Upfold Construction Ltd has been established for over 15 years and is a domestic builder providing services throughout Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire. Located in Cranleigh we are perfectly placed to offer a total building service to those clients seeking a local, professional and reliable builder. We carry out all aspects of building from extensions, renovations to a complete home refurbishment. Our expertise allows us to provide you with a complete package of design, planning, building and finishing. We are aware this is your home and will work closely with you throughout the entire project enabling you to achieve your dream home.
Both James Upfold, our Managing Director, and the company are members of the Chartered Institute of Building guaranteeing we are committed to giving quality of product, services and integrity of conduct. Concern for your needs as our client is paramount.
To find out more please call
email info@upfoldconstruction.co.uk or visit www.upfoldconstruction.co.uk
FROM THE EDITOR
Visit RHS Garden Wisley from 5-9 November for a delightful shopping experience. Craft In Focus returns with two spectacular events that are sure to kickstart your Christmas shopping or treat yourself to something special. RHS Garden Wisley will be the setting for the immensely popular Desire Jewellery and Silversmithing Fair, running concurrently with a Contemporary Craft Fair.
Nestled just behind the Dog & Fox in the heart of the Village, Wimbledon Village Stables is more than just a place to ride horses! It’s a vibrant and long-standing part of the local community, where people connect through a shared love of horses, nature, and giving back.
With roots in the Village stretching back generations, WVS is a warm and welcoming hub for horse lovers of all ages and abilities. While riding lessons are a major part of the stables’ activities, what sets WVS apart is its deep commitment to community and charity.
Organisers of Guildford Book Festival have announced the lineup for the 2025 event, taking place in venues across the Borough and beyond, until 19 October. Now in its 36th year, highlights of this year’s programme include legendary chef Raymond Blanc sharing insight into the garden-to-table ethos he has pioneered at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons; former Foreign Secretary and Surrey MP - Sir Jeremy Hunt, discussing why he thinks it’s now or never for Britain to be great again.
Faye Manning Editor
EDITOR FAYE MANNING
EDITOR ASSISTANT KATIE MILLER
SUB EDITOR NICHOLAS PETER
FASHION EDITOR HAZEL ENGLANDER
ACCOUNT MANAGER ANITA HILL
DESIGN & PRODUCTION LISA WADE
ACCOUNTS TRACEY HALLS, ANDREE GEORGIOU
SALES JAMES MARSHALL
DIRECTORS RORY SMITH, PATRICK SMITH
11, 14, 18, 21 & 28 OCTOBER
EARLY MORNING AUTUMN PHOTOGRAPHY
Join our exclusive early morning photography, and enter the arboretum at 8am before normal opening hours.Enjoy the calm and quiet atmosphere of Winkworth, with uninterrupted views of the beautiful autumn landscape. See the leaves transform from green into vibrant red, yellow and orange. Booking is required. Winkworth Arboretum, Hascombe Road, Godalming GU8 4AD
THE CALENDAR
3 NOVEMBER
GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL GUIDED TOURS
Join our knowledgeable Guides for a Guided Tour exploring The Cathedral, an iconic Grade II* listed building. Tours are charged at £6.50 per person. Please allow up to an hour for your visit.
Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7UP
26 OCTOBER
HALLOWEEN WIZARDS AND WITCHES
Dare to join us for Halloween activities and a spooky trail around the grounds. Ideal for younger children. Themed activities in Gatton Hall. Will you risk the Bone-to-Pick trick or treat. Gatton Hall tearoom open for refreshments. 12-5pm.
Online booking at gattonpark.co.uk.
Gatton Park, Rocky Lane, Reigate, Surrey RH2 0TW
14 OCTOBER
AUTUMN AFTERNOON ALL WEATHER RACING- RACING UNDER AUTUMN SKIES
Celebrate the spooky season with an afternoon of sport. Join us for an afternoon of horse racing in October, and enjoy the Autumn air at the trackside with your favourite people. October horse racing brings new seasonal challenges for jockeys and horses, having to navigate the changing elements and how that impacts the track. Cheer on your favourites as they race toward a win.
Lingfield Park Racecourse, Racecourse Road, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6PQ
25 OCTOBER - 2 NOVEMBER
OCTOBER HALF TERM FUN: THE SECRET LIFE OF PUMPKINS
This October half term head to RHS Wisley for pumpkin-packed fun! Enjoy live carving demos, creepy crawlies, spooky secrets and autumnal games. Discover the Pumpkin Buffet and join a magical, hands-on Halloween adventure for the whole family!
Oxted Musical Theatre Company are performing Annie from 4th to 8th November at 7.30pm with a 2.30pm Saturday matinee. The beloved musical based on the comic strip Little Orphan Annie follows the optimistic orphan Annie as she navigates life during the Great Depression, eventually finding a new family with billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Featuring iconic songs like Tomorrow and It’s the Hard-Knock Life. Barn Theatre, 25 Bluehouse Lane, Oxted, Surrey RH8 0AA
UNTIL 23 NOVEMBER
PETER BROOKES: POLITICAL CARTOONIST OF THE TIMES
This exhibition features over 40 original cartoons by the awardwinning cartoonist for The Times, Peter Brookes. This remarkable collection of works in ink and watercolour covers the major political events and figures from the last 18 months.
Watts Gallery, Down Lane, Compton, Surrey GU3 1DQ
18 OCTOBER
CYCLAMEN SOCIETY AUTUMN SHOW
Join us for an autumn show featuring the Cyclamen Society. Lovely displays and competition classes featuring rare and interesting autumn-flowering cyclamen. Plants and seeds for sale as well as books, photo displays, talks and friendly experts on hand to chat.
Celebrate the journey from plot to plate at RHS Garden Wisley with a weekend of gardening inspiration, delicious food and live entertainment. Explore the World Food Garden on guided tours, pick up seedlings and expert tips at the mini plant nursery market and enjoy seasonal flavours at the vibrant food and drink market. Head to the cookery theatre for live demos and talks from chefs and gardening experts and relax with live music each afternoon in the Butterfly Pavilion.
BEE*WITCHED –HALLOWEEN WORKSHOP! MAGIC OF BEES: RITUALS
This Halloween, step into a world where folklore, history, craft, and creativity meet… with the bees as our guides! As we pass through Samhain, we will blend the spiritual with the practical, exploring the timeless connection between humans and bees. A unique hands-on workshop. Together we’ll craft with sacred materials imbued with magic from the bees, and celebrate these mystical little beings.
The Wild Bee Company studio 9, Old Water Yard Curtis Road, Surrey RH4 1DY
PAD LONDON
PAD London is returning to its iconic location, Berkeley Square, in the heart of London’s affluent Mayfair district for its 17th edition.
Launched in 2007 as the first international fair dedicated to design in the UK, PAD London is the only fair in the UK exclusively dedicated to 20thC and Contemporary Design, taking place every October during Frieze. The prestigious fair will once again delight art and design lovers with a world-class selection of works bringing together an exceptional and innovative array of works by renowned artists and designers.
For 2025, PAD London will be showcasing a strong line-up of 67 international renowned galleries from 20 countries showcasing exquisite pieces spanning Contemporary and 20th Century Design, and Collectible Jewellery,
NEW EXHIBITORS: THE NEXT GENERATION
PAD London is welcoming 11 exciting new galleries led by bold young dealers energising the design world through their fresh perspective and playful new modes of storytelling. These dynamic new talents assert PAD London’s unwavering
commitment to fostering and promoting the prolific evolution of design in all its forms.
CONTEMPORARY DESIGN EXHIBITORS
World-class contemporary design galleries will return to PAD London with a strong line-up of international creatives, many of whom will present ground-breaking pieces that combine masterful craftsmanship with invention and pioneering concepts.
HISTORIC DESIGN EXHIBITORS
Leading global experts in the field of 20th century design will present rare collectible pieces, some of which are available for sale for the first me. With many staging imaginative dialogues between works from various eras and cultures, this year’s edition will offer a rare opportunity to discover works by legendary and forgotten masters.
JEWELLERY EXHIBITORS
Collectible jewellery has gained huge momentum at international art fairs, a genre supported by PAD since its inception in 2007. Seven visionary contemporary and high-jewellery galleries will enhance this exceptional gathering of collectable objects. Many of the exhibited pieces will challenge conventional expectations about jewellery through improbable material combinations and imaginative designs.
All coming together to offer an exceptional panorama of the most coveted and iconic works available on the market today.
THE DETAILS
For more details and to purchase tickets visit pad-fairs.com
Follow the fair on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn @padesignart #PADLondon
Clockwise from top left: Garden Whispers collection by Andrea Nassar. Image courtesy of PIKD and PAD London; Muschelblumen By Max Ernst, 1928.
of
Posh Pawn and the Rise of Modern Luxury
When Posh Pawn first hit TV screens, it offered a fascinating glimpse into a world few had seen before—where Ferraris, fine art, and luxury watches were traded at the counter of a pawnbroker. Fast forward to today, and the demand for high-end goods has never been stronger, with Prestige Pawnbrokers continuing to sit at the heart of this booming market.
the watch became the key to unlocking liquidity while allowing the client to retain ownership of a treasured heirloom.
Fine jewellery continues to tell stories of its own. From antique diamond rings with rich family histories to elegant Cartier bracelets, these pieces are being redefined as wearable investments. Today’s market prizes not just sparkle but provenance, with heritage brands and unique designs commanding particularly strong demand. Then there are luxury handbags, a category that has exploded in recent years. Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags, once seen as rare indulgences, are now investment staples—some outperforming traditional assets like gold. With waiting lists stretching years, many collectors turn to the resale market, where prestige pawnbroking provides both access and assurance of authenticity.
What keeps Posh Pawn so compelling is how it brings these global trends to life through personal stories. Every Rolex, diamond ring, or designer handbag comes with a client navigating today’s fast-moving luxury landscape. For some, pawnbroking provides quick liquidity; for others, it’s a way to realise the hidden potential of their collections, whether needing a loan or simply selling.
Prestige Pawnbrokers has redefined the industry for the modern era, showing that pawnbroking is no longer just about necessity—it’s about recognising luxury items as both treasures and tangible assets.
Website:
prestigepawnbrokers.co.uk
Onlines store: shopprestige.com
Stores
Guildford
Take, for instance, a Rolex Daytona that recently came through the doors. Originally purchased decades ago to mark a milestone achievement, the watch had been carefully looked after, complete with its original box and papers. The owner, now looking for short-term funding for a business venture, wasn’t ready to part with it forever. Our specialists recognised the Daytona’s rarity— its pristine dial and limited-edition reference number placed it firmly in the realm of serious collectors. Valued well into the tens of thousands,
164-166 High Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3HW Tel: 01483 694019
Heart of the Community, Powered by Horses returns – a sponsored fancy dress ride across Wimbledon Common. Expect costumes, laughter, and plenty of four-legged fun, all in support of a good cause.
Nestled just behind the Dog & Fox in the heart of the Village, Wimbledon Village Stables is more than just a place to ride horses - it’s a vibrant and long-standing part of the local community, where people connect through a shared love of horses, nature, and giving back.
With roots in the Village stretching back generations, WVS is a warm and welcoming hub for horse lovers of all ages and abilities. While riding lessons are a major part of the stables’ activities, what sets WVS apart is its deep commitment to community and charity. Over the years, the stables and its members have raised over £1 million for local and equine charities through everything from carol concerts, quiz nights and gala balls to sponsored rides.
This September, one of the most popular events
But you don’t have to ride to enjoy the benefits of being around horses. WVS offers sessions on its state-of-the-art Equicise horse simulator, which is open to all levels - from complete beginners to advanced riders wanting to improve their technique or confidence in a safe, controlled environment.
There are also new initiatives like “Horse Harmony” – gentle, unmounted sessions where people can spend quiet time brushing, bonding, and being with the horses. It’s a chance to slow down, reset, and enjoy the therapeutic presence of these gentle animals.
Whether you’re a lifelong equestrian or simply curious about the wellbeing benefits of being around horses, there’s something at Wimbledon Village Staples for everyone.
THE DETAILS
To find out more or get involved, visit: wvstables.com wvstables.com. equicise.co.uk 0208 946 8579
24 a/b High Street, Wimbledon SW19 5DX
Something you should hear: A celebration of trees at Painshill
As the season changes, Painshill’s collection of trees paints the historic landscape, providing a glorious display of ever-changing colour. This autumn, Painshill invites visitors to see this spectacle - and to hear their incredible stories.
One of the first landscape gardens to be Grade I listed, work on Painshill began in 1738 and its extraordinary journey over centuries is rooted in its trees. These ancient specimens stand as witnesses to history and are important protectors of biodiversity. They are essential for the air we breathe, and they soothe our minds as we spend time with them.
Over many centuries trees have inspired artists, writers, musicians and more, including Charles Hamilton (1704-1786), who designed Painshill as a living painting, intended to evoke the emotions of 18th century visitors.
Today’s visitors can experience more than 100 trees planted by Charles Hamilton, which have survived despite Painshill being lost for many years and rediscovered in the 1980s. These include The Great Cedar, which is now the largest multistemmed cedar in Europe; a Cork Oak, believed to be amongst the oldest in the UK, and a number of trees native to North America and made available
THE DETAILS
For further information and to book tickets: painshill.co.uk
in Britain at that time through a new scheme. Charles Hamilton also incorporated existing trees into his design. Still standing today are an oak which has been growing for at least 450 years and a series of ancient London Planes along the banks of the River Mole.
“Over many centuries trees have inspired artists, writers, musicians and more”
This autumn, the stories of these trees will be shared through a series of walks, talks, activities and special events, including creative sessions giving visitors of all ages opportunities to take inspiration from Painshill’s trees to make their own work.
Director of Painshill, Gary Topp, said: “This Autumn we are inviting you to enjoy visiting Painshill in a new way. Painshill is a landscape garden full of stunning trees and we wanted to find different ways of encouraging you to enjoy them- we are inviting you to listen as well as look!” Something you should hear: A celebration of trees at Painshill runs until 27 November 2025.
THE ALGARVE’S QUIET SEASON: Slow Living and Creative Indulgence at Four Seasons Fairways
When the summer crowds retreat and the Algarve settles into its gentler rhythm, a subtler side of Portugal’s southern coast comes alive. Bathed in soft light and stillness, this is a season of space, warmth and indulgence, cherished by locals and sought out by travellers who know the magic of visiting when life slows down. At the heart of Quinta do Lago, Four Seasons Fairways offers the perfect sanctuary from which to experience it all.
Through Autumn and into Winter, the Algarve reveals its quieter charms. The weather softens to a comfortable warmth, perfect for long walks, leisurely afternoons outdoors, and unhurried meals al fresco. Empty beaches stretch for miles, trails wind quietly through pine forests and the sunsets feel endless. With fewer crowds, every moment is easier, calmer, more indulgent.
At Four Seasons Fairways, that rhythm is woven into the very design. The villa-style accommodation balances the privacy of a retreat
with the thoughtful service of a boutique hotel. Spacious, beautifully appointed and complete with private pools or Jacuzzis, each home-from-home invites you to linger. It’s the kind of place where morning coffee on the terrace feels like a ritual and evenings can be as simple as preparing local produce in your own kitchen or letting someone else do the cooking entirely.
Wellness here is unrushed and deeply restorative. The indoor pool, sauna and serene treatment rooms are made for moments of reset, while yoga, Pilates and fitness classes are there when you crave movement. Nothing hurried, nothing forced. Food takes centre stage in this slower season. At VIVO, breakfast stretches into the day with seasonal fruit, fresh juices and expertly made coffee. Dinner at Amara feels quietly elegant, with refined takes on Portuguese flavours, panoramic views and
THE DETAILS
Seven nights at Four Seasons Fairways, staying in a two - or three-bed villa or apartment with swimming pool or Jacuzzi ranges from £1180 to £4408 on a selfcatering basis, based on travel in 2026.
fourseasonsfairways.com; visitalgarve.pt
wines from across the region. Beyond the resort, dining is a lingering affair, long seafood lunches overlooking the ocean, or wine-soaked evenings that unfold at their own pace.
This is also the perfect time for discovery. Nearby, Loulé Criativo invites you to step into the world of artisans: weaving palm and cane, crafting ceramics or jewellery, or learning how figs are transformed into delicate sweet and savoury creations. Wine lovers can join the grape harvest at Quinta da Tôr, while cultural explorers can wander the watermills of the Pólo Museológico da Água or the studios of the Palácio Gama Lobo, where creativity is celebrated in all its forms. And for those who prefer the outdoors, there are worldclass golf courses, peaceful boardwalks across the Ria Formosa, and endless coastal paths alive with migrating birds.
This season in the Algarve isn’t about doing more, it’s about feeling more. It’s time to embrace space, breathe deeper and rediscover the pleasure of simple things: a sunset glass of wine, a handmade keepsake, or the quiet luxury of a day lived entirely at your own pace. At Four Seasons Fairways, every detail is designed to let you sink into that rhythm. The Algarve’s quiet season lingers long in memory, an invitation to slow down, savour, and return to what matters most.
WINKWORTH ARBORETUM & CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN
As the season moves from summer to autumn, there’s lots to look forward to at two distinct National Trust outdoor properties and a unique fourteenth century cottage in Surrey.
Autumn colour at Winkworth Arboretum: Until mid-November
It’s during the autumn season that Dr Wilfrid Fox’s vision of ‘painting the landscape with trees’ comes to life. As the seasons moves from summer to autumn the many trees, he planted slowly change from verdant greens to dazzling displays of colour. Hawthorns, Enkianthus, Sorbus, Stewartias and Acers light up this wooded valley with pockets of colourful fruits, leaves, and stems but the main vista must be the extended view from the meadow across the lake to take in The Bowl and Oak Bank.
Early morning autumn photography:
Tuesday mornings in October plus Saturday 11 Oct and Tuesday 4 November
They are opening their gates early for an opportunity to capture the arboretum’s autumn hues with morning photography sessions. Limited to just a 25 people, budding photographers and social media content creators will have exclusive access to the arboretum with a chance to work their magic on capturing the atmosphere and views of this special place.
“During the autumn, the trees slowly start to change, creating wonderful goldenbrown views from across the lake and down from the top of the amphitheatre”
The Squirrels who squabbled:
Saturday 6 October – Sunday 6 Noember
This Autumn at Winkworth Arboretum, join two greedy squirrels on a fun-filled family trail as they learn to share in this rhyming adventure through the trees.
Fungi Fun with Sarah Shepley:
Various dates in October and November
Autumn is fungi season. What kind of slimy, surprising, and spectacular fungi will you discover around Winkworth? Join our expert fungi spotter Sarah Shepley for this fun walk around the Arboretum.
Autumn at Claremont Landscape Garden: Until mid-November
Embracing many of the traditions of British landscape garden design, the serpentine lake, elegant vistas, grotto and natural-looking treescapes all feature at Claremont. During the autumn, the trees slowly start to change, creating wonderful golden-brown views from across the lake and down from the top of the amphitheatre. Visit for morning walks with the dog, meet-ups with friends and family or join a guided walk.
Forest Bathing
Wrap up warm and come and visit Forest Bathing when Winkworth is at its most sensory finest. Breathe in the fresh air and touch the tress and soil, listen to the sounds of nature and soak up the view. It’s the perfect opportunity to slow down, destress and reconnect with nature.
Soothing Sea Views and Coastal Calm at Watersmeet Hotel
If the sound of the sea, expansive coastal views, and leisurely breakfasts overlooking the surf sound like your ideal escape, then Watersmeet Hotel in North Devon is your perfect retreat. Nestled above the sands of Combesgate Beach, this boutique coastal haven offers uninterrupted views of the Atlantic, direct access to the shore via a private path, and a refined, adults-friendly ambiance. With just 28 individually styled rooms – many boasting private terraces facing the ocean – it’s the perfect setting for a romantic break or a relaxing week by the sea. The hotel’s intimate spa includes an indoor pool, steam room, hot tub, and a peaceful treatment space offering expert massages and facials – all designed to help you truly unwind.
EXCEPTIONAL DINING WITH A VIEW AT WATERSMEET HOTEL
Watersmeet offers two distinct dining experiences to suit the mood of your day. For a relaxed bite after time spent on the sand, our laid-back Palms Restaurant is the ideal choice. In the evening, our acclaimed two AA Rosette Rocks Restaurant presents a more refined menu, showcasing the best of North Devon’s produce – from fresh seafood
and locally sourced meats to seasonal vegetables –all accompanied by panoramic views of the surf.
Afternoon Tea is something of a tradition at Watersmeet – and with good reason. This is Devon, after all. Whether enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the waves, in our elegant lounge, or even as a picnic-style hamper, it’s a generous affair. Expect delicate finger sandwiches, homemade cakes, and freshly baked scones served warm with clotted cream and jam – the perfect indulgence after a coastal walk or a morning by the sea.
THINGS TO DO
When it’s time to explore, take our private path down to Combesgate Beach – a peaceful cove perfect for a swim or paddle. Just along the coast lies Barricane Beach, famed for its exotic shells and clear waters, ideal for a quiet seaside escape.
For those who enjoy walking, Watersmeet is a dream base. The surrounding area is rich in scenic trails managed by the National Trust, including dramatic routes to Morte Point and Baggy Point – offering sweeping coastal views and a true sense of North Devon’s wild beauty. Book at watersmeethotel.co.uk/book/offers
“Afternoon Tea is something of a tradition at Watersmeet – and with good reason. This is Devon, after all. Whether enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the waves, in our elegant lounge, or even as a picnicstyle hamper, it’s a generous affair”
Visit RHS Garden Wisley from 5-9 November for a delightful shopping experience. Craft In Focus returns with two spectacular events that are sure to kickstart your Christmas shopping…or treat yourself to something special.
RHS Garden Wisley will be the setting for the immensely popular Desire Jewellery and Silversmithing Fair, running concurrently with a Contemporary Craft Fair.
Prepare to be enthralled by an array of original and inspiring contemporary crafts. From fine art and textiles to furniture, interior accessories, ceramics, fashion, glassware, sculpture, and metalwork – there’s something for everyone with an appreciation for UK designer crafts and art.
In the adjacent exhibition hall at RHS Hilltop, visitors will find a stunning collection of contemporary jewellery and stylish silversmithing work available for purchase. It is the perfect opportunity to find unique pieces or discover an exceptional gift for someone special.
One of the standout features of these events is the commitment to showcasing the work of exceptionally talented British makers. You will not find any imported or mass-produced items here; instead, you will be treated to the finest craftsmanship and originality that the UK’s designer makers and artists have to offer. This dedication to promoting contemporary UK work sets these events apart, ensuring that you’re
Craft In Focus
Two Exciting Shopping Events Await You at RHS Garden Wisley this November. Save up to £5 With Advance Tickets!
getting something truly unique and supporting professional, independent UK makers.
Whether you’re looking to indulge in some retail therapy, find a one-of-a-kind gift, or even commission a bespoke piece for a special occasion, you’ll enjoy a visit to these events. The picturesque backdrop of RHS Garden Wisley, with its surprising winter colours, adds to your shopping experience.
Plan your visit between 10 am and 4 pm on weekdays or from 9 am to 4 pm at the weekend. Admission to the garden gives access to both events, making it a fantastic day out. Book in advance and save!
THE DETAILS
For more information about these events, visit craftinfocus.com. The venue address is RHS Garden Wisley, Nr Woking, GU23 6QB. For additional details, including admission prices to RHS Garden Wisley, please visit rhs.org.uk/wisley.
The Watersmeet Hotel in Woolacombe, voted Best Waterside Hotel for UK & Ireland by Conde Nast Johansen’s 2024. Our 4 star Coastal Hotel could not be better located on the water’s edge. Luxury Balcony, Terrace Rooms & Suites all have private outdoor seating & sun loungers. Our 2 Rosette Restaurant offers dramatic sea views. from our unique cliff top location. Indoor and outdoor pool & spa.
3 Night Ramblers Package Offer Inclusions:
• Deluxe Sea View Room
• Dinner in Rocks Restaurant
• Full Devon Breakfast
• Devon Cream Tea voucher for two
£1100 inclusive
1 Night Luxury for Less
– Suite Offer Offer Inclusions:
• Luxury Suite with Sea View
• Dinner in Rocks Restaurant
• One bottle of champagne per stay
• Full Devon Breakfast
From £450 inclusive
LONDON RESTAURANT FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES EXCITING AUTUMN LINE-UP
Following a stand-out summer festival in June, London Restaurant Festival returns with an equally impressive lineup. With over 60 events, this Autumn’s festival celebrates a diverse array of chefs, cuisines and experiences across the Capital’s best restaurants.
Throughout October 2025. In partnership with American Express some of London’s latest restaurants with ‘Hottest New Openings’. From an immersion in Ukrainian cuisine at Sino to the latest Big Mamma restaurant Barbarella, each is sure to be a night not to be missed.
October sees a month of culinary delights and experiences, from classic London Restaurant Festival series including ‘Top Ten Cuisines’ and ‘Restaurant-Hopping Tours’ to a series of gastronomic masterclasses and themed events. Experience an exclusive evening of dining at
Marylebone will play host to a series of events this Autumn, offering a chance to explore this special corner of central London. Head to Marylebone Village for a Food and Drink tour of Moxon Street, famed for its independent specialist shops, from pioneering cheesemonger La Fromagerie to The Ginger Pig. Explore the streets of Portman Marylebone with their ‘Restaurant-
Hopping Tours’ in Seymour Place and New Quebec Street, offering guests the chance to try four different unique restaurants in one evening, from La Petite Poissonerie to Fire & Wine by Boxcar.
‘Top Ten Cuisines’ will once again highlight the impressive diversity of London’s dining scene, from Thai food with Sebby Holmes at Farang to Anthony Demetre at Wild Honey, each offering 4 special courses accompanied by a welcome glass of Gusbourne English sparkling wine.
Guests can explore the impressive culinary offerings in the Fleet Street Quarter, including a ‘Gourmet Odyssey’ around three of the area’s best restaurants, from Leydi to Chinese Cricket Club. Elsewhere, ‘Flavours of Japan’ will spotlight some of the best Japanese restaurants in the Capital, from Taka Marylebone to Noren Sake.
In addition to the already impressive line-up will be a series of unique ‘Festival Highlights’ exclusive to this Autumn. Head to pioneering gallery FRAMELESS for a tour of their latest exhibition, followed by a dinner at Jackson Boxer’s The Corner at Selfridges, or experience ‘The Best of the West End’, with a foodie tour including a cooking class at Jamie Oliver’s new cookery school on Oxford Street.
Throughout October, restaurant discovery and booking platform OpenTable will return with its ‘Festival Menus’. A variety of restaurants, including Frog by Adam Handling and Flesh and Buns, will be offering unmissable menus for every occasion throughout the capital,
created exclusively for London Restaurant Festival. Planning a speedy lunch, chic dinner, or a celebratory weekend meal with friends? there will be a Festival Menu for you!
Chris Wright, Managing Partner of LRF, says: “This year’s London Restaurant Festival once again celebrates the incredible diversity of London’s dining scene, with this year playing host to some of the most exciting events in 17 years of the festival.”
Whether it’s gaining a new skill or knowledge at one of the masterclasses, or experiencing a oneoff menu at one of London’s most talked about restaurants, this Autumn’s London Restaurant Festival is one not to be missed. londonrestaurantfestival.com
ABOUT LONDON RESTAURANT FESTIVAL
London Restaurant Festival is a city-wide celebration of the London restaurant scene and has been for the last 17 years. It stands as a key pillar in the dining events scene both for restaurants and American Express® Cardmembers, twice a year.
The festival was established to celebrate and reflect the phenomenally vibrant London restaurant scene through exclusive experiences that inspire people to visit as many restaurants as possible throughout June and October.
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Sets Sail with Striking Marine Art Collection This Autumn
Tucked within the cultural heart of London’s Covent Garden, one fine art gallery is preparing to unveil an evocative new exhibition that promises to transport visitors to the majesty of the sea. Known for curating works that marry classic aesthetics with contemporary resonance, the gallery is setting a distinctive tone this September and October with its seasonal theme: Marine Art Paintings.
The forthcoming showcase will feature a compelling selection of seascapes, maritime scenes, and nautical still lifes, capturing the raw beauty, mystery, and movement of the ocean. With works ranging from classical interpretations to modern abstractions, the collection reflects the timeless human connection to the sea – both as a source of inspiration and a force of nature.
Situated amidst the lively streets of Covent Garden, the gallery has built a strong reputation as the online destination for collectors, art enthusiasts, and tourists alike. Its rotating exhibitions continue to reflect a commitment to notable artists, offering carefully selected historical
works that resonate with depth and emotion.
The Marine Art theme aims to evoke not only visual intrigue but also an emotional journey. From tranquil coastal harbors to storm-tossed vessels, the paintings on display invite viewers to explore the varying moods of maritime life. Each piece has been thoughtfully curated to contribute to a cohesive narrative – one that honors the legacy of marine painting while embracing fresh artistic perspectives.
In a season where London begins its quiet transition into autumn, this marine-inspired exhibition serves as both an escape and a reflection. Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in the rich textures and dynamic brushstrokes that bring the ocean to life on canvas.
The gallery’s Marine Art exhibition can be viewed online from early September through the end of October, with select works available for acquisition. Art lovers can expect an intimate and inspiring encounter with one of nature’s most powerful elements – seen through the eyes of gifted contemporary artists.
To discover the latest arrivals or to arrange a private viewing, visit the gallery or reach out to the team for a personalised introduction to their everevolving collection.
“In a season where London begins its quiet transition into autumn, this marine-inspired exhibition serves as both an escape and a reflection”
CONTACT
DETAILS:
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD Covent Garden, London, UK
LINE-UP ANNOUNCED FOR GUILDFORD BOOK FESTIVAL 2025
Organisers of Guildford Book Festival have announced the line-up for the 2025 event, taking place in venues across the Borough and beyond, until 19 October.
Now in its 36th year, highlights of this year’s programme include: legendary chef Raymond Blanc sharing insight into the garden-to-table ethos he has pioneered at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons; former Foreign Secretary and Chancellor – and Surrey MP - Sir Jeremy Hunt, discussing why he thinks it’s now or never for Britain to be great again: acclaimed Royal biographer Robert Hardman shining a light on Charles III, the monarch and the man; much-loved Reverend Richard Coles with the latest novel in his Sunday Times bestselling series and TV personality Stephen Mulhern with top tips for young magicians.
Clare Mulley tells the incredible story of Agent Zo – her book shortlisted for the prestigious Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction – and Women’s
Prize Founder and bestselling author Kate Mosse shares her new Feminist History for Every Day of the Year. Judith Mackrell unveils the vibrant lives of Gwen and Augustus John, two visionary artists who helped shape early 20th-century art – but it would only be posthumously that Gwen’s work achieved significant recognition.
Andrew Morton examines the complex and enduring relationship between Winston Churchill and the House of Windsor, and Andrew Lownie explores the controversial lives of the Duke and Duchess of York.
The historic setting of Charterhouse School is the location for this year’s History Day, which features Valentine Low examining the political power of the monarchy; Daniel Swift on London’s first playhouse and the making of William
PRESTIGE HOME INSURANCE
At Vision Insurance, we have access to a number of Prestige Home Insurance policies, from our panel of insurers.
We can include cover for:
• Buildings
• Contents
• Art & Antiques
• Jewellery & Watches
Premiums for home insurance have generally increased over this past few years, with many insurers withdrawing from the market (including Home & Legacy etc).
At Vision, we can provide quotation options from our panel of insurers.
Please also speak with us regarding valuations for:
• Rebuild Cost Assessments
• Contents/Art/Antique valuations
Please contact our Private Clients team on 01276 850 544 or household@vision-insurance.co.uk
Premiums
PRESTIGE HOME INSURANCE
At Vision Insurance, we have access to a number of Prestige Home Insurance policies, from our panel of insurers.
We can include cover for:
• Buildings
• Contents
• Art & Antiques
• Jewellery & Watches
Premiums for home insurance have generally increased over this past few years, with many insurers withdrawing from the market (including Home & Legacy etc).
Please
At Vision, we can provide quotation options from our panel of insurers.
Please also speak with us regarding valuations for:
• Rebuild Cost Assessments
• Contents/Art/Antique valuations
Please contact our Private Clients team on 01276 850 544 or household@vision-insurance.co.uk
Shakespeare; Victoria Bateman sharing the untold story of how women made the world wealthy and Festival favourite Alison Weir discussing her latest novel about the secret life of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey.
This year’s Readers’ Day includes Sunday Times bestselling Milly Johnson and Ruth Ware, Costa Prize-winning Francesca Segal, acclaimed debutnovelist Joanne Rush and Lily Samson with her second book, Watch Me Watch You.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Lucy Foley will be in conversation with Sunday Times bestselling writer Heidi Perks at this year’s Literary Lunch.
“Maz Evans, author of hugely popular children’s books, will be discussing her first novel for adults, That’ll Teach Her”
Maz Evans, author of hugely popular children’s books, will be discussing her first novel for adults, That’ll Teach Her.
Award-winning writer Peter Ross uncovers the mysteries of Britain and Ireland’s ancient sites, Luke Sherlock shines a light on the treasures that are England’s Forgotten Churches, and Patrick Galbraith encourages us to rethink our relationship with the countryside.
Mike Berners-Lee asks why, when we have the technology available to us for a cleaner and healthier future, we are still accelerating into a polycrisis of environmental and social strife? And campaigner and activist Kwajo Tweneboa exposes our housing emergency and calls for action to rebuild.
Renowned theatre and opera director Stephen Unwin explores how people with learning disabilities have been understood and misunderstood - inspired by his own experience of being a father to a son with severe learning disabilities.
Accompanying its programme of events for readers, each year Guildford Book Festival runs a series of events to support budding writers.
Rachel Marsh returns with her ever-popular Creative Writing Course; authors Alice Fowler, Ally Sherrick, Louise Morrish, Sarah Hegarty and Jo Foat will provide tips on how to get published, and local author Alice Fowler will also lead a Nature Writing Workshop at Hatchlands Park.
This year’s children’s programme is bigger than ever before and features interactive events with Alex Milway, Amanda Wood, Helen Peters, Peter Brown and more.
In The Last Bard, superstar author Maz Evans takes younger readers on a whirlwind tour of Shakespeare’s greatest hits and their modern equivalents – in a hilarious, anarchic show for 7 to 12 year olds.
Guildford Book Festival Director, Alex Andrews, said: “We’re delighted to be back for our 36th year with a programme that has something for everyone – and with more events for youngers readers than ever before.”
“We’re also really excited to be presenting events at new venues this year – Guildford High School and Charterhouse – giving our audiences even more choice.”
Guildford Book Festival is grateful to its sponsors, Martin Grant Homes and Cressive DX.
The 2025 Guildford Book Festival takes place until 19 October at venues across the Borough and beyond. Tickets are now on sale. For further information and to book tickets: guildfordbookfestival.co.uk
Extended until the end of 2025, due to popular demand.
New York’s award-winning restaurant and aperitivo cocktail bar, Dante, collaborated with Claridge’s Restaurant for a month-long residency in June. Now following high demand, the 5-star Mayfair hotel is proud to extend their residency until the end of 2025.
Dante Takes Claridge’s brings the vibrant spirit of downtown Manhattan to the heart of Mayfair, serving its signature cocktails and nostalgic New York-inspired menu, alongside a delicious weekend brunch, delivered in true Claridge’s style. Founded over a century ago as an Italian café in Greenwich Village, Dante embodies the very essence of New York dining with impeccable cocktails and oldschool hospitality.
Taking centre stage in Claridge’s Restaurant and hotfooting from The Big Apple, is Linden Pride and Nathalie Hudson, the husband-and-wife duo behind Dante. They bring their legendary theatrical flair to Mayfair and introducing ‘Aperitivo Hour’ daily in bar.
Their cocktail menu includes signatures drinks, such as The Garibaldi with Campari and Dante’s famous ‘fluffy’ orange juice, the Dante Martini, Negroni Bianco, and even the Chocolate Negroni ‘fountain’, created with Botanist gin, Campari, Punt e Mes, crème de cacao and chocolate bitters.
As London steps out of summer and into the colder months, the Dante team look forward to introducing new seasonal dishes with an added twist of New York flair. Keep an eye out to see what ‘Fall’ deliciousness arrives on the menu, there are rumours of pumpkins aplenty, Toffee Apple Manhattans, Tiramisu Eggnog and Panettone
Negronis as we celebrate Dante’s favourite time of year!
“As London steps out of summer and into the colder months, the Dante team look forward to introducing new seasonal dishes with an added twist of New York flair”
A New York-style brunch is served on weekends, from stacks of Buttermilk pancakes and bacon, Banana bread with ricotta and honey, Huevos rancheros, corn tortilla, salsa verde, bacon, avocado and fried eggs.
Linden Pride, Dante Co-Founder, commented, “It’s a real pinch me moment to be in residence in Claridge’s, one of my favourite hotels in the world, and we can’t wait to welcome our London friends and family to raise a martini with us as Dante takes Claridge’s this summer.”
Dante Takes is available to book via claridges.co.uk
Claridge’s, Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 4HR
RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run 2025
Sunday, 2 November 2025
In true tradition, the Royal Automobile Club, in partnership with RM Sotheby’s, will be staging the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
Crowds can expect a magnificent spectacle with the rare opportunity to watch more than 400+ owners of prized pre-1905 horseless carriages embark upon a 60-mile journey from Hyde Park to the Sussex coast. Some will be petrolpowered; some run on steam - and there are even some electric models! Moreover, with an eye on the future, this year increasing numbers of the veterans are running on sustainable biofuels.
Also watch out for early bicycles, including high wheelers (‘penny farthings’) and motorcycles.
On leaving Hyde Park at 7am, the traditional starting point since 1936, the veteran cars head down Constitution Hill, passing Buckingham Palace and on to The Mall, before making their
way towards Westminster Square.
The veterans will then pass Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament – where 129 years ago the Locomotives on the Highway Act was passed to raise the speed limit for ‘light locomotives’ from 4mph to 14mph.
Once across Westminster Bridge, the route splits into two with half taking the traditional A23 direction via Kennington, Brixton and Streatham and the other half travels along Albert Embankment before heading across Clapham Common, then through Tooting and Mitcham.
The cars reunite on the A236 north of Croydon as they head south through Surrey to Sussex over the scenic South Downs, towards the finishing line on Brighton’s Madeira Drive.
The first vehicles are expected to arrive shortly after 10am. There are no prizes for being first but to be sure of a coveted finishers’ medal, participants need to make it to the seafront before the 4.30pm dusk curfew.
Watching the Run is a fantastic experience for spectators - the route ensures there are plenty of fabulous viewing spots for the many thousands of spectators who line the streets to wave the veterans on their way.
For more details, visit veterancarrun.com
“More than 400+ owners of prized pre-1905 horseless carriages embark upon a 60-mile journey”
CAKES & COCKTAILS FIT FOR A QUEEN
The Berkeley collaborates with Manolo Blahnik. Until 22nd March 2026
In celebration of the highly anticipated exhibition, Marie Antoinette Style at the V&A South Kensington – The Berkeley, Knightsbridge’s landmark hotel is collaborating with legendary shoe designer Manolo Blahnik on an exclusive ‘Cakes & Cocktails fit for a Queen’ menu.
Paying tribute to the most fashionable queen in history, the experience takes place in The Berkeley Bar’s pink-hued Snug, a secluded hideaway featuring a spectacular mural by New York-based artist TM Davy, depicting female faces with mysterious and knowing expressions – much like the secret discussions which took place in Marie Antoinette’s court at the Palace of Versailles during the 18th century.
Devised by The Berkeley’s Bars Manager Marcello Cauda, guests are invited to indulge in a curated selection of couture cocktails and refined mocktails. Detail and decadence are at the heart of the menu, encompassing a blend of the last queen of France and Manolo Blahnik’s favourite flavours.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Manolo’s Martini - Mr Blahnik’s favourite tipple, a timeless classic with Grey Goose vodka, Bergamot, Beeswax, and Orange Blossom, honouring Marie Antoinette’s daily ritual of bathing in orange blossom scented water
La Reine Privée with Toffee Vodka, Pisco, Apricot, White Chocolate, Orange, Almond and Croissant Air
The Versailles Spritz with Grey Goose Vodka, Provence Rosé wine, Lillet Blanc, Berry cordial, Jasmine, Coconut
La Dauphine’s Garden (also available as a mocktail) with Bombay gin infused with rose, St Germain Elderflower, Violet, Butterfly pea flower, Champagne
The menu is expertly paired with a seasonal collection of cakes. Blending elevated mixology and decadent desserts.
THE DETAILS
The experience in The Snug at The Berkeley Bar is bookable Monday to Sunday at 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm. Each timeslot is exclusive to a party – maximum size of 6 guests.
For more information and to book, please visit .the-berkeley.co.uk/restaurantsbars/the-berkeley-bar-andterrace/ the-berkeley.co.uk .manoloblahnik.com.
FASHION MEETS FLORA:
Kew’s Material World festival champions a greener future for fashion Temperate House, Kew Gardens, until 2 November 2025
This autumn, leading artists, awardwinning designers, and expert horticulturists will come together at Kew Gardens to stage a fashion revolution. Visitors will discover how plants and fungi are inspiring a new wave of sustainable design, with immersive installations, living gardens, community textile projects, and collections from some of the UK’s most exciting emerging designers.
Inspired by the rich resources which plants and fungi offer the clothing industry and bringing together global artists, award-winning designers and leading horticulturists, Material World is set to be London’s most innovative exploration of sustainable style. The festival aims to reshape perceptions of clothing and textiles, highlighting how everyday fashion choices impact biodiversity, climate, and the ecosystems that sustain life on earth.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Artist and environmentalist Nnenna Okore will create a bespoke commission formed from biodegradable materials including organic cotton, hessian and cheesecloth. Floating above Kew’s magnificent collection of rare and endangered plants, vast wing-like forms create an interactive spatial experience, inspiring reflection on ecological responsibility, and forging deeper connections between fashion, design, and the ecosystems that sustain us.
Award-winning garden designer Lottie Delamain celebrates the plants behind natural dyes and fibres in her living installation Global Threads. Transforming an octagonal chamber of the glasshouse, the creation invites visitors to explore the plant material contained within their own clothing. Global Threads showcases the wealth of resources available in the natural world to create a more sustainable fashion industry, celebrating the plants that create dyes and fibres, and reestablishing an often-lost connections between what we wear and what we grow.
London College of Fashion alumni debut new collections created from plants and fungi, curated by LCF students. The next generation of fashion designers presents a forward-thinking showcase of fashion created from plants, fungi, and natural materials. This display explores how the plant world can help the fashion industry achieve
sustainable style. Accompanying events offer fun and interactive ways for fashion enthusiasts, sustainability advocates and green-fingered visitors to further uncover how plants and fungi can drive sustainable change. From vibrant After-Hours events with DJs, poetry performances and costume performances, to talks on sustainable styling, hands-on workshops and demonstrations, Material World will reveal the stories within our wardrobes to inspire pioneering and positive change. For more information, visit kew.org
Lottie Delamain
Spirit Dance, Nnenna Okore
LAPADA Berkeley Square Fair 2025
28 October – 2 November Berkeley Square, Mayfair From Art Deco to Fine Jewels
The LAPADA Berkeley Square Fair returns to transform one of London’s most elegant squares into a must-visit destination for collectors, connoisseurs and the culturally curious in the run up to Christmas.
A highlight of the city’s luxury and cultural calendar, the Fair will host over 80 galleries and dealers, offering everything from jewellery and art to classic antiques.
This year’s marquee, designed by Adam Ellis Studio - known for its work with Annabel’s and The Savoy - will feature Carnival Bloom, a striking autumnal botanical design that sets the stage for the objects within. Alongside the Fair’s landmark partnership with Haute Jewels this year, visitors can explore…
Key Highlights
Alongside the Fair’s landmark partnership with Haute Jewels this year, visitors can explore Butchoff Antiques, known for museum-quality furniture, Koopman Rare Art’s fine collection of
antique jewellery and gold boxes, Whitford Fine Art showing work from Matisse’s pupil, Mildred Bendall, and discover Gladwell & Patterson, London’s oldest gallery, which joins the fair for the first time.
Jewellery and Watches
Koopman Rare Art (Jewels), one of the world’s leading dealers, will present exceptional antique jewellery. Watch specialist dealers Howard Walwyn and Timewise Vintage Watches present standout timepieces from 17th and 19th-century English to iconic models from Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin.
Furniture and Objects
BBC Antiques Roadshow regular Lennox Cato will showcase 18th and 19th-century English furniture, Jay Arenski will share unusual and eclectic pieces, and Hatchwell Antiques will present unexpected and astonishing items across aeronautical, optics, and classical.
100 years of Art Deco
To honour a century of the Art Deco movement - a style that epitomised glamour, geometry and modernity - the Fair will feature rare and iconic pieces including a Sèvres vase created for the 1924 Paris Olympics, and Meissen horse models by Max Esser (c.1928), presented by decorative arts specialist Serhat Ahmet. Other highlights include exquisite glassware by René Lalique, Daum and Schneider, M&D Moir and a very rare 1935 Monaco Grand Prix poster offered by AntikBar.
Timely and exquisitely curated, LAPADA Berkeley Square Fair remains a cultural highlight of the London art calendar - a place to discover the new and eclectic. Information and tickets visit lapadalondon.com
Antikbar, Monaco
FRembrandt painting to go on UK tour to promote ‘mindfulness’
By Rod Minchin
rom the grandeur of a Dorset mansion to the serene atmosphere of a Cheshire estate, a Rembrandt masterpiece is about to embark on an art tour with an unusual mission.
The National Trust is inviting visitors to slow down and discover the mental health benefits of engaging with the celebrated painting, Self-portrait wearing a Feathered Bonnet.
The tour begins at Kingston Lacy in Dorset this September and the painting will travel to Cheshire and Warwickshire before returning to its home, Buckland Abbey in Devon.
Several recent studies have shown that exploring art and heritage has the potential to improve people’s mental health.
The benefits can include helping to escape the mental trappings of day-to-day living, reduce stress, foster emotional resilience, and even spark feelings of inspiration and enlightenment.
While the mental health benefits of being in nature are widely known, the National Trust is encouraging people to discover how art and heritage can offer similar restorative effects.
The average museum or gallery visitor spends just eight seconds looking at each artwork.
The Trust is challenging that norm by offering seating and audio guides with meditative prompts that encourage viewers to linger with Rembrandt’s masterpiece.
The painting will be shown with room to allow people to focus on the work on its own, allowing space for uninterrupted contemplation.
“Slow looking is about more than just taking
your time,” said Amy Orrock, National Trust curator.
“It’s a way of being present, of noticing the details and the emotions they generate that might otherwise pass us by. You’re not just seeing –you’re feeling, thinking, connecting.
“This self-portrait is the perfect companion for a slow looking experience. It invites you to look closer, to wonder what Rembrandt was contemplating, and maybe to reflect on your own state of mind.
“One of the major goals of the National Trust’s strategy is to grow people’s access to cultural heritage and this is one way we are exploring that.
“It is a chance for us to understand what visitors enjoy in paintings like this and what information helps them to understand the artwork best.
“And whether a slow looking approach provides a welcome and mindful pause from the constant rush of life.”
The painting itself has a remarkable story.
Once thought to be the work of a follower, it was re-attributed to Rembrandt himself after extensive conservation and scientific analysis in 2013.
It is now recognised as one of the great treasures of the National Trust’s collection.
John Chu, senior national curator for pictures and sculptures, said: “Rembrandt created around 80 self-portraits throughout his career, each giving a different insight into his character.
“In this picture he is really swaggering, hand on hip, wearing a fancy costume and large hat.
“But there is also something tentative about the way he looks back at us, and the way the shadow falls across his face feels mysterious.”
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
The UK’s most iconic Christmas event, Spirit of Christmas Fair, opens its doors for 2025 next month. Beautifully presented with experiences as well as shopping, it signifies the start of the Christmas season. Now in its 24th year, the event hosts over 600 exhibitors and welcomes over 50,000 enthusiastic shoppers over the seven days.
Filled with carefully curated, independent designer makers, the Fair is full of gift ideas, beauty and wellness, men and women’s fashion, homeware, Christmas decorations, jewellery, accessories and children’s clothes, as well as the finest products from award-winning artisan food and drink producers.
Returning visitors will be enthused by the influx of exciting new exhibitors, as well as the return of popular brands such as White Coco, Ankole and Harry Rocks plus unusual brands such as Dragon’s Den featured company, Beevive as well as The Print Rescuer, Walkies the Board Game and Diddly Squat Farm.
New for this year is ‘Spirit Rising Stars’ showcasing brand new small businesses. It will include around 30 new businesses who have been trading for less than five years. They will be located on the gallery level alongside the popular artisan producers.
Food and drink stands on the gallery level have increased for 2025 in response to visitor feedback and include the likes of Fatso chocolate, Pimentae Margarita Cocktails, Exmoor Caviar, Crazy Bastard
Sauce and The Gin Bothy.
This is an event for social shoppers and serious shoppers, intent on discovering upmarket, original brands but even the most committed consumers need refuelling. For restaurant bookings, this year’s chef is Great British Menu winner, Kate Austen will be designing a bespoke menu to be served all day. There will also be the ever-popular cream teas and three Louis Roederer champagne bars.
Visitors love the annual talks and interactive workshops which include for this year: Louis Roederer Champagne tasting, personal Christmas styling, Reverend Hubert cocktail masterclass, tablescaping, Lavenders Blue floral demonstrations and Clodagh McKenna cooking demonstrations.
Ticket includes entry to Condé Nast Traveller Luxury Travel Fair which takes place alongside the Spirit of Christmas. Visitors can meet face-to-face with specialists and leading tour operators from over 80 unmissable travel brands. The show also features complimentary live talks from leading travel experts and personalities.
For more ticket options and information visit spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk
“Returning visitors will be enthused
by the influx of exciting new exhibitors, as well as the return of popular brands”
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
– Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best –
IMAGE: BURBERRY BRINGS BRITISH NOSTALGIA TO LONDON FASHION WEEK WITH TEA-TIME TARTAN AND TRENCH COATS
FASHION & BEAUTY
AUTUMN BY THE SEA
“Inspired by the shifting shades and textures of Scotland’s wild west coast”
BEAUTIFUL BAMBOO
These Whiskey Bamboo Socks offer a unique twist on traditional socks. Bamboo socks are also great for your feet as they are breathable, hypoallergenic, more comfortable and can last longer than conventional cotton socks. Bamboo is a also a super sustainable material meaning that when you wear a pair of these socks you are helping the planet one step at a time. socktopus.com
A moment by the beach, a breath of wind, a rockpool, an old green beach house ... Our new unisex Rockpool Scarves are inspired by the shifting shades and textures of Scotland’s wild west coast, rich with sea spray, lichen-covered stone and coastal light. Woven from 100% Baby Alpaca, each scarf has a soft, lofty handle and is hand-finished with playful twisted tassels. The subtle interplay of hues gives each scarf a mood of its own. samanthaholmes.com
HAPPY HIKING
Upgrade your outdoor essentials with our Luxury Alpaca Cushioned Walking / Hiking Socksdesigned for superior comfort, durability, and performance. Crafted from a premium, high performance alpaca Drytex blend. samanthaholmes.com
TOTALLY ENCHANTED
“Where twilight whispers secrets - handcrafted Welsh magic for the forest soul” The Investment Limited edition Enchanted Woodland crossbodynever mass-produced. Forest enchantment meets premium organic oilskin in this investment piece. emmaeaster.co.uk
FAIRY OF HEARTS
Every fairy needs a magical box to store all of her precious keepsakes and pieces of jewellery. Lift the lid of this pretty box to reveal a heartshaped mirror and a spinning, musical fairy. rexlondon.com
From punk plaid to ties and sky blue: here are the most wearable trends to come out of London Fashion Week.
By Lara Owen
Wearable trends from London Fashion Week
London Fashion Week wrapped up with a bang, giving us bigger and bolder trends to get our teeth stuck into.
A move away from the bohemian suede and soft silhouettes from last spring/ summer, this season honed in on vivid colours, sharp cuts and punk motifs.
Over five brisk days the schedule moved from cavernous show spaces in London’s banking district to candle-lit salons in Mayfair. Big names and independents used the catwalk to test ideas about Britishness, modern workwear and nostalgia.
Burberry re-examined its heritage codes with a punkish twist on tartan, Edeline Lee
explored capacious and sculptural silhouettes and the usual leader of ‘quiet luxury’ Emilia Wickstead brought bold colour to the runway.
While many shows paraded pieces that felt purely made for the red carpet, certain ideas stood out not as things you could imagine living in.
So, here are the five of the most wearable trends from London Fashion Week to get ahead of the fashion curve.
TWISTED TARTAN
While the rather pared-back form of tartan, black swatch, trended last season, this season it seems Nineties grunge is back, as punk plaid dominated the runways and the street style.
At Burberry, famous for its heritage tartan, creative director Daniel Lee leaned into it to the prim-comepunk aesthetic. Swing coats, trench dresses and mini skirts appeared in acid-green and crimson tartans. It felt like a remix of countryside classics and festival-ready attire – all, of course, remaining unmistakably British. Tartan and check is a surprisingly easy print to style. Impactful without being overwhelming, tartan can take
BURBERRY TOOK A TWIST ON TARTAN H&M AW 2025 CAR COAT, £54.99
MODEL JOURDAN DUNN SPORTED HEAD-TO-TOE TARTAN ON THE FRONT ROW AT LONDON FASHION WEEK.
RICHARD QUINN SENT HIS BRIDE DOWN THE RUNWAY IN A BALLOON HEMMED WEDDING DRESS
Model in purple hooped skirt - Edeline Lee experimented with hooped skirts.
centre stage as a statement piece or be styled in a playful clash of patterns Sport it in a heavy wool skirt with a chunky knit and leather accents to stave off any preppy-ness, or in a shirt or jacket with wide-leg trousers, heeled boots and fine jewellery for a smarter look.
SUITS WITH TIES
Oversized tailoring has been a steady trend for the past few seasons, but this year designers pushed this masculine tailoring trend further, as ties were cropping up on and off the runway. No longer a mere office accessory, ties appeared knotted loosely over shirts, tucked under waistcoats or hanging undone from blazers. The trend seems to be inspired by Eighties Wall Street. It wasn’t just on the catwalks either. Spotted among street-style and front row, celebs from Emma Willis to Twiggy used ties to punctuate their tailored ensembles – turning boardroom conformity into insouciant cool.
To style the trend, start off with an oversized blazer and wide-leg, tailored trousers – the more relaxed the silhouette, the less you’ll actually look like you’re going to work.
Go for high-waited trousers cinched in with a belt to bring back a feminine frame and finish with a slimline shirt and tie.
FRINGE
Noticeable last season, but affirmed this year, was fringe. Usually associated
with the Seventies or cowboy westerns, this year, the frenetic trim had a slightly more mature feel, appearing on everything from bags to scarves to sleeves and dresses. Love Island host Maya Jama wore a fringed gown to Burberry, showing it’s long past its casual, bohemian associations. On the runway, Edeline Lee experimented with fringe, forgoing the usual edged hem and opting for headto-toe swathes of fringing that moved like liquid with every step.
If you’re not sold on a full-fringe look just yet, like all trends, it’s best to dip your toe in with some accents. Sturdy leather fringe bags, or ones with lighter fabric tassels, allow you to test the Western saddleback energy, while a fringed hem of a jacket gives an edge to what could otherwise be a safe and demure look.
SMALL ITALIAN GENUINE SUEDE FRINGED CROSSBODY BAG, £45.99, DEBENHAMS
LA REDOUTE LONG OVERSIZE PINSTRIPE BLAZER, £67.99
THE H&M180 RUNWAY SHOWED THE TIE TREND IN FULL FORCE
BURBERRY TOOK AN EDGIER APPROACH TO SKY BLUE WITH LEATHER AND FRINGE.
MANGO CLASSIC NECKTIE, £22.99
SKY BLUE
Perhaps next season’s butter yellow, sky blue was peppered throughout runways alongside pops of its bright cobalt counterpart. From Bora Aksu’s frothy, doll-like dresses to Richard Quinn’s operaworthy gowns, the shade turned up everywhere at London Fashion Week – a cool, almost nostalgic antidote to winter’s heavier tones. Designers used sky blue to soften sharp silhouettes, to make lace, satin and tailoring feel lighter, and to nod to a very British spring sky. On the catwalks it ranged from powdery pastels trimmed with white lace to grunge leather trench coats. Sky blue works surprisingly well as a neutral and paired with last year’s colour of the season: burgundy – the two are a match made in heaven. For a relaxed look, pair a sky blue knit with a brown suede jacket, ecru jeans and silver jewellery – the shade works well with both warm and cool neutrals. For a dressier look, wear a baby blue dress with navy tailoring and pops of red through accessories or your make-up to elevate the subtle shade.
VOLUMINOUS HEMS
Bubble hems certainly had their moment this summer, but it seems the voluminous hem isn’t going anywhere, judging by the London Fashion Week runways. Designers such as Edeline Lee and Patrick McDowell doubled down on drama with skirts that billowed like inverted tulips in layers of fabric that swelled and sway as the models walked. On the catwalk, the look ranged
from Richard Quinn’s full-skirted bridal look to Patrick McDowell’s hybrid trench-coat skirt with a Dior ‘New Look’ silhouette. To style this powerful silhouette, the trick is to let it do the talking. Try an A-line midi or maxi skirt paired with a fitted knit to balance the volume. If you want to indulge more in the trend, opt for a dropwaist bubble hem skirt with a fitted high-necked bodice and slim boots to draw the eye to the skirt, while keeping the rest of the silhouette plain and streamlined.
ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH MID RISE BUBBLE HEM MAXI SKIRT, £34.99 (WAS £75)
WHISTLES PALE BLUE WOOL FUNNEL NECK KNIT, £85 (WAS £109)
AMY LYNN ALEXA PUFFBALL DRESS, £74.25 (WAS £99)
RICHARD QUINN PUNCTUATED HIS SHOW WITH POWDER BLUE FLORALS
MODEL IN PATRICK MCDOWELL SHOW -
Emilia Wickstead
Royal favourite Emilia Wickstead trades demure daywear for bold colour and balloon hems. By Lara Owen
The Princess of Wales’ goto designer swapped minimalism for maximalism while Anna Wintour sat front row.
Ex-Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour was among those to take her seat at Emilia Wickstead’s spring/summer 2026 show, her presence a sign of the designer’s increasingly assured place in the British fashion calendar.
Known for dressing the Princess of Wales in pared back but striking designs – this season marked a shift for Wickstead: still recognisably her, but exploring more daring cuts and colours.
Inspired by celebrity photographer Robert Mapplethorpe’s muses, Wickstead used the idea of subtle power and controlled exposure as a thread through the collection.
One dress, in saturated cobalt blue, had a soft balloon hem and a high gathered neckline: styles that will continue to trend next season. It moved easily but retained its shape,
an example of Wickstead’s interest in balancing fluidity with structure. A few looks later came a sharp contrast in neon yellow: a dress with a drop-peplum skirt that skimmed as opposed to cling.
The effect across these pieces was of clothes designed to be worn, not simply looked at – Wickstead’s hallmark formality reframed for women who want confidence as well as refinement.
The same theme carried through separates. A grey tank top and loose pleated trousers, stripped of decoration, acted as a palette cleanser between the bright dresses.
A pink V-neck sweater tucked into a yellow lattice-print skirt was unexpectedly strong; the print could have been whimsical but felt deliberate thanks to the clean cut and solid fabric.
A denim-blue corseted dress with a flaring skirt nodded
“A few looks later came a sharp contrast in neon yellow: a dress with a drop-peplum skirt that skimmed as opposed to cling”
to workwear but stopped short of costume. Square necklines, visible seams and bare shoulders appeared repeatedly, drawing the eye without relying on overtly sexualised shapes.
Print and pattern were handled with expected restraint. The windowpane check in yellow and red reappeared in several looks – a scarf tied as a head wrap, a bias-cut skirt, a full dress – giving the collection a solid anchor without becoming a gimmick.
Black dresses scattered with small florals evoked Mapplethorpe’s flower studies but kept their distance from literal reference. Even the most revealing look, a lime bustier with a black balloonhem skirt, was held together by a simple ribbon at the shoulder, a small sign of Wickstead’s instinct for balance and symmetry.
What stood out was a new kind of boldness in Wickstead’s work.
Shoulders and backs are exposed but framed; skirts have volume but not weight; colours are intense but used sparingly.
Like her contemporaries, it seems this season, Wickstead is leaning into maximalism.
You could trace a line from Wickstead’s early made-to-measure
dresses to these more sculptural, more confident pieces.
The workmanship was obvious in the clean joins of chiffon to seam, in the neat darting, in the way the fabric moved with the models rather than against them.
The setting helped – a marbletiled room in the designer’s Chelsea showroom with daylight streaming in let the clothes speak for themselves.
The muted sound of shoes on stone underscored the collection’s focus on wearability.
When Anna Wintour rose to leave at the end, the collection had already made its point.
Wickstead is still refining rather than revolutionising, but this was a clear sign she’s ready to step beyond the niche of “ladylike” and into something more relevant.
“What stood out was a new kind of boldness in Wickstead’s work”
Dr. Peter Forrester
MBBS FRCA
With over 20 years experience in non surgical cosmetic medicine, Peter specialises in minimally invasive facial anti ageing treatments.
Ms. Helen McEvoy
MSc MA MBBChir
FRCS (Plast)
Helen is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon based at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ hospital and she consults privately from her rooms in Esher.
THE DETAILS
The Cosmetic Doctors Company
6 Esher Park Avenue, Esher, Surrey KT10 9NP
Telephone 01372 469888 cosdocs.co.uk
MINOR SURGERY with The
Cosmetic Doctors Company
In an exciting new phase, The Cosmetic Doctors Company now conduct Minor Surgery procedures to complement a comprehensive range of non surgical treatments.
At their private practice in Esher, they are now able to offer in-house minor surgery procedures
under local anaesthesia, including excision of skin lesions, moles, cysts, other lumps & bumps, and scar revisions.
These procedures will be performed by Ms Helen McEvoy MSc MA FRCS (Plast), a Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust where she has a special interest in breast surgery. At the clinic in Esher, in addition to minor surgery procedures, she also offers consultations for those considering plastic or cosmetic surgery. Ms McEvoy is on the GMC Plastic Surgery Specialist Register and is fully trained and accredited in all aspects of Plastic Surgery including facial surgery, breast enlargement, breast reduction & uplift, tummy tuck, liposuction and body contouring surgery.
Non-surgical treatments include anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, thread facelift, polynucleotide therapy, advanced micro-needling with exosomes”
Please get in touch and learn more about their highly personal approach that ensures your experience is satisfying, effective and importantly, very safe.
BURBERRY BRINGS BRITISH NOSTALGIA TO LONDON FASHION WEEK with tea-time tartan and trench coats
Daniel Lee tapped into retro festival-wear and countryside classics for his spring/summer 2026 collection.
For London Fashion Week, Burberry’s creative director Daniel Lee transformed Perks Field in Kensington Gardens into a dreamy countryside stage for his spring/summer 2026 show. Beneath a printed grey-blue sky, models walked across a soil-toned runway in looks that remixed Burberry’s heritage with a rave-ready edge.
Lee leaned heavily on the brand’s icons – trench coats, checks and tailoring – reworking them with festival flair. The opening look set the tone: a double-breasted tartan trench in mustard leather with chunky biker boots, equal parts aristocratic and rugged. Suits were softened in olive pinstripe with python boots; faded denim jackets layered over graphic tees; and a vivid green leather trench came paired with wraparound sunglasses.
Colours ran earthy – khaki, mustard, chocolate, washed denim – punctuated by lime, turquoise and tomato red. The classic Burberry check was no longer discreet lining but full looks in crimson, acid green and sky-blue plaids, styled with biker boots or sandals to strip away formality.
Accessories amplified the eclecticism: scarves trailing like festival flags, slouchy fringed leather bags, python and desert boots, oversized sunglasses. Crochet dresses in ivory and green added hand-
crafted softness, deliberately mismatched with sharp coats slung casually over arms.
The trench was endlessly reimagined –cropped in chocolate leather, fringed in sky blue, or washed in denim – often carried rather than worn to suggest layering and movement. Tailoring felt looser, ties skinny, cuffs spilling past wrists, echoing a bankerturned-festivalgoer vibe.
Lee’s balancing act is clear: Burberry’s British heritage is its strength, but relevance requires reinvention. His answer is a retro smartcountryside aesthetic – tartan and trench recast with colour, craft and practicality – an adaptable wardrobe bridging city and country, weekday and weekend.
Staged beneath an artificial English sky, the show positioned Burberry’s past as a living archive: pieces to be worn, mixed and dirtied. The front row reflected the mix, with guests from Twiggy to Skepta, Maya Jama to Princess Maria Olympia. For a house built on weatherproof fabric, this collection offered not just protection from rain but a louche new lease of life for British heritage.
John Lewis unveils its most luxurious Beauty Advent Calendar yet
John Lewis is excited to announce details and the launch date of its highly anticipated 2025 Beauty Advent Calendar, set to be the brand’s highest-value offering to date, exceeding £1000 in worth. This year’s calendar is designed to delight beauty enthusiasts and is predicted to follow last year’s sell-out success.
Retailing at just £235, the calendar features a curated selection of esteemed brands, including the highly sought-after Trinny London, Chantecaille, Laneige, Fenty Beauty, and Medik8. In an exciting first for John Lewis Beauty Advent, the calendar will also feature exclusive products from cult-favourite Le Labo, making it a truly unique offering. Customers can get a first-look at the calendar earlier than ever before on
Johnlewis.com from today, as searches for ‘Beauty Advent Calendar’ have already surged by 50% this August compared to 2024, indicating Customers are already excited to see what’s on offer.
The 2025 Beauty Advent Calendar boasts an impressive total of 36 beauty products – more than ever before - making it the perfect selection to complete any beauty collection. This includes a remarkable 23 full-sized products.
My John Lewis members will have exclusive first access to purchase the calendar on 30th September, followed by a general release for all customers on 3rd October. Given that last year’s
John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar sold out in just 6 weeks, customers are encouraged to act quickly to secure this year’s must-have beauty sensation.
Heena Mohammend, Head of Beauty at John Lewis says: “I’ve been so excited for our 2025 Beauty Advent Calendar to launch! Not only does it exceed the value of previous years, but it features some of our newest beauty brands such as Fenty, Laneige, Trinny and Chantecaille. We’ve also included more surprise treatment experiences to make the calendar feel extra special for our customers. With searches already up 50% versus last year we know it’s a launch our customers are really looking forward to.”
The calendar adorns a wonderfully Christmassy design in the style of the Enchanted Tales Christmas trend. It is housed in a fully recyclable box with clever compartments, allowing it to be reused to create your own bespoke advent calendar in the future.
Customers can sign up to My John Lewis to be the first to buy ahead of full sale on 3rd October. johnlewis.com
EXTRA SURPRISES
Building on previous years, some lucky customers will also receive extra surprise treats such as:
• Hidden in one Advent is a £1000 John Lewis gift card.
• Hidden in nine Advents is a £500 John Lewis gift card.
Plus nearly 400 prizes from brands for experiences or products, including:
• Five premium Neal’s Yard facial experience and skincare products.
• One signature Dr Hauschka 120-minute facial and overnight stay for two at London’s five star Como Metropolitan Hotel. This also includes a year’s supply of skincare.
• One FAQ 202 Smart LED Face Mask worth £719.
• Four Cavendish Clinic facial treatments.
• 10 12-session Celluma face gift cards with The Cavendish Clinic.
• 300 free Cavendish Clinic Skin Consultations with LED session worth £45.
• 30 complimentary expert facials with Elemis.
• Five personalised Kate Somervile skincare routine experiences.
Atenai London
Atenai London announces its official launch, bringing to market the first fragrance-led brand that blends high-performance self-care with immersive, mood-enhancing scent rituals.
Founded by entrepreneur Nuno da Silva, Atenai offers a unique sensory experience where fragrance is not a finishing touch – but the very foundation of well-being.
For Nuno da Silva, fragrance has always been more than a cosmetic flourish. It’s a powerful tool for mental reset and emotional clarity. Yet, in his search for products that honoured this philosophy, he found a gap: most self-care brands treated scent as an afterthought, failing to capture the emotional complexity of true perfumery.
This observation sparked a simple yet revolutionary idea: “Why should we have to choose between quality, mood, and consistency?” From this question, Atenai London was born.
WHAT SETS ATENAI APART
Atenai isn’t just a wellness brand – it’s a movement toward intentional living, anchored in three guiding principles:
• Fragrance-Led: Every product starts with a meticulously crafted scent – not added in later.
• Mood-Driven: Each collection is designed to help you feel calmer, clearer, or more energized.
FROM SELF-CARE TO SENSORY RITUAL
More than skincare. More than fragrance. Atenai is a ritual – one that begins with perfume-grade fragrance, built to evoke emotional states and designed to envelop both body and space in a single, cohesive mood.
Each collection begins with a scent story crafted in collaboration with expert perfumers:
• Immersive: Coordinated ranges that allow your skin and your space to share one emotional tone.
All products are vegan, cruelty-free, and inclusive, formulated with active, skinnourishing ingredients for all genders, tones, and types.
“Fragrance should be part of your well-being, not just your style. It’s how we reconnect with who we are – and how we want to feel.”
– Nuno da Silva, Founder
WHY IT MATTERS NOW
In an increasingly fast-paced world, Atenai invites a return to intentional living. With every application and inhalation, the brand offers a moment to pause, breathe, and re-align with how you want to feel.
Whether it’s through a morning shower or an evening wind-down, Atenai transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary – turning routine into ritual, and scent into sanctuary. atenailondon.com
ABOUT ATENAI LONDON
Atenai London is the first fragrance-led wellness brand transforming daily routines into mood-lifting experiences. Founded by Nuno da Silva, Atenai’s mission is to elevate the power of scent –creating immersive body and home collections that nourish skin, uplift spirit, and reconnect people with how they want to feel.
Atenai London
Email:
customercare@atenailondon.com
Phone: +44 (0) 208 124 00 74
VERONICA BEARD
HIGH EVERYDAY COUTURE
TRANSIT
SELF-PORTRAIT
MOTHER COLORUSH
CHINTI & PARKER
AMERICAN VINTAGE
FRAME
VARLEY
ALQUEMA
BELLA FREUD
TERMPERLEY LONDON
LOLLYS LAUNDRY
PENELOPE CHILVERS
And more…
WWW.CHATTERTONSHOP.CO.UK
INSTA: CHATTERTONS_SHOP
Your London fashion experience, locally.
THE OLD BANK, 55 HIGH STREET, OLD AMERSHAM, BUCKS HP7 0DP
TEL: 01494 722854
More than just comfy beds; go private to get pain free, faster
can be very frustrating.
When you’re in pain from your joints, be it hip, knees, hands, shoulders, spine or ankles, it really impacts on your life. You may not be able to participate in your favourite sports, be comfortable at work, walk the dog, or even pick up the kids/ grandkids.
To get back to doing what you love, it’s essential to receive expert advice, diagnosis and appropriate treatment for your orthopaedic problem. However, waiting times for appointments with a specialist
One group of leading orthopaedic consultants want to change all that. Joint Reaction is one of the largest groups of orthopaedic specialist surgeons in the UK. They offer rapid private consultations, so you can see one of their highly skilled and experienced consultants without a lengthy wait. No GP referral is required and you don’t need private health insurance either.
What really sets Joint Reaction apart is their mission to give a full diagnosis for your orthopaedic problem and provide options for your treatment. Only 30% of people who consult a Joint Reaction specialist actually need surgery; the rest have specialist treatments including physiotherapy to get them pain-free and back on their feet again.
As Philip Rosell, a Joint Reaction orthopaedic surgeon specialising in shoulder and elbow explains:
“Private treatment isn’t just about comfortable rooms and shorter timescales - it’s an exceptional personal service from start to finish. All our consultants are passionate about what they do and we have all held consultant posts at Frimley Park Hospital.
We’re very proud that the consultant you meet will be with you throughout your treatment and surgery and you can contact that specialist directly at any time. It all adds up to a better, personalised experience and a clear route to and through recovery.”
For expert treatment with less stress and with or without health insurance, check out the Joint Reaction website: jointreaction.co.uk. Or contact Julie Fourt, Practice Manager on 01252 851285.
Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeons
Spine | Shoulder & Elbow
Hand & Wrist | Hip | Knee | Foot & Ankle
Spine | Shoulder & Elbow
Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeons
Alstelle offers natural, vegan skincare, and hair products. Our Energize + Hydrate Face Lotion has a lightweight and moisturizing formula. Promoting a visibly glowing, clear, and smooth complexion. We provide a range of products designed to enhance the appearance of your skin and hair, helping you achieve the glow you desire. Our mission is to embrace eco-consciousness and make a positive impact on the planet by donating part of our proceeds to eco-friendly charities.
Website: alstelle.com | Social: alstelle_official
Hand & Wrist | Hip | Knee | Foot & Ankle
Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeons
• Spire Clare Park Hospital
Spine | Shoulder & Elbow
• Parkside Suite – Frimley Park & Heatherwood Hospitals
Hand & Wrist | Hip | Knee | Foot & Ankle
• The Lister Hospital
• Mount Alvernia • Woking Nuffield Hospital • The Hampshire Clinic • Princess Margaret Hospital
The Quality and Expertise of Harley Street GPs to Your Door
For discerning and busy Londoners, convenience and quality healthcare matter. Doctorcall brings both with efficiency you can rely on.
Founded in 1989 by Dr Charles Levinson, the Harley Street–based medical care service pioneered private GP home visits in London and continues to set the standard for exceptional immediate care brought conveniently to your door, with no waiting rooms.
Doctorcall Private GPs arrive at your home, hotel or office, for an unhurried consultation and, where appropriate, can supply common medications or a prescription on the spot. Consultations are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Making an appointment is straightforward with live ETAs to keep you informed, and you can expect to have the doctor arrive within a few hours. For non-English speakers, realtime telephone interpretation in more than 240 languages removes barriers and ensures clear communication at every stage.
Care is centred around you and your lifestyle. One-off visits are welcome; however, Doctorcall
“Doctorcall’s
doctors have always been knowledgeable, empathetic, and supportive. We wouldn’t be without the membership.”
- Maria R.
membership offers a range of additional exclusive benefits such as priority appointments, annual health checks, continuity of care with your chosen doctor. It represents traditional medical values reimagined for modern lives.
“Doctorcall came to my home when I was in severe pain. The care was excellent, and I’ve since joined as a member. Highly recommend.”
- Lynn C.
Behind the scenes, an experienced team of patient advisors is on hand 24/7 to make appointments, coordinate referrals to a ‘black book’ of specialist consultants and private hospitals, as well as manage letters and reports. The result is an end-to-end experience that remains seamless well beyond the visit.
Thousands of patients each year choose the service for convenience, expertise and the reassurance of being treated by a CQC-regulated, GMC-registered GP with substantial experience in private practice.
This is healthcare designed around modern lives: precise, punctual and personal. For those who value excellent medicine delivered with convenience, Doctorcall continues to remain the benchmark.
“The
doctor was punctual, courteous, and very professional. He identified the problem quickly and gave clear recommendations.”
– Henderson L.
doctorcall.co.uk
0344 257 0345
+44 20 7535 1888 (WhatsApp)
Registered office: 121 Harley Street, London W1G 6AX
The Kensington Wing
The Kensington Wing is the dedicated private maternity unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, providing women and birthing people with around-the-clock clinical care, comfortable en-suite private rooms and hospitality services.
Located in the heart of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital – part of one of the UK’s top rated hospital Trusts – your baby’s and your safety and wellbeing are reassuringly supported at all times. The Kensington Wing is immediately located next to the hospital’s outstanding and newly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a consultant anaesthetist remains on site at all times 24/7, dedicated to the needs of our patients.
To ensure the safety of women, birthing people and birth partners, The Kensington Wing has important infection control procedures for staff and visitors to adhere to but remain welcoming to your chosen birth partner for all stages of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay. Your individual room and en-suite facilities are a haven, and the catering and hospitality team ensures your stay is relaxing as well as safe. On the Kensington Wing the consultant obstetricians, midwives, nurses and maternity support workers provide care as a team and are delighted to offer both consultant-led and midwife-led maternity packages.
THE DETAILS
If you would like to talk to one of the team, call 020 3315 8616, email chelwest.kensington@nhs.net or visit thekensingtonwing.co.uk
The Kensington Wing’s highly experienced team of midwives welcome enquiries and the opportunity to discuss midwife-led care in more detail. These ‘meet the midwife’ sessions are always a relaxed and special time to talk and discover more without any obligation. For those women and birthing people who are appropriate for midwife-led care, the team provide full support throughout your pregnancy and the midwifery team are available 24 hours seven days a week for advice or concerns throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay.
The consultant-led care package allows you the choice of one of their experienced consultant obstetricians to personally guide you through your pregnancy and birth. Your consultant provides continuity and individualised expertise throughout your journey. They build a relationship with you and your partner through the antenatal period to give you confidence to birth safely with them in line with your birth preferences. They continue to support you through the postnatal period, including your 6 week postnatal check. All consultants are available to meet you and your birth partner without any obligation.
The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and answer any questions.
The Transformation Facelift
The Transformation Facelift is a bespoke treatment plan put together by Doctor Nyla to turn back the clock on ageing and help you look 10 years younger in six weeks! By increasing collagen production to lift and tighten the skin, as well as performing ‘tweakments’ to add lift and structure to the face, you can start feeling incredible in no time! The Transformation Facelift uses multiple different non-surgical methods and technologies to provide an overall lifted, tightened and more youthful appearance, to help you feel like you’re most confident self again.
The skin ageing process happens to everyone, and is a completely natural process, however it can be very difficult for some people, and make them lose confidence in their appearance. As we get older, the production of collagen and elastin in our bodies slows, causing the common signs of skin ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles and a loss of volume in the skin. Collagen and elastin are the proteins that exist within many of the body’s tissues, including the skin, and gives structural support, strength, elasticity and durability to the skin. As a result of the slowing in collagen production, skin loses this support and elasticity over time. Collagen is also an important part of the wound healing process – when you have a cut or scratch, for example, collagen production in the area increases to safely mend the skin in the area.
The Transformation Facelift is a bespoke
treatment plan put together by Doctor Nyla to turn back the clock on ageing and help you look 10 years younger in six weeks! By increasing collagen production to lift and tighten the skin, as well as performing ‘tweakments’ to add lift and structure to the face, you can start feeling incredible in no time! The Transformation Facelift uses multiple different non-surgical methods and technologies to provide an overall lifted, tightened and more youthful appearance, to help you feel like you’re most confident self again.
– Everything you need to create the perfect kitchen or bathroom –
IMAGE: HARVEY JONES
The Secret to a Beautiful Bathroom? It’s All in the Tiles
The Right Tile, chosen with a Ripples bathroom design specialist
What makes a good tile?
Tiles are the unsung heroes of bathroom design. They don’t just protect your walls and floors, they set the mood, elevate the style and can transform the everyday into something truly special. The right tile has the power to turn a bathroom into a serene spa, a bold design statement, or a timeless retreat you’ll love for years to come.
Designer Emily from Ripples Walton-on-Thames shares expert advice on how to choose the right tile.
A great tile should be as practical as it is beautiful. Bathrooms are busy spaces, so durability, easy maintenance and comfort underfoot are key. But just as important is the way a tile makes you feel. A good tile will tie the whole scheme together, adding personality and a touch of luxury to every corner.
Shape and colour
Tiles are like building blocks for your dream bathroom. Large-format designs create a sleek, seamless look that makes small spaces feel bigger, while intricate mosaics or herringbone patterns add detail and interest, perfect for a feature wall or shower niche.
Colour is where the magic really happens. Crisp whites and soft neutrals bring calm, light and airiness. Deep shades like midnight blue or forest green create drama and intimacy. For the bold, patterned tiles add instant wow-factor, while subtle textures can bring depth without overwhelming the space. Ask yourself - do you want your bathroom to energise you in the morning, or help you wind down at night? Your colour choice can do both.
Material matters
Each material has its own personality:
• Porcelain - hardwearing and versatile, ideal for floors and high-traffic areas.
• Ceramic - lighter and easier to install, great for walls.
• Natural stone - marble, limestone or slate add richness and character, though they do need care.
• Glass - glossy and light-reflecting, perfect for accents that sparkle.
Blending materials can create layers of interest. Think marble flooring with a mosaic shower detail, or a porcelain wall paired with a stone countertop.
Style meets safety
Beautiful doesn’t mean impractical. Floor tiles should always be chosen with safety in mind, and that’s where slip ratings come in. For general bathroom floors, a slip rating of R9 or R10 is usually sufficient, giving you peace of mind under everyday use. But in wet areas like showers or walk-in wet zones, you’ll want a higher slip resistance, ideally R11 or above, to ensure secure footing even when the surface is soapy or wet. This way, your bathroom can be both effortlessly stylish and reassuringly safe.
Tiles aren’t just a finishing detail; they set the tone for your entire bathroom. The shapes, colours and textures you choose can express your style and transform daily routines into moments of joy. With the right tiles, your bathroom becomes more than a practical space, it becomes your personal retreat.
Visit Ripples Walton-on-Thames at 121 – 123 New Zealand Avenue, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 1QD, call 01932 391 912 or visit ripplesbathrooms.com.
KITCHENS
FUNCTION MEETS STYLE
This stunning East Dulwich kitchen is a perfect blend of functionality and sophisticated design, where bespoke craftsmanship meets the practicality of IKEA units. By incorporating custom elements, we have elevated the standard kitchen framework to create a truly unique and personalised space. madebyhusk.com
TOP OF THE RANGE
The Everhot 120i is a three oven heat storage range cooker. On the left you’ll find the roasting and baking ovens, and on the right a slow cooking oven for when you have a houseful. everhot.co.uk
RUSTIC ELEGANCE
Fully embracing the natural beauty of wood, our weathered oak counter stool has a timeless rustic elegance that will complement any kitchen style from Shaker to industrial. coxandcox.co.uk
CHERRY BABY
A thoughtful housewarming gift, this Cherry tea towel is fully hemmed and made from 100% cotton. Featuring a retro-style print inspired by vintage fruit cans, it’s the perfect finishing touch for a stylish kitchen. rexlondon.com
WE LOVE
This silver metal double oak leaf bowl. It is a decorative hand-finished centrepiece which measures 36x8cm and makes the perfect addition to any kitchen. clickstyle.co.uk
Bespoke kitchen designer Harvey Jones relaunches new Guildford showroom
Step into a world where craftsmanship meets creativity. Harvey Jones has been handcrafting luxury bespoke kitchens and furniture for the home, for almost 50 years, and now, our Guildford showroom has been beautifully refreshed, offering even more inspiration, expertise, and timeless design.
Located just off the cobbled charm of Tunsgate, our newly updated space is more than a showroom, it’s a celebration of what’s possible. Here, you’ll find curated displays showcasing our most-loved kitchen collections, from the classic elegance of Shaker to the sleek sophistication of Linear. Each one is handcrafted, hand-painted, and made to last for generations.
What makes a Harvey Jones kitchen truly different? Every project is completely bespoke to you – your lifestyle, your tastes, your space. We do one-of-a-kind, built with care and designed in close partnership with you.
From clever storage solutions to bold colour palettes and luxurious finishes, our designers
“Every project is completely bespoke to you – your lifestyle, your tastes, your space”
obsess over the details that elevate your everyday. Whether you’re dreaming of a sociable island for family breakfasts, a walk-in pantry for seamless organisation, or a show-stopping entertaining space, we’ll help bring it to life, beautifully and thoughtfully.
And while our reputation is built on kitchens, we’re proud to create elegant cabinetry for spaces beyond the kitchen too – utility rooms, boot rooms, home offices, pet spaces and more. Every detail reflects the same dedication to thoughtful design and lasting quality.
Visiting our Guildford showroom is the perfect first step to bringing your dream kitchen to life. You’ll be greeted with a warm welcome and a fresh coffee before sitting down for a complimentary design appointment. No pressure, just expert advice and inspiring ideas to start shaping your vision.
Visit us: 9 Tunsgate, Guildford GU1 3QT Book your complimentary design appointment: 01483 352 054 harveyjones.com
A First-Class Experience, A First-Class Kitchen
When a homeowner in Esher set out to transform their awkwardly shaped kitchen, they turned to Sigma 3 Kitchens Esher and their talented designer, Melina. The result is a stunning H-Line handleless kitchen – a space that blends crisp, modern lines with oakeffect features for a warm and welcoming finish.
Melina’s role in the project was pivotal. Known for her impeccable taste and practical creativity, she approached the brief with precision and flair. The clients wanted a high-spec kitchen that maximised every inch of their unusual space, while also remaining within budget. Through careful planning and highly detailed design work, Melina found innovative ways to achieve this balance, proving that practicality and style can go hand in hand.
One of the key features of the project was the two-height layout, designed to bring together the kitchen and dining areas seamlessly. This clever zoning makes the most of the home’s unique architecture, while also creating a natural flow between cooking, dining, and entertaining. The introduction of oak-effect finishes softens the sleek handleless cabinetry, adding warmth and depth to the overall design.
The customer was delighted with both the experience and the finished result, praising Melina’s professionalism, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving:
“I couldn’t recommend Sigma 3 Kitchens
“One of the key features of the project was the two-height layout, designed to bring together the kitchen and dining areas seamlessly”
more highly. Melina is an outstanding designer with impeccable taste but also very practical and creative in ensuring we maximised our rather awkward kitchen space. She was extremely professional, highly detail oriented and found ways to bring us in on budget with a high spec. Sigma 3 provided all their own tradespeople who were all highly skilled and lovely people. A first-class experience alongside a first-class kitchen.”
This project is a perfect example of how Sigma 3 Kitchens’ design expertise and complete service – from bespoke design to skilled installation –create kitchens that are not only beautiful but also tailored to the way clients live. Thanks to Melina’s thoughtful design, this is a space that will be enjoyed for many years to come.
Sigma 3 Kitchens
86-90 High St, Esher KT10 9QJ 01372 467464 sigma3.co.uk
BATHROOMS
BEAUTY IN THE DETAILS
With innovative strength, boundless creativity and passion, Dornbracht continuously create new solutions that are as unique as the people they design them for. Inspiring your vision is their ambition and at the same time their promise to turn your vision into reality. The Vaia in Brushed Platinum combines traditional elegance with clarity and openness. The Dornbracht fitting blends harmoniously into the minimalist bathroom architecture. dornbracht.com
GOING FOR GREEN
With a size width of 570mm and a depth (front to back) of only 250mm the Bentham basin is ideally suited to the most compact of cloakrooms, whilst the substantial fireclay construction ensures it will not look out of place in a larger space. thomas-crapper.com
TILE STYLE
Promenade, chosen as Tile of the Year 2026 is a tile collection that celebrates the quiet power of stripes. Promenade features a simple, elegant stripe design in three classic colourways. Hastings is a heritage green evoking timeless elegance. originalstyle.com
PRACTICAL STYLE
Transform wasted space into practical storage with the Victoria Under Sink Cabinet. Designed to fit neatly around your sink, this versatile piece combines style with functionality – the perfect way to keep your essentials organised while enhancing your bathroom décor. vonhaus.com
BATHE IN LUXURY
Indigenous’ Nickel bath is a freestanding bateau-style tub. It is made from nickel-plated copper. The surfaces is polished and creates an impervious, lustrous sheen that’s incredibly durable and easy to clean. indigenous.co.uk
Photography: Reto Guntli & Agi Simoes
Your Dream Bathroom
Abathroom can be so much more than just a room for hygiene. You can create tranquil areas of relaxation and Cranleigh Bathroom Studios can help your ideas come to life.
With their experience in the industry they can create relaxing areas that will take away all of your worries and woes with ease. As well as giving you those relaxing moments, you can have a fresh bathroom for mornings to get you ready for the whole day ahead. Whatever you have dreamed of can be brought to your home in quick time with matching tiles, furniture and accessories in tow.
As well as full bathroom suites they can install shower enclosures that are effective and attractive. A wide range of shower enclosures include floor to ceiling glass screens and smaller effective screens depending on your needs. The shower enclosures they supply complete your bathroom and can keep water where it is supposed to be at all times.
If high quality tiles in a wide variety of colours, pattern and style is what you are looking for then you in the right place. With a wide range of superb tiles to choose from you can truly personalise your bathroom or build complete bespoke sets to suit your needs and taste.
At the showroom they have various tiles to explore, including mosaic, ceramic and pebble tiles for both flooring solutions and walls. They
understand that a bathroom is often a place for relaxing but also needs an element of freshness at the same time. To accomplish this tranquil atmosphere they work with you to build your dream bathroom from top to bottom so that you can really sit back and relax.
246 High Street, Cranleigh GU6 8RL 01483 272727
cranleighbathroomstudios.co.uk
As well as giving you those relaxing moments, you can have a fresh bathroom for mornings to get you ready for the whole day ahead
Bryn the Showroom dog - never forgotten
Patrick the Showroom dog
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Range of Tiles, Bathrooms and Showers from Thomas Crapper, Heritage Bathrooms and Burlington Bathrooms. Suppliers of Contemporary Ranges including Laufen, Roca, Vitra and Roper Rhodes.
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Wellness Within Reach
Discover a new way to experience your bathroom at C.P. Hart
When was the last time you truly considered your bathroom a sanctuary – a space offering calm, renewal and inspiration as well as function? C.P. Hart, the UK’s leading luxury bathroom specialist, believes that bathrooms deserve as much thought, care and character as any other room in your home. With imagination and expertise, it can become a place of ritual, retreat and restoration.
“For over 88 years, C.P. Hart has been at the forefront of luxury bathroom design, sourcing the world’s finest collections – many exclusive to us –and collaborating with artisans to create distinctive ranges of our own,” says Dean Weston, Managing Director at C.P. Hart. “Our collections, combined with our award-winning design and installation services, bring tailored bathroom projects to life across the UK.”
Across 16 UK showrooms, each carefully curated to inspire, C.P. Hart showcases exceptional products for every aspect of the bathroom – from tiles and fixtures to the ever-growing world of wellness. Nowhere is this more evident than in their newly refurbished Guildford showroom.
GUILDFORD SHOWROOM DOUBLES IN SIZE
C.P. Hart’s Guildford showroom has doubled in size, offering two floors of design studios, inspiring room set displays and welcoming meeting spaces. A highlight is the dedicated wellness area, where visitors can explore the future of home spa living. From saunas and steam solutions to multisensory showering, it illustrates how the bathroom can become a haven for both body and mind.
“We warmly invite you to visit Guildford to experience the latest innovations, gather inspiration for your next project and meet with our expert team to share your ideas,” says Andy Pickard, Showroom Manager of C.P. Hart Guildford. guildford@cphart.co.uk andy.pickard@cphart.co.uk 01483 469430 cphart.co.uk/showrooms/Guildford
AWARD-WINNING DESIGNERS
At the heart of C.P. Hart’s approach is their award-winning Design Service. In every showroom, C.P. Hart’s qualified designers translate your ideas into beautifully conceived schemes – whether a serene, spa-inspired retreat, a balanced contemporary aesthetic or a striking, statement bathroom.
“Every project begins with a conversation,” explains Andy.
“By understanding your lifestyle, preferences, and design inspirations, our team crafts solutions that are meticulously planned, highly functional, and completely personal – helping you create the bathroom you’ve always imagined.”
For more information, or to begin your bathroom journey, contact your nearest showroom or visit cphart.co.uk.
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Small Bathroom – Big Style
Porcelain Superstore on how to add big personality to small bathrooms
Whether you’re looking to add character to a bijou bathroom, excitement to an ensuite or remove the drabness from your wet room, independent tile retailer Porcelain Superstore is on hand to help.
The tile experts are encouraging homeowners to embrace the bold to bring big personality to small bathrooms.
Abbas Youssefi, Managing Director of Porcelain Superstore, said: “When it comes to styling small bathrooms, there is a temptation to stick with neutral shades and minimal pattern.
“And while this might make a space feel more open, when done correctly, using colour and pattern can be just as effective.
“Patterned tiles are a great choice for bathrooms, as they’re full of life and personality.
“Sometimes, they can be a bit too much for kitchens and other social spaces - so the bathroom is a great place to get creative, as it’s a more private space.”
Here Abbas shares his top tips on how to use tiles to bring colour and pattern to small bathrooms – all tiles are available now from Porcelain Superstore.
Consider Natural Light
First and foremost, consider the natural light available. In small bathrooms that are short of natural light, it’s a good idea to choose glossy, lighter wall tiles that will bounce light around and increase the sense of space. Abbas said: “The impact of natural light shouldn’t be underestimated. It will have a massive effect on the final look of your tiles so don’t rush this step.”
Choose Patterns Carefully
The key is to not overwhelm the room. Less can be more, so instead of tiling your whole room in patterned tiles, why not consider a simple feature wall behind your shower, or contrast plain wall tiles with a striking decorative floor? And pick patterns carefully. While they’re undoubtedly beautiful, patchwork-style patterned tiles can easily overwhelm a smaller room. Instead, look towards geometric patterns with simple repeating designs. Abbas said: “On-trend diagonal tiles will add a sense of dynamic energy to smaller floors - you could even create your own simple checkerboard design by using plain white and black tiles together.”
Size Matters
Larger tiles can make a small bathroom feel more expansive as they reduce the number of grout lines, creating a more seamless look. However, there’s always a balance. Abbas said: “Avoid overly large tiles that can look out of place in tiny rooms, as well as leaving awkward slithers of cut tiles at the edges.”
Think About Layout
Running tiles in a brick bond or herringbone pattern can add visual interest and make a room appear larger. And Abbas has another styling trick to make a room feel bigger. Abbas said: “In bathrooms that are short on heights, such as attic conversions, you can also experiment with patterns. Strips of different coloured tiles or diagonal layouts can draw the eye up or across the space, enhancing the sense of roominess.” Vertical tiles can make a ceiling feel higher, while horizontal tiles can make the room feel wider. A huge trend right now is for extra-long wall tiles - at over double the length of traditional wall tiles, they will really help make narrow galley bathrooms feel wider.
Add Texture
Textured tiles can add depth and interest to a small bathroom, if they are used strategically. Abbas said: “Lay them on a feature wall, such as behind the shower, or as a smaller backsplash, to create a focal point that catches the eye but doesn’t overwhelm.
Choose Your Colour
Light, neutral tones such as whites and creams will always work well in smaller spaces as they reflect light and create an airy feel. However, cooler colours like blues and greens can also be refreshing and open up the space. Abbas said: “There is a current trend towards darker hues of greens and blues - these can work particularly well in smaller rooms, if you’re looking to create a moody, bijou feel.”
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REAL KITCHENS FOR REAL FAMILIES
We supply high quality German, Italian and traditional handmade English bespoke kitchens at family-friendly prices.
Our 2025 range offers all the modern developments in kitchen design, including reduced plinth heights and the TIP-ON touch opening system, together with specialised utility room furniture providing a myriad of clever storage solutions.
Much of our business comes via word-of-mouth recommendations from happy clients. We’re proud of our reputation and our customer service is second to none, for which we were awarded the Best of Houzz Client Satisfaction Award.
WOODSTOCK GARDEN CONTRACTORS
A family run business based in Surbiton established in 1970
Services we offer include paving for patios and driveways, brick work, fencing, pergolas, decking, turfing etc.
Customer satisfaction is our priority and our work speaks for itself, a fact we are very proud of, and which our customers endorse with reviews, repeat work and recommendations.
We can advise on improvements to existing gardens with consideration to the environment and being sympathetic to location and surroundings, working from design or ad-hoc if preferred. Whether the job is large or small we can provide advice and costing to help budget for the work required.
Phone Paul on 020 8390 5069 for a FREE estimate Email: paulwoodstock1970@gmail.com www.woodstockgardencontractors.co.uk
HOME & PROPERTY
INTERIORS
CHARMING COTTAGE COMFORT
Laura Ashley’s Mayville Cottage Collection blends timeless English charm with cosy sophistication. Featuring warm tones, plush upholstery, and delicate floral details, the collection creates an inviting retreat. Vintage-inspired accents, soft textiles, and thoughtful patterns infuse every corner with comfort, making it perfect for relaxed living steeped in cottage style. lauraashley.com
WOODEN WONDER
The Douceur Bed is the epitome of refined design; the wooden framework features gentle motifs hand carved into solid oak, and the softtouch linen blend upholstery has double-piped edges that give it a graceful and polished aesthetic. frenchbedroom.co.uk
LEATHER LOVE
Based on the 1950’s design by Arne Vodder, the Hamilton Leather Scandi Sofa suits Scandinavian or Nordic style interiors. The leather sofa has an ash frame, and distressed leather upholstery. peppermillinteriors.com
CLEAR THE CLUTTER
With an elegant lime wash finish and four capacious drawers with simple round metal handles, our elegant Camille chest is the perfect way to store essentials in your hallway or lounge. Each has a handy shelf for extra storage, and fits snugly against your wall for minimal clutter. coxandcox.co.uk
CAT OUT OF THE BAG
A puuurfect cuddle-buddy for your sofa. Sit back with a cup of tea and our 100% lambswool Cat cushion to give you comfort. With a different colour-inverted design on the back, this soft-grey and off-white cushion cover (pad not included) comes with a zip closing and is machine washable. jjtextile.co.uk
6 icons of the WFH era
Five years ago, the working week changed forever. Suddenly, our desks were mere steps from our living rooms, and the office just a short stroll from the kitchen. The world of WFH was born, and with it came new demands: spaces that accommodate both professional needs and the comforts of home. Before this shift, office furniture often felt clinical and sanitised. Today, it has evolved into an expressive element of any design enthusiast’s space. That’s why we’ve curated a list of WFH heroes, pieces that make answering emails and enjoying your environment equally stylish and aesthetic.
Eames Soft Pad Chair by Vitra: Eames, a name that surfaces time and again when discussing the upper echelons of interior design. In these lists alone, we’ve celebrated their work for its style, its timelessness, and now, its functionality. The Soft Pad Office Chair collection is the pinnacle of working interiors, appearing everywhere from TV screens (just pick any episode of Suits) to today’s home offices. Charles Eames once said, “Recognizing the need is the primary condition of design.” A philosophy embodied perfectly in this Vitra classic.
62 Desk by Gubi:
A piece of mid-century majesty, Greta Grossman is a name long cherished in Scandinavian furniture design. Her 62 Desk, now produced by Gubi, follows the fundamental principles of peak Danish design to the letter: a strong wooden presence, clean lines balanced with rounded forms, and above all, a minimalism that allows it to blend
Tab Table Lamp by Flos: The right lighting is, for our money, the most underrated element of an optimal working space. Numerous studies highlight its ability to boost productivity, improve both mental and physical health, and of course elevate aesthetics. With so many benefits hinging on getting the glow just right, we recommend the Tab task light by Barber & Osgerby. A firm favourite of desk dwellers since its debut nearly 15 years ago, it’s one of those rare lamps that delivers a focused beam of light without ever overwhelming the space around it.
Eames Soft Pad Chair by Vitra
Series 7 Swivel Chair by Fritz Hansen:
Tab Table Lamp by Flos
seamlessly with a variety of styles. For a piece that needs to harmonize with the rest of your home’s aesthetic, it’s Gubi’s an ideal option.
Series 7 Swivel Chair by Fritz Hansen:
To quote an old adage: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Sometimes, it really is as simple as taking one of the most beloved seating solutions in Scandinavian design history and giving it a fresh set of wheels. Arne Jacobsen’s midcentury masterpiece is now under the celebrated stewardship of Fritz Hansen, and it continues to go from strength to strength. The Series 7 swivel chair edition is perfectly poised to be a careful collaboration of comfort and practicality.
“Sometimes, it really is as simple as taking one of the most beloved seating solutions in Scandinavian design history and giving it a fresh set of wheels”
The Haller System by USM:
Over 125 years of metal-working history are behind the design story at USM. So to say they’ve seen the world and its ways evolve is a bit of an understatement. If anyone can conceive of a new working reality and accommodate for it, then the Swiss storage giants can. Their flagship Haller collection is the optimal home office space saving solution, partially for its stylish and sleek nature, but most definitely for the level of customisation it offers to suit your every need.
Cavour Desk by Zanotta:
What’s the one thing you want to be when stepping into your working world? (Other than first in line at the coffee machine.) Dynamic. Shaping your office interiors to match that mentality is a key part of staying productive — you want your space to be as sharp and on-the-ball as you are. The Cavour Desk by Zanotta captures that energy with debonair lines and stylish angles, creating a “no Zoom call too long, no Slack message too confusing” kind of atmosphere. chaplins.co.uk
Series 7 Swivel Chair by Fritz Hansen:
The Haller System by USM
Cavour Desk by Zanotta
62 Desk by Gubi
Enjoy Your Pool Longer: Keeping it Beautiful into Autumn
Just because summer is winding down it doesn’t mean your poolside days have to end. Early autumn is a golden time to enjoy your outdoor space in a cosier way. With a few simple touches, your pool can remain serene, stylish, and a calming retreat well into the cooler months.
Create a Cosy Autumn Setting
Cooler air is perfect for twilight gatherings by the pool. Add warmth with throws on loungers, lanterns or fairy lights for a gentle glow, and autumn-scented candles like cedar or fig. A pergola or garden umbrella with sheer drapes soften breezes and create a snug, inviting corner.
Keep the Water Clear
Falling leaves may add charm to the season, but not to your pool! A quick skim every few days and emptying skimmer baskets helps prevent stains or cloudiness. For less effort, an automatic pool cleaner can do the job for you - some even connect to your smartphone.
Warm Up the Water
A brisk dip can be refreshing, but solar covers work wonders at holding on to warmth between sunny spells. Compact heaters make swimming possible when evenings turn cooler. Even if you’re
not in the water daily, keeping it clean and the area tidy ensures your pool remains a relaxing focal point.
Style it for the Season
Autumn is the perfect excuse for small updates: solar lights, floating candles, all-weather rugs, or warm-toned accessories. These touches lift the mood for entertaining - or for enjoying a quiet moment by the water with a hot drink.
Autumn Pool Mindset
THE DETAILS
London Swimming Pool Company designs, builds, maintains and services pools and spas for clients in London and the Home Counties –we have been doing so for 40 years and come with a stellar reputation! londonswimmingpools.com 020 8605 1255
Extending your pool season is not just about temperature - it’s about atmosphere. Whether you fancy a sunset swim or prefer to admire the still water with a blanket and a book, your pool has plenty to offer long after summer ends. With a little care and creativity, it stays a place of beauty and relaxation well into the season.
Do a Little Now, Save a Lot Later
A few simple steps today can spare hassle later. Start balancing the pool water for cooler weather - essentially keeping it stable and clean so you don’t end up fighting problems down the line - give pumps and filters a quick check and consider a professional service visit before things get busy.
New Collection: Spectacular Abstracts by Alison Johnson
Glowing Embers Abstract Wallpaper Mural from Alison Johnson at Wallsauce
Wallsauce.com is delighted to announce the launch of a brand-new wallpaper mural collection: Spectacular Abstracts by Alison Johnson.
Since 2013, Wallsauce has been transforming spaces across the globe with bespoke wall murals. This new collection continues their commitment to collaborating with talented artists worldwide, offering designs that inspire creativity while upholding sustainability.
Alison Johnson, the artist behind this exclusive collection, is celebrated for her ability to capture atmosphere, movement, and emotion in her work.
Originally from Yorkshire, her upbringing surrounded by vast moorlands and ever-changing skies remains a strong influence on her art. A former nurse, Alison draws deeply on human emotion, instinctively layering textures and marks to translate fleeting feelings into powerful visual forms.
Now a full-time artist, Alison creates immersive pieces using oils, palette knives, and mixed media, producing evocative abstract landscapes that range from quiet serenity to raw intensity. Her atmospheric works, now reimagined as large-scale wallpaper murals, allow homeowners and designers alike to bring striking depth and emotion to their interiors.
Alison’s extraordinary artworks are ideal for transforming living spaces. It’s a collection that perfectly captures the Wallsauce ethos of blending style, individuality, and sustainability. Visit the website to browse the full collection. wallsauce.com
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• Full Bathrooms refits and Replacement
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CONSTRUCTION
• New Build
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CEILING STYLE
Homeowners are embracing the ‘fifth wall’ as interest in ceiling décor surges
Homeowners across Great Britain and Ireland are raising the DIY stakes, quite literally, as interest in ceiling décor surges, according to new research from family-run wall mural specialists By Haleys.
Using data from Pinterest, they found searches for the term ‘ceiling wallpaper’ have increased 50% over the last year; while searches ‘ceiling décor’ and ‘wallpapered ceiling’ are also on the rise.
Richard Haley, Creative Director of By Haleys, said: “A coat of white paint is so often the goto for ceilings but now we are starting to see homeowners embrace every inch of surface to express the character of the home.
“The ceiling is fast becoming referred to as the fifth wall and homeowners are starting to treat it in the same way as any other wallspace and making it a key part of their décor.”
A made-to-measure mural is a great option for
adding visual impact and dimension to the ceiling. By Haleys panoramic designs are incredibly bold and have been created so consumers feel the story behind the design. The Yorkshire-based studio also offers customers the flexibility to choose the exact portion of the mural they desire, ensuring a perfect fit for any ceiling space.
Richard added: “For murals to have a true impact on the ceiling, it’s really important designs are not squashed to fit. Our clients can tell us the dimensions of their ceiling and we will create a mural that perfectly covers the space without being compressed.”
By Haleys’ panoramic murals have been designed to transform interior schemes with their breathtaking artistry. Each is inspired by the serene landscapes of West Yorkshire, where the studio is based, and been designed to bring nature into the home.
byhaleys.com
“The ceiling is fast becoming referred to as the fifth wall”
LIGHTING TRENDS DEFINING HOMES
Lighting has become one of the most important design elements in the home, shaping atmosphere and adding personality to every room. In 2025, the focus is on lighting that feels expressive, with homeowners embracing both statement designs and clever layered schemes that balance practicality with style. James Kendall, Operations Director at KES Lighting & Home, shares the key lighting trends shaping homes this year.
James Kendall, Operations Director at KES Lighting & Home,
Art Deco Revival
One of the strongest movements for 2025 is the return of Art Deco glamour. There is a growing appetite for vintage-inspired lighting, particularly fittings that nod to the elegance of the 1920s and 30s. Bold geometry, opulent glass details and brass or gold finishes are defining features. These pieces bring instant character and a timeless sense of luxury to living spaces.
Layered Lighting
The way we use lighting continues to evolve, with layered schemes becoming more important than ever. One central fitting is no longer enough to create atmosphere or meet the demands of modern living. A thoughtful combination of ambient, task and accent lighting ensures rooms feel warm, versatile and comfortable. Table lamps, wall lights and discreet LED strips all contribute to building this depth.
Extending the Glow Outdoors
Lighting trends in 2025 are not confined to interiors. Outdoor spaces are being treated as true
extensions of the home, with lighting playing a vital role in how they are enjoyed. Discreet wall lights, lantern-style fittings and ground-level LEDs are creating ambience while also improving safety. Warm-toned bulbs and layered schemes ensure gardens, patios and terraces feel inviting long after the sun has gone down. Well-chosen outdoor lighting allows homeowners to extend their living areas and make the most of every season.
Playful and Sculptural Designs
Lighting has moved beyond function to become an integral part of home styling. In 2025, fittings are often doubling up as art pieces, with sculptural pendants and striking wall lights chosen as focal points in a room, sometimes in place of traditional artwork. These designs add interest and presence
Biophilic Lighting and the Beauty of Natural Design
One of the most exciting movements for 2025 is the growing focus on biophilic lighting. This approach is all about reconnecting interiors with nature, using organic shapes, natural materials and gentle tones to create spaces that promote calm and wellbeing.
Designs incorporating materials such as rattan, wood, bamboo and recycled glass are proving especially popular. These not only add warmth and texture but also give spaces a sense of authenticity that feels very current. Combined with lightweight forms and a mindful approach to design, biophilic lighting captures the harmony of the outdoors while enhancing the comfort of life indoors. keslighting.co.uk
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The Psychology of a Front Door
Whether bright and bold or subtle and subdued, your front door’s colour makes a powerful statement. It goes far beyond curb appeal, offering a direct clue to the personality of those inside. Every hue tells a story, here’s how to read yours.
GREY
A deep charcoal or anthracite grey door is the colour of modern strength. It creates a powerful and dramatic entrance that feels both secure and seriously stylish. This homeowner has a commanding presence and values security, discipline, and sophisticated design.
Your Home’s First Impression, Redefined BLACK
A black front door is the epitome of simple elegance and effortless style. It is the one colour guaranteed never to go out of fashion, providing a timeless anchor for your home’s character. This choice reflects a homeowner who appreciates classic design, sophistication, and understated confidence.
BLUE
A friendly light blue door is pure optimism in a paint can. It brings a fresh, positive energy to the front of a home and promises a happy, relaxed atmosphere inside. This choice belongs to a homeowner who is sincere, easy-going, and finds joy in the simple things.
PINK
Soft pink is the new neutral for the modern home, offering warmth where grey can feel cool. It’s an unexpectedly sophisticated and chic choice that signals a keen eye for contemporary design. This choice signals a homeowner with a sophisticated eye for design and the confidence to set their own trends.
WHITE
Alongside black, white is a truly timeless choice that offers effortless charm and grace. It provides a clean and versatile accent that complements virtually any colour of brick or stonework. Ultimately, it creates a clean and classic welcome, promising a space of simple elegance and order just beyond the threshold.
YELLOW
A yellow front door is a guaranteed dose of sunshine, even on a cloudy morning. It’s a blast of pure optimism and happiness that radiates a cheerful welcome right from the kerb. This choice belongs to a homeowner with a sunny disposition who loves to share their joy with others.
RED
A red front door makes a bold and powerful statement, immediately creating a feeling of warmth and a hospitable welcome. It’s a colour that commands attention from the street, radiating vibrant energy, passion, and excitement. This choice belongs to a homeowner who is outgoing and optimistic, with a bold character that matches the strength of the colour itself.
GREEN
More than any other colour, green signals growth, ambition, and renewal. It’s a balanced and reassuring choice that suggests new beginnings and a fresh outlook on life. This homeowner is likely generous, focused on personal growth, and always improving their home and themselves.
WHAT TO CONSIDER BEYOND COLOUR
Finding the perfect shade involves more than just your personal taste. The right colour must also harmonise with your home’s unique architecture and the overall character of your street. These final considerations are the key to choosing a shade that both looks good and truly feels right.
Architecture
A colour should always work in harmony with the architectural style of your home, from traditional cottages to minimalist new builds. Look for inspiration in existing features like your brickwork or window frames to find a complementary shade that creates a cohesive look.
Environment
Consider the overall feel of your street and decide if your goal is to seamlessly blend in or to carve out your own unique space. If making a confident statement is your aim, then a bold, vibrant colour is the most direct and impactful way to showcase your home’s personality.
Direction
The very same paint colour can look dramatically different depending on the quality and direction of the natural light it receives. A north-facing door in cool, indirect light will make a shade appear darker, while a south-facing door in bright sun can make it seem much lighter and more intense. tikkurila.co.uk
Refining and redefining the whole idea of ‘luxury and bespoke’
Sebastian Blakeley fuses Italian industrial design (13yrs working and living in Italy) with, tactile, high end British craftsmanship. 35yrs of experience go into to creating his structurally accomplished, ergonomic and stylised collection of signature pieces. Clients can customise his dining chairs, chaise-longue, dining tables, side tables and consoles to create their own statement dining suites, seating and interiors. Working closely with the client Sebastian will tailor his furniture to their individual needs, tastes and requirements. The utmost attention being given to the quality and provenance of the chosen materials. Timber, fabric, leather and non ferrous metals. Sometimes a go to dining chair, a console or day
“Sometimes a go to dining chair, a console or day bed can lead to the developing of a completely new and unique concept”
bed can lead to the developing of a completely new and unique concept. Quite often a commission can lead to a completely new prototype. Form and function! Structural integrity is always at the heart of any design followed closely by the ergonomics. By combining the absolute best possible materials with carefully thought out top quality, tactile craftsmanship, the overriding motivation being, to create beauty and a sense of the unique, to elevate and animate, clients homes and interiors with a timeless elegance. Whatever the project it is always the aim of the workshop to deliver above and beyond expectation. 21st Century design classics to give pleasure, to treasure and pass on as family heirlooms.
sebastianblakeley.com
GIFT A DOG PURE OPULENCE THIS CHRISTMAS With a Seriously Inviting Dog Bed in Soft and Stylish Velour
Soft, inviting and draped in luxury, spoil a dog this Christmas with a beautiful Velour Bed from award-winning British designers Charley Chau, who have been at the forefront of innovation in dog bedding since 2010.
A dog will feel like royalty come Christmas Day when retiring to their chambers made of velvety soft velour, which offers a dreamy feel with every nap. Whether fashioned into a Snuggle Bed or a high-sided Deeply Dishy, Charley Chau’s highperformance, upholstery-quality Velour wraps a deep-filled luxury mattress base that has been constructed like a sofa-seat for maximum comfort and to stay lump-free after washing so no bumps will spoil a dog’s sleep. Made entirely from recycled polyester, the Velour fabric is eco-friendly too.
Available in a gorgeous selection of beautiful brights, as well as a classic silver and combo, Charley Chau’s Velour dog bedding collection will also be a stylish accent within the home. In both the Deeply Dishy and Day Bed designs, the Velour has also been styled in contrasting colour offering sophisticated playfulness and an alternate look from a dog’s bed, which
often resides in the heart of the home.
As with all Charley Chau dog beds, the Velour dog bed collection brings substance as well as style with easy to remove covers and machine-washable insides and out. Beds can also be upgraded with anti-microbial waterproof liners or spare covers are available for wash days or style changes. For use at home or away, gift a dog with the luxury and comfort they deserve this
“As
with all Charley Chau dog beds, the Velour dog bed collection brings substance as well as style”
YOU DREAM IT, WE’LL BUILD IT
AMBR Developments is redefining modern living in Surrey and the South East with a dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless design. Founded on over three decades of construction expertise paired with a forward-thinking vision, AMBR Developments specialises in delivering bespoke residential projects that blend architectural elegance with enduring quality. Each home is meticulously crafted to enhance both lifestyle and investment value, reflecting our commitment to excellence at every stage of development. For discerning clients seeking sophistication, reliability, and enduring beauty, AMBR Developments stands as a trusted name in luxury property creation.
“AMBR Developments is very much a family story. As a stepfather and stepson team, Anthony and I have built the business on shared values of trust, quality, and integrity. We understand that developing or renovating a home is a significant moment in our clients’ lives, and we pride ourselves on making the journey as smooth and personal as possible. For us, it’s not just about creating exceptional homes, it’s about delivering a service that feels supportive, genuine, and rooted in family values”
Images illustrative of the aspects of work we regularly carry out: Residential Construction, Extensions, Refurbishments, Renovations, Oak Barns.
‘Rhythm of Blues’ BEDROOM INSPIRATION
Choose blue for your bedroom and you will embrace a calming colour which is said to reduce anxiety and promote a feeling of tranquillity; perhaps it’s the association with blue skies and sea which makes us feel positive and relaxed, reminiscent of warm and sunny days. “ Adam Black, co-founder, Button & Sprung
“Blue is having a real moment in interiors and is being celebrated from luxe deep navy to rich teals, royal blues and soft dusky powder tones. Far from being the cold colour of decorating past, blues offer a huge range of undertones to get the look you desire.” Adam Black, co-founder, Button & Sprung
“A bed upholstered in blue will allow you to accessorise with bed linen and cushions to create a selection of interior schemes. Pair with fresh tones of pink and yellow or embrace deep colours such as navy or burgundy to help you feel cocooned and cosy. “ Adam Black, co-founder, Button & Sprung.
For more information visit the Button & Sprung showroom at 76 Queenstown Road, Battersea, or visit buttonandsprung.com.
