit loathe to jump into it at first
because I had read the book in college […] I had
a rough time with it, found it really off-putting […]
but then when I re-read the book in 2009 I found it
to be this kind of amazing text – something I could
really sink my teeth into. “Once I’d read the novel
and got excited about it, it was relatively easy to
understand how to write from the perspective of
these characters.”
Adding an extra dimension of interest, Matt
Smith is leading the cast as he steps into the part
of Patrick Bateman, alongside actors Ben Aldridge,
Charlie Anson, Jonathan Bailey, Katie Brayben,
Cassandra Compton, Holly Dale Spencer, Susannah
Fielding, Simon Gregory, Holly James, Lucie Jones,
Tom Kay, Gillian Kirkpatrick, Eugene McCoy and
Hugh Skinner.
“We talked an enormous amount about
precedent,” said Rupert Goold, the Almeida
Theatre’s artistic director (twice the recipient of
the Laurence Olivier, Critics’ Circle and Evening
Standard Awards for Best Director and BAFTA
nominee). Casting someone who is so famous for
other iconic roles (Doctor Who, in Smith’s case –
with his final TV appearance as the Doctor coming

feature
© Manuel Harlan
© Manuel Harlan
“Matt Smith is a wonderful stage performer and the perfect
actor, to not only to lead our exceptional cast, but also for
my first show as artistic director here at the Almeida.”
Rupert Goold
in the middle of his theatre run, in the Christmas
special) always comes with a risk, but Goold was
certain it would work.
“Matt Smith is a wonderful stage performer” he
said to the BBC, “and the perfect actor, not only to
lead our exceptional cast, but also for my first show
as artistic director here at the Almeida.
“There is a danger of being too sympathetic [to
the character]” explained Goold in an interview
with Seckerson. “That strange thing of the nature
of theatre – uniquely as an art form – if you put a
man or woman alone on stage your compassion just
pours towards them – whatever they’re doing – and
that’s very powerful”.
It seems they’ve found the ideal balance in Smith,
who is equally confident, telling the BBC that, “the
opportunity to work with Rupert Goold, a director
of great vision and flair, combined with the brilliant
story and music, seemed like such a cool challenge.”
Sheik’s score is a triumph – certainly not music
traditional to the genre and Smith is quite right when
he terms it “brilliant”.
“Initially I thought this could be really interesting
if the score was completely electronic” said Sheik.
“Using sounds that are completely inorganic and
thinking about this set of people who are only
interested in the surfaces of things – how they look
and what they wear; their insides are ignored or
pushed down at everyone’s peril.”
An extremely powerful narrative – with added
poignancy for an audience slowly emerging from
the current, crippling recession – the re-telling of
this disturbing tale, accented with Sheik’s incredible
score is like nothing seen on stage before. The speed
at which tickets have sold is just one indicator of its
cultural relevance to any Londoner. It is an absolute
must-see.
need to know:
American Psycho until 25 January
An Almeida Theatre and Headlong co-production
in association with David Johnson and Jesse Singer
for Act 4 Entertainment by special arrangement
with Edward R Pressman
Almeida Theatre
Almeida Street
Islington, N1 1TA
almeida.co.uk/americanpsycho
Box office
020 7359 4404 (10am – 7.30pm)
Preview prices
£8 - £26, concessions available
after Press Night price
£10 - £45, concessions available
Islington First*
£20, If you live or work in Islington and are under 30
£16 for Monday performances
*Conditions apply – check website for details
pre-theatre menu:
The highly-recommended Almeida Restaurant & Bar is
located opposite the iconic Almeida Theatre and is handsdown
the best choice for a pre-theatre meal, setting
you up to enjoy American Psycho in satisfied comfort.
Situated in the heart of Islington, the carefully designed
seasonal set-menu features culinary highlights including
slow-cooked smoked ham hock (with mustard crème
fraîche, pickled vegetables), braised shoulder of lamb (with
caperberries, honey glazed carrot, cauliflower gratin) and
pistachio crème brulee (with warm honey madeleines). For
a little pre-performance cocktail, why not try an Almeida
Street for local flavour (Tanqueray gin, elderflower cordial,
fresh lime juice, gomme syrup, mint, tonic water) or a
classic Manhattan, to fit with the American Psycho set.
Two courses, £17; three courses, £20
Available for dinner Monday to Saturday
17:30-18:30 and 21:30-22:30
Almeida Restaurant & Bar
30 Almeida Street, N1 1AD
020 7354 4777
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 25

Whispers from
the past
The winding cobbles of the City remind us every day of a long ago time, the
ancient buildings whispering secrets from their architectural heights. But what
about the people who lived here? Now, a new book attempts to shed light on the
intriguing world of Georgian London
WORDS: JACK WATKINS

Winter Frost Fair of 1683-4
Yale Centre for British Art
Paul Mellon Collection
USA/Bridgeman Art Library
feature
There’s an appealing sentence
in the opening passage of Lucy
Inglis’s new book in which, explaining
her motivation for writing about the
capital’s 18th century inhabitants,
she confesses to, “The eternal feeling
that if I could just run fast enough through London’s
endless archives I will catch them, grasp their coattails
and make them tell me everything about being a
Georgian Londoner”.
The book is certainly full of fascinating, unexpected
insights – as if of figures fleetingly glimpsed before
hurrying round a corner – of a time which has long
since passed out of focus. If the territory covered
is not completely new, it’s certainly less frequently
explored than that of the Victorian period, in which
the London of Charles Dickens and Jack the Ripper
seems a regular staple of publishing lists.
Inglis is emphatic that the age of the Georgians
has its own distinctive flavour. “The Georgians were
the first truly modern people,” she argues. “They
achieved so much in such a short space of time. They
were the first to realise the potential uses of electricity
and machinery, and they made significant medical
advances. The rise in literacy also meant more people
were writing about their lives.”
And, in relation to what we know of the Square Mile,
the era, along with the decades leading up to it, is
particularly well-recorded because of all the insurance
documents relating to the effects of the Great Fire of
1666. We talk about the Blitz as being the moment
when the London community spirit was truly forged,
but Inglis reckons it really goes back to the twin
disasters – the fire itself, and the Plague which had
swept through the capital only a year before, killing
around 100,000 Londoners. “That must have been
a truly horrifying time to live through, but London’s
identity was surely forged then. That sense of
community networking, of everyone pulling together,
which we now identify as the Blitz spirit, was already
present back then, and especially here in the City.”
These tragedies led to the mass rebuild which
shaped the City landscape of the Georgians, and
Inglis’s recounting of them has real momentum. The
geekishly inclined reader will love following up little
details such as the fact that No. 55 Fleet Street now
marks the westernmost limit of the fire. Other parts
of London are allocated their separate chapters,
from Mayfair to Marylebone, and on to the “northern
heights” of Hampstead and Highgate. But the City,
then as now, was the capital’s engine room, and it
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 27

Clockwise from above:
St Paul’s Cathedral;
Wapping Old Stairs;
Tower of London

Clockwise from here: Thames Tunnel (London
Metropolitan Achives, City of London, Bridgeman
Art Library); London Bridge; Lucy Inglis
feature
and its “marginal” outskirts, such as
Moorgate, Holborn and Lincoln’s Inn Fields,
are evocatively described.
Inglis says that the process of preparing
her book required much re-imagining
of local topography, vastly different in
the 1700s from today. She lives with her
husband on the north bank of the river near the
Millennium Bridge, in a converted warehouse which
looks across to the Globe, Southwark. The book
describes Georgian London’s “myriad spires of
rebuilt parish churches” rising above the tiles of new
housing, a scene echoed across the Thames by “the
many windmill sails rising from the mist of low-lying
Southwark”– a pictorial image scarcely conceivable
today. When in need of inspiration, however, she says
that three or four times a year she enjoys climbing
up to the Golden Gallery of St Paul’s. “Of course, the
views have changed, but you still get that sense of
Southwark’s lower-lying flatness.”
She says she finds the Thames intriguing. “It’s
a fascinating walk from the Temple towards the
Embankment. The river used to come all the way in
along here, which makes you realize how much we
have altered the nature of the Thames. Yet it still has
this great character, with its tides and strange weather.”
If the Thames is forever with us, the Fleet is the
City’s “lost river,” formerly rising on high ground
© Paul Clarke
near Kenwood House in Hampstead, before flowing
downhill through Farringdon, and joining the Thames
where Blackfriars Bridge now stands. The trouble
with the Fleet was that it kept silting up and the City
of London periodically had to spend large sums
dredging out what was a stinking ditch, “rolling a large
tribute of dead dogs to the Thames.” A steep-banked,
but dirty, muddy, health hazard, it was finally bricked
over – and transformed into an underground sewer in
the process – in 1769.
And yet the river’s ravine-like ghost can still be
felt in the landscape even today, near
Ludgate Circus. “I like to visit the area
around Holborn Viaduct to work out where
it would have flowed,” explains Inglis.
“Walking down the hill from Smithfield
Market you can feel how steep it must
have been, and gain a real sense of how
horses were often crushed by their loads if
they slipped or went down on their knees
in bad or icy weather. The daily traumas of
that kind of thing come across to you so
clearly when you walk these areas.”
Daily traumas indeed, and it should be
added that Georgian London is as much
about the people who inhabited the place at a time
when the population density of London was pretty
well unprecedented throughout the world. There was
also a growing mania for keeping wild animals, and
the Tower of London was, in effect, London’s first zoo,
containing lions, elephants – whose rations included a
daily gallon of wine – free-roaming kangaroos, and a
zebra who enjoyed visiting the canteen for a draught
of ale. In fact, the Tower of London menagerie only
closed in 1835, its animals forming the basis for the
collection of the new London Zoo in Regent’s Park.
Inglis’s dedication to the minutiae of the Georgians
seems total – she has been blogging on lesser
known aspects of London during the period since
2009 (see georgianlondon.com) – but she says her
next book will have a narrower focus on “three men
who changed medical history.” If it’s anything like as
entertaining and informative as this, her debut book, it
will be worth looking out for.
D Georgian London: Into the Streets by Lucy Inglis is published
by Viking Press, penguin.co.uk
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 29

STYLE
FASHION | ACCESSORIES | GROOMING | LIFESTYLE
COME FLY WITH ME
Italian fashion favourite Pal Zileri has unveiled
another sophisticated menswear collection for
Autumn/Winter 2013-2014. Inspired by the film
Easy Virtue, the collection draws on the elegance
of the 1930s. This season, the brand also makes
its mark in the world of travel tailoring with the
launch of a capsule collection, ‘Viaggiatore’ by
Pal Zileri. The brand’s team of designers and
tailors have collaborated with the wool mill, Fratelli
Tallia di Delfino, to create the perfect outfit for the
jetsetters who cross occasions and locations.
The collection uses the ‘Super 130’ fibre, a smart
fabric that offers natural stretch, breathability and
crease resistance.
D palzileri.com

AN UNCOMMON THREAD
Make it through this winter in style
with the help of QUIQUE, a boutique
offering men made-to-order knitwear.
Designer Mary Davis has this season
unveiled a 16-piece collection that
uses colour, pattern and cut to add
a touch of modern style to classic
knitwear design. Handmade in the
United Kingdom, the quality of this
collection simply can’t be matched
by the mechanised automation of
machine knitwear.
D quique.co.uk
Quessant - Blanket
Stripe, £720
Racka - Fair Isle
Stripe, £720
Racka - Random
Cable, £720
style:HIM
The latest news, campaigns and luxury launches for the stylish man about town
TRUE BLUE
The colour blue featured big in Oliver
Sweeney’s S/S 2014 collection, and
it seems a trip to the French capital
inspired this use of the season’s
hottest hue. The design team has
experimented with leather and denim
textures to offer style that is both
distinctive and unique.
D SS14 Collection, from £195, Oliver Sweeney,
oliversweeney.com
BROOKS & BERETTA
America’s oldest clothing retailer, Brooks Brothers has teamed up
with the world’s oldest industrial dynasty, Beretta. This season, the
two icons combine impeccable design and unmatched quality to
offer City gents the ultimate in outerwear. The wax jacket handles the
worst weather, and features new technology which eliminates the oily
finish and odour of other wax cottons, while the cordura jacket comes
complete with washable game bag and hands-free shoulder straps.
D Wax Jacket, £380; Cordura Jacket, £585, Brooks Brothers & Beretta,
brooksbrothers.com

For Him | STYLE
HOME OF HACKETT
Regent Street is now home to the world’s
largest Hackett London store, a three-storey
boutique stretching across 830 square
metres. The ground floor boasts a large open
space showcasing the brand’s extensive
casualwear collection, while the lower ground
houses kidswear and the Aston Martin Racing
range. The first floor is home to Hackett’s
formalwear and Mayfair collections, but
taking prime position in the new store, is the
brand’s Tailoring service. Looking out over
Regent Street and towards Oxford Circus, this
prestigious spot is the perfect setting for men
to consult on bespoke, made-to-measure
and personal tailoring. The impressive new
flagship has opened its doors at 193-197
Mutual House, replacing the existing Regent
Street boutique.
D hackett.com
LANVIN IN LEAGUE
Arsenal Football Club has announced
Lanvin, Paris’ oldest fashion house, as its
official tailor. Lanvin Homme will be worn
by members of the squad, and other key
representatives, including manager Arsène
Wenger. For all home matches in the
Premier League and Champions League,
players will arrive at Emirates Stadium in
their designer apparel. The collaboration
was unveiled at a match against
Southampton, and will last for two seasons.
D lanvin.com
BECKHAM FOR BELSTAFF
Come spring, two British icons will
unveil a range of menswear inspired
by the revival of luxury motor classics.
David Beckham and Belstaff have
teamed up on the collection, which
follows the brand’s announcement
of Beckham as the face of its
2014 global advertising campaign.
Launching exclusively online and in
Belstaff stores worldwide in March,
the collection will then roll out with
select global distribution in June.
D belstaff.com
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 33

Brit Leather Jacket from the
Rhythm capsule collection, £1,295,
Burberry Brit, uk.burberry.com
Aleen Jacket, £199, Tiger of
Sweden, tigerofsweden.com
Navy Colour Blocked Skinny
Leather Belt, £69, Paul Smith,
paulsmith.co.uk
Buck Cut-and-Sew Suede
Leather Biker Jacket, £375,
Reiss, reiss.com
Leather
Line-up
This season, designers are hell-bent for leather
A/W 2013 Collection,
Hermès, uk.hermes.com
A style-staple of the past and present, leather remains firmly at the forefront this
winter. Featured in the menswear collections of Louis Vuitton, Massimo Dutti,
Paul Smith and Tiger of Sweden, leather outerwear received a welcome update
for A/W13. Ermenegildo Zegna and Louis Vuitton offered above-the-knee leather
coats, while Burberry Brit and DKNY refreshed an old classic, the biker jacket.
If you don’t consider yourself particularly edgy, opt for a leather jacket with
discreet hardware and little fuss. To achieve masculine and effortless
weekend style, pair your jacket with jeans and a tee, but during the
week try something a little more formal like a leather coat to and
from work. Be it brown or black, long or short, this is an
investment with returns, so expect to be wearing this
wardrobe staple for many seasons to come.
A/W 2013
Collection, DKNY,
dkny.com
A/W 2013 Collection,
Ermenegildo Zegna,
zegna.com
Leader Leather Jacket,
£670, Hackett London,
hackett.com
Men’s Dark Brown Leather
Garrett Boots, £345, Paul
Smith, paulsmith.co.uk
Black Leather Business
Folio, £400, Paul Smith,
paulsmith.co.uk

Trends | STYLE
A/W 13 Collection, Louis
Vuitton, louisvuitton.co.uk
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 35

style | Trends
A/W 13 Collection, Hackett
London, hackett.com
36 THE CITY JANUARY 2014

A/W 2013 Collection,
Emporio Armani,
armani.com
Arctic Parka in Mustard,
£550, Hackett London,
hackett.com
A/W 2013 Collection,
Paul Smith, paulsmith.co.uk
A/W 2013 Collection,
Hermès, uk.hermes.com
COLONEL
MUSTARD
This season, pick from the palette that has everyone talking
This stand-out colour trend is guaranteed to lift your spirits despite the inevitable
grey season we’re currently experiencing. Emporio Armani, Hermès, Paul Smith
and Hackett infused their A/W13 collections with saffron, citrine and rich shades
of mustard, a welcome pop of colour amid the usually grey menswear sphere.
Brighten things up with one of the mustard outerwear offerings from Hackett,
or choose to subtly accent with the new hue. Be it a muted mustard knit
from Reiss, or eye-catching trousers from Hackett, muster up the courage
and find some way of incorporating the colour du jour into your winter
wardrobe. For those looking to experiment with these mustard
must-haves, try pairing them with rich chocolate, burnt
orange or emerald green and you’ll be bang on-trend
for A/W 2013.
A/W 2013 Collection,
Edwin Europe,
edwin-europe.com
Stretch Twill Chino Trousers
in Mustard, £120, Hackett
London, hackett.com
Orion Woolly Merino Crew-
Neck Sweater Yellow, £69,
Reiss, reiss.com
Skolday Satchel, £199, Ted
Baker, tedbaker.com
Khaki Deluxe Leather
Belt, £99, Paul Smith,
paulsmith.co.uk

style | For Him
CLEANSE
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
Face Soap with Soap
Dish, £15, Clinique,
clinique.co.uk
EXFOLIATE
Facial Exfoliator, £20,
Biotherm Homme,
biotherm.co.uk
MOISTURISE
Ultimate Men’s After Shave Balm
& Moisturiser, £17.50, Kiehl’s,
kiehls.co.uk
CLEANSE
Ultimate Cleansing Gel,
£21, Lancome Men,
lancome.co.uk
SKIN DEEP
Just as your liver tends to
suffer from too much alcohol
consumed over the festive season,
so too does your largest organ, your
skin. We’ve sourced some skincare
essentials that will rehydrate and
disguise the tell-tale signs of
a heavy December.
MOISTURISE
Super Moisture Gel,
£28, ClarinsMen,
clarins.co.uk
EXFOLIATE
Energising Skin
Scrub, £26.50, Elemis,
timetospa.co.uk
MOISTURISE
Hydrix Balm, £32.50,
Lancome Men,
lancome.co.uk
CLEANSE
Multi-Action Face
Wash, £18, Lab Series,
labseries.co.uk
EXFOLIATE
Outer Peace Blemish
Relief Pads, £46, Aveda,
aveda.co.uk
HAIR HQ
Charles Worthington Salons
recently conducted research
which found that over 80 per
cent of City men now enjoy
regular grooming treatments
and almost half of men use
a barber service. To take
advantage of the growing
demand, Charles Worthington’s
City salon has now launched
a new men’s service menu.
The new barber service offers
quick and effective grooming
solutions for the busy City man.
D Treatments from £10, The
Broadgate Club, 1 Exchange Place
FIT IN FERVOUR
If you’re serious about getting
into shape in the New Year,
you’ll need the right active
apparel to do so. Fervour, a new
line of luxury athletics wear,
recently launched with a limited
collection of shirts designed to
enhance the mechanics of the
body in motion. The team behind
the brand spent years perfecting
designs and sourcing the right
materials and technicians, and
the results are a level of quality
and performance that you won’t
find anywhere else.
D fervour.com
38 THE CITY JANUARY 2014

FIRST GLASS

Grey Cashmere Jumper, £270,
Paul Smith, paulsmith.com; Jeans,
£815, Gucci, gucci.com;
Transocean Day and Date Watch,
£3,780, Breitling, brietling.com

Coast
to Coast
Brace yourself again the wilds of winter with
luxury knits and soft styling
Fashion editor: Lucie Dodds
Photographer: glen burrows

this page
Grey Cashmere Zip Jumper, £299, N Peal, n.peal.com; Grey Merino Wool Jumper, £130; White
Button Jumper, £135, both John Smedley, johnsmedley.com
opposite page
Blue Cashmere Cardigan, £995; Shirt, £295; Tie, £225; Trousers, £495,
all Burberry, uk.burberry.com

this page
Cream Textured Button Collar Cashmere Jumper, £365; Grey Cashmere Hooded Jumper, £325,
both Eric Bompard, eric-bompard.com
opposite page
Brown Lightweight Knit Turtle Neck Jumper, £380; Trousers, £165, both Zegna by Ermenegildo
Zegna, zegna.com; Suede Boots, £610, John Lobb, johnlobb.com; Transocean Day and Date
Watch, £3780, Breitling, as before

this page
Textured Button Shoulder Navy Knit, £375, Paul Dunhill, dunhill.co.uk; Navy Trousers, £495,
Burberry, as before; Transocean Day and Date Watch, £3780, Breitling, as before
opposite page
Jacket, £1,440; Jeans, £815; Knitted Collared Jumper, £455;
Loafers, £490, all Gucci, gucci.com,
grooming
Laura Tucker using MAC Pro and Fudge

BEST
FASHION
FORWARD
As the London customer base becomes
ever more discerning in its search for great
design and artisan provenance, who are the
shoemakers, shirt-tailors and trendsetters that
are making London their home? We find out
how ‘Brand Britain’ is fast becoming a name to
be reckoned with on the international stage
WORDS: Jack Phillips
London is a constantly evolving city, a trendsetting
institution that, contrary to popular belief,
does actually make things. It is also a hip city as
its inhabitants define what is cool and hot, as well
as what is uncool and not so hot, avowing that one
thing is certain - London is in demand.
Whether it’s a jewellery designer in Hampstead, a cobbler in
Shoreditch, a luggage maker in Richmond or a Putney tailor,
London still maintains its credibility as a diverse creative hub.
British designers are constantly being poached by Europe’s
biggest brands; at one time or another Galliano, McQueen,
McCartney and Philo have all been in charge of Dior, Chloe and
Givenchy, whilst youngsters who have ventured out into their own
labels are finding increasing visibility both at home and abroad.

Trends | style
Go Big Print or Go Home
Colourful upstart and all round whiz kid
Kit Neale worked under the tutorage of
Gareth Pugh and Duckie Brown prior
to setting up on his own. Known widely
for his flamboyant and outlandish
prints this London born designer has
received acclaim for his printed jeans
and reversible bomber jackets.
A native of the increasingly gentrified
Peckham district of south London,
his eclectic surroundings have heavily
impacted on his collection. His
SS14 range includes a chicken shop
inspired sweater, as well as a whole
host of graphic inspired shirts and
polos. Having spent some time as a
designer at the prestigious Wonderland
magazine, is seems apt that, now a
menswear designer, he is a trailblazer
for visually inspiring garments and an
obvious favourite for boutiques such
as HUH and Machine-A.
D kitneale.com
Teddy Boy Inspired
Lou Dalton has quickly shot up the ranks to become one of the most
exciting, and with-it, in-demand designers in British menswear this
year. Hailing from the rolling green hills of Shropshire, her reimagining
of the ‘Teddy Boy’ style has seen her collections sway down the
catwalks of Paris and Italy to much aplomb. Inspired by her father (a
true Teddy Boy) her chic woollen suits and long overcoats blend the
best of Italian and British design, so much so that the angular cuts
and splashes of tartan saw her hailed as the star of this year’s MAN.
Having worked with Hamish, Morrow and Stone Island, Dalton –
under her own banner – has been snapped up by the plush department
store Liberty. High praise to say the least.
D loudalton.com
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 49

Cordwainer Cool
The Australian-born shoe maker
Sebastian Tarek cut his teeth in some
of the West End’s most reputable
bespoke and couture shoe making
firms. Since launching his own label
in 2011 the demand for his handstitched
detailing and meticulous
craftsmanship has exploded.
Operating from his East London
studio in Arnold Circus, his relationship
with the menswear boutique Hostem
on Redchurch Street has given him the
platform to expand his customer base.
The ‘three hole Gibson’, ‘Monk’, and
‘two hole Derby’ are just a few examples
of the styles in his repertoire, testament
to his unfailing attention to the history
of his craft. “I work exclusively as a
bespoke shoe maker, so every client is
measured up for their own last which
defines the shoes shape and fit” says
Tarek. “I am trying to create a West End
service in an East End setting and allow
people to enjoy the experience of having
something made specifically for them.”
D sebastiantarek.com
Very Niche Jewellery
The history of Zoe & Morgan is derived from globetrotting
parents, exotic cultures and an appreciation of old world charm,
adventure and style. As a business and a family they developed
their appreciation of craft and process through watching their
father make jewellery in his own workshop.
The culmination of this is a shop in Primrose Hill and a
collection that utilises a host of materials, including diamonds,
tanzanite crystal and the odd shard of meteor – yes, rock from
outer space! Although the brother/sister designer duo adopt a
niche aesthete in the boho, rock inspired collection, the sheer
durability of the pieces mean they evoke a distinct identity. “I
think men enjoy wearing jewellery and it’s a sign of a confident
man who knows who he is and what he enjoys” says codesigner
Morgan. “Men identify with the meanings behind the
designs, and through that the jewellery has greater significance.”
D zoeandmorgan.com

Trends | style
The Man & His Shirt
Oliver Spencer is a man and a brand. Founded in
2002, this thoroughly modern British label bridges
the gap between contemporary street wear and more
traditional tailoring. With a shop on London’s Lambs
Conduit Street and another on Berwick Street in Soho,
Spencer’s men’s collection draws on his own ideas of
independence, craftsmanship and understated style.
This truly man’s man harnesses the old and the new
using modern fabrics alongside traditional construction
techniques to give his clients the best fit. His range
has garnered acclaim across genres from city slickers,
to fashionistas, chic-geeks and rock stars. Opt for an
Oxford button down shirt – it’s sort of his thing.
D oliverspencer.co.uk
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 51

STYLE | For Her
In The Frame
A new year calls for a new look, which includes rethinking your
eyewear. Here, Alexis Amor, London designer and partner of City
optician’s, Iris Optical, offers an exclusive guide to finding the perfect
pair of spectacles.
1. Choose a frame shape that is contrary to your face shape.
Anything too similar to your face shape will just serve to
accentuate it.
2. The top rim of the frame should sit just below the eyebrows.
3. Your pupils should sit just inside an imaginary vertical line down
the middle of the lens and be situated two thirds of the way up – it
will look a more natural fit.
4. Don’t choose anything too contrary to your hair colour or skin
tone. Black frames generally only work with either black hair or very
blonde hair. Tortoise, of which there are many variations, is the best
way to go if you have brown hair or a medium complexion.
5. Always choose a colour that you are comfortable with. A bold
plastic frame is a trend that requires careful consideration, as this
style can easily wear you.
D Amor’s namesake brand is available at Iris Optical, 18 Widegate Street, E1 7HP
style:HER
This season’s most wearable trends for the chicest woman about town
Alpine Apparel
Wrap up from the elements this
winter with the latest trend to
hit designer outerwear. Fashion
powerhouses are bringing slopeside
glamour to the capital in
these colder months with retro
skiwear, and luxury fashion
group Escada are making their
mark with a selection of trendy
yet practical options. Take,
for instance, this green khaki
creation for a stylish statement.
D Khaki Green Coat, £685, Escada,
escada.com
Viva Italia
Advanced tickets have now gone on sale for an exhibition at London’s Victoria
and Albert Museum which will celebrate the charm and allure of Italian style. The
Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014 will debut at the internationally-renowned
museum in April and run until July, offering style conscious Italophiles an accessible
and exclusive insight into Italian fashion, charting its evolution from the Second
World War through to the present day. This comprehensive overview will be provided
through exploring key figures, movements and organisations that have helped to
establish the Italian nation as a goliath of quality style and fashion.
D The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014, Tickets from £8, Victoria and Albert Museum, vam.ac.uk
52 THE CITY JANUARY 2014

l o w n d e s s t r e e t , l o n d o n , s w 1 , 0 2 0 3 5 3 9 8 7 3 8 , n e v e n a . c o . u k
b y a p p o i n t m e n t o n l y

In support of
Time for life – with two limited edition timepieces in support of Doctors Without Borders/
Médecins Sans Frontières. Each watch raises £100 for the Nobel Peace Prize winning humanitarian
organization. And still these handcrafted mechanical watches with the red 12 cost
the same as the classic Tangente models from NOMOS Glashütte. Help now, wear forever.
£100 from every product sold is paid to Médecins Sans Frontières UK, a UK registered charity no. 1026588. NOMOS retailers helping to help include C W Sellors, Catherine
Jones, Hamilton & Inches, Mappin & Webb, Orro, Perfect Timing, Russell & Case, Stewart’s Watches, Stuart Thexton, Watches of Switzerland, Wempe. Find these and other
authorised NOMOS retailers at www.nomos-watches.com, or order online at www.nomos-store.com.

COLLECTION
TIMEPIECES | fine JEWELLERY | LUXURY GOODS
Paying Tribute
to nelson Mandela
“A good pen can remind us of the happiest
moments in our lives, bring noble ideas into our
dens, our blood and our souls. It can turn tragedy
into hope and victory,” wrote Nelson Mandela
to his daughter Zindzi on 10 February 1980, ten
years before he was freed from prison. Prior to his
death, Montegrappa signed an agreement with
the Mandela family and the Long Walk to Freedom
for the rights to produce a collections of pens,
watches and cufflinks using Mandela’s name. The
resultant Montegrappa NeroUno Nelson Mandela
Set consists of a watch, cufflinks and customised
NeroUno pens – all engraved with Mandela’s
signature – and is limited to 500 examples.
D Available at Harrods’ Writing Room (harrods.com)

QUINTESSENTIAL BRITISH
LEATHER GOODS SINCE 1934
The Pinstripe Collection
www.ettinger.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 8877 1616

COLLECTION
Watch of THE Year for
Girard-PerrEGAux
After exhibitions in Beijing, Macau and Dubai,
November saw the watches nominated for
Geneva’s 13th annual Watchmaking Grand
Prix arrive for the Oscars of the watch world.
In a ceremony attended by the Who’s Who of
the industry, Girard-Perregaux was awarded
overall watch of the year for its Constant
Escapement L.M., while Van Cleef & Arpels
and Romain Gauthier walked away with best
Ladies’ Complication Watch and Best Men’s
Complication Watch respectively. Impressing
both the judges, who awarded it the Grande
Complication Prize, and the public, who
voted it their watch of the
year, was A. Lange
& Söhne’s stunning
1815 Rattrapante
Perpetuel Calendar.
Incidentally, it
would have won
our vote too.
D gphg.org
watches
For treasured timepieces, horological heirlooms
and modern masterpieces, watch this space...
ONE TO WATCH
Each month we select our timepiece of the moment
from watch world’s most exciting creations
Perfectly PiTCHEd
For elegant, mechanical Swiss timepieces,
Baume & Mercier has always offered good
looks at value for money prices, a fact it
continues to prove with the latest addition to
its Clifton collection. When it arrives in stores
in April, the Clifton Chronograph will provide
wearers with a Swiss-made self-winding
movement, a day and date display and sapphire
crystal case back for a price rumoured to be the
right side of three grand. Bargain.
D baume-et-mercier.com
Greubel’s
Third InvENTion
Behold Greubel Forsey’s Tourbillon 24
Secondes Contemporain. Launched
a year before the brand’s 10th birthday – a
decade in which it has become one of
the most fêted names in haute horology
– the timepiece houses the watchmaker’s
third new invention, the Tourbillon 24
Secondes; a highly-efficient, fast-rotating,
24-second revolution tourbillon cage.
Housed in a regal 5N red or white gold
case, the invention can be seen ‘floating’
in mid-air thanks to a transparent
tourbillon bridge. Limited to 33 pieces, the
24 Secondes Contemporain comes with a
lofty £369,500 price tag.
D Marcus Watches
170 New Bond Street
The first GMT to feature blue
and black on its bezel, the Rolex
GMT-Master II comes in at
40mm in size and incorporates
an eye-catching blue second hour
hand. A handsome addition to
an iconic collection
D GMT-Master II, £5,950, Rolex, rolex.com
january 2014 THE CITY 57

COLLECTION
1
3
4
5
2
Alpine
ESSENTIALS
6
Whether you’re in Courchevel or
Saint Anton, Meribel or Saint Moritz
this season, après-ski in style
10
9 7
8
D 1 Grenoble Orohena coat, £1,180, Moncler, store.moncler.com D 2 Emergency II, £12,040, Breitling, breitling.com D 3 Chunky bobble knit scarf, £355, Lanvin,
harrods.com D 4 Lunettes Monier sunglasses, £170, Moncler, as before D 5 Lunar compact system camera, £5,300, Hasselblad, johnlewis.com D 6 Aviator
coyote-trimmed trapper hat, £250, Canada Goose, canada-goose.com D 7 The Hublot sledge, POA, Hublot, hublot.com D 8 Leather hiking boots, £395, Car Shoe,
mrporter.com D 9 Toffee+Vodka spirit drink, £17.85, Thunder, thundervodka.com D 10 Zai for Bentley skis, £6,645, Zai for Bentley, zaiforbentley.com
58 THE CITY JANUARY 2014

Swiss movement, English heart
C1000 TYPHOON FGR4
Made in Switzerland / Self-winding, customised ETA Valjoux 7750 chronograph
with hour and minute bi-compax sub-dials / 42 hour power reserve / 42mm,
high-tech ceramic case with titanium sub-frame / AR08 coated, museum grade,
sapphire crystal / Delta and canard wing shaped stop-second hand / RAF
low-visibility roundel at 6 O’clock counter / Deep-etched case-back engraving /
Military style, high density webbing and leather strap with Bader deployment
Showroom at No.1 Park Street, Maidenhead. To arrange a personal appointment, call +44 (0)1628 763040

SHOOTING
STAR
It’s the last name in the horological alphabet but the first
word in precision. As the brand freefalls its way into the
public psyche, Richard Brown speaks to Zenith CEO
Jean-Frédéric Dufour about going supersonic

collection
Pilot Montre d’Aeronef Type
20 ‘40mm Lady’ with rose gold
diamond set case, diamond set
dial and white alligator leather
strap, £26,600
just 14 months ago, eight million
YouTubers watched a man freefall
to earth from the edge of space.
Millions more watched in the days
that followed. The man survived and
the timepiece strapped to his wrist
thrust Zenith from the shadows of obscurity into the
consciousness of the watch-wearing masses.
Before Mr Baumgartner’s exploits, it’s fair to say
that Zenith was a brand admired by those in-theknow
but relatively unknown by the man on the
street. Having teamed up with the drinks giant that’s
famous for giving you wings, however, ‘Zenith’ has
entered the vocabulary of people to whom ‘watches’
had previously meant ‘Rolex’, ‘Omega’, ‘TAG Heuer’,
‘Breitling’ and little else.
Those recently acquainted with the company will
find in Zenith a pioneer of modern watchmaking and
a brand peerless in the precision-based accolades
it has been awarded. During its 150 year history,
the company has won in excess of 2,300 prizes
in the field of chronometry, or precision timing, for
its pocket-watches, on-board chronometers and
wristwatches – more than any other watchmaker.
While its creations have always been esteemed
among collectors, company CEO Jean-Frédéric
Dufour admits that it took Baumgartner’s supersonic
endeavours to propel the brand into the public
panorama. “Our main expectation was to send a
unique Swiss watch Manufacture to the edge of
space,” he says. “Now, from the incredible press
coverage, most of Felix’s jump spectators know
that Zenith exists and that it manufactures
watches. The next time they see a Zenith logo
or advert, or come across one of our products
in a shop window, they might stop and
pay more attention to our watchmaking
feats. I can confirm that since the jump
there has been an increasing demand
not only in the El Primero Stratos
Flyback Striking 10th [the watch worn by
Baumgartner] but in the whole collection.”
Now rooted to a life in Le Locle, Mr Dufour
wasn’t necessarily destined for the watch world.
After graduating from the University of Geneva
(having read Commercial and Industrial Sciences),
Dufour felt impelled to explore the world beyond
the Cantons of his native Switzerland. A desire to
discover the unknown took him to Hong Kong and a
job in a bank. The experience taught Mr Dufour two
things. Firstly, that banking wasn’t for him; secondly,
that if what he’d witnessed in Asia was anything to
go by, the future of watches was bright.
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 61

Musée National des Arts et Métiers, Paris,
where visitors can explore the planes that
inspired Zenith’s early pilot watches
“Back in Switzerland, I started as a junior seller,
at the very bottom of the hierarchy,” says Dufour.
“Thanks to the different people I met and the
responsibilities they entrusted me with, I was able
to develop my skills. I had the opportunity to begin
at Chopard [as head of product development for
watches and jewellery] then I worked for Ulysse
Nardin and then for Swatch Group.”
Dufour would become CEO of Zenith in 2009,
nine years after the company had become part
of the LVMH group, and two years before he’d
be named Man of the Year by the international
watch press. One of the first things Dufour was
to do upon assuming the reins at Zenith was to
restructure the company’s creations into a more
focused set of collections. Looking for a way of
“combining our incredible and continuous history
and simultaneously maintaining a recognisable
collection that is both contemporary and
elegant,” the reshuffle saw the El Primero,
Pilot, Captain, Heritage and Academy
become the brand’s bedrock ranges.
It is, of course, the movement from which
the El Primero collection takes its name
that has provided the brand the most kudos.
Pre-1969, all chronographs (watches with a
stopwatch function) required manual winding.
When, in that year, Zenith presented the El Primero,
it became the first manufacture to successfully
integrate an automatic winding mechanism into
a chronograph movement.
The El Primero was also the first chronograph
Montre d’Aéronef Type
20 ‘Annual Calendar’
with titanium case /
rose gold bezel and
brown alligator leather
strap, £12,700
to operate at a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per
hour, against an industry standard of 28,800. With a
balance spring [the organ that dictates the accuracy
of a watch] beating more times per hour than in
any other timepiece, the ‘sweep’ of the El Primero’s
seconds hand was created by 10 beats per second,
as opposed to eight, making it accurate to 1/10th of
a second and, as a result, the world’s most precise
movement. (A titbit of trivia for you; until 2000, when
it developed its own in-house movement, Rolex’s
self-winding Daytonas were powered by a modified
El Primero movement – making the Zenith-Rolex
Daytonas more sought-after at auction than the later
Rolex-Rolex Daytonas.)
In 2010, under Dufour’s guardianship, the El
Primero was the recipient of a facelift. Whereas
the dial of the original El Primero featured seconds,
minutes and hour sub-dials, the El Primero Striking
10th lost the hour sub-dial in favour of a
centre seconds hand that rotated every ten
seconds – allowing tenths of a second
to be measured with greater ease. For
its innovative way of making the most
famous movement in watchmaking more
useable, the Striking 10th was awarded
international watch magazine Revolution’s
Best Men’s Watch in the year of its launch.
The watch currently decorating the wrist of Mr
Dufour happens to be the El Primero’s most recent
incarnation. “I wear an El Primero Lightweight,
launched in November last year, an even more avantgardist
sport version of the El Primero Striking 10th

collection
chronograph that marries lightness, performance
and originality. A watch reflects who you are. I
would always recommend a timepiece that you feel
comfortable with.” To see the carbon-cased, titanium
and silicon-comprised Lightweight for yourself, head
to Harrods, where the watch is being exclusively
stocked for £13,600.
Next year, Zenith will celebrate its 150 birthday.
Before then, renovation work continues at company
HQ. The restoration of the Manufacture’s main
building last year marked the first stage of a huge
revamp, one designed to pay tribute to the brand’s
birthplace – a UNESCO World Heritage site – by
returning the original facilities to
their former glory. “By 2015, the
18 other buildings comprising
the Manufacture will also be fully
renovated,” explains Dufour. “Rather
than taking the easy route, tearing
down and rebuilding the various edifices on this
complex site, we have chosen to preserve the
historical architecture that has contributed to the
writing of our legend. We will continue to leave an
indelible imprint on the town of Le Locle.”
In an industry that puts patrimony on a pedestal,
in which oldest somehow automatically means
best, brands, and their press releases, are
constantly ‘paying homage to the past’. But while
the renovation at Le Locle showcases Zenith’s
commitment to conservation, the Red Bull Stratos
Mission proved it to be a brand very much in
the 21st century. Of course, being in tune with
Generation Y means internet, apps and social media.
All of which Dufour knows his brand cannot ignore.
The Red Bull Stratos Mission
proved Zenith to be a brand
very much in the 21st century
“Zenith is present on Facebook, YouTube and
Weibo. We use social media as a resource and a
means to build relationships. By ‘liking’ Zenith or
sharing content about our products, our followers
promote the brand. Social media is a valuable form
of online advertising. But the internet will never
replace live experiences and human relationships.
It will never bring you the emotions and pleasure
you feel when physically visiting the Manufacture or
discovering our products with your own hands.”
Last year, attendees of Baselworld had the
chance to get their hands on a new collection of
Pilot’s watches. Worthy heirs in style and size to the
company’s original Type 20s of 1938,
the six 2013 editions featured portly
diameters, Superluminova Arabic
numerals, large screw-lock crowns
and, in the case of the Pilot Montre
d’Aéronef Type 20 Tourbillon, both a
tourbillon and high-frequency chronograph function.
As one of a handful of brands to take serious
ladies watches seriously, Zenith has also given us the
noteworthy Star Open and Star Moonphase. Fitting
the former with an El Primero movement and the
latter with a 195-part, specially-engineered ultra-thin
calibre, Zenith acknowledged the fact that women do
indeed appreciate mechanical mastery, and not just
quartz creations encrusted with diamonds (as some
watchmakers seemingly believe).
So what should we anticipate seeing at this year’s
Baselworld? According to Mr Dufour, fans can expect
to see “a revival of some true Zenith icons”. And
for the brand’s 150th birthday in 2015? As history’s
proved, for Zenith, the sky’s no limit.
El Primero Stratos Flyback
Striking 10th with steel case
and rubber strap, £6,300
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 63

C O N T E S S A
To own a rare Argyle pink diamond
is to own a truly magnificent heirloom.
Contessa, beautifully handcrafted in
Platinum and 18ct Rose Gold, features
an exquisite combination of stunning
craftsmanship and the rarest of
Australian Argyle pink diamonds.
Simply, they are the rarest diamonds
in the world and are revered for their
unique provenance and intrinsic beauty.
U N I T E D K I N G D O M
The Royal Arcade,
Old Bond St, Mayfair
London W1S 4SW
A U S T R A L I A
S y d n e y
G o l d C o a s t
calleija.com

COLLECTION
Come to a Head
It seems diamond tiaras are no
longer restricted to princesses;
Graff Diamonds’ company figures
from the last five years reveal a
marked increase in the demand
for precious head adornments.
Therefore, following on from the
Hair & Jewels campaign released
last year, the luxury jeweller
continues to make the most of
this popular trend with the launch
of a new collection of bejewelled
Alice bands featuring floral,
leaf and butterfly motifs. The
company has also developed a
unique setting for its brooches
which can now be worn in the
hair. With each piece showcasing
Graff’s flawlessly cut diamonds,
meticulously set, they’re certain
to turn a head or two.
D graffdiamonds.com
jewellery
Jewels, gems, pearls and diamonds; the essential
components of any lady’s jewellery collection
Cutting Edge
Three years ago, co-President of Chopard
Caroline Scheufele launched the Animal World
collection in celebration of the House’s 150th
anniversary. Now, for the first time, the bestiary
of animals has made its way to London and is
currently on display in Harrods until February
The 150-piece Haute Joaillerie collection
of animal-themed gems was inspired by
Scheufele’s favourite childhood stuffed
toys. Taking more than a year for her team
of craftsmen to turn this dream into a
reality, the results were truly enchanting,
each piece reflecting Chopard’s colourful,
whimsical and imaginative nature
History in
the Making
The unmissable exhibition now showing at
the Grand Palais in Paris sees more than
600 pieces taken from Maison de Cartier’s
rich archive on display. Comprising
watches, jewellery and objet d’art, each
piece conveys the history and evolving
style of the house since its foundation in
1847. The majority of the exhibition comes
from the Cartier Collection, which includes
1,457 pieces amassed over the past 25
years, while others have been loaned from
public institutions. Highlights include the
suite of jewels from 1860 and the famous
Panther brooch, created in 1949 and
bought by the Duchess of Windsor. The
exhibition will also highlight Cartier’s longtime
involvement with the film industry,
with jewellery featured in films such as
The Great Gatsby, Some Like it Hot and
A Perfect Murder also being showcased.
D Cartier: Style and History, until 16 February
2014, cartier.com
Off the Record
Setting the new world record for
a diamond or jewel, the Pink Star
diamond was sold at Sotheby’s
Geneva on 13 November for
an incredible $83,187,381
(£52,024,735), far surpassing the
£38 million estimate. After a nailbitingly
tense five minute bidding
war between four prospective
buyers, it was eventually sold to
well-known diamond cutter Isaac
Wolf, who has since renamed it
‘Pink Dream’.
Mined by De Beers in Africa in
1999, the flawless fancy pink vivid
diamond has been described by
chairman of Sotheby’s jewellery
division in Europe, the Middle East
and Switzerland, David Bennett
as “a true masterpiece of nature”.
D sothebys.com
D Above and right / White diamond seal and south sea pearl necklace
and polar bear ring in white gold, featuring diamonds, both POA and
part of the Animal World collection, Chopard
Pop-up boutique in Harrods until February (harrods.com)
D ethandiamonds.com
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 65

COLLECTION
2 3
5
4
1
6
14
15
Lucky
STAR
As Emily Dickinson said,
“fortune’s expensive smile
is earned”; so invest in lucky
charms this New Year and
may you not be fortune’s fool
8
7
9
13
12
11
10
D 1 Moonlight pink opal necklace, £429, Assya, assyalondon.com D 2 Cancer ring, Zodiac Collection, POA, Solange Azagury-Partridge, solange.co.uk D 3 In The Stars phoenix
pendant, £216, Assya, as before D 4 18-karat gold diamond necklace, £2,775, Inez and Vinoodh, net-a-porter.com D 5 Star 18-karat gold bracelet, £5,000, Solange Azagury-
Partridge, net-a-porter.com D 6 Zodiac set Leo clip, POA, Van Cleef & Arpels, vancleefarpels.com D 7 18-karat gold horsebit bracelet, £4,950, Gucci, gucci.com D 8 Sun
brooch, Fairy Tale Collection, £21,000, Jewellery Theatre, jewellerytheatre.com D 9 Zodiac set Aries clip, POA, Van Cleef & Arpels, as before D 10 Rainbow moonstone ring,
£5,394, Farfetch, farfetch.com D 11 Sun and moon amulet pendants, £1,145, Marianne Dulong, farfetch.com D 12 Gold-plated cubic zirconia earrings, £330, Eddie Borgo,
net-a-porter.com D 13 Moonlight gold and pink topaz ring, £230, Assya, as before D 14 Crystal Haze drop earrings, POA, Stephen Webster, stephenwebster.com D 15 Caftan
moon gold-plated and acetate collar necklace, £980, Aurélie Bidermann, aureliebidermann.com
66 THE CITY JANUARY 2014

From the Honeycomb Eternelle Ring Collection
33 Albemarle Street - Mayfair, London WIS 4BP - Tel. 020 7629 5616
MILANO, VENEZIA, FIRENZE, CALA DI VOLPE, CAPRI, PARIS, M ONTE CARLO, LONDON,
MOSCOW, NEW YORK, CHICAGO,ASPEN, BEVERLY HILLS, TOKYO, OSAKA, HONG KONG, SIDNEY
WWW.BUCCELLATI.COM

LUXURY SHOPPING & DINING
SCENTIMENTAL
Since 1994, Jo Malone London has been
delighting our senses and celebrating British
style with stunning fragrances and the elegant
art of gift-giving. Constantly expanding their
home, body and fragrance collections, Jo
Malone London recently launched a beautiful
new Home Candle and Moisturising Dry Body
Oil in Oud & Bergamot and Dark Amber &
Ginger Lily. The new additions form part of
the Cologne Intense collection, which takes a
completely different approach to fragrance.
Rich in precious ingredients, the collection
consists of seven deeply sensual scents,
each with a delicious and dangerous edge.
Oud & Bergamot is a mysterious scent,
which boasts the smoky character of this
revered wood, central to Middle-Eastern
fragrance tradition. The clarity of the crisp
bergamot and orange granite accord allow
the scent to radiate in both the home
environment and on the skin. The Dark
Amber & Ginger Lily offers a rich scent of
amber and black orchid, illuminated by the
clean sensuality of black cardamom, ginger
and water lily.
Since its inception, Jo Malone London
has been synonymous with creating
decadent scents that are revolutionary in
their discerning simplicity; their newest
additions are certainly no exception.
Jo Malone London, Home Candle and Dry Body
Oil, £48 each
Love Letters
It has been said that actions speak louder
than words, however it would seem
that Tiffany & Co. believe the two go
hand-in-hand. The brand’s iconic blue
boxes are usually enough to set hearts
racing, but now sentimental and romantic
messages adorn their sought-after
creations. Flowing cursive, reminiscent
of handwritten love letters is inscribed
into the stunning designs that have been
crafted using 18k gold and sterling silver.
‘I love you’ is spelt out on rings, charms
and necklaces, while the Tiffany & Co.
New York address adds intricate detailing
to pendants, cuffs and earrings.
Tiffany & Co., Tiffany Notes, from £65
THEROYALEXCHANGE.CO.UK

SIX OF THE BEST
Frost for the Fingers
Theo Fennell has unveiled a stunning
creation reminiscent of winter. This
beautiful statement ring has been crafted
using 18k white gold and showcases an
icy blue 7.33ct aquamarine surrounded
by diamonds. However, only on close
observation can one truly appreciate its
beauty and the intricate detailing.
Theo Fennell, The Winter Ring, £POA
Case In Point
Protect your iPhone from a cracked screen
or an accidental scratch, but do so without
spoiling its sleek aesthetic. These luxurious
ultra-slim cases are available in a range of
colours, and are lined using contrasting
suede. Sage Brown Fine Leather also offers
a customisation service, making it a great
business gift idea.
Sage Brown Fine Leather, iPhone 3/4 Cover, £35
Writing History
Montblanc has honoured the extraordinary
inventions of Leonardo da Vinci, with the
release of its Great Characters Limited
Edition Leonardo, a writing instrument,
inspired by the artist and his fascination
with the idea of human flight. This incredible
design features a cap and barrel crafted
from anodised aluminium.
Montblanc, Leonardo Limited Edition, from £2,100
Date for the Diary
For more than 125 years Smythson has kept
our lives in order with a stunning selection of
luxurious diaries. The brand has again this
year unveiled a beautiful collection for 2014,
introducing rich, autumnal tones. Each diary
features the brand’s signature watermarked,
pale blue featherweight or white woven paper
and is elegantly trimmed with gilt edges.
Smythson, Soho Diary, from £155
Happy Feet
As soon as you slip your feet into a pair of
Church’s, it’s quite evident the brand lives
up to its reputation of producing some of
the UK’s finest footwear. Once a little family
business, Church’s has had an illustrious
history and, despite having grown into a
successful corporation, the brand remains
true to its founding values, even today.
Church’s, Burghley, £695
Ahead of the Curve
Gucci’s signature curved cane handle,
has made its way onto a Gucci shopper,
introducing a new style for one of the brand’s
most iconic symbols. The Bamboo Shopper
which forms part of the A/W 2013-2014
collection is a practical design that comes
with a detachable shoulder strap to reinforce
the handbag’s ultra-comfortable function.
Gucci, Bamboo Shopper, £1,370
AGENT PROVOCATEUR • ARTISAN FINE ART GALLERY • BOODLES • Bremont • BVLGARI • CHURCH’S • CROCKETT & JONES • GRAND CAFÉ • GUCCI • HARRYS OF LONDON
HERMÈS • IMPERIAL CITY • JO MALONE LONDON • JONES LANG LASALLE• KIEHL’S SINCE 1851 • KOJIS • LINKS OF LONDON • LORO PIANA • L’OCCITANE • LULU GUINNESS
MEZZANINE LOUNGE • MOLTON BROWN • MONTBLANC • OMEGA • PAUL A. YOUNG FINE CHOCOLATES • PAUL SMITH • PENHALIGON’S • PRETTY BALLERINAS
ROYAL EXCHANGE JEWELLERS • SAGE BROWN FINE LEATHER • SAUTERELLE RESTAURANT • SEARLE & CO JEWELLERS • SMOKER’S PARADISE
SMYTHSON • TATEOSSIAN • THEO FENNELL • TIFFANY & CO. • WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND • WATCHFINDER & CO.
THE ROYAL EXCHANGE, BANK, CITY OF LONDON, EC3V 3LR. STORE TRADING HOURS 10AM - 6PM. RESTAURANTS & BARS 8AM - 11PM

Canary Wharf: A Mecca for
menswear
Boasting brands like Orlebar Brown, Emmett London, ALFRED Dunhill, church’S
eNGLISH SHOES, gant, HUGO BOSS and Hackett, Canary Wharf has become a onestop-shop
for premium menswear
Orlebar Brown
In 2007, photographer Mr Adam Brown
launched Orlebar Brown to provide an
unprecedented, more tailored approach to
beach shorts and swimwear. Film fanatics
will know that when Daniel Craig emerged
from the waters in his James Bond debut,
it was in a pair of Orlebar Brown’s that he
did so. Now, having diversified to deliver a
stylish range of resort wear, the brand has
opened in Jubilee Place.
With an aesthetic that nods to a bygone
era, and inspired by vintage images of the
sixties, the brand aims to remind their clients
of the dapper sophistication and seamless
charm that once came with holidaying. Made
to be robust and comfortable, Orlebar
Brown’s provide a smart and practical choice
as much for dinner as by the pool.

SHOPPING
Emmett London
Mixing a unique design aesthetic with sartorial tradition, Emmett London is located
on the lower floor of Canary Wharf’s Jubilee Place. The company has been carving
a reputation as one of the country’s most prestigious shirt-makers ever since it was
founded by tailor Robert Emmett in 1992.
All of its shirts are made from the finest fabrics, typically woven in Italy, and many
exist in a limited edition of only 25. Add meticulously tailoring and innovative designs,
and you can see how the brand upholds the traditions of Jermyn Street while offering a
unique blend of Britishness, humour and quality.
Tiger of
Sweden
The key to what makes
Scandinavian style so enviably,
effortlessly cool is its dedication
to clean simplicity. Founded in
1903 by two Swedish tailors,
it has a heritage of immaculate
craftsmanship which is still
prevalent in its menswear lines
today. Think razor-sharp suiting,
premium outerwear and a crisp,
refined approach to everything
else. Aiming to take the suit out
of the bank and into the street,
Tiger of Sweden offers 24/7
fashion for 24/7 people.
Alfred Dunhill
Born in 1893 under the slogan ‘Everything for
the car but the motor’, Alfred Dunhill is now
a global brand with over 180 stores around
the world, one of which resides in Canary
Wharf’s Cabot Place. A quintessentially British
luxury brand, Alfred Dunhill’s menswear
collection is characterised by understated
elegance, representing modern updates on
the brand’s heritage. The Canary Wharf store
also showcases a range of leather goods and
accessories, as well as a selection of gifts
and games.
www.canarywharf.com
@yourcanarywharf

SHOPPING
Hackett
Hackett has become the
first word in City fashion,
with a reputation as a
premium clothiers immersed
in traditional British style.
Creating professional wear
for men, the brand centres
around made-to-fit suits,
shirts and ties as well as an
fun and quirky section of
accessories, including Hackett
umbrella cufflinks and the
brand’s own cologne.
Church’s English
Shoes
As the first company to create the ‘left’ and
‘right’ shoe in the 17th century, rather than
the ‘straight’ shoe, Church’s English Shoes
revolutionised footwear with its groundbreaking
creations. Today, all of Church’s
shoes are still handcrafted in Northampton,
the birthplace of the company, using the
same materials and manufacturing process
that the brand has relied upon for more
than 140 years. Visit the Canary Wharf
store to see the latest men’s and ladies
collections, as well as a range of fine leather
goods, accessories and ready-to-wear items.
Hugo Boss
Offering a versatile range of
products in all areas of menswear,
Cabot Place’s Hugo Boss specialises in
quality, modern classics for business, leisure
and formalwear. Its Men’s BOSS black line
presents the most premium segment
of the label. Enjoy a unique shopping
experience with the BOSS personal
shopping service allowing you to
browse with an expert.
Aquascutum
Aquascutum’s trademark lies in providing
stylish yet practical protection from the
unpredictable UK weather. Playing an
essential role in the history of the trench
coat, and with a well-established reputation
for dressing the top sects of society in finest
in British outerwear, Aquascutum draws on
its heritage and rich history while providing
clean and new aesthetics. Its collections
are always a luxurious and chic take on
quintessentially English style.
If that’s not enough, Canary Wharf also
offers menswear from the likes of Gant,
Jaeger, Massimo Dutti, Reiss and many more.
www.canarywharf.com
@yourcanarywharf

Reduce your roaming costs up to
98% when you travel abroad!
Free incoming calls
in over 20 countries
Get your SIM card
www.togglemobile.com
£
Up to 9 local country numbers
on a single SIM
Prepaid
no contracts, no line rental,
no hidden charges
“I just spent £2.58 on my mobile phone bill
during my business trip to the USA instead of
£200 I was spending before.
That’s a 98.7% saving!”
Bruno Gouveia, CEO, QR Architects
www.togglemobile.com
020 71 322 322
Find us on

WORK
business | finance | news | OPINION | INTERVIEWS
METRO IN THE MILE
Metro Bank has this winter bought its customer-
focused financial approach to the City of London,
opening a new branch on Cheapside in the veritable
heart of the Square Mile. This new opening is the
22nd institution opened by the UK company as
part of their expansion plan since initiation in 2010,
and will also continue its reputation for superlative
customer service for private and business banking
needs, opening 362 days a year, early and late for
ease of access. The bank’s expansion also boasts
the recruitment of the company’s 1000th member
of staff, equating to a 100 per cent growth rate for
the relatively new company in 2013 alone, a fact
apparently supported by an increased number of
customers and plans for further branches in Milton
Keynes and Brighton in 2014.
D metrobankonline.co.uk

making a
comeback
The biggest banking names in the City and Canary Wharf
are starting to profit from Britain’s recovery
WORDS: ANDY ROSENBAUM

Feature | work
For the first time in a long time, you
don’t have to be an optimist to see the
glass as half full,” insisted BOE governor
Mark Carney recently. The central banker
was talking about the British economy,
which is on the upswing again, but the
same could be said about the outlook for the biggest
British banks, especially the likes of HSBC, Barclays
and the Lloyds Group. At least, that is the view
institutional investors are taking. In November, the big
US funds starting moving their money back into the
biggest European banks, and that included all three of
the above.
“The context for European banks is improving, but
their stocks were still undervalued,” says Jason
White, portfolio specialist at T. Rowe Price.
RBS is leading the comeback of the biggest
banks. Its new chief executive Ross McEwan
has succeeded in splitting-off bad loans into an
internal ‘bad bank’ with £38 billion of problem
assets. McEwan is changing the culture at
RBS, where, he says, loans were made too
easily available until the financial crisis turned
off the tap. McEwan is teaching his staff to
concentrate on customer service, and the
results are becoming apparent.
Old Mutual analyst Rob James points
out that RBS is speeding up the process
of getting into the black. “With the
‘bad bank’, losses can be crystallised
quicker, and the management team
can now concentrate on growing the
business.” This process has permitted the RBS share
price to rise, James points out. “The key positive for
RBS is that it is a cyclical stock. Its biggest unit is
the corporate bank, which can be expected to pick
up as the economy recovers.” James thinks that
RBS’s share price will take off around February, as
management concentrates on the healthy part of the
bank and McEwan’s new policies take hold.
Another important bank, Barclays, is also seeing
brighter days, although there is a bit of gloom still
mixed into the picture. Barclays has been dogged
by scandal; Libor, Forex, among others, but analysts
don’t see these old issues as keeping the bank
down. Motley Fool analyst Harvey Jones puts it in a
nutshell: “There is plenty to dislike about Barclays,
but don’t let that put you off. The share price is still
up 50 per cent in the past two years, against 21 per
cent growth on the FTSE 100, and that’s what really
McEwan is teaching his staff
to concentrate on customer
service, and the results are
becoming apparent
counts to investors. It is never going to win ethical
investment of the year, but this is a key player in the
UK economy, a UK-listed bank with global clout, and
it is simply too big to ignore... It’s time you fell for the
bad boy.”
That all sounds good, and while the picture is not
entirely rosy at Barclays – two of its top managers
resigned in November, and the bank has been closing
branches across the UK and Europe – all of this, may
be seen as part of the bank’s major restructuring effort
as it works its way back to regular profitability. New
CEO Anthony Jenkins is bringing in high technology
to cut costs – the bank’s operating expenses are
currently higher than those of its competitors.
Lloyds, on the other hand, has reported the
strongest most recent results, with an underlying
profit of £1.5 billion, up 83 percent on the same
period the year before, reflecting an improved
interest margin and lower costs. Unfortunately,
the group has been hit with an exceptional charge
of £750 million in the last quarter to cover charges
from the PPI scandal – banks allegedly mis-sold
loan insurance and have settled.
Lloyds is now the fourth largest bank in
Europe, and a definite target for that American
fund investment. The group is in talks
with Britain’s financial regulator about
the possibility of restarting dividend
payments next year and will set out
its dividend policy alongside its 2013
results next February.
“The bank is back to profitability. We
are back to being a normal company. We are going to
be a high dividend paying stock in the future,” says
Lloyds Banking Group chief executive Antonio Horta-
Osorio. The government plans to sell off its shares in
the bank as it has seen share price gains of nearly 60
per cent since the beginning of the year.
The real challenge for the UK banks will not be from
their own strategic choices, but rather from the volatility
of the British economy. The glass may be half full, but
the whole cocktail can go right down the drain, as the
recent OECD report on the UK warns, if unemployment
jumps up again, or if the Eurozone economy hares off
into another euro-crisis. There are also some structural
worries: the UK still doesn’t export much to the
emerging markets where all the growth is.
Still, the UK banks are getting the best of the
cocktail while it’s ready to be served. Must be a
Pimms.
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 77

Skate in
the City
TRY SOMETHING NEW THIS YEAR AT
BROADGATE ICE RINK IN EXCHANGE SQUARE
OPEN DAILY UNTIL
27 FEBRUARY 2014
BOOK TICKETS NOW AT
WWW.BROADGATE.CO.UK/ICE
SKATING LESSONS AND
BROOMBALL GAMES AVAILABLE
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
@BROADGATELONDON
FACEBOOK.COM/BROADGATELDN

Opinion | work
IN MY OPINION…
It’s time for change in financial
services communication
WORDS: Justin Urquhart Stewart
‘‘
C
ome, let us go down and confuse
their language, so that they may not
understand one another’s speech”
was a quote from God apparently
when addressing the issues around
the building of the Tower of Babel in The Bible.
Obviously I can’t be certain whether it is a direct
quote, but exactly the same sentiment can be applied
to the financial services industry.
Practitioners in financial services, be they in
banking, broking or fund management, have
developed an astonishing ability to communicate
in technical terms that only they really understand.
What’s more they seem to purposely seek to confound
clients and customers with meaningless
phrases both written and spoken.
It worries me greatly that the industry
I have been a part of for many years has
chosen to hide behind the defences of
technical and specific descriptions and
then lays a cloak of compliance on top
just to add further to the confusion. For
industry practitioners the demand to be
precise and exact, driven by a fear of
regulatory punishment has become an
excuse for an inability to make, or worse,
an indifference towards, meaningful communication.
Evidence of failure is everywhere. The global
financial crisis stemmed in large part from
consumers and investors buying products they didn’t
understand, while umpteen mis-selling scandals
might otherwise have been averted had the industry
chosen its words with more care. As a result, trust in
the industry has never been lower.
If the industry is to win back the trust and support of
clients and consumers and to re-engage them in the
business of their money, then it needs to fundamentally
rethink how it communicates. Effective communication
is not just what we write and say, it is as much about
what our clients hear, read and see. One without the
other is merely a voice without an ear. Time, then, for
the industry to wake up and communicate with clients
as they do with each other and on their terms.
The revolution in tablet computing and smart phone
If the industry is to win
back the trust and support
of clients and consumers
and to re-engage them
in the business of their
money, then it needs to
fundamentally rethink
how it communicates
technology should be a gift to us. It presents exciting
new possibilities to communicate through channels with
which clients have become familiar. People are using
technology to communicate socially and increasingly
in a professional capacity. It is intuitive, engaging and
just as important, fun. But that is of little help unless we
understand how to harness its potential.
To date, much of the technology adopted by
the industry is little more than an extension of a
spreadsheet, designed by software engineers with little
creative thinking. How many, I wonder, considered the
experience of the end-user in their design processes?
There are, however, industries for which the
experience of the end-user is a primary concern.
Computer games designers, for instance,
speak to more users than, I suspect,
most financial services companies do.
Those responsible for enduring games
like Donkey Kong really understand
how to engage their audience, to hold
its attention and to keep them coming
back for more. So why not combine
the skill and imagination of the games
developers with financial services? Our
industry has to pass on an awful lot
of complex information to clients but I
would argue that 80 per cent of it never gets read.
Smartly-designed applications harnessing the power
of consumer technology could mean those tired
old graphs, charts and tedious apologies for poor
investment performance can be binned for vibrant
moving forms that show what ‘we do’ far better than
we have ever done in the past.
The financial service industry has been around in
some shape or form since biblical times, during which
it has developed an exclusive language unto itself.
The problem is that people have stopped listening.
Perhaps it is time for the men in grey suits, building
their towers in the City, to stop and imagine how an
industry that has been around for just a few years
can tell them a thing or two about listening to, and
engaging with, their customers?
D Justin Urquhart Stewart is co-founder of Seven Investment
Management & 7Imagine
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 79

It Never Rains...
As deadlines before Christmas or lost time afterwards add to your stress levels, the last
thing you need is an unforeseen problem throwing a further spanner in the works. But
it doesn’t have to spell catastrophe. There are simple solutions for navigating through
those really stressful, busy times
WORDS: kate cook

Feature | work
Don’t catastrophise
Dorothy Parker, on hearing a telephone ring,
apparently drawled: ‘What fresh hell is this?’ We’ve
all been there. On really busy days with multiple
deadlines, I’ve got to the stage where I’m scared to
answer the phone in case it’s someone demanding
something else of me. Then I made a conscious
decision to stop being such a victim. My attitude
became: ‘Why fear the worst until it happens?’ Every
time a negative thought crosses your brain, cancel it
out with a positive one. This takes practice. An easy
way to do it is to develop a mantra to suit whatever
crisis you’re in today and say that to yourself
mindlessly every time your mind goes into tailspin.
Right now, I have four weeks to my deadline for this
book and I have done approximately half the number
of words I promised myself I’d write today. My mantra
is: ‘I am serenely gliding towards my deadline and
everything will get done’ and every time panic hits, I
say this to myself and feel much better.
Master the only question
that matters
The ‘best use’ question was taught to me by my
first boss and it is invaluable in negotiating your way
through any day with dozens of calls on your time. It
helps you to prioritise ‘on the run’, sometimes quite
ruthlessly. On the morning of manic days decide
what you’ve got to achieve that day and if anything
interrupts, ask yourself: “Is this the best use of my
time, right now?” If the answer’s no, take a raincheck
and come back to it later. So if a friend calls at work,
nine times out of ten, you won’t chat then, you’ll call
them back at a more convenient time – unless, of
course, they are very upset about something, then
talking to them is the best use of your time. Nothing
else is more important. By doing this, I don’t let
colleagues side-track me with complaints about their
lack of stationery, unless of course it’s the best use of
my time. (No, you’re right, so far stationery has never
been the best use of my time, but you get the idea.)
Always under-promise
A lot of stress is of our own making. Thomas Leonard,
who founded Coach University, the first professional
training centre for life-coaches says: “One of the
biggest mistakes is to tell people what they want to
hear, give them what they think they want, without
thinking if it’s feasible for you. You overpromise
results you can’t deliver without a lot of stress. And of
course, if you don’t deliver, not only are you stressed,
they are, too.” Leonard’s advice is to underpromise
rather than overpromise. That way your friends are
delighted when you turn up at the party you said you
couldn’t make and your boss thinks you’re wonderful
when you get the report finished a day early rather
than a week late. Make it your rule from now on to
be absolutely realistic about how long it’s going to
take you to get things done. And until you become
an expert at this, work out the time you reckon it
will take you to complete any task and multiply it by
1.5. Keep a time log of your working week so you
finally get a realistic idea of how long it takes you to
complete all your usual activities. This means you
stop kidding yourself about how quickly you will
perform tasks in an imperfect world – where you’re
interrupted frequently – and you’ll reduce your stress
levels hugely.
Life events versus daily hassles
It may be that the nature and scale of the situation we
are facing is truly threatening, e.g. loss of a loved one,
loss of a job, in which case anyone’s ability to cope will
be severely challenged. These significant life events
demand significant efforts to cope with. Psychiatrists,
Holmes and Rahe, developed a ‘ladder’ of life events
from the least to the most demanding; the higher up
the steps an event is perceived to be, the greater the
coping effort required. The impact of these events is
cumulative; the more we have to deal with, the more
our coping skills are tested. Sometimes we may not
realise the magnitude of the challenge we face, until it
becomes obvious our attempts to cope are not up to
the challenge. Then we need to get help, as the saying
goes ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’, whether
that be through social or professional contacts. Rather
than life events, we more often find ourselves dealing
with a series of minor issues, which gradually gang-up
on us and grind us down over a period of time. We
tend to forget about these daily hassles, but they too
are cumulative and the more we have to deal with, the
more our coping skills are tested. Life can keep piling
on life events, daily personal and work hassles, so it
is not surprising that occasionally our coping skills are
overwhelmed – the balance tips and we feel we are
no longer coping. Time to get some assistance and
engage our coping skills before our sense of wellbeing
is undermined and damaged!
D This article originally appeared in The Corporate Wellness
Bible and is published by Infinite Ideas, infideas.com
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 81

TAKE ON
Media Partner
DRYATHLON ®
ONE MONTH.
NO ALCOHOL.
NO SWEAT?
Sign up before 8th January at dryathlon.org
Raise money to help beat cancer sooner.
No sweat for steely, iron-willed Dryathletes .
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666) and the Isle of Man (1103). © Cancer Research UK 2013.

PLAY
MOTORING | GADGETS | sports
Flying High
German-based aviation company E-Volo
recently unveiled a prototype of an innovative
and environmentally-friendly alternative to
traditional helicopter travel. The Volocopter is a
pioneering, emission-free invention that, amongst
new state of the art technologies, eschews the
classic combustion engine in favour of eighteen
electronically-driven rotors which propel it to
action. Maiden and initial test flights took place
in November, after elaborate simulations in
Stuttgart assured the development team of the
ease at which this creation could be flown. Series
production is planned for the upcoming years,
moving us one step closer to our futuristic vision
of flying electronic vehicles.
D e-volo.com

Vintage Volume
The retro-style of the Marantz
Consolette music system is
designed to combine a 50’s
aesthetic with state-of-the-art
technology. This is a sophisticated
dock designed to make your mobile device sound even better.
D Marantz Consolette, £500, marantz.co.uk
Weighty Achievement
This winter, technological leaders Sony have continued their
innovative reputation with the release of the a7R, the world’s
smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera.
This eagerly-anticipated creation uses up-to-theminute
technology to elevate the field of digital
photography, including a 40k photo output,
and new Bionx Z area noisereducing
technology
for improved image
quality.
D a7R, £1,699, Sony,
sony.co.uk
GET YOUR SKATES ON AT BROADGATE
Unleash your inner Torvill and Dean at Broadgate Ice Rink this
winter. Open daily until 27 February, there’s still plenty of time
to perfect your ice skating skills and master (or at least attempt)
an axel jump with lessons from one of their qualified skate
instructors. Or, why not try your hand at Broomball? This fast and
furious sport from Canada, which resembles ice hockey, is great
fun – battle it out with your mates or compete with your work
colleagues. See the website for details.
D Book tickets online at broadgate.co.uk/ice or by calling 0845 653 1424
in the know
Be well-informed and well-equipped with our ultimate event and gadget guide
Final design fi-ba-ss,
SNUGS
Listening is made even more
enjoyable with Snugs. Their
customised ear-docks are made
from impressions of the wearer’s ear
and can be purchased separately or
as part of an earphone package.
D Final Design FI-BA-SS, £1,277,
SNUGS, snugsearphones.co.uk
Crusher, Skullcandy
Complete with two internal drivers
to maximise its bass potential, the
Skullycandy Crushers are headphones
designed to produce a sound that
resonates with the listener’s body.
D Crusher, £89.99, Skullcandy,
skullcandy.com
Crystal Clear
Enjoy high-definition sound this year with a pair of market-leading headphones
Humlan,
Urbanears
Urbanears continue their
innovation in listening
technology, with the field’s
first ever pair of machinewashable
headphones.
D Humlan, £39, Urbanears,
urbanears.com

News | play
NEW YEAR fitness
Whether you’re recovering from a Christmas carb-overload, or just looking to get in
shape this New Year, the City has a workout suitable for all shapes, sizes and needs
Tabata
Fitness First gyms around the capital are playing host to a
20-minute training workout that’s clinically proven to burn
more calories than an hour of jogging or Zumba, or two
hours of walking or yoga.
D tabatatraining.org
Shockwave
For those brave enough, this high-intensity rowing-based circuit
training has been hailed by the US media as the most efficient
total-body workout in the world, whether you choose a four
station 30-minute workout or an eight station 45-minute one.
D shockwaveworkout.com
To The Beat
Cyclebeat is an indoor cycling studio located in the heart of
the City in Lombard Court. Not content with providing one of
London’s only indoor workspaces, complete with killer classes
and experienced professionals designed to push participants
to their limits and increase overall fitness, this unique class
also held the first ever City Bike Battle, raising £1,800 for the
HOPEHIV charity last year.
D cyclebeat.co.uk
TenPilates
Offering a dynamic Pilates workout based around a
reformer bed, the team at TenPilates promise you’ll feel the
effects quicker than any other class in London. With a new
City branch now open, and classes from 7am-7pm, you
can now fit in a workout before or after work.
D tenpilates.com
Running Commentary
At the end of this month, TV presenter Charlie Webster will be
combining two of her favourite pastimes in order to raise money for
an extremely worthy cause, Women’s Aid. Starting on 26 January,
Charlie will run a dizzying and hugely impressive 250 miles in just
seven days, jogging to and from 40 different football clubs, with
various activities in each, in an effort to raise money and awareness
in the fight to end abuse against women and children.
D justgiving.com/charliesbigchallenge
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 85

ph. Andrea Pancino
www.vgnewtrend.it
VG Studio at
inspirations
vision style design
www.idesign-int.com
info@inspirationsoftickhill.co.uk
Tel: 01302 760040

Motoring | PLAY
porsche puts a
tiger in the range
The best-selling Cayenne SUV gets a baby brother
WORDS: MATTHEW CARTER
After the runaway success
of the Cayenne – now the biggest
selling Porsche in the range – it
was only a matter of time before
the company developed a compact
SUV, a baby version if you will.
And so it has come to pass. Launched at the
recent Los Angeles motor show, the all-wheel drive
Macan will be a key player in Porsche’s plans to
pass 200,000 sales a year.
It’s about the same size as the Audi Q5, which
is hardly surprising as that’s precisely what lies
under the skin. In the same way that the Cayenne
was based on another VW Group product (the
Volkswagen Touareg), Macan’s development has
been sped up by using existing hardware.
But this is no rebadged Audi. Porsche engineers
have spent their time modifying the chassis with wider
tracks and unique components to ensure the car has
‘the most agile handling in its class’ says the company.
Due in showrooms next April – the order book
is open already – there will initially be three Macan
models in the range with more to follow. All three will
be powered by turbocharged V6 engines, two petrol
and one diesel, with prices ranging from £43,300 to
almost £60,000.
Top model will be the Macan Turbo, powered by
a Porsche-developed 3.6 litre V6 with damn near
400 hp on offer, while the most popular will be the
Audi-engined 3.0 litre V6 diesel turbo. All three will
have Porsche’s seven-speed dual clutch manual/
automatic PDK gearbox as standard.
And the name? It’s derived from the Indonesian
word for tiger apparently.
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 87

golf majors on
performance
With the launch of Volkswagen’s latest GTI, the original hot hatch is back on top
WORDS: Matthew Carter
In the beginning – well, back in 1976 –
Volkswagen stuck a GTI badge on the back of its
humble family runabout and the hot hatch was
born. And that means the Golf GTI isn’t so much
the daddy but the granddaddy of the breed.
And, frankly, that has been obvious to anyone
who has driven a recent example. While there was
still some evidence of the spark that drove the original
young tearaway, successive GTI generations got not
only older, but crustier too.
That state of affairs has been exacerbated by
rival hot hatchbacks, which have been getting
progressively more outrageous with each new
iteration – Mégane Renaultsport 265 Cup anyone?
– leaving the venerable VW wheezing in their wake.
Clearly, it’s time the GTI got rid of the cardi, pipe
and slippers and started to work out a little. And that’s
just what’s happened, though glance at the latest
seventh generation Golf GTI and you’d be excused for
thinking it’s ‘meet the new boss, same as the old boss.’
For there’s nothing flamboyant about the car that
might lead you to believe this is something special:
a little red strip across the front, GTI badges… and
that’s about it.
That’s no bad thing. The seventh generation Golf,
though clearly an evolution rather than a revolution
in styling terms, is far sharper, leaner and more
purposeful than previous generations. Mind you, if
you’re tempted to use the performance on offer maybe
it’s better to be a little discreet…
It’s under the skin that the real changes have been
made. The car benefits from all the upgrades that have
restored the ‘ordinary’ Golf to its place at the top of
the pack and then added more, much more.
For the first time in GTI history, there’s a choice
of two power levels available ex-factory. Both are
powered by a turbocharged 2.0 litre direct injection
engine. The unit develops 220PS in the plain GTI
and 230PS in the ‘Performance’ version.
An extra 10 bhp might not sound a great deal
– and the figures are very similar (6.5 secs to 62
mph and 152 mph max plays 6.4 secs and 155
mph) – but there is a world of difference between
the two cars.
The base GTI is pleasant – and is probably quick
enough for most needs – but the Performance version
adds a serious kick for just £980 more. As well as the
power hike, the performance versions get bigger brake
discs complete with red calipers, and a front limitedslip
differential.
What this means in practice is that it not only
goes better, it stops better too (albeit a little snatchily
if you’re unsubtle with the middle pedal). More
impressive, though, is the LSD, which endows the car
with much better front-end grip, and, therefore, higher
cornering power.

Motoring | PLAY
VEHICLE SPECS
Car: Volkswagen Golf GTI
Performance 5-dr
Price: £27,480
Engine: Front-mounted,
1,984cc, 4-cylinder petrol,
turbocharged
Power: 230 hp
Performance: 155 mph
max, 0-62 mph in 6.4 secs
Drive: Front-wheel drive,
six-speed manual
Just as well, as the extra torque developed by the
latest engine – at 350 Nm, up a substantial 70 Nm –
means there’s a great deal more potential for unruly
torque steer through the driven wheels.
The result is a car that feels absolutely planted
no matter how demanding the road is. Put simply,
with the extra power and chassis tweaks, the GTI
Performance model is as far ahead of the pack as the
original GTI was all those years ago.
There’s good news as far as the rest of the car is
concerned, too. Despite its performance potential,
sports suspension and low profile tyres, which in
other cars would mean a rock hard ride, the GTI rides
exceptionally well.
It’s a comfortable place to be, too. The cabin is
typical VW – efficient, classy and beautifully screwed
together. But while the interior of a standard Golf
might be a little soulless, there are a few neat touches
that lift the GTI.
There are one or two nods to the past – such as the
tartan fabric coverings for the sports seats and the golf
ball shaped gear knob – and one or two more that are
positively racy for a VW.
At night, for example, there’s a gently-diffused
red LED strip running across the inside of the doors,
matched by a similar strip in the sills, illuminated
when the doors are opened. Mix-in discreet red
stitching on the leather covered steering wheel, clever
use of chrome highlights and an easy-to-use touch
screen infotainment system (complete with DAB radio
as standard) and this really is a great place to be for a
long journey.
Safe, too. A plethora of electronic safety aids
are standard, and include City Braking which uses
information from radar sensors to jam on the brakes if
the car senses a potential collision and reckons you’re
window shopping when you should be looking ahead.
Radar also regulates the cruise control to match the
speed of the car ahead. If it slows down so will the
Golf until you pull out to overtake.
And it’s something of a bargain. Despite being
substantially quicker than the old one, not to mention
being better looking, more comfortable and boasting
more standard equipment, the new car is just £195
more expensive than the generation it replaces.
Not that that means it’s cheap. The £25,845 entry
ticket for the 3-dr 220PS version is, er, robust when
compared to Renault and Ford rivals but I’d argue
you’re getting more car for the money. And, unusually
for a German machine, the standard GTI Performance
has virtually everything you need as standard, bar
£1,725 worth of navigation. Oh, and it’s more fuel
efficient and cheaper to insure than before, too.
All good? Almost. Old habits die hard and the
GTI hasn’t quite been able to dump its sensible side
completely by kicking off its comfortable brogues for a
pair of Nike Air Max trainers.
Progress is accompanied by an irritating display that
advises way too early when you should change gear
to help save fuel. Even worse are the ‘Eco Tips’ that
pop-up on the dash when it thinks you could be doing
more to help save the world.
But that really is about the only note of criticism that
can be levelled at the latest GTI. As a rapid, and highly
desirable, all-rounder there’s nothing to touch it.
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 89

if it looks like a
million dollars...
...it’s probably worth a million dollars. We, nervously, test-drive
Mercedes’ legendary 300SL Gullwing
WORDS: Neil Briscoe
Tentatively, I approach the
smiling man in the logoed Mercedes
t-shirt. He’s standing behind a small
counter, laden down with keys. All
around us are a mixture of Mercedes
SL models, varying from museumspec
classics to the brand new R231 model. Various
cars are heading out of the gate on test drives,
but I am somewhat astonished to note that the
most desirable car in the car park is untouched,
unmolested, apparently unloved. Summoning up my
courage, I point at the object of my affections and in a
voice that suddenly takes on the timbre of a nervous
teenager, ask: “Can I drive that one?”
‘That one’ is a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL
Gullwing. It is one of the most iconic shapes in all of
motoring, from that rounded tail to the famous upand-over
doors, made necessary because the car’s
massive racing-derived chassis rails cut across the
space where a conventional door would be.
In fact, everything about the car is racing-spec.
Given the manufacturing code W198, it’s essentially
a road-going version of the 1954 W194, the original
Gullwing which scored overall wins in both the
gruelling Le Mans 24hrs and the certifiably insane
Carrera Panamericana road race in Mexico. Rudolf
Ulenhaut, the legendary race car designer who
created racing machines for both Juan Manuel Fangio
and Stirling Moss was called upon to turn his track
car into a road car and the 300SL, the first car to bear
the Sport Leicht badge, was born.
It’s an astonishing mix of the mundane and the
cutting-edge. That strong-but-light tubular steel
chassis hides nothing more exotic than the 3.0 litre
straight-six engine from a four-door 300S saloon. The
difference here is that it’s canted-over at a 45-degree
angle to make the whole car lower and more slippery
through the air, and the Bosch mechanical fuel

Motoring | play
injection means it has almost double the saloon’s
grunt; 215 hp. That was enough to push the Gullwing
up to a top speed of 160 mph – faster than the current
SL’s electronics will allow it to go.
It really was the first true supercar, whatever Ferrari
and Lamborghini might care to argue. Or course,
being a Mercedes, this was an exotic wunder wagen
that you could reasonably expect to be able to use
every day. Even so, it had its foibles. That fuel injection
system could be problematic, the massive oil cooler
actually proved too efficient, never allowing the
engine to warm up properly, and the swing-arm rear
suspension could be properly lethal in
unsuspecting hands.
Now, 300SLs are staggeringly valuable. When they
were built, between 1955 and 1957 (a somewhat more
tame roadster version took over in ’57) you could, at a
massive extra cost, order yours with an all-aluminium
body, saving 80 kg of weight. Those ultra-rare alloybody
cars (only 29 were made) can now fetch more
than $4 million at auction. Even a relatively run-ofthe-mill
steel bodied car can fetch north of $500,000
and the car I was pointing at has never left Mercedes’
ownership since it was made in 1957. It must surely
be worth well into seven figures by now.
So my nervousness is understandable, as is my
disbelief when the smiling man with the keys answers:
“Certainly, do you need any help starting it?” Um, yes,
yes I reckon I might.
Another smiling man, let’s call him Horst, wanders
over and shows me how to fold the big, white,
Bakelite steering wheel flat. That done I sit on the
broad, high door sill, swivel, slide and drop into the
tiny tartan-covered seat. The steering wheel snaps
back, upright and Horst, instead of climbing aboard
to act as chaperone, as I had been expecting, simply
slams down the door, gives me a thumbs up and
wanders off. Leaving me in charge of a million-dollar
car with a reputation for both stunning performance
and evil handling. I turn the tiny key in the ignition
barrel and, without a moment’s hesitation, the
big straight-six rumbles into life. Crikey, it’s rough
at low rpm, sounding as much like a diesel as a
thoroughbred sporting power unit. The big gear lever,
topped with a white knob that matches the steering
wheel, easily finds first and I nudge my wheeled
Lottery-win out of the gate. Straight into afternoon
traffic in Malaga (where Mercedes is hosting the
event). Uncaring tourists in rented Dacias whip past
the priceless Merc’s nose, while equally insouciant
locals in battered Seats weave in-between them. My
nervousness has gone, replaced by now raw, naked
fear. What if I damage this car? A simple paint scratch
or panel ding could cost more than the value of my
house. Ah well, nothing ventured…
Of course, this being a Mercedes, it’s almost
comically easy to drive. That big wheel makes you
think that the SL will be like a truck to drive, but the
steering is light, full of feel and wonderfully direct. The
four-speed gearbox has a long, wide throw but it’s
easy enough to find the right cog and with the engine
still sounding appallingly rough, off we flow with the
traffic; the million-dollar Merc and me.
A few things become swiftly apparent. One, it’s
hot in here. The late afternoon Spanish sun is turning
the tiny, turret-like cockpit into a meat broiler and
I’m sweating at least as much from that as from the
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 91

play | Motoring
a modern legend
sheer scariness of piloting a vehicle this valuable.
Secondly, this car is still quick. For a few moments, the
traffic clears a little and, with a quick check for Guardia
Civil over my shoulder, I give the big Merc full beans
in second. The mechanical injection system takes a
tiny second to cough, clear its throat and then, with
an almighty shove from behind, fires me up the road
at what feels like a colossal rate. Better by far than
the acceleration is the noise. Gone now is the rough,
tappety tick over, replaced now by a multi-layered roar,
edging into a baritone bellow. This is what Fangio and
Moss would have heard, accelerating hard out of Tetre
Rouge and facing down the endless Mulsanne Straight.
It is intoxicating, it is life-affirming, it is wonderful. It is
also cut short by a blundering tourist, weaving their
heedless way across two lanes of traffic to make the
turnoff for Puerto Banus. The big drum brakes haul me
up smoothly, and sanity and legality return to the Merc’s
speedometer. My heart is pounding in my ears now,
which I think makes this a good time to turn for home.
I pull back into the hotel car park, switch off and
sit for a moment, door up and cockpit cooling. The
other cars are back too now and are being silently
lined up and cleaned by Mercedes people. I almost
don’t see them, my mind lost in a fog of relief and
elation. For a brief moment, I consider firing back
up, peeling away and seeing how far I can get before
they realise I’m not coming back. Putting such
foolishness away, I click down the steering wheel,
haul myself out and walk away. A million dollars?
Worth every cent…
Mercedes has, somewhat sadly, now ceased
production of the 300SL’s true spiritual successor,
the AMG-engined SLS coupe and roadster. It was
a bit of a pastiche (the coupé didn’t need those
gulling doors, they were there just to show off) but
that roaring bellowing 6.3 litre V8 engine made it an
intoxicating drive. A smaller, lighter, more affordable
successor is planned for next year, giving Mercedes
its first true rival to the Porsche 911.
In the meantime, you could do a lot worse
than console yourself with the new SL. The
latest generation of Mercedes’ two-seat, folding
hard-top roadster is an astonishingly capable car,
equally good at weaving up mountain passes as
it is at cruising along a smooth autobahn. There
is, of course, an AMG version with a monstrously
powerful 5.5 litre twin-turbo V8 engine, but frankly,
you don’t need to upgrade beyond the brilliant
SL500 with its 4.7 litre turbo V8.
Of course, the big news for Mercedes this year
is the launch of the all new S-Class. It is traditional
in motoring circles to regard the biggest Benz as,
essentially, the best single car in the world and
this new one is really pushing the boundaries.
It can be fitted with everything from cameras
that scan the road surface ahead to alert the
suspension to upcoming bumps to semi-active
steering and brakes which can more or less do the
work of driving for you. Available with everything
from a humble diesel engine (currently a 3.0 litre
V6 but there will be a 2.1 litre S250 CDI eventually)
to a roaring 5.5 litre AMG version to, next year,
a plug-in hybrid S500h which will be able to roll
silently along on electric power in town.
92 THE CITY JANUARY 2014

INSIDE TRACK
The Street
Westfield Stratford City
E20 1EJ
0208 534 3446
info@insidetrackshop.com
@InsideTrackShop
MCLAREN & ASTON MARTIN COLLECTIONS
AT WESTFIELD STRATFORD
VIP SHOPPING EVENINGS
Register now for more information on one of our
VIP shopping evenings (availability limited)
info@insidetrackshop.com

LET THE
SUN SHINE
The new terrace at The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant in Knightsbridge is the ideal destination
for summer. A secluded and sophisticated venue for morning coffee or light meals, the terrace
becomes a cigarist’s paradise in the evening with an extensive choice of whisky, cocktails and
wine complementing a new cigar menu.
For more information visit theribroom.co.uk or call 020 7858 7250
Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Cadogan Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 9PY

food&drink
WINE | DINe | NEWS | REVIEWS
oh christmas tree...
This December, Aqua Shard showcases a designer
Christmas tree par excellence, with its Matthew
Williamson-curated festive fir. Adorned with
baubles designed by a host of creative luminaries,
including Gwyneth Paltrow, Rankin, Sienna Miller,
Tom Dixon, Mary J Blige and Swarovski, each
bauble will be auctioned off throughout December
in aid of children’s charity Kids Company, through
an online auction (ending New Year’s Eve). The
resplendent tree with its unique ornaments will be
showcased in the triple-height atrium bar of Aqua
Shard, and can even be enjoyed over a delicious
five-course Christmas Day meal, (£195pp).
D aquashard.co.uk

THE BUZZ OF BANK
Exclusive Bank watering hole, Eight Members Club is hosting
speakeasy evenings in the Eight Bank Bar, dubbed ‘Blind Bee’.
Members are invited to step back in time and cause some nighttime
mischief, mid-week and away from prying eyes. Featuring
live cabaret, Balearic music and jazz from skilled London
musicians, not to mention a new cocktail menu, Eight Members
Club is causing quite the buzz.
D eightclub.co.uk
HOST TO HERO
Entertain in your own home without the stress of measuring up
to a Michelin menu. Simplee Host allows you to treat friends and
family to the ultimate fine-dining experience in the comfort of your
own home. The best part? You don’t have to lift a finger. Simplee
Host allows you to browse and choose from a selection of talented
chefs in your area, and book the perfect menu for the perfect party.
D simpleehost.com
food&drink
The best that fine-dining has to offer, right on your doorstep
MIX AND MATCH
Chivas Regal is giving London’s whisky drinkers the
opportunity to join a select few who understand what
it takes to blend a great Scotch whisky. Its ‘Art of
Blending’ events are hosted by whisky expert and
brand ambassador Phil Huckle and teach the method
of marrying together single malts and lighter grain
whiskies. Working with five whiskies from various
parts of Scotland, Huckle’s students are given the
opportunity to sample and then create their own
unique whisky to take home. Throughout January, a
number of masterclasses will be held in and around
the City – head online to find out more.
D chivas.com
RAIN, HAIL OR SHINE
The Boundary Hotel has opened its new weatherproof pergola, allowing
guests to enjoy the unrivalled views of its Rooftop Bar & Grill all year
round. This stunning rooftop space boasts a few new garden designs,
including a canopy of grape-producing vines, a working kitchen garden
and a few other horticultural enhancements. Beyond the spectacular
views of Shoreditch and the City, the Rooftop Bar & Grill offers a delicious
Mediterranean-influenced menu and a selection of hot cocktails to warm
things up during the chilly winter months.
D theboundary.co.uk/rooftop

News | Food&Drink
review
HOLBORN
Dining ROOM
The eagerly-awaited arrival of
the Holborn Dining Room &
Delicatessen is expected to shakeup
the London dining scene in late
February. Renowned restaurateur
Des McDonald is behind the new
brasserie and delicatessen, which
will take up residence at the new
Rosewood London hotel in the
old East Banking Hall of Pearl
Assurance. Open for breakfast, lunch
and dinner, foodies can expect to be
impressed, not only by the delicious
offering of classic British cuisine, but
also its refined and historic setting.
D rosewoodhotels.com/london
As an Aussie, I fancy myself
a bit of a BBQ-aficionado;
after all, I’ve grown-up
‘throwing another shrimp on the
barbie’. I’m happy to admit though,
the concept of a BBQ on ice
was completely foreign. I had my
reservations at first, having come
from the land of poolside BBQs, but,
I’ll concede, I was quick to come
around. BAR BBQ ON ICE has taken
up residence next to the Broadgate
Ice Rink throughout winter in the
form of a log cabin. Sounds cosy?
You’re right, partially because it’s
absolutely buzzing with City workers
mid-week there to enjoy a drink, live
music and great food, which can
also be ordered ahead of time and
taken away. When we enter, we’re
warmly welcomed by the friendly
staff, not to mention the rustic
décor. The staff are quick to ensure
CABIN FEVER
A cosy winter cabin nestled amongst skyscrapers,
TIFFANY EASTLAND experiences BAR BBQ ON ICE
WATCH
THIS
SPACE
we have a glass in hand, and while
the drinks offering is extensive, I’m
tempted by the novelty of drinking
mulled wine at my first icy barbeque.
To start, we snack on spiced
popcorn, which, as our waiter rightly
points out, is very moreish. And then
came our main… the hugest rack of
ribs I’ve ever seen (and I thought I
was being conservative, opting for
just half a rack). Served with a side
of coleslaw, I really didn’t need the
added side of baked beans and
burnt ends, but I’m glad I did. It may
then surprise you that after all that
food, I still manage to tackle dessert.
How could I not when chocolate
brownie is on the menu? And I’m
proud of my efforts. I’ve absolutely
demolished the four not-so-bitesized
pieces and I’m still able to start
planning my next trip back.
D BAR BBQ ON ICE, barbbqonice.com
new openings
ANDINA
The restaurateur behind
Ceviche in Soho, Martin
Morales, has brought Peruvianinspired
dishes to lively Shoreditch.
Andina introduces the concept of
a picanteria – a traditional, family-run,
community restaurant serving locals
throughout the day. Head chef Tomasz
Baranski takes Peruvian ingredients and
pairs them with local and seasonal British
produce, creating guilt-free dishes based
around Andean tradition.
D andinarestaurant.com
EST. INDIA
Authentic Indian streetfood
meets fine-dining in
the modern urban setting of
the newly opened Est. India.
Executive chef Singh has used
his 42 years of experience to devise a
menu that puts a twist on staple curries
and those favourites we love and know.
Traditional dosas, malai jhingha, kasundi
fish tikka, and traditional Indian carrot
cake and kheer are just some of the
highlights on offer. Located on Union
Street, Est. India fills Flat Iron Square
with an irresistible aroma that attracts the
lunchtime crowd, couples in the evening
and larger parties, with a private dining area
that seats up to 22 guests. This is a musttry
in London’s latest food mecca.
D estindia.co.uk
EMBER YARD
The renowned Salt Yard Group
has opened its fourth London
establishment in Berwick
Street and we couldn’t be more
thrilled. Ember Yard is the latest
addition from Simon Mullins and Ben Tish
who have earned a reputation for never
disappointing even the most discerning
diners. Taking inspiration from Spanish
and Italian methods of cooking over
charcoal, Tish has devised an exciting
menu around this concept. Under the
direction of their head chef Jacques
Fourie, the talented team hot and coldsmoke
ingredients on-site using various
woods to add incredible flavour.
D saltyard.co.uk
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 97

food&drink | Wine
Flavour of
the Future
Key wine predictions for 2014 mean it’s time
to re-evaluate traditional investment buys
from areas such as Bordeaux and Tuscany
WORDS: NICK MARTIN
Bordeaux re-evaluated
Bordeaux’s steady decline from its broad-based
peak in the summer of 2011 has led investors to
reappraise the role of red Bordeaux, and especially
the First Growths within their portfolio.
Whereas before 2008 top red Bordeaux might
have accounted for 90/95 per cent plus of all wine
investments, these days diversification is seen by many
as much more important as a hedge against volatility.
Others see many buying opportunities on the back
of two year lows and expect the Bordeaux market to
move up in the next year or so. Whether we’ll see a
recovery start in 2014 or 2015 plus remains to be seen.
No futures market
One thing is for sure; the new Bordeaux release of the
2013 vintage next spring will be a damp squib. No one
needs to buy a very poor vintage as a future, which this
unequivocally is. Looking back, demand and prices tend
to recover on the back of good to excellent vintages.
Searching for value
The subdued state of the left bank Bordeaux market
offers some strong buying opportunities, such as
First Growths from 1996 – a superb vintage that
is coming into an early stage of maturity. As such
demand ought to pick up, and look like fair value
following declines of 35 per cent.
Back vintages of right bank Bordeaux have picked
up, with the very top of the market leading the way.
This may have a positive effect on the peer group
of right bank, merlot-dominated top wines. Typically
production volumes are much lower than the big
Medoc (left bank) estates, and scarcity exerts a
greater influence on market pricing of older vintages.
Italy’s run
Italy is likely to continue its recent run of form, since
substantial gains at the very top of the market have
not yet translated into broad-based growth across
prime regions such as Piedmont and Tuscany.
Bigger estates tend to offer better market liquidity,
Nick Martin
is the CEO of
Wine Owners,
which provides a
complete solution
for managing,
analysing and
valuing fine wine
collections. It also
allows participants
to buy or sell
between each other
via a peer-to-peer
fine wine exchange.
D wineowners.com
so when selecting small boutique producers, careful
evaluation is needed to be sure you’re buying low
production wines that are likely to be in demand when
it comes time to sell. Small production and weak
demand is not a good combination.
Of course, where tiny production meets insatiable
demand from the world’s wealthy, excellent returns
can be achieved. Giacomo Conterno Monfortino
2004 is the perfect example. A tiny production, not
made every year, Monfortino is a selection of the best
grapes from the Cascina Francia vineyard in Barolo.
On average, Monfortino also remains an additional
three years longer in large oak casks (botti). While
1,800 cases of the Cascia Francia Barolo are made,
less than 600 cases of Monfortino are produced.
Has top Burgundy reached
a Zenith?
Extreme scarcity and overwhelming global demand
for wines by Domaine de La Romanee Conti,
Rousseau, Roumier, de Vogue, to name a small
number of highly-rated estates, have made top
Burgundy a consistently good bet, but, whether those
wines will continue to appreciate remains to be seen.
While most investors continue to believe in their longterm
prospects, in the medium term, performance
graphs suggest careful selection is required.
Further down the pecking order, a new generation
of young, gifted winemakers who are taking over
family domaines and transforming quality are akin
to ‘emerging markets’ opportunities as well as being
beautiful, affordable wines to consume.
Fizzing out?
Much has been said of Champagne as an investment
during the course of 2013. In sharp contrast to
other fine wine regions, production quantities tend
to be vast, but so is consumption. Analysing the
performance of the Champagne market shows
that appreciation is entirely driven by the very top
vintages. Following the release of the good 2004
vintage by many houses, the next top vintage might
not be before the 2008 releases. If that proves to be
the case the vintage Champagne market may drift
over the next three to four years, though top backvintages
may well benefit as supply dries up.
The macro view
While wine is considered a relatively high risk category,
due to lack of regulation and pockets of volatility, longterm
returns can be very good. Indeed it’s difficult to
make an argument against wine in favour of equities
based on volatility alone.
98 THE CITY JANUARY 2014

C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K

art
WINDOW
GalleRIES
The Art & Design window galleries in
Canada Place Mall at Canary Wharf are
open daily and showcase up-and-coming
artists, designers and craftspeople.
VISUAL ARTS
canada walk jubilee walk
Kuntee Sirikrai:
Hidden Moments
Kuntee’s jewellery reflects her interest in the
mysterious way in which the brain can record
the scene of an unexpected circumstance,
when time appears to stand still and each
detail is etched on the memory. Having
studied and filmed hidden movements such
as when fingers are constantly moved in daily
life, she has used cutting edge technology
called Selective Laser Sintering to print threedimensional
pieces in nylon and silver.
D kunteesirikrai.com
Saulius Ginetas
Saulius’s vigorous drawing style is used to
great effect in these drawings inspired by
the frenetic rhythms he has observed at
Canary Wharf. He sees a place where
people’s movement – rushing and passing
through the space – manifests power
and an expression of their desire for
a brighter future, constantly moving
towards success. The movement of his
hand over paper is equally free and fast –
no rules, no limits, just expression.
D art-sg.blogspot.com
Kate Malone: A celebRatiON OF claY
Kate Malone’s work is distinctive, decorative and highly complex. It reflects her generosity
of spirit, with all manner of natural phenomena informing her exuberant pieces – fruits,
vegetables, leaves, seeds and nuts. This exhibition will feature pairs of ceramics influenced by
themes that recur time and again in her repertoire: pumpkins, fennels, gourds and atomics.
Malone found her metier in creating vases of the most exotic kind, which are redolent of Art
Nouveau, Victorian majolica, Minton and Palissy. Nowadays, her work encompasses studio
pieces, short-run editions and large-scale public art works often made in collaboration with
architects and designers.
D 20 January – 14 March
Lobby, One Canada Square
Canary Wharf, E14
FREE
katemaloneceramics.com
Tuesday 4 February 6.30-7.15pm
FREE
Curator Ann Elliott tours the exhibition with the artist.
Contact visualart@canarywharf.com to reserve a place.
WINTER LIGHTS
fLUMENS: Illuminating the Wind
D Until 25 January
Middle Dock
Canary Wharf, E14
FREE

events
New Year,
New experiences
This January, start 2014 with a dose of art, culture and
some friendly competition
WATCH OUT FOR THE
NEW canary WHARF
ARTS & EVENTS BROCHURE
– showcasinG ALL THE ARTS
AND EVENTS IN canary WHARF
FROM FEBRUARY TO APRIL
Sign up to join our free mailing list
by sending your details to
arts&events@canarywharf.com
LONDON ICE
SCULPTING FESTIVAL
Enjoy an unforgettable weekend of
competitive high drama at Canary Wharf
as more than ten international teams of
ice professionals work against the clock
to perfect their magnificent ice creations.
The UK’s biggest international ice sculpting
competition provides a fun and exciting
start to the New Year, celebrating Fabulous
Fashion on to 2m-high glimmering ice blocks
in the Big Block category at Wood Wharf.
For a change of pace, the speedy Freestyle
and Singles River Life competitions will not
disappoint nor will the wonderful Wood
Wharf Winter Food Market with its vast
variety of hot and cold food and drink on
offer. You can take part too – vote for your
favourite sculpture in the popular Public
Choice award or get artistic in the free
masterclasses* at Wood Wharf and in Jubilee
Place shopping mall on Saturday and Sunday.
CANARY WHARF QUIZ
Teams will compete in rounds of tough
questioning covering trivia, music and
current affairs in the aim of securing an
array of Canary Wharf gift cheques prizes
and the accompanying bragging rights.
The cost of entry is £15 per team (each
team has a maximum of six members) and
all proceeds will be donated to East End
Community Foundation.
Teams must register in advance via email
to arts&events@canarywharf.com. A full bar
and mid-quiz snacks will be available from
doors opening so join in on all the fun and
release your competitive spirit.
Friday 10 – Sunday 12 January 2014
Friday 12–8pm
Saturday 10am–7pm
Sunday 12–6pm
Throughout Canary Wharf & Wood Wharf
Free
For more information visit:
londonicesculptingfestival.co.uk or canarywharf.com
*Visitors must sign up on arrival for masterclasses.
Children must be 12+ and accompanied by an adult.
Sessions on the hour, 20 minutes and 40 minutes past.
Monday 27 January 2014
6.30pm (doors 6pm)
East Wintergarden, 43 Bank Street, E14
£15 donation per table to East End
Community Foundation
ICE RINK
CANARY WHARF
The sparkling Ice Rink Canary
Wharf is in full swing and is bigger
and better than ever before.
Boasting London’s only skate path,
which leads you in between Canada
Square Park’s twinkling festive
trees, around Ron Arad’s Big Blue
unique sculpture and within Canary
Wharf’s striking backdrop – this ice
rink is sure to make your skating
experience a truly magical one.
This year the ice rink hosts a classic
American-style diner, Boisdale’s
Jukebox Bar, with a vintage 50s
jukebox, drinks and hot food and a
large outdoor terrace plus a comfy
spectators’ area – a perfect winter
haven after your skate. Why not go
the extra mile and book lessons to
impress your family and friends with
your new skills. If live entertainment
is what you fancy after skating then
visit the Boisdale Jukebox Bar on
Tuesday evenings for some blues
and soul or battle of the bands every
Saturday night.
The ice rink is open every day
except Christmas Day until 16
February 2014, so book now and get
your skates on.
www.canarywharf.com
@yourcanarywharf

TRAVEL
LUXURY ESCAPES | NEWS | REVIEWS | HOTELS
FIT FOR TRAVEL
Thanks to Scott Williams, it’s now possible to
travel for fitness and pleasure. The New Year is
sadly a time we associate with detoxes, diets,
counting calories and cardio but more often
than not, mid-month we’re back to our old ways.
This January, reward and motivate your new
lifestyle with an island escape at Williams’ newest
addition, Villa Ostria on Paxos. Sleeping up to ten
adults, the stunning villa features its own private
basketball court, gym and infinity pool and boasts
the most enthralling views of the Ionian Sea,
making exercise, shockingly, enjoyable.
D scottwilliams.co.uk

Image courtesy of Amanresorts
Picture Perfect
Luxury hotel group Aman Resorts is offering
aspiring photographers and seasoned travellers, a
rarefied opportunity in the form of a photography
expedition in Bhutan with Basil Pao. Taking place in
February, the trip will see adventurers accompany
the premier travel photographer on a trip through
four valleys, staying in Amankora’s lodges in Paro,
Thimphu, Punakha and Gangtey. Participants will
be taken to phenomenal locations and be offered
informal photographic excursions and workshops
taken by Pao himself, all designed to recreate the
experience of being on a professional assignment.
Pao has worked with some of the most significant
explorers on incredible assignments, including BBC
documentaries with Michael Palin.
D Photo Journey with Basil Pao, £5,773pp, Aman Resorts,
amanresorts.com
TRAVEL NEWS
From long-haul retreats and weekend escapes to
chic city stopovers and tropical hideaways, explore
the best the world has to offer
World Cup Class
This winter St Moritz will play host to some of the most respected
events in the world of horseracing, and the Carlton Hotel is an ideal
location to enjoy them, offering a variety of suitable packages for
those looking to spectate in style. The polo world cup, from 30
January to 4 February, and the White Turf, a 105 year old horse race
which takes place on a frozen lake on the 9, 16 and 23 February will
both grace this snowy destination in these colder months.
D carlton-stmoritz.ch

News | travel
NEW city OPENINGS for 2014
2014 is sure to see an abundance of hotels and venues opening
around the globe. Here is our pick of the most exciting...
Seasonal Style
Set to open opposite Red Square in Moscow mid-year, the Four
Seasons will be a major development for the city. Situated in the
landmark location with breathtaking views of the Saint Basil’s
Cathedral domes and spires, the new addition is a contemporary
incarnation of the Hotel Moskva, which closed in 2002 in
anticipation of reconstruction. While the exterior of the new
property remains unchanged as per government specifications,
the inside offers a stylish nod to the building’s history.
D fourseasons.com
Astoria Chic
This spring, the Waldorf Astoria will be bringing its own
inimitable take on luxurious hospitality to the city of
Amsterdam. Consisting of 93 rooms, the hotel spans two 17th
and 18th century townhouses, which complement the group’s
signature art-deco design. Situated centrally, alongside the
capital city’s best-known canal Herengracht, visitors will have
great access to some of Amsterdam’s most popular tourist
sites, shops and cafes.
D waldorfastoria.com
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
Personalised luxury will be on offer midyear
when the Park Hyatt opens a New
York property in the heart of midtown.
Just a block from Central Park, the
new hotel will make up part of a 90
storey mixed-use tower that will also
feature 94 luxury condominiums. The
hotel will consist of 210 guest rooms,
62 of which will be suites. Pritzker
prize-winning architect Christian de
Portzamparc and interior design firm
Yabu Pushelberg are the creative minds
behind this exciting project.
D newyork.park.hyatt.com
venetian wonder
Hotelier Adrian Zecha’s new Venetian venture Aman Canal Grande sees him pit his
pared-back style against the grand surroundings of a 16th-century Venetian palazzo.
Modern B&B Italia furniture is found against gilded cherubs and ornate wallpapers,
while guests can lie in bed and gaze up to original 18th-century frescoed ceilings
painted by master artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. Full of delicious surprises, such as
secret gardens and a unique Thai-Italian menu in the upper salon restaurant, this gives
an unexpected and delightful perspective on Venice.
D amanresorts.com
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 105

TRAVEL | Destination
[Destination]
Isle of Man
AIMEE LATIMER gets away from
it all on the Isle of Man
WHERE TO STAY: A renovated barn
Known as simply ‘The Barn’, this small plot of farmhouses has
recently been converted into two-bedroom luxury homes. Inside,
open-plan living rooms with exposed wooden beams have
comfortable sofas to curl up on after long days stomping the
countryside. The luxury housing allows you to escape to the country
without the loss of any modern conveniences; The Barn has a
dishwasher, oven, fridge freezer, television and a washer dryer.
Picturesque and located on a farm, young lambs wobble around
outside in spring and scenic walking trails, which branch off from the
main estate, are there to be explored.
D glenmaye.com
WHERE TO EAT: 14North
14North is a former 19th Century timber merchant’s house located
on Douglas’ North Quay. Now a family-owned restaurant, it
complements its rustic interior with simple, thoughtful food. 14North
is committed to supporting local farmers, fishermen and artisans.
The lunch menu differs from the evenings with hearty sandwiches on
homemade focaccia being replaced by larger dishes of seafood and
Manx beef. Be sure to try its homemade flatbreads, piled high with
smoked cheddar, local mushrooms and pulled pork.
D 14north.im
WHAT TO DO: Explore nature
In the village of Glen Maye on the west coast of the island there is a
beautiful waterfall cascading into a clear pool framed by sloping rocks
speckled in green moss. Follow the stream through a gorge to arrive
at a nearby sand and pebble beach – it’s easy to see where the Isle of
Man’s rich history of folklore and tales of fairies stemmed from when
exploring the beach’s hidden caves and rock pools.
D glenmaye.com
DON’T MISS: Clay pigeon shooting
In 2012, the club’s grounds of the The Isle of Man Clay Pigeon
Shooting Club were subject to major modifications to improve
the facilities to members and visitors. Competitions in a range of
disciplines run frequently and non-club members are invited to
compete. If you’re a bad shot, the ranch-style clubhouse can be
discreetly retreated to.
D iomclays.com
© Andrey Bayda
From top to bottom:
Milner’s Tower on
Bradda Head near
Port Erin; dishes
served at 14North;
Glen Maye Waterfall;
clay pigeon shooting
British Airways flies daily from London City Airport to
the Isle of Man from £59. Flights can be booked at
iba.com.
106 THE CITY JANUARY 2014

Just a couple
of hours from home.
And yet a world away.
w w w . a u s t r i a . i n f o
Yo u r p e r s o n a l H o l i d a y I n f o r m a t i o n L i n e :
0 8 4 5 1 0 1 1 8 1 8 ( c a l l s c h a r g e d a t l o c a l r a t e s )

Blue
planet
It’s more than just a honeymooners’
paradise. Prepare for an otherworldly
underwater encounter in the Maldives
WORDS: Kari Rosenberg
Rhincodon typus. The biggest
fish in the sea. Whatever you want
to call it, nothing will prepare you,
should you be lucky enough, for your
first encounter with a whale shark.
Having qualified and obtained my
PADI scuba diving-licence more than a decade ago,
I’ve witnessed my fair share of underwater wonders;
hovering nose-to-nose with a school of fully-grown
bull sharks (who, unlike the whale shark, prefer the
taste of Brit flesh to plankton); pitch-black, winding
stalactite covered Cenotes; deep-sea shipwrecks
and sleeping clown fish on a late night excursion. But
still unticked on my must-see list (until now) was the
whale shark. And it’s an encounter I’ll remember for
the rest of my life.
Most will think the Maldives a honeymooners’
paradise, and of course, it is. Few places are as
tranquil, romantic or beautiful, so much so that it’s
almost impossible to describe without pulling out the
obligatory clichés, so I’ll get it over with quickly; the
sand could not be whiter, or softer, so you can leave
your shoes at home; the sea is crystal clear, a blue
so striking and inviting that you’ll want to spend your
entire trip fully-immersed, marvelling that yes, you can
see the bottom no matter how deep it gets. As you
take off on the sea-plane from Malé to the paradise
island that awaits, you’ll spend the half hour journey
taking postcard perfect aerial shots, as you can’t
quite believe that such a place of wonder actually
exists, and that you’re there to witness it.
I stayed at the Conrad, which lies in the South Ari
Atoll, three degrees north of the equator and split
between Rangalifinolhu and Rangali Island. Linked by
a floodlit bridge, frolicking manta rays liked to gather
there for a communal night-time roley-poley and to
collect the plankton accumulating at the light source.
When I first read how big the hotel was, I
wondered if it may feel a little too large for a
‘paradise island’, but it just isn’t so. If anything, the
vast size adds to the deserted island feel. And with
one island dedicated to families and the other to

Feature | travel
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 109

adults holidaying alone, you can choose between
two types of holiday, both equally luxurious. Staying
on the ‘adult’ island in a beautiful water villa, I’d
finish each day perched on the verandah, feet in the
Jacuzzi, gazing out to sea and listening to the soft
clinking of the waves against the steps.
The other advantage of the Conrad’s size is its
choice of restaurants, because there’s no ‘off island’
meal-plan option, unless you want to catch a plane
or boat. With seven eateries, four bars and around
14,000 bottles of wine, you won’t go hungry, or thirsty,
and you certainly won’t get bored. Having visited
the Maldives previously, splitting my time between
the Four Seasons and the One & Only, the extensive
culinary choice certainly set the hotel apart, in that
respect, from its multiple ‘six-star’ competitors.
Ithaa – the world’s first all-glass underwater
restaurant – serves French food with an Asian twist,
and will be a hit with kids of all ages (including the
middle-aged) with fish peering in as you consume tuna
tataki and spring rolls (slightly unsettling if you’ve gone
for a gilled option). Fun as it was, it’s by no means the
most chic or impressive watering hole on the island.
Food-centered entertainment is big at the Conrad;
wine tasting is hosted in the wine cellar by the resort’s
sommelier where the floor is covered in cool black
sand, in keeping with the barefoot luxury ethos of
the island (even the staff go barefoot). There is also a
cheese and wine bar, home to 101 types of cheeses,
where pairing can fill a whole evening or just an hour,
depending on how fromage-friendly you’re feeling.
By far the best place to wine and dine was the
Koko Grill, a small open-air restaurant offering an
eight-course Japanese-inspired tasting menu, while
ten or so diners sat in a row facing the horizon as the
chef prepared the feast right there. Nothing could be
more romantic. The Vilu restaurant offered à la carte
Mediterranean fine dining; Sunset Grill a beach-side
lobster BBQ; and Mandhoo, organic and bio-dynamic
cuisine for the health conscious. Between the other
eateries, no request was too large, or craving too
obscure: you want it, you’ll get it, and quite possibly,
it’ll be the best you ever had. All in all, the food is
fantastic across the board, and in the week I stayed I
almost longed for the feeling of a hungry rumble if only
to justify one more meal or at least justify the gluttony.
As well as two adult spas; (one over-water offering
fantastic holistic treatments, with the other specialising
in luxe colour – and chakra – therapy rituals, complete
with a serenity spa deck and open-air Jacuzzi) there
is one for children, too. The Ice Cream Spa, so it is
named, offers the works; massages and facials as well
as temporary tattoos and face painting, all using supersweet
inspired (and smelling) products.
Aside from exquisite food, outstanding service,
myraid spa treatments and the opulence of a water
villa (so awe-worthy it required a video tour via
FaceTime to the jealous boyfriend at home), the water
need to know:
Daily rates at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
start from $625 (approx £388) plus taxes,
based on two adults sharing a Beach Villa.
To make a reservation or
for more information, visit
conradmaldives.com or
call 009 60-668-0629
Return fares from London Heathrow to
Malé from £623 for economy class or
£1,968 for business class, including taxes and
charges. For more information,
visit turkishairlines.com or
call 0844 800 6666

Feature | TRAVEL
activities on offer is where, for me, the real excitement
began. Whale shark and dolphin snorkelling; turtle
conservation trips; manta ray spotting; deserted island
hopping; submarine hire; private yacht excursions and
big-game fishing, were just a few options available.
And while marine life isn’t unique to Conrad, (there’s
no turtle-barring gate at the doors of the Shangri-
La), barely a moment went by without there being a
creature of some kind in sight. Most looking forward to
the whale shark excursion, the group set out – a little
nervous, extremely excited, and unsure exactly what
to expect – on-board the dive boat. Snorkel in hand
and ready to jump in on cue, the first was spotted
within minutes, as the boat crew stamped their feet on
the top deck to signal for us to get in.
Having tried and failed a number of times to swim
with the beautiful beasts before, I could hardly believe
my luck so soon. We saw a total of three altogether,
swimming so close you could reach out and touch
them, although it isn’t advisable, for their safety more
than yours. They are gentle natured and extremely
docile, and have no taste for human flesh, so the
trip is totally safe for youngsters, and no previous
experience is required. An other-worldly experience,
we swam alongside the third and largest (which was
around 26 ft) for at least 15 minutes, uninterrupted.
Home to the whale shark conservation charity, the
staff were incredibly knowledgeable about their
subject, their excitement still evident despite doing
this day in, day out.
After days of languishing on the sand, enjoying
fresh fruit cocktails, wine, fine food and a taste of
decadence almost unimaginable, it was time to return
home. Having flown business class with Turkish
Airlines, I knew the opulence would last a little longer,
or at least until touchdown at Heathrow. With a short
stopover in Istanbul, we planned, and succeeded,
in making full use of the airport lounge’s incredible
facilities. It’s a destination worth seeing in itself with
its numerous food stalls, cinema, play areas, and
the décor and service of a five- star hotel. We were
already planning which pastries to select for the pit
stop (the vanilla custard-filled filo was a hit on the way
out). With a slightly longer transit slot going home,
we fitted in a short city tour of Istanbul, a wonderful
bonus to finish off what was already the trip of a
lifetime. So accustomed was I to the Conrad way, that
come Monday morning (and the chores of shoes and
Oyster cards) that a return to office life was almost
unbearable. No cocktails on command? No tea-time
turtle spotting? No pool-aide on hand to brush off my
lounger? Like a fish out of crystal clear water.
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 111

for all
seasons
Located at a crossroads, the Swiss resort of Andermatt is a gateway to the north,
south, east and west, connecting three separate Alpine passes and providing a
wealth of seasonal luxury and skiing excellence for families and sporting enthusiasts
WORDS: Eliza Bainbridge
Nestled amid the crisp peaks of
the Swiss Alps, Andermatt is fastbecoming
one of the most soughtafter
alpine destinations in the world.
The Andermatt Swiss Alps resort,
both a luxurious ski escape and an
exclusive year-round destination, has the feel of a
high-end designer hotel, coupled with the exclusivity
of a sumptuous private residence.
There are three stunning passes,
all easily accessible virtually
from your front door, which offer
excellent skiing – the Oberalp
Pass to the east, the St Gotthard
Pass to the south and the Furka
Pass to the west, not to mention
the Valley of Göschen to the
north. Previously occupied and
utilised as a training base for the
Swiss army, development in the
area had been limited; however
since the army scaled back their
operations in 2009, Andermatt has
grown into an increasingly popular
tourist destination, appealing
to ski enthusiasts during winter
and walkers or bikers in summer,
all who revel in its unspoiled
landscape.
The village at Andermatt has
retained much of its charming
Swiss character but now offers hotels, chalets and
some exemplary real estate. The inaugural hotel,
The Chedi Andermatt, opened this December and
is so luxurious it was hard to leave to set-off on the
slopes; it effortlessly combines alpine living with
modern luxury, with wood detailing throughout and
awe-inspiring views of the mountains beyond, framed
in the clever wood-panelled windows. All the rooms
are furnished with huge baths (perfect for soaking
tired muscles), king-size beds and cosy seating
areas, while log fires, and vast leather sofas dotted
throughout the hotel create intimate spots for a
Andermatt has grown into an
increasingly popular tourist
destination, appealing to ski
enthusiasts during winter and
walkers or bikers in summer
warming drink and reflection on the day’s skiing.
While one could easily spend all day appreciating
the view from the comfort of the stunning hotel,
we decided we’d be crazy not to venture out onto
the slopes. You can’t fault the location; in the heart
of the alps, Andermatt is very well-positioned and
benefits from excellent snowfall. Crisp, white powder
and some challenging and beautiful skiing trails
made for a great day and its
variation and size of slopes offer
something for every level. Plans
for the future involve upgrading
and expanding the two ski regions
Andermatt and Sedrun to deliver
over 120 kilometres of pistes.
After a few falls, several stops
to admire the view and lunch at
the charming après–ski bar, we
decided to retire to The Chedi
Spa which offers year-round
pampering and relaxation. For
those less-inclined towards
massages but still looking to
unwind, the stylish wine and cigar
room or cheese cave, showcasing
a delicious array of local artisanal
cheeses made for a great way to
while away a couple of hours.
If all the charm of Andermatt
becomes so intoxicating you
fancy yourself as a more
permanent resident, there are a number of real estate
investment opportunities too, with 490 apartments
and 25 chalets, ranging from a modest 95m 2 to an
impressive 621m 2 . With the addition of more hotels
in the future, and an 18-hole golf course, there are
clearly big things on the horizon for Andermatt, but
it’s encouraging that, even with the already extensive
scale of development, the rustic feel has been
retained and the air of privacy preserved. Equally
encouragingly, while it is evident everywhere that
luxury has clearly been made a high priority, it hasn’t
been at the cost of the environment. Sustainable,

Weekend Break | travel
NEED TO KNOW:
Getting there
To Zurich:
EasyJet, British Airways, SwissAir
and KLM fly direct from London
To Milan:
EasyJet and Alitalia fly direct from London
There is also access to an airfield for private
aircraft in Buochs (airportbuochs.ch), which is
only 45 minutes from Andermatt.
In the area
Lucerne is located on the way to Andermatt
from Zurich, just 45 minutes from the city and
within easy reach of the alpine village. It is the
perfect place to stop en-route to Andermatt
Swiss Alps or to visit for a day trip.
completely car-free and constructed in the most
environmentally-conscientious manner, green clearly
also made the brief.
Property owners will have access to the hotels,
restaurants, lounges, bars and wellness centres, and
most enticingly of all, Andermatt Swiss Alps is the
only resort in Switzerland with exemption from the
Swiss federal law ‘Lex Koller’. This means that non-
Swiss buyers do not face the usual legal restrictions
when purchasing or selling real estate. Just one
more reason to make Andermatt your permanent
alpine retreat.
D thechedi-andermatt.com
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 113

THE Directory
Whether you want to dine or drink, to purchase gorgeous gifts and stylish outfits, to
keep fit or to be pampered, the City is home to a wealth of amenities
Collection
Bachet
12 The Courtyard
020 3405 1437
bachet.fr
Boodles
2 & 3 The Courtyard
Royal Exchange
020 7283 7284
boodles.com
Bulgari
15 The Courtyard
Royal Exchange
020 7283 4580
bulgari.com
Ernest Jones
Unit 3, Plantation Place
020 7929 4491
ernestjones.co.uk
Goldsmiths
186-190 Bishopsgate
020 7283 6622
goldsmiths.co.uk
Gucci
9 Royal Exchange
020 7623 3626
gucci.com
HermÈs
12-13 Royal Exchange
020 7626 7794
hermes.com
Links of London
27 Broadgate Circle
020 7628 9668
linksoflondon.com
Health &
Grooming
Ajala Spa
10 Godliman Street
020 7074 1010
www.ajalaspa.com
Barber Express Ltd
14 Devonshire Row
020 7377 5485
barberexpress.co.uk
Chequers Beauty Salon
53-54 Leadenhall Market
020 7283 3047
chequersbeauty.co.uk
City Health & Fitness
Club London
Grange City Hotel,
8-10 Cooper’s Row
cityhealthclub.co.uk
Elysium Spa
21 Old Broad Street
020 7256 8624
elysiumfortytwo.co.uk
Essential Therapy
39 Whitefriars Street
020 7353 1895
essential-therapie.co.uk
Fetter Barbers Ltd
144 Fetter Lane
020 7702 3553
fetterbarbers.com
F Flittner
86 Moorgate
020 7606 4750
fflittner.com
Nicholson & Griffin
74 Cannon Street,
020 7489 8551
nicholsonandgriffin.com
Optix
175 Bishopsgate
020 7628 0330
optixuk.com
Smilepod bank
studio
Leadenhall Market
off Fenchurch Street
18-20 Cullum Street
020 7836 6866
smilepod.co.uk
Ted’s Grooming
Room
120 Cheapside
020 7367 9932
tedsgroomingroom.com
The Harley
Medical Group
Marc House
Great Street
0800 022 3385
harleymedical.co.uk
The Private Clinic
107 Cheapside
0800 599 9911
theprivateclinic.co.uk
Tower Bridge
Health & Fitness Club
47 Prescot Street
020 7959 5050
grangehealthclubs.com
Home & BeaUTY
Artisan Fine Art
35 Royal Exchange
020 7929 5656
artisangalleries.com
dermalogica
One New Change
013 7222 5537
dermalogica.com
Jo Malone
24 Royal Exchange
08701 925131
jomalone.co.uk
Kiehls
Unit 14/15,
Royal Exchange
020 7283 6661
kiehls.co.uk
Ligne rosset
7-39 Commercial Road
020 7426 9670
ligne-roset-city.co.uk
Molton Brown
27 Royal Exchange
020 7621 0021
moltonbrown.com
OLIVER BONAS
One New Change
020 7248 3152
oliverbonas.com
Paul A Young
Fine Chocolates
20 Royal Exchange
020 7929 7007
paulayoung.co.uk
Montblanc
10-11 Royal Exchange
020 7929 4200
montblanc.com
London City Runner
10 Ludgate Broadway
020 7329 1955
londoncityrunner.com
Virgin Active
5 Old Broad Street,
0845 270 4080
virginactive.co.uk
Penhaligon’s
4 Royal Exchange
020 7623 3131
penhaligons.com

1 Lombard Street Hawksmoor Guildhall Copa de Cava Sushisamba
Fashion
Agent Provocateur
5 Royal Exchange
020 7623 0229
agentprovocateur.com
Church’s
28 Royal Exchange
020 7929 7015
church-footwear.com
Crockett & Jones
25 Royal Exchange
0207 929 2111
crockettandjones.com
Harrys of London
18 Royal Exchange
020 7283 4643
harrysoflondon.com
Hugo Boss
One New Change
020 7332 0573
hugoboss.com
Karen Millen
One New Change
020 7236 3635
1-2 Royal Exchange Buildings
020 7626 2782
karenmillen.com
L.K. Bennett
One New Change
020 7236 4711
lkbennett.com
Loro Piana
2-3 Royal Exchange
020 7398 0000
loropiana.com
Paul Smith
Unit 7, The Courtyard
Royal Exchange
020 7626 4778
paulsmith.co.uk
Bars &
restaurants
1 Lombard Street
1 Lombard Street
020 7929 6611
1lombardstreet.com
1901 at andaz hotel
40 Liverpool Street
020 7618 7000
andazdining.com
Anise Bar
9 Devonshire Square
020 3642 8679
cinnamon-kitchen.com
Anohka Indian
Restaurant St. Pauls
4 Burgon Street
020 7236 3999
anokha-indian.com
Anthologist
58 Gresham Street
0845 468 0101
theanthologistbar.co.uk
Balls Brothers
11 Blomfield Street
020 7588 4643
ballsbrothers.co.uk
Bar Battu
48 Gresham Street
020 7036 6100
barbattu.com
Brasserie Blanc
60 Threadneedle Street
020 7710 9440
brasserieblanc.com
Caffé Concerto
One New Change
020 7494 6857
caffeconcerto.co.uk
cAMino San PABLo
33 Blackfriars Lane
020 7125 0930
camino.uk.com
Chez Gerard
14 Trinity Square
020 7213 0540
chezgerard.co.uk
Cinnamon Kitchen
9 Devonshire Square
020 7626 5000
cinnamon-kitchen.com
CoPA de Cava
33 Blackfriars Lane
020 7125 0930
cava.co.uk
Fora Restaurant
34-36 Houndsditch
020 7626 2222
forarestaurants.co.uk
Grand Café
The Courtyard,
Royal Exchange
020 7618 2480
royalexchange-grandcafe.co.uk
GrAPPolo
1 Plough Place
020 7842 0510
grappololondon.com
Hawksmoor Guildhall
10-12 Basinghall Street
020 7397 8120
thehawksmoor.com
Haz Restaurant
Plantation Place
6 Mincing Lane
020 7929 3173
hazrestaurant.co.uk
High Timber Restaurant
8 High Timber Street
020 7248 1777
hightimber.com
Madison Restaurant
2 New Change
020 8305 3088
madisonlondon.net
Mint Leaf Lounge
12 Angel Court
020 7600 0992
mintleaflounge.com
Piccolino Restaurant
11 Exchange Square
020 7375 2568
individualrestaurantcompanyplc.co.uk
Prism
147 Leadenhall Street
020 7256 3888
Restaurant
Sauterelle
The Courtyard, Royal Exchange
020 7618 2483
sauterelle-restaurant.co.uk
Searcys
ChAMPAgne Bar
One New Change
020 7871 1213
searcyschampagnebars.co.uk
SushisAMBA
Floors 38 and 39
Heron Tower
020 3640 7330
sushisamba.com
Vertigo 42
Tower 42, Old Broad Street
020 7877 7842
vertigo42.co.uk
JANUARY 2014 THE CITY 115

LONDON Homes&
PROPERTY
S 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
Covering Wapping, Shad Thames, Shoreditch, Islington & The City
New Year, New Tactics
With house prices continuing to rise,
the experts say where and when to invest
Bathtubs by Catchpole & Rye
catchpoleandrye.com

KnightFrank.co.uk
The Heron,
City EC2Y
Brand new apartment
Brand new studio apartment to rent in the City.
Accommodation comprises separate bedroom
area, bathroom suite, spacious reception and
kitchen area, and a balcony with superb views.
EPC rating B. Approximately 38 sq m ﴾408 sq ft﴿
Available furnished
Guide price: £590 per week
Wapping Lettings
KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings
wappinglettings@knightfrank.com
020 8166 5366
﴾WAQ189121﴿
Bezier Apartments,
City EC1Y
Outstanding views
Amazing tenth floor apartment located in this
popular 24 hour portered development.
Accommodation comprises one bedroom, one
bathroom suite, an open plan kitchen and
reception room, porcelain flooring with under
floor heating, comfort cooling, private balcony
and good storage. EPC rating B. Approximately
63 sq m ﴾678 sq ft﴿
Available furnished
Guide price: £625 per week
Wapping Lettings
KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings
wappinglettings@knightfrank.com
020 8166 5366
﴾WAQ134788﴿

KnightFrank.co.uk
Woodseer Street,
Shoreditch E1
Immaculately presented
Modern first floor apartment to rent in this
great location in Shoreditch, moments from
Brick Lane, comprising two bedrooms, one
bathroom, a fully fitted open plan kitchen
and reception room, wooden floors and good
storage. EPC rating B. Approximately 55 sq m
﴾593 sq ft﴿
Available furnished
Guide price: £475 per week
Wapping Lettings
KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings
wappinglettings@knightfrank.com
020 8166 5366
﴾WAQ189493﴿
New Crane Wharf,
Wapping E1W
Charming warehouse
conversion
Enormous third floor apartment to rent in
central Wapping. Accommodation comprises
two bedrooms, two en suite bathrooms and
guest WC, reception room with dining area,
kitchen and balcony with spectacular river
views. EPC rating C. Approximately 186 sq m
﴾2007 sq ft﴿
Available part furnished
Guide price: £850 per week
Wapping Lettings
KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings
wappinglettings@knightfrank.com
020 8166 5366
﴾WAQ186149﴿

KnightFrank.co.uk
Royal Tower
Lodge, Tower Hill
E1
Penthouse Collection
Nine brand new two and three bedroom
penthouses and sub penthouses atop an
existing building. All apartments have terraces.
Sizes range from 805 sq ft to 1141 sq ft ﴾all sizes
approximate.﴿ Anticipated rental yield of
approximately 4.5% Limited parking spaces
available to buy separately. Completion
expected Q4 2014
Leasehold
Prices range from £645,000 to £850,000,
subject to contract
KnightFrank.co.uk/Wapping
wapping@knightfrank.com
020 8166 5371
﴾WAP130126﴿
China Court,
Wapping E1W
Top floor duplex flat
A super flat on the top two floors of a purpose
built block, part of the popular Quay 430
development in west Wapping, boasting two
bedrooms, two bathrooms, a reception room
with access to terrace, separate kitchen, guest
cloakroom, garage and a hard standing
parking space. EPC rating D. Approximately 97
sq m ﴾1048 sq ft﴿
Leasehold
Asking price: £630,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/Wapping
wapping@knightfrank.com
020 8166 5371
﴾WAP130195﴿

KnightFrank.co.uk
Chart House, Isle
of Dogs E14
Two bedroom apartment
A sub penthouse apartment located on the
seventh floor in the sought after riverside
development of Burrells Wharf. 2 bedrooms, 2
bathrooms, reception room, kitchen, terrace,
parking, concierge. EPC rating C.
Approximately 76 sq m ﴾818 sq ft﴿
Leasehold
Guide price: £575,000
Canary Wharf Sales
KnightFrank.co.uk/canarywharf
cwharf@knightfrank.com
020 3641 6112
﴾CNW130188﴿
Ontario Tower,
Fairmont Ave E14
One bedroom apartment
A large one bedroom apartment located on
the 24th floor of a popular portered
development. Bedroom, bathroom, reception
room, kitchen, concierge, leisure facilities,
parking. EPC rating D.
Approximately 91 sq m ﴾979 sq ft﴿
Leasehold
Guide price: £625,000
Canary Wharf Sales
KnightFrank.co.uk/canarywharf
cwharf@knightfrank.com
020 3641 6112
﴾CNW130174﴿

KnightFrank.co.uk
York Mansions, Battersea SW11
Four bedroom park facing apartment
Located on the 1st floor, it is one of the largest park facing units on Prince of Wales Drive and
offers excellent lateral living space. 4 bedrooms, 1 to 2 reception rooms, kitchen, 2 refurbished
bathrooms, balcony. EPC rating D. Approximately 183 sq m (1,970 sq ft)
Share of freehold
Guide price: £2,750,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/battersea
battersea@knightfrank.com
020 3597 7670
(RVR130114)

KnightFrank.co.uk
Clapham Common
Northside, SW4
Beautiful green views
An impressive Victorian house beautifully
presented situated in a highly sought after
residential area facing Clapham Common.
5/6 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, double
reception room, upstairs living room/
bedroom 6, kitchen/dining room, cinema
room, wine store, utility room, garden. EPC
rating D. Approximately 280 sq m (3,014 sq ft)
Freehold
Asking price: £2,250,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/wandsworth
wandsworth@knightfrank.com
020 7768 0993
(WND130320)
Dorlcote Road,
Wandsworth SW18
Wonderful views
Light and spacious semi-detached house
offering good family accommodation
throughout with uninterrupted views over
Wandsworth Common. 5 bedrooms, 3
bathrooms (1 en suite), kitchen/breakfast/
family room, reception/media area, cloakroom,
storage, 75ft south facing garden. EPC rating D.
Approximately 226 sq m (2,439 sq ft)
Freehold
Guide price: £2,400,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/wandsworth
wandsworth@knightfrank.com
020 7768 0993
(WND090019)

We are
kn ght
frank
Residential Sales and Lettings.
Visit our office at 353 Upper Street
to find out more, or call 020 3641 6138.
KnightFrank.co.uk/islington

homes
&
property
expert comment
LETTINGS:
Off to a flying start
SALES:
No time like the present
GARY HALL, REGIONAL PARTNER AT KNIGHT FRANK
IN WAPPING, COMMENTS ON THE TRENDS IN THE
RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS MARKET
JOANNA HEATON, ASSOCIATE AT KNIGHT FRANK
IN WAPPING, COMMENTS ON THE TRENDS IN THE
RESIDENTIAL SALES MARKET
After a slower than normal start to the
winter months, the rental market has
picked up pace with some momentum.
The rush to find a rental property before
Christmas was no different in 2013, with
applicants leaving it until the last minute
before deciding to move. As with previous
years, we fully expect the first quarter of
the new year to be full of activity.
The luxury lifestyle development
market continues to grow, with The Heron
apartments (just moments from Moorgate) completed at the end
of 2013. Towering at 38 storeys, The Heron apartments offer
not only extremely high specification units with all the latest
gadgets, but the development also benefits from a well-equipped
gym, a very smart private residents’ bar/restaurant, excellent
24 hour concierge and a communal roof terrace. It’s an ideal
home for a corporate tenant.
Over the past few years, the majority of investment
properties in new build schemes in central London have sold to
rental investors from South East Asia where the appetite for
property has been extremely strong. This has continued but
we’ve also observed that an increased number of The Heron’s
new landlords, are from the UK and other parts of the world.
This is a positive sign for the investment market in London.
Additionally, the number of corporate tenants renting through
the Wapping & City office via relocation agents has increased
significantly over the past six months, showing there is renewed
confidence in the City job market. Although RPI reduced again
at the end of 2013, activity levels continue to increase. If these
conditions remain, we should start to see rental prices rise in
line with the increased demand as we move through 2014. •
2013 saw prices soar and demand far
outweigh supply. It was an exciting year
for property owners watching their
assets grow and culminated in many
people staying for another Christmas
in their homes. This was frustrating for
buyers as they were forced to stay put
too. Throughout the year, many buyers
remained hopeful that the high prices
being achieved would translate in to
growing stock levels, but this didn’t happen
and as a result many now have their hopes pinned on the fruits of
spring 2014.
With the new year comes fresh momentum to the market
around the City, Wapping and Docklands, a momentum that will
open doors to people wanting to trade up or away, and first time
buyers will be able to make their first step on to the ladder.
Lenders are keen and the demand for properties in East
London is at an all-time high. Government intervention schemes
have helped build confidence, and first time buyers are registering
with record high budgets and never have we seen so many
families wishing to buy long term homes in and around the City.
Our message to property owners considering a sale is this - the
time is now!
The international spotlight is on residential property in this
part of London and the eastern City fringe is seeing an enormous
amount of new development. The international acclaim is drawing
people from across the Globe to parts of London they had not
previously been aware of. Knight Frank Residential Research
explores the “ripple effect” of price growth out of prime central
London in its autumn 2013 ‘London Review’, available at
knightfrank.co.uk.
Knight Frank Wapping and Canary Wharf wish The City
Magazine readership and all of our neighbours and clients a very
happy and prosperous New Year. Please do call us if you would
like a free market appraisal or any advice regarding the sale or
purchase of property in this area. •
Knight Frank Wapping
020 7480 6848
knightfrank.co.uk/wapping
Knight Frank Wapping
020 7480 6848
knightfrank.co.uk/wapping
125

savills.co.uk
LETTINGS
LAYOUT
ONLY
1
A TRULY OUTSTANDING HOUSE IN IMMACULATE CONDITION
st. paul street, n1
2 bedrooms ø double reception room ø 2 bathrooms ø landscaped garden
ø 124 sq m (1,336 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=D
Savills Islington
Libbi Hattersley
lhattersley@savills.com
020 7354 6701
Unfurnished
£695 per week + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply*
*£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/guarantor reference where required. Inventory check out fee – charged at the end of or early termination
of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.

One New Year
resolution we can
help you keep:
Move.
The New Year market is here. Opportunities are out there.
So, if you’re considering a move, Savills can provide a powerful
mix of local knowledge, national relevance and global scale.
Buying, selling, renting or letting, talk to Savills now.
Savills Canary Wharf
4 Westferry Circus
E14 4HD
020 7531 2500
Savills Islington
94 - 96 Upper Street
N1 0NP
020 7226 1313
Savills Wapping
Unit 1 Execution Dock House
E1W 2NE
020 7456 6800
savills.co.uk

sOld
ebuRy Mews, n5
guide £1.55 Million
sOld
ARdilAun RoAd, n5
guide £1.5 Million
sOld
AllinghAM RoAd, n1
guide £1.2 Million
sOld
AbeRdeen PARk, n5
guide £1.15 Million
sOld
RiPPlevAle gRove, n1
guide £1.15 Million
sOld
bARnsbuRy stReet, n1
guide £1.1 Million
sOld
gibson squARe, n1
guide £1.1 Million
sOld
highbuRy CResCent, n5
guide £999,999
sOld
de beAuvoiR RoAd, n1
guide £825,000
sOld
Roseleigh Avenue, n5
guide £750,000
sOld
eAst stAnd, n5
guide £430,000
sOld
ellington stReet, n7
guide £395,000

sOld
toweR wAlk, e1w
guide £3.5 Million
sOld
sAndeRling lodge, e1w
guide £2.68 Million
sOld
PieR heAd, e1w
guide £2.25 Million
sOld
CinnAbAR whARf eAst, e1w
guide £1.5 Million
sOld
PAn PeninsulA west, e14
guide £1.45 Million
sOld
disCoveRy doCk west, e14
guide £1.2 Million
sOld
globe whARf, e14
guide £1.15 Million
sOld
MillhARbouR, e14
guide £1.1 Million
sOld
RivieRA CouRt, e1w
guide £825,000
sOld
wAteRMAn wAy, e1w
guide £775,000
sOld
belgRAve CouRt, e14
guide £699,000
sOld
PoRt eAst, e14
guide £540,000
savills.co.uk

let
ivoRy house, e1w
guide £2,350 PeR week
let
siR John lyon house, eC4v
guide £2,250 PeR week
let
PAn PeninsulA, e14
guide £1,700 PeR week
let
exeCution dok house, e1w
guide £1,250 PeR week
let
Ability PlACe, e14
guide £1,195 PeR week
let
AnChoRAge Point, e14
guide £925 PeR week
let
steRling MAnsions, e1
guide £795 PeR week
let
CAnARy RiveRside, e14
guide £590 PeR week
let
gulliveRs whARf, e1w
guide £525 PeR week
let
PieRPoint building, e14
guide £450 PeR week
let
gun whARf, e1w
guide £425 PeR week
let
ontARio toweR, e14
guide £425 PeR week
let us be the big difference to your property success in 2014.

homes
&
property
INSIDER KNOWLEDGE
JANUARY 2014
Richard Pine-Coffin, DIRECTOR OF RESIDENTIAL AT JONES LANG LASALLE, SHARES HIS KNOWLEDGE OF THE
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET
What advice would you give to people
considering subletting their London
properties?
There are a number of important factors
to consider when seeking to let out a
property and a competent agent will
be able to offer a potential landlord
personal advice as every case is
different. However, there are a number
of base considerations to be addressed.
A landlord has an obligation to ensure
the safety of their tenant, which is to include supplying regular upto-date
gas and electrical safety checks and to ensure all furniture
conforms to the required fire safety standards. In addition, any
legal obligations of the owners must be given all due consideration
especially in respect to freeholder or third party interests in the
property, including insurers and mortgage providers. It is now a
requirement to provide an energy performance certificate (EPC) to
tenants. Once a tenancy is agreed the utilities within the property
will need to be transferred into the name of the tenant and this will
include the council tax. Check this matter with your agent who may
well organise this on your behalf.
Whilst much is dependent on the landlord’s residency and status,
professional independent tax advice should be sought in order to
provide a full understanding of the landlord’s tax liabilities. This
is especially important for overseas landlords as their agent will
be responsible to retain a proportion of the rental income for tax
purposes unless provided with a Non-Resident Landlord Exemption
certificate.
Not all landlords wish to be involved in the day-to-day business
of running an investment property and it is worth discussing a
full management service with an agent. This may include advice
on furnishing and preparing the property for the market, which is
expected to assist in the long-term occupation of the investment.
You must ensure the agent is a member of the Association
Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) or similar accredited body in order
to ensure a professional and qualified approach to your investment.
What are, if any, the positives to renting over home ownership in
London’s current property market?
Property ownership does not suit everyone, which is clearly
evident in the demand that remains in the rental market for
property of all sizes and types. A short term six or 12-month
lease provides flexibility to the occupier and is particularly
attractive to corporates seeking accommodation for staffing
purposes. The tenant is not responsible for the maintenance
of the property and is therefore provided with piece of mind
and a relatively-fixed monthly budget. Not everyone has access
to or wishes to commit the large capital sums associated with
ownership or the associated responsibility of such. •
Richard Pine-Coffin
Jones Lang LaSalle
020 7337 4002
residential.joneslanglasalle.co.uk
131

Sales
The Heron, EC2 - From £3,600,000
Rising above the square mile, the Panoramic Collection are residences without compromise. Created with a singular intention; to be the
finest residences in the City of London, each property is an example of the finest in luxury living. The large, open living areas of each
residence are equally suited to relaxing or entertaining guests, spectacular dual aspect views are offered by the floor to ceiling windows.
Kitchens are equipped to the highest standard and private balconies provide a natural extension to the living space. The Panoramic
Collection features exceptional amenities, including a concierge service, a private club, a landscaped garden terrace and state of the art gym.
16-17 Royal Exchange, London, EC3V 3LL royalsales@eu.jll.com

Lettings
020 7337 4000
joneslanglasalle.co.uk
Tenant agency fees: £240 inc VAT administration fee per property, £48 inc VAT referencing fee per Tenant/Guarantor
Altitude, E1 - £500pw
A brand new 1 bedroom apartment situated on the 13th floor of
the brand new Altitude development. The apartment is offered
fully furnished and boasts double bedroom with fitted wardrobes,
fitted kitchen with Siemens appliances, reception and South/East
facing balcony.
The Heron, EC2 - From £450pw
A stunning selection of suites, 1, 2 & 3 bedroomed apartments in
this sought after development, in the heart of The City. The Heron
boasts an outstanding specification complete with smart home
technology, comfort cooling, on-site gym, concierge and exclusive
resident’s club. Furnished to a high standard.
Britton Apartments, EC1 - £625pw
A contemporary styled 2 bedroom apartment in a modern
boutique development. This luxury apartment is offer fully
furnished with 2 double bedrooms and two bathrooms. Situated
on a quiet street located within the heart of The City, benefiting
from nearby Zone 1 transport links.
Avant-Garde, E1 - From £365pw
A stunning selection of brand new studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroomed
apartment in the heart of Shoreditch. The apartments are
offered fully furnished and boast wood flooring, fitted kitchens
with Siemens appliances and contemporary bathrooms. Benefits
include 24 hour concierge and on-site gymnasium.
royallettings@eu.jll.com

Beyond your expectations
www.hamptons.co.uk
Merino Court, EC1V Leasehold £625,000
A contemporary one bedroom house with balcony and parking.
St. Mark Street, E1 Share of Freehold £1,175,000
A superb 2 bedroom top floor duplex in Aldgate with parking. EPC: C
The Heron, EC2Y Leasehold £629,000
A stunning west-facing Galley Suite with a balcony in The Heron. EPC: C
Topham Street, EC1R Leasehold £799,950
A beautifully presented two bedroom flat with west-facing terrace. EPC: C
Exchange Building, E1 Leasehold £975,000
A superb 2 bedroom duplex penthouse with terrace and parking. EPC: C
Gough House, EC4A Leasehold £1,695,000
A spectacular 3 bedroom City apartment in a listed building. EPC: D
Hamptons City Office
Sales. 020 7717 5435 | Lettings. 020 7717 5437

Neckinger Mills, SE1 £1,795,000 Leasehold
A three bedroom warehouse apartment, situated on the second floor
within a gated character filled development. EPC: C
Empire Square East, SE1 £1,250,000 Leasehold
A fabulous penthouse apartment with a terrace benefiting from sweeping
skyline views of London’s most prominent landmarks. EPC: D
Eagle Wharf, SE1 £925,000 Leasehold
A two double bedroom, two bathroom warehouse apartment in the heart of
Shad Thames. EPC: B
South Bank, SE1 £10,500,000 Leasehold
A stunning, four bedroom penthouse apartment in arguably the most
desirable block on the South bank. EPC: C
Cayenne Court, SE1 £625,000
A one bedroom apartment with two bathrooms on the second floor in a
fully portered, central Shad Thames development EPC: B
Wapping, E1W £2,000,000
A 1,597 sq ft three bedroom, three bathroom apartment in this popular river
fronting developmente. EPC: B
Hamptons Tower Bridge Office
Sales. 020 7717 5489 | Lettings. 020 7717 5491

Beyond your expectations
www.hamptons.co.uk
Mitre Street, EC3 £548 per week (charges apply*)
Two double bedroom apartment in this superbly located period block
conversion in the heart of the City of London. EPC: D
Barbican, EC2 £340 per week (charges apply*)
First floor studio apartment located in a popular block within the Barbican.
EPC: D
West Smithfield, EC1 £445 per week (charges apply*)
An excellent one bedroom apartment in the heart of historic Smithfield.
EPC: E
Portsoken Street, E1 £495 per week (charges apply*)
A well presented two bedroom apartment in this small, well kept City
Development, moments from Tower Hill. EPC: C
Lamb Street, E1 £450 per week (charges apply*)
A newly refurbished two bedroom apartment in the heart of Spitalfields.
EPC: C
High Timer Street, EC4 £795 per week (charges apply*)
Spacious two bedroom top floor apartment in this popular riverside
development in the heart of the City. EPC: C
Hamptons City Office
Lettings. 020 7717 5437 | Sales. 020 7717 5435
*Tenant Charges Tenants should note that as well as rent, an administration charge of £216 (Inc. VAT) per
property and a referencing charge of £54 (Inc. VAT) per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask
us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit www.hamptons.co.uk/rent/tenant-charges

New Concordia Wharf, SE1 £1,200 per week (charges apply*)
Two bedroom Duplex Penthouse with open plan kitchen to reception room
with terrace and river views. EPC: E
New Concordia Wharf, SE1 £825 per week (charges apply*)
Superb warehouse conversion with refurbished kitchen and bathrooms,
exposed brick, beams, wood flooring and balcony with river views. EPC: C
Sandpiper Court, E1W £750 per week (charges apply*)
Fantastic two double bedroom apartment with wood floors, balcony
overlooking the beautiful St Katharines Dock. EPC: B
Gallery Lofts, SE1 £625 per week (charges apply*)
Superb two bedroom apartment with additional mezzanine sleeping area,
open plan recessed kitchen and views towards the River Thames. EPC: C
Admirals Court, SE1 £550 per week (charges apply*)
Two bedroom duplex apartment located in the heart of Shad Thames.
Benefiting from two balconies and separate kitchen. EPC: E
Butlers Wharf, SE1, £325 per week (charges apply*)
Stylish studio apartment situated in a prestigious development in Shad
Thames boasting wood floors and exposed brickwork. EPC: B
Hamptons Tower Bridge Office
Lettings. 020 7717 5491 | Sales. 020 7717 5489

Beyond your expectations
www.hamptons.co.uk
Paget Street, EC1
A fabulous 4 storey flat fronted, three bedroom period terrace house in a residential road
in central Islington just off St. John Street in EC1. This family house has a subtle blend of
contemporary finishes with period detailing. On the raised ground floor there is a double
reception room featuring period fireplaces. To the rear there is a south-west facing patio
garden. EPC: D
£1,295,000 Freehold
• Period house
• Reception room
• Open plan kitchen/dining
• Three bedrooms
• Two bathrooms
• South west facing garden
Hamptons Islington Office
Sales. 020 7717 5453 | Lettings. 020 7717 5335

Rocliffe Street, N1
An attractive Victorian house over four floors on a no through road in Angel. This period
property has been tastefully renovated throughout and has retained much of its period
charm. The living space comprises a very comfortable double reception room on the first
floor with three bedrooms and two contemporary family bathrooms on the upper two
floors. On the lower ground floor is a beautiful open plan kitchen diner with French doors
leading into the garden. EPC: D
£1,595,000 Freehold
• Victorian house
• Reception room
• Open-plan kitchen-diner
• Three bedrooms
• Two family bathrooms
• Rear arden

Capital Wharf, West Wapping E1W
ea2 are pleased to be able to offer this top floor 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment. The apartment benefits from having a balcony and Juliet style balcony
from the reception. The master bedroom incorporates a balcony and a four piece en-suite bathroom. Separate integrated kitchen with granite work surfaces.
guest shower room. The development has a residents gymnasium, 24 hour porterage / security and a secure underground parking. Close to St Katharine’s
Dock and Tower Hill Stations.with en-suite bathroom. Further family bathroom. Garden. Garage. Close to St Katharine’s Dock and Tower Hill stations.
£815,000
ea2 Estate Agency Heritage Court | 8-10 Sampson Street | Wapping | London E1W 1NA
t: 020 7702 3456 | f: 020 7702 9168
www.ea2.co.uk | property@ea2group.com

Tequila Wharf, Limehouse E14
ea2 are pleased to offer for sale this modern built 1 Bedroom 3rd Floor apartment. Open plan lounge and kitchen. Balcony with west facing
views towards London and over canal. Porter. Close to Limehouse Stations and local Bus Routes.
£370,000 Leasehold
ea2 Estate Agency Heritage Court | 8-10 Sampson Street | Wapping | London E1W 1NA
t: 020 7702 3456 | f: 020 7702 9168
www.ea2.co.uk | property@ea2group.com

Providence Tower £3.45 million Leasehold
One of the finest properties in the Shad Thames area. A 2,500 sq ft duplex penthouse featuring magnificent views from two
private terraces. EPC C
Butlers Wharf, Shad Thames, SE1 £899,950 Leasehold
Recently refurbished to an exacting standard, a beautifully presented one bedroom apartment with views over the Thames and
Tower Bridge.
Spice Quay £1.75 million Leasehold
Norfolk House, EC4V £2,400,000 S/F
A two bedroom apartment offering a luxurious and ultra-modern One of living the finest space apartments in Shad Thames’ in the smartest City of building.
EPC B
London.

Butlers Wharf, Shad Thames, SE1 £899,950 Leasehold
Recently refurbished to an exacting standard, a beautifully presented one bedroom apartment with views over the Thames and
Tower Bridge.
A
of
Proud Winners
at the
Estate Agency of the Year
2013
Leeside Curlew Court, Street, SE16 Shad Thames, Norfolk SE1 £2,200,000 House, EC4V Freehold £2,400,000 S/F
two superb bedroom freehold apartment property of great One quality of the which finest combines apartments the edgy, in the urban City of style
measuring a warehouse 785 conversion sq ft, with the London. practicality of a five bedroom house.

Altitude Point E1
£380 and £750 per week
Superb I One and three bedroom apartments I Balconies
13th and 14th floors I City Views
Furnished
Pear Tree Street EC1
£675 per week
Newly built I Interior designed I Two bedroom apartment
Two balconies I Concierge
Furnished I EPC B
Avant Garde Place E1
from £395 per week
Selection of studios I One and two bedroom apartment
24 hour conciere I Gym I Wi-Fi lounge
Furnished
Vine Hill EC1
£1,250 per week
Unique duplex penthouse I Three double bedrooms
Two terraces
Furnished I EPC C
Sales 020 7250 1012
Lettings 020 490 1122

HURFORD SALVI CARR
Furnival Street EC4
£625,000
Outstanding I One bedroom apartment I Newly refurbished
Moments from Chancery Lane
512sqft/48m2 I EPC C
Kingsway Place EC1
£890,000
Former school conversion I Two bedroom apartment
Day porter I Parking I Duplex
920sqft/85m2 I EPC D
Dallington Street EC1
£895,000
Two double bedroom apartment I 2nd floor
Sought after Clerkenwell location
948sqft/88m2 I EPC B
Brewery Square EC1
£1,520,000
Stylish I Three bedroom house I Kitchen/breakfast room
Double reception room I Secure parking I 24hr Porter
1,353sqft/126m2 I EPC D
hurford-salvi-carr.co.uk

WE HAVE THE
EXPERIENCE,
DETERMINATION
& KNOWLEDGE
TO JOIN THE DOTS...
connecting the right buyer
or tenant to your property
Our ‘LONDON PRIME
MARKET MONITOR‘
tracks sales values
and evaluates ‘supply
and demand’ statistics
during the quarter
Local know-how. Better results.

Our 184 negotiators
have perfected the
right balance in their
approach, so you enjoy
the experience and get the
results you want.
LANDLORDS IN LONDON
CHOOSE TO RENT THEIR
PROPERTIES WITH US
‘PROFESSIONAL’ was the
word most frequently used
to describe our service in
recent feedback. ‘Friendly’,
‘knowledgeable’ and ‘helpful’
were other words that came
up time and time again

UNIQUE HOMES, UNIQUE SERVICE, UNIQUE PEOPLE
A tailored service from Langford Russell, John Payne & Acorn for distinctive and exclusive homes
By Langford Russell
Hill Brow, Bickley, kent Br1
£1,595,000 F/H
Stunning six bedroom detached house on an exclusive private road within walking distance of Elmstead Woods and Bickley stations offering direct
links into central London. Arranged over three floors, accommodation comprises three reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, six bedrooms and
five bathrooms. Further benefits include rear garden and integral garage. Energy Efficiency Rating C.
Please contact our Bromley office for more information: Tel: 020 8315 5544 Email: bromley@langfordrussell.co.uk
CoPErs CoPE road, BECkEnham, kEnT Br3
£950,000 F/H
Langford Russell are delighted to offer to the market this fantastic detached residence located on one of Beckenham’s most popular roads. Downstairs
the property comprises grand entrance hallway, modern kitchen with utility area, lounge with parquet flooring, dining room, conservatory and mature
landscaped gardens. Upstairs benefits a galleried landing, five bedrooms and a family bathroom. Energy Efficiency Rating E.
Please contact our Beckenham office for more information: Tel: 020 8663 4433 Email: beckenham@langfordrussell.co.uk
Offices Across South East London & Kent
UNIQUE is a Specialist Division of Langford Russell, John Payne & Acorn
www.uniquepropertiesuk.com
www.langfordrussell.co.uk
www.acorn.ltd.uk
www.johnpayne.com

space
HIGH LEVEL
L I V I N G
Lincoln 3 Bedroom
PL AZA APARTMENTS FROM £625,000
A stunning collection of exclusive
3 bed apartments averaging 920 sqft
5 minutes from the heart of Canary Wharf
• Rising 31 levels, majority
with balcony or winter
garden.
• Many with panoramic views
• Exclusive lifestyle facilities
including health spa, gym
and private cinema.
• Secure underground
parking. †
• Fabulous 4 storey
communal winter garden
and roof terrace.
NEW SALES & MARKETING SUITE NOW OPEN
020 8418 3637
LincolnPlaza@galliardhomes.com
galliardhomes.com
Authentic apartment view.
† Parking at additional cost.
Spectacular apartments
in a stunning location
with panoramic views
over Canary Wharf.
A cosmopolitan new village on
Greenwich riverside with on-site
Waitrose, restaurants, shops & bars.
Exclusive new apartments and
penthouses. 2 bedroom prices from
£450,000 with 5% deposit scheme
available.
Sales Office & Marketing Suite Open 7 Days
020 7620 1500
sales@galliardhomes.com
galliardhomes.com
Ready now. It doesn’t get any better.

A brand new range of 1, 2
& 3 bedroom contemporary
apartments offering the
qualities of village life in the
heart of Greenwich.
Village life
in the City
Just minutes From
canary WharF and the city
• Innovative and striking
architecture
• Superb specification
throughout
• Eco-friendly credentials
• Acres of parkland including
the fabulous Peninsula
Ecology Park
• Great transport connections,
only 1 stop from Canary Wharf
First homes will be ready for
occupation from Winter 2014
For the latest availability
and prices, contact us noW!
www.gmv.gb.com 020 8305 2712 Marketing Suite open every day 10am-5pm
Greenwich Millennium Village is a joint venture between Countryside Properties and Taylor Wimpey in association with the Mayor of London.

homes
&
property
PROPERTY NEWS
LANDSLIDE VICTORY
Hamptons International’s Islington Office takes home
three awards at the Estate Agency of the Year Awards
Hamptons International’s Islington Office is
celebrating following their success at the recent
Estate Agency of the Year Awards, where they
gained three highly prestigious industry accolades.
The company took home the Best Large Agency
award for the second year running, while its Islington Office also
scooped the Gold prizes for the newly launched categories of Best
Negotiator and Best Valuer.
As one of the most prestigious events in the industry calendar,
the Estate Agency of the Year Awards attracts agents from
more than 5,000 offices across the country, making this a huge
achievement for Hamptons International and its Islington Office.
Grant Bates, Negotiator at Hamptons Islington was named Best
Negotiator in the UK after he impressed judges with a written
entry and phone interview. Bates was recognised for providing a
proactive end-to-end service, whereby the sale is the final piece of
the puzzle.
Daniel O’Brien, another member of the talented team at
Hamptons Islington, was recognised as the Best Valuer. Judges
were impressed with O’Brien’s commitment to the business and
the results he’s achieving for his clients. Specifically O’Brien was
recognised for having built a collaborative environment with a
culture of sharing ideas, which leaves buyers and vendors rest
assured that they are in safe hands and he does so in an extremely
competitive patch.
Andy Gillon, director at Hamptons International Islington
said: “Grant and Dan are extremely motivated and hardworking
individuals. The results that they both produce are nothing short
of outstanding. While this industry recognition is an amazing
achievement, it is also 100 percent deserved. We are extremely
proud of them.”
With over 140 years of experience, Hamptons International
maintains a strong commitment to industry innovation and
delivering exceptional customer service. This recent industry
recognition reaffirms their position as a leading residential estate
agent and property service organisation.
Hamptons International’s headquarters are in London’s Mayfair;
however the company has an international network of more than
85 offices, which offer a wealth of knowledge and a vast range of
services including UK and International Sales, Lettings, Property
Management, Corporate Services, Residential Development,
Development Land, Valuation and Property Finance. •
Hamptons Islington Office
020 7717 5303
hampton.co.uk
154

Red Lion Lane | Woolwich Common | London | SE18 4AS
Style. Elegance. History
JUST RELEASED
Montague Mews is the next exciting new release at The Academy.
This collection of just 14 newbuild homes and apartments nestles
within the heart of this magnificent development.
With a high specification and the finest contemporary design
throughout, this really is the perfect address for combining
modern living in an unrivalled historical setting.
• 2 bedroom from £315,000 • 3 bedroom from £430,000
DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS EXCITING NEW PHASE, CONTACT US TODAY!
Marketing Suite and Showhomes open Friday - Monday 11.00am - 5.00pm (Sunday 4.00pm)
Christmas Opening Hours: Closed from 23rd December, reopens 3rd January
Visit our website to keep up to date with new releases:
www.theacademywoolwich.co.uk or call: 020 3689 7868