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MIDLIFE FITNESS

THE STYLE FILES WHAT YOUR SHELVES SAY ABOUT YOU

TIPS FROM THE PROS

THE TUDORS REVEALED

TOP HISTORIAN TRACY BORMAN DISPELS DYNASTY'S MYTHS WELCOME TO THE WEEKEND - YOUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER WWW.TIMEANDLEISURE.CO.UK /SUBSCRIBE

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CONTENTS OCTOBER 2026

45 23 LOCAL 7 October highlights

All the latest news & inside Richard Rogers' local house

11 Attention music lovers Wimbledon's festival is back

INTERVIEWS 14 Tracy Borman

The myths of the Tudors

HEALTH

FRONT COVERS:

23 Midlife fitness

What you need to know

THE DIARY 31 Events not to miss

13 - 24 OCT 2026

Best theatre, Halloween, Bonfire Night + autumn blockbusters

FOOD 43 News

ROSETHEATRE.ORG 020 8174 0090

Recipes, books, new openings

HOMES & GARDENS 45 Stylish shelves Make a statement

1. Imogen Whitehead, ©Matthew Johnson Photographer. 2. Waitrose 3 & 4. Tracy Borman © Hodder & Stoughton

E D I TO R’ S LET T E R

The year is rushing by and we’re heading full pelt into Halloween and Bonfire Night fun. Even panto season and grottoes are upon us. As I write this in mid-September, I’ve had several emails telling me it is only 100 days until Christmas. So with this in mind, allow us to be your Fairy Godmother or cackling witch as we hurl ourselves into the festivities ahead. Don’t miss our guides in print, online and in our newsletter. We’ve also got seasonal entertaining recipes, Oktoberfest and autumnal restaurant menus to get the party started. For this edition, I chat to Tracy Borman – the historian is taking her favourite dynasty out on tour and dispelling some myths about the Tudors. Henry VIII – timid guy, actually – mainly down to his massive hypochondria. His pious daughter Mary? Party girl. It’s fascinating stuff, all the more so given just how much happened on our doorsteps in south west London and Surrey.

Also this month, I got to take a look at a curious yellow house in Wimbledon – it’s no ordinary house though as it was designed by Richard Rogers and it influenced so much of what he did afterwards, including the Pompidou Centre and the Lloyd’s building. It’s National Menopause Month in October so in our health pages, we look at exercise in midlife – there are many misconceptions around it so we got the lowdown from the experts. In interiors, we have the perfect rainy October activity for you – shelf-scaping. Oh, the joy of some perfectly stacked books… I’m sure it’s not just me… So, sit back, get cosy and get your diary out – you won’t want to stay in for long with some fabulous events for the diary, from Wimbledon International Music Festival and a host of local book fests to some blockbuster art exhibitions and some spooky theatre. And, did I mention… it’s (almost) Christmas…

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A R E A AT A GL A N CE

OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS Local reads this month... The Mothers of SW19 is the third novel from Catherine Yardley and follows two women who battle it out at the school gates to be the queen of their social circle. Teddington author Molly Gartland’s new historical novel The Queen of Bushy House reimagines the true story of Princess Adelaide – later Queen Adelaide – and Dorothea Jordan, the celebrated actress who made Bushy House her home for 15 years with the Duke of Clarence, later King William IV. Meanwhile, Regina Tayar-Watson has written a book Raising a Bilingual Child with advice on how parents can pass on their heritage language successfully.

Polly May

Taryn Robertson

Liz Martins

Join us for breakfast! Our much-loved networking breakfast for women in business takes place on 7 October at the Rose and Crown in Wimbledon Village. Guest speakers include Polly May who is talking about risk, and how to use it to our advantage. Plus, there will be market insights from senior economist Liz Martins and opportunities to grow your business by Taryn Robertson from HSBC UK.

Get your tickets now:

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And don’t miss the latest edition of Rise, our magazine for women in business, online now www.timeandleisure.co.uk/rise

Ski Surbiton

Walkies…

Wimbledon Guild’s Waggy Walk is set to take place on 3 October on Wimbledon Common. There’s a choice of 4km or 7km routes, and there is a new Family Fun Trail this year.

If you fancy riding down part of St Mark’s Hill in a bathtub or strapping blocks of ice to your feet and setting off downhill, don’t miss The Community Brain’s Ski Sunday on 11 October (participants must be 18+). It’s followed by The King’s Soup at Claremont Gardens with a communal vegetarian eating experience.

Putney’s electric inspiration The typically uninspiring electrical boxes that are common sights on our streets are being reimagined in Putney. The project, on the theme of Proud to be Putney, has transformed 10 of the boxes into individual works of art.

Festival recognition Congratulations to Barnes Music Festival, which has scooped two awards - Best Music Festival in the Innovation & Excellence Awards and Best Classical Music Festival in the Greater London Enterprise Awards. The accolades recognise the festival’s artistic excellence, community engagement and contribution to London’s cultural life. Pictured: Barnes Music Festival directors Eleanor Davison and Andrew Summers

Clapham photos reflect art Documentary photographer Jim Grover has created a new exhibition that combines iconic artwork with contemporary photography. Drawn into your Presence features enlarged photography of 30 Victorian engravings of iconic paintings (including by the likes of Raphael, Titian and Da Vinci) paired with black and white photographs of faith. The aim is to create an unexpected dialogue across centuries, allowing the narratives of the past to resonate with the lives of people in South London today. See it at St James’ Church, Clapham, until October 18.

District Line concerns A campaign group raising awareness around getting investment into the Wimbledon stretch of the District Line protested outside the station in September. There’s a website where people can record their experiences of the route and sign a petition. Fixthedistrict.org

ARE A AT A GL A N CE

Main House from back garden 22 Parkside ©National Trust Megan Taylor

Richard Rogers, co-designer of 22 Parkside and his mother, Dada Rogers at 22 Parkside ©Ruthie Rogers

From Parkside to Paris

How Richard Rogers’ house in Wimbledon inspired the Pompidou Richard Rogers’ striking architecture has made waves around the world, from the Lloyd’s building and the Millennium Dome to the Cheesegrater (aka the Leadenhall building) and Heathrow’s T5. Arguably his most famous is Paris’s Pompidou Centre with its inside out approach, the structure exposed on the exterior of the building. You can see the origins of many of his designs at a modest but striking house in Wimbledon, which Richard, along with his first wife Su, designed for Richard’s parents in the late 1960s. The colours are bold – the same bright yellow steel that frames the bungalow became a signature feature across several of his buildings. 22 Parkside, to give it its official name, has just been gifted to the National Trust by the Rogers family, and opened to the public for a day for September’s Open House scheme. Tickets were eagerly snapped up. We got a sneak peek beforehand and were blown away by this light-filled quirky space. Richard’s parents, Nino and Dada Rogers,

loved to entertain and so the main feature of the living area is a long tangerine-hued block behind which they could cook and chat to guests, without exposing all the mess of the kitchen. An early example of open-plan living, panels slide back to reveal two bedrooms and a study. Shower rooms are cleverly concealed, and there are even two pull-out beds in the utility room. In a way, Richard was an original Womble – making use of everyday finds such as bus windows repurposed as doors. In 2013, the building was awarded Grade II* listed status in recognition of its architectural and historic importance. Its influence has been huge, and it is intended that it will be an important resource for design students. Renzo Piano, who designed the Centre Pompidou with Richard, says: “There is no doubt that 22 Parkside was one of the most important buildings that Richard created. It worked as a miniature prototype for the sort of approach we took in the Centre Pompidou.” I spoke to Ruthie Rodgers, of The River Café fame and Richard’s second wife, about the incredible house. She says: “What was important to Richard was family and architecture, so the idea of creating a piece of architecture for his parents and for the family was his way of saying, these are the two things that I love most in life. And I think that now we can add a third thing that he loved, which was access for the public to culture, whether that was a museum, theatre or a gallery. Nothing would have made him happier than knowing the house went from architecture for family to architecture for the public.”

Principle bedroom looking into the dining room ©National Trust Megan Taylor

Originally from Italy, Nino and Dada Rogers moved to Surrey where Nino worked as a doctor. They lived in a typical period home but wanted more light and somewhere that would work for them as they aged - and so began their commission for the modernist house in Wimbledon. They loved the house and the area. Says Ruthie: “They would walk on the common in the morning, in the afternoon

and evening, in sun, rain and snow. Sunday lunches were always followed by a walk.” Nino created a study in the house in which to see his patients, and his mother, a ceramicist, later turned the carport into a pottery. The house evolved with them, with grandchildren running around during the weekends, and quieter weeks with just the two of them where they would sit listening to music after dinner. The flexibility of the house worked and when Richard’s father died, it continued to be a source of pleasure for Dada. “She never felt overwhelmed by the house,” Ruthie adds. I ask Ruthie about her time with Richard in Paris while he worked on the Pomidou Centre. The period influenced her very seasonal approach in her restaurant, The River Café, which was originally set up with friend Rose Gray as a canteen for Richard’s architectural practice. Both Richard and Ruthie were big foodies and would explore Paris’s restaurants. She says: “For us, it was just a revelation to be in a city where food was so important. We lived over a market and it was there that I learned what seasonality is about.” Richard passed away in 2021. Ruthie says seeing his buildings in London is emotional. “It’s moving. Richard loved London and he loved cities.” Ben Rogers, the son of Richard and Su, says of gifting the house to the National Trust: “22 Parkside is much more than a family home. It is one of the most important buildings my father and mother created – a place where many of the ideas that would go on to influence my father’s work and some of the world’s most celebrated architecture were first tested and explored. As a family, we wanted to ensure that this remarkable house would be protected, cared for and shared with future generations, rather than remaining a private asset.” The house will now undergo some renovation work and the National Trust is looking for donations. It will be open on various dates through the year, with a view to a full opening in 2028.  T&L

To support the restoration of the building, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/22-parkside

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I N T E RV I E W

MUSIC - IN UNEXPECTED PLACES! Wimbledon International Music Festival is back this November, and there are surprises in store

Acclaimed international artists alongside local favourites will be performing across Wimbledon, some in unexpected places. The event, which was founded in 2009, is known for its eclectic programme that aims to cater to both classical traditionalists as well as engaging new audiences. The festival also reaches young people through its partnership with Merton Music Foundation. Across three weeks, there will be everything from classical, jazz and folk to family concerts, art and wine tasting. Alongside the venues you might expect, look out for recitals in wine shops such as the intimate Cellar Sounds series at Jeroboams in Wimbledon Village, pairing music with wines from around the world.

WIMBLEDON INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 3-29 NOVEMBER 2026

This is the second festival under Artistic Director Anthony Friend, who succeeded founder Anthony Wilkinson in 2025. What have been his highlights from his first year? “The big payoff in putting on a festival like

Anthony Friend © Matthew Johnson Photographer

this is getting to witness the concerts and events themselves – last year's festival was extremely strong artistically, and audience figures were excellent. Beyond that, however, I've felt very lucky to be part of an organisation that is deeply embedded in its local community. I've tried to harness this in a year-round programme of fun and sociable events for our supporters that have been real highlights for me.” His future plans for the festival? “There is still so much potential: making more local connections, spreading the word within Wimbledon and south west London, and gradually making the festival more of a destination for people who are not in the local area. As well as exploiting all this potential, I'd like to build enough trust from our audiences that we can take bigger artistic risks, knowing that our audiences will follow us anywhere.” Anthony Friend performs Mozart's Clarinet Quintet with the outstanding French string quartet Quatuor Agate on Saturday 28 November at 7.30pm, St John the Baptist, Spencer Hill. ©Matthew Johnson Photographer

 www.wimbledonmusicfestival.co.uk 3-29 November

I N T E RV I E W

Goodmesh Concours Vondelkerk Amsterdam ©Melanie Lemahieu

Imogen Whitehead ©Matthew Johnson Photographer

Anthony Friend’s top picks from this year’s festival… Piano Titans,

David Khrikuli performs Bach, Chopin, Ravel and Rachmaninoff 26 November, 19:30 St John the Baptist, Spencer Hill

The young Georgian pianist David Khrikuli has never performed in the UK before, and I'm thrilled to be bringing him to WIMF this year. I heard him for the first time at last year's Chopin International Piano Competition, broadcast from Warsaw, where Khrikuli caused a sensation – controversially not being awarded the first prize despite being an audience and critical favourite. He has a poetic touch, creating a luminous, warm sound at the piano, and a dazzling technique which will be on display in his fearsome programme for us, including some of the most challenging piano repertoire ever written.

Sound and Fury,

Sinfonia Smith Square performs Mendelssohn, Anna Clyne and a premiere by Gabriel Jackson 12 November, 19:30 Wimbledon High School

Giving people the opportunity to witness a first-rate orchestra at close quarters is so exhilarating – particularly when it's a passionate group of young professionals such as Sinfonia Smith Square (formerly known as Southbank Sinfonia). They are playing a visceral, exciting work by Anna Clyne called Sound and Fury to open the concert, before local resident and international trumpet star Imogen

Whitehead performs a new concerto written for her by Gabriel Jackson, inspired by jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove. The second half is Mendelssohn's glorious Symphony No. 3, 'Scottish', inspired by the composer's travels there as a young man.

Gala Opera Recital,

OAE Night Shift © Matthew Johnson Photographer

Painting and Music,

OAE Night Shift,

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment soloists in an intimate pub performance 19 November, 20:00 The Rushmere, The Ridgeway

Baroque music predates the concert hall – it was mostly heard in private or in considerably livelier (and boozier) settings. Staying true to their pioneering practice of playing music on historical instruments, the period ensemble Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment has been playing concerts in pubs for nearly two decades. These 'Night Shift' concerts are a chance to hear the music up close, in a relaxed setting, with entertaining chat from the performers. The Rushmere is a new venue for us this year, and I'm excited about the collaboration.

English National Opera's Harewood Artists perform favourite opera arias with piano 21 November, 19:30 Wimbledon High School

Four early-career professional singers – part of the ENO's Harewood Artists programme, covering and performing roles onstage at the Coliseum – each perform some of their favourite arias with piano. Meanwhile, Champagne-method English sparkling wine is on offer from Roebuck Estates. Bubbles, stunning singing and music, and a chance to hear the opera stars of tomorrow (and today!) in an intimate recital.

Painter Jérémie Queyras creates largescale paintings to violin music played by Charlotte Spruit 24 November, 19:30 St John the Baptist, Spencer Hill

This year in Berlin, a new portrait of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel was unveiled at the Bode Museum. It was created by the young French-German painter Jérémie Queyras. Outside of his portrait work, Queyras creates incredible abstract paintings, often live on stage in performances with some of the world's foremost classical soloists – his father is one of the greatest living cellists, so he has a deep appreciation of music. He joins violinist Charlotte Spruit on stage for music by Bach and Bartók, and the massive canvases will be on sale afterwards.  T&L

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I N T E RV I E W

TRACY BORMAN The historian and author on bringing the larger-than-life tales of the Tudors to the stage…

f you’ve ever wandered the halls of Hampton Court and wondered what really happened behind its tapestry-clad walls, Tudors on Tour promises some revelations.

Bestselling author, historian and broadcaster Professor Tracy Borman OBE is bringing her “favourite” dynasty to life in a series of shows, with dates in Epsom and Guildford this autumn.

“It’s like Horrible Histories for grown-ups,” Tracy laughs. “The show takes the audience behind closed doors to look at the Tudors as they really were when stripped of all their finery.” The Tudors provide rich material, and five centuries on, the fascination with their stories continues. “I think they were so charismatic, and that charisma hasn’t really faded in 500 years,” says Tracy. Anne Boleyn, for example, remains one of the most compelling figures of the Tudor age. Her relationship with Henry VIII changed the course of English history, helping to trigger the king’s break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English Reformation. “She was a very clever, feisty woman,” says Tracy. Yet she is also a woman whose reputation has been shaped by centuries of myth. Anne was sometimes portrayed as a witch who had entranced Henry into marrying her. There was also the enduring claim that she had six fingers on one hand. Most damaging of all was the accusation that she was an adulteress. “Thomas Cromwell built a flimsy case, but it was enough to destroy her,” says Tracy. “She’s been depicted as this scarlet woman, but actually there’s nothing to back that up whatsoever.” Instead, Tracy believes Anne was a deeply virtuous woman with quite radical ideas about religion and social reform. “She wanted to make a difference as queen, but ultimately she was judged by her failure to give Henry the son that he so craved.”

©Hodder & Stoughton

And Henry himself, says Tracy, was very different away from the public stage. “He was extraordinarily selfconfident, borderline tyrannical. But one visitor to his private apartment described him as being the most timid man you could hope to meet, and this is because he was

I N T E RV I E W

Hampton Court Palace ©Historic Royal Palaces

absolutely paranoid about sickness. He was a massive hypochondriac and in constant fear of getting ill or of his family getting ill.”

the entire novel, using fiction to explore the parts of their lives that history has left undocumented.

Henry’s children, too, can look rather different once the royal finery is stripped away. His daughter Mary is often remembered as stern and intensely religious, but Tracy says there was another side to her personality.

“I wanted to set the story entirely there and really show the Boleyns as they were,” she explains. “I think this novel enabled me to fill those gaps that history has left behind and give Anne a voice – what did she actually think about Henry, did she love him, did she want to be queen? There are assumptions made about her but we don’t really know. So it was just too tempting a prospect to be able to use my imagination to tell the Boleyn story from their perspective.”

“She’s portrayed as being very pious and sober-minded, but she was quite a party girl in private and always throwing these lavish evenings of drinking and entertainment.” Then there was Edward VI, who died at just 15. “Edward is portrayed as being a sickly child because he dies young,” says Tracy. “But he was incredibly robust and great at sports. He was also very intelligent, but had all the makings of being a much greater tyrant than his father. He was determined to stamp the new Protestant religion on England and was writing essays about how evil the Pope was.” Tracy’s fascination with the Tudor world has inspired several books, both fiction and non-fiction. Her latest, The House of Boleyn, explores the rise and fall of one of the most famous families of the period. “I spent a lot of time with the Boleyns in the course of my career and, as a historian, I got to know that story so well,” she says. “But even though they are such a famous family, there are so many gaps in our knowledge because of what happened to them. Henry really tried to wipe them from history.” One place where the Boleyn story survives is their beautiful Kent home, Hever Castle. Tracy chose it as the setting for

That includes challenging the idea that Anne deliberately manipulated Henry. “She’s seen as playing Henry like an instrument until he’d agreed that he was going to marry her. However, there’s no evidence she wanted to marry Henry or be queen, and there’s certainly no evidence her father Thomas wanted that for his precious daughter. He’d already had one daughter, Mary, ruined by having been Henry’s mistress.” The Boleyns were undoubtedly politically ambitious, Tracy says, and ambition came with a price in the Tudor court. “But really it’s just a tragedy that the downfall of this brilliantly gifted family was the twist of fate that was Anne’s miscarriages and the inability to give Henry a son.” Tracy stays close to historical fact in her novel but makes it clear in her author’s note which elements come from her imagination. The servants’ stories in particular are fictional. “We know hardly anything about the servants, so I was able to make them up

and create different plots around them.” Her hope is that the book brings to light the human element at the heart of it all. “There’s the well-known rhyme about Henry’s wives – divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived – it almost normalises it, but there are real people behind the rhyme.” That is particularly poignant at Hampton Court Palace, where Tracy works as Chief Historian with Historic Royal Palaces. Jane Seymour gave birth to the future Edward VI there and died just 12 days later. And the Tudor connections extend far beyond Hampton Court. Living locally in south-west London, Tracy says she loves how rich the surrounding area is in Tudor history, from the remnants of Nonsuch Palace to Richmond Palace. So, if she could bring one Tudor back for a day, who would it be – and where would she take them? “It would have to be Elizabeth I. She loved this part of the world, and she died at Richmond Palace, a favourite palace of hers. I’d love to just have a little conversation with Elizabeth. Ask her if she really was the Virgin Queen – although I don’t think I’d dare!”  T&L

 Tudors on Tour on stage around the UK Epsom Playhouse: 20 October, Guildford: 25 October

Win! A pair of tickets to Tracy’s Epsom show.

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PROMOTION

Celebrating 150 Years of Elys:

A Wimbledon Institution We take a look back at Wimbledon’s favourite department store and its leading role on the High Street today

Elys 1968

This year, Elys Department Store is celebrating an extraordinary milestone: 150 years at the heart of Wimbledon. Since opening their doors in 1876, Elys has been much more than a department store. It has been a part of the fabric of local life, serving generations of families, friends, and neighbours.

PROMOTION

Over the decades, Elys has seen Wimbledon evolve, fashions change, and shopping habits transform, yet one thing has always remained the same: their commitment to community, quality and personal service. From the early days of traditional counter service to becoming a modern destination for fashion, beauty, homeware and gifting, Elys has continued to grow alongside the people who make it so special. For many, Elys is filled with memories. Shopping for children’s first shoes, discovering a dream dress for a celebration, visiting with grandparents, or simply enjoying a browse and coffee. Others may remember working there, being part of the Elys team and helping customers through life’s big moments.

‘Elys is so loved by residents in Wimbledon, it’s been a constant in my family’s life, from seeing Father Christmas as a child and my first Saturday job, to fashion show evenings and taking my kids to see Father Christmas there. The store just gets better every year and it is so invested in the local community, we’re so lucky to have it on our doorstep’ Lucy SW19

1904

The Elys Story Elys’ story began all the way back in 1876, with humble origins. Joseph Ely opened a small tailor, outfitter and drapery business on Alexandra Road. Having left Essex at just 16 and walked to London in search of opportunity, he carefully selected the location after observing the flow of passing customers. After a move to larger premises on Worple Road in 1886, it was the arrival of the tram in 1907 that made Elys a destination store. Legend has it that tram conductors would call out “Elys Corner!” before stopping outside. 1907 Elys main store (left) tram Widening of Worple road and first

Elys shopfloor

Throughout the 1960s, the store experienced major growth and expanded into neighbouring properties. In 1996 it joined the Morleys Stores Group and embarked upon a major refurbishment programme, introducing new brands and enhancing the shopping experience.

Elys Today

Elys today

Still proudly independent in spirit and firmly rooted in Wimbledon, Elys continues to evolve while staying true to its values of personal service, quality and community connection. It is a true pillar business of the community and an iconic part of the high street, continually renewing itself while remaining a leader in brand names and trends.

PROMOTION

Brand Leader From top beauty brands such as Clarins, Estée Lauder and Charlotte Tilbury, alongside the recent introduction of the permanent Trinny London counter, to esteemed fashion names like Barbour, BOSS, Calvin Klein and Levi’s, Elys remains a leader in brand names and stays at the cutting edge of fashion and style. You can also find top home-wear brands such as OXO, Georg Jensen and Emma Bridgewater.

Rooftop fashion shoot 2019

With new brands coming in all the time, Elys showcases its rarefied ability to constantly renew and move with the times, while retaining its special independent identity and proving itself a consistent luxury destination.

Spring Summer 26 Edit

More Than A Shopping Experience For many people, Elys is about far more than just shopping. A day out to Elys can encompass much more than simply browsing racks, with a variety of in-store experiences on offer to make your shopping that much more personal. Enjoy beauty & wellness services at Clarins, Gina Conway Salon & Spa, and Trinny London, where you can make personalised appointments with their on-hand experts for a full beauty & wellness refresh. On the first floor you’ll find the Personal Styling Suite, for wardrobe updates, seasonal styling, and dedicated gifting or home interior appointments. You can also enjoy a crafted personal shopping experience and indulge in the luxury of personalised assistance, expert advice and time-saving convenience.

Gina Conway Salon

& Spa Personal Styling

A Pillar of the Community Eating Out Elevate your Elys experience that much further with the opportunity to make a whole day of it and dine out with friends. The Elys Restaurant is located on the third floor and offers a relaxed spot for brunch, lunch and afternoon tea. The in-house bar serves wine, beer, cocktails and artisan coffee.

Alongside its dedication to top luxury brands and personalised experiences, Elys also invests time and energy into the local community, from supporting local artists to pop stands and tastings. Independent pop-ups bring fresh ideas and local talent into the store, collaborations with UAL: Wimbledon College of Arts showcase emerging creativity, and partnerships with organisations including Merton Pride and local charities help strengthen community connections.

ELYS WIMBLEDON 16 St George’s Rd, London SW19 4DP 020 8946 9191, elyswimbledon.co.uk

book online at elyswimbledon.co.uk 16 St. George’s Road, Wimbledon SW19 4DP @elyswimbledon @elyswimbledon

PROMOTION

New Hermès specialist to open in Chelsea Harbour JULL, the London Hermès specialist, opens a private showroom at Harbour Yard, Chelsea Harbour, on Monday 5 October. More than 200 new, unworn and pre-owned pieces — Birkin, Kelly, Constance, Picotin and what it believes is the largest Mini Kelly selection in the capital — can be viewed by appointment seven days a week, ten minutes from Putney Bridge. Hermès Birkin in black Togo leather with palladium hardware, photographed with a Kelly Cut clutch in orange Epsom — the Birkin 25 in black Togo is £25,000; JULL holds nine Kelly Cuts, from £19,500

Hermès Mini Kelly 20, Craie and Bleu du Nord Epsom leather, palladium hardware — one of more than thirty Mini Kellys JULL holds, from around £20,000

Hermès Picotin Lock 18, Rouge Sellier Clémence leather, gold hardware — £3,900

Time & Leisure readers are invited to book a first look before the doors open: byjull.com · hello@byjull.com · WhatsApp +44 7704 870249 JULL is independent and not affiliated with Hermès.

Connecting communities

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Breakfast Rise and join our host Lucy Kane and the Time & Leisure team for breakfast! Come and join the fun, be inspired, connect and meet like-minded female leaders, inspirational founders, Entrepreneurs and women in business. Rose & Crown, Wimbledon Village

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Images: Rebecca Cresta Photography

PROMOTION

Your Autumn Wardrobe, Sorted

The Big 5

Your Autumn Wardrobe Updaters By Helen Canning, Elys Personal Shopper

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October is when autumn dressing comes into its own. Knitwear moves forward and richer colours and textures feel right again. New season trends can feel overwhelming, so I’ve pared it back to 5 key items which will instantly update your wardrobe with minimal effort. The Old Bakery, 8A Replingham Road, London SW18 5LS, 07956 242933 info@florentina-b.co.uk @florentina_beautiful_clothing

1. The Suede Jacket The suede jacket is an autumn classic. Choose tan, tobacco or chocolate brown and wear it with denim, dresses or tailored trousers. Its texture makes a simple jeans-and-tee combination feel more considered.

2. The Check Skirt Checks return every autumn, but this season the focus is on skirts. From pleated midis to A-line shapes, they introduce print without being difficult to style. Add a knit and boots, or a sweatshirt and trainers.

3. The Argyle Knit

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Argyle is one of the season’s key patterns, bringing colour and personality to knitwear. Keep the rest of your outfit simple and wear it with denim for the weekend, or a skirt and loafers for a polished daytime look.

4. The Printed Scarf Never underestimate the power of a scarf. It is a way to introduce print and colour, and you may already have one waiting to be rediscovered. Tie it at the neck, thread it through belt loops or add it to your handbag.

5. The Romantic Blouse Softer, more feminine blouses are returning. Look for lace, ruffles, gathered sleeves or a pussy-bow neckline. The key is contrast: wear yours with relaxed denim or a suede jacket to keep the look modern rather than overly prim. Choose the update that feels most like you and use it to create fresh combinations from familiar favourites. Sometimes one brilliant piece is all it takes. Discover new-season fashion at Elys Wimbledon.

Book your FREE appointment with Helen, our Personal Shopper 020 8946 9191, personalshopping@elyswimbledon.co.uk ELYS WIMBLEDON 16 St George’s Road, Wimbledon SW19 4DP elyswimbledon.co.uk

Private GP in Wimbledon More Time for Your Health

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W E LLB E I N G

THE MENOPAUSE MOVEMENT TOOLKIT How do you really support your body through exercise in midlife? For World Menopause Month, we asked the experts... Menopause brings about a whole host of changes, causing not only troublesome symptoms but potential health issues too such as bone and muscle loss, and weight gain. Movement can help counteract the potential problems, as well as bringing a raft of other benefits for both our mental and physical wellbeing. Elisa Withers, founder of APPI Clinics, and her colleagues Cris Malgarotto and Lucy Pattullo, both Exercise in Menopause specialists, talk of the three key benefits of exercise during menopause...

Maintaining muscle, strength & metabolism As oestrogen levels decline, maintaining muscle mass becomes even more important. Regular resistance and strengthbased movement helps maintain muscle, and support a healthy metabolism.

Supporting strong, healthy bones Bone density naturally declines with age and can accelerate around menopause. Weight-bearing and appropriately loaded resistance exercise provide an important way to maintain bone strength.

Supporting mood, sleep & cardiovascular wellbeing Regular exercise can help manage stress, support mood and sleep quality, as well as long-term cardiovascular and metabolic health. While the benefits are clear, unpacking what we actually need in practice is trickier. Says Rosalia Trupiano, personal trainer and

menopause coach: “We are often given general advice: the NHS recommends that adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, or 75 minutes at a vigorous intensity, alongside strength training on at least two days. But, how it applies to women in perimenopause and menopause are rarely explained clearly. In this context, “moderate” refers to aerobic activity that makes you breathe more quickly while still being able to hold a conversation. This might include brisk walking, cycling, swimming or dancing. The ideal length of each session,

however, depends on the individual; what is manageable and beneficial for one woman may be too much or too little for another." "There is this myth that turning 40 suddenly comes with a new rulebook for exercise: do this, avoid that, train in a particular way. Menopause does bring changes, but no two women experience it in exactly the same way. Our health, injuries, exercise history, symptoms, responsibilities and life experiences all shape what we need." You don't need to be throwing yourself into high-intensity classes nor trying to fit into a potentially intimidating gym environment. Says Hillary 'Nesse' Cannon, a registered clinical nutritionist and founder of women's health studio HerSpace London: "The biggest mistake I see is people chasing what they think they should be doing instead of what they actually love to do. Motivation built on obligation instead of joy doesn’t last beyond the first few sessions of anything and you waste precious time." "If you like walking, walk. If you love to dance, dance. Pilates, barre, Zumba, rock climbing, or lifting weights….

W E LLB E I N G

the modality matters much less than the pleasure you get from it, because being consistent is what will ensure that your body stays strong and healthy for the rest of your life." Bodyweight and lighter resistance work is a good place to start. "You can progress there, meaningfully, for quite some time. Then, as you build more strength and start to see mobility and flexibility improving, you can progress toward heavier, properly controlled resistance. What actually causes injury isn't heavy lifting itself, it's heavy lifting done carelessly, using momentum instead of control. A lighter weight moved slowly and with control will build more real strength than a heavy one flung into place with momentum, The same applies to cardio. You don't need to run five miles a day to get or maintain good cardiovascular health. A dance class or a focused, brisk walk can more than sufficiently raise your heart rate to 60 - 70% of your max, and that is a solid, evidence-backed target." There's also the misconception that fitness in midlife becomes all about building strength but it's not the case. "I totally agree that it is important, particularly for maintaining muscle mass and bone health, but cardiovascular exercise such as jogging, cycling or swimming, as well as restorative exercise such as Pilates and yoga, are also important," says Wimbledon Medical Service’s Dr Sian Morris, a GP with specialist interest in menopause care. Pilates can be especially helpful. APPI Clinics notes that Pilates combines strength training with mobility, balance, coordination and body awareness. But it should be highly personal. The intensity, resistance, range of movement and exercise selection can be progressed or modified according to current

strength and fitness, any injuries, exercise goals - and, crucially, how someone feels on a particular day.

are difficult, move in the morning or at lunchtime.”

Listen to your body That is key as menopause symptoms wax and wane, and can leave you feeling too exhausted to exercise. Dr Sian Morris adds: “Symptoms such as fatigue and aches and pains can often improve with exercise, so keep the faith! It can be difficult to get started when you don't feel well, but even small amounts of activity can make a difference. For some women who are able to take HRT – which is most women – it can be helpful to address troublesome menopausal symptoms with HRT first. Once you are feeling better, it is often much easier to introduce and maintain those positive lifestyle changes.”

General aches and pains can start or worsen in menopause but it's worth getting it checked out. So, should you exercise through it? Says Rosalia: "During exercise, working muscles may feel tired or challenged, while muscle soreness can develop a day or two after a new or more demanding activity. This is usually a dull, generalised ache that gradually improves. Sharp or localised pain is different. If it alters the way you move, worsens during exercise or persists afterwards, stop and assess what is happening. New or persistent pain should not simply be dismissed as 'part of menopause'. More often than not, the answer is not to abandon movement, but to adapt it."

Getting motivated

The movement toolkit

Sian adds: “Start slowly by making small, more active choices throughout your day. Celebrate the small wins – even little 'exercise snacks', such as doing 15 squats during the day, all count!” And make it part of your routine. “Try setting up a regular exercise schedule so you don't have to keep making the decision about when you're going to exercise.”

The key takeaways? Hillary says: "Look for movement that makes you sweat and makes you burn. A light sweat means your heart rate is elevated enough to matter. The burn means your muscles are working hard enough to build. And finally, move with other people, ideally to music. Moving in time with other humans not only raises the bonding hormone, oxytocin, but following even simple choreography forces a strong brain-body connection that supports neuroplasticity. Gathering with other people, making human connections… these things feed our brains and our souls and are absolutely fundamental to ensuring a long, healthy life.”

Advises Rosalia: ”Start today, with the energy you have rather than the energy you think you ought to have. When sleep is poor, motivation has disappeared and even ordinary tasks feel demanding, an ambitious exercise plan can become another source of pressure. Make the starting point almost too easy. Walk for ten minutes, do a few simple strength exercises at home or attend one supportive class each week.. Motivation often follows action, once you start noticing that movement helps you feel better. It can also help to notice when your energy is usually at its best. If evenings

A to Z of Menopause Wellbeing timeandleisure.co.uk/subscribe

“

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PROMOTION

Women’s health, menopause and longevity Dr Roopa Navani is a Consultant Gynaecologist with a special interest in women’s health and menopause, helping women navigate the physical, hormonal and emotional changes that can occur during perimenopause and beyond. Menopause is more than managing hot flushes. It is an important time to review your long-term health, including bone, cardiovascular and metabolic health, as well as sleep, weight, energy and overall wellbeing. Dr Navani takes a personalised, preventative approach, combining expert menopause care with longevity screening to identify potential health

risks early and help women make informed choices for a healthier future. From managing troublesome symptoms to supporting healthy ageing, her approach is about looking at the whole woman— not just the menopause.

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Following the plan. Still not progressing? You can do the training exactly as prescribed and still miss what’s affecting how your body responds. Your plan sees 6 miles easy. Your body experiences the whole week. If running feels harder, less predictable or just not quite like it used to, the answer isn’t automatically to push harder, back off or blame menopause.

Take the FREE Menopause Running Check-In

Work out what your running needs now, so you can keep progressing towards the goals that still matter to you.

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Here at The GP Surgery we cater for all your family’s medical needs. We are a private GP clinic offering same day, face-to-face GP appointments and other services with clinics in Wimbledon and Fulham. Try us out for same day GP and Nurse consultations, Blood tests, Ultrasound scans, Microsuction, Cryotherapy, Skin Surgery, Health checks, ECG’s, Weight loss Clinics and now offering Vigore: the breakthrough drug free solution for Erectile Dysfunction. Book online now at www.thegpsurgery.co.uk

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PROMOTION

Menopause: Beyond the Symptoms A Q&A with Wimbledon Medical Service We speak to Wimbledon Medical Service’s menopause specialists, Dr Sian Morris, Dr Eleanor Beecraft and Dr Lowri Bailey, about recognising the signs of the perimenopause and menopause, understanding HRT and non-HRT options and why having the time to properly discuss individual symptoms and their impact can make such a difference. With backgrounds spanning 15-20 years general practice, women’s health and specialist menopause care, the three doctors bring extensive experience to the consultation. They hold relevant menopause qualifications from the British Menopause Society, and more importantly they have extensive experience of providing specialist perimenopause and menopause care. Support is also available to women for whom HRT might not be the first line option, for example those with a history of an oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer. What does good menopause care look like? And why is having a longer consultation so important? Menopause affects every woman differently, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Menopause can involve a surprisingly complex range of symptoms, and women often come to us with several different concerns. A rushed appointment doesn’t always leave enough time to explore what is really going on. At Wimbledon Medical Service, menopause consultations are deliberately longer, giving women the space to talk openly and ask questions. We take the time to understand not just the symptoms someone is experiencing, but their medical history, lifestyle, concerns and priorities. From there, we can develop a genuinely personalised plan.

There is so much information- and misinformation - about HRT. How do you approach the decision with a patient? HRT can be an extremely effective treatment for many women, but the decision needs to be individual. We consider symptoms, age, medical history, risk factors and personal preferences before discussing the options. For some women, HRT may be appropriate; for others, different approaches may be more suitable. The option of testosterone replacement may also be appropriate to some women. The important thing is that the woman understands her choices and feels involved in the decision. What makes your approach different? We are GPs as well as menopause specialists and this means that we can support you with other medical issues that can sometimes appear at the same time, such as high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, osteopenia and raised cholesterol etc so we can really offer holistic care.

For women with neurodiversity, times of hormonal change can be incredibly challenging and we have experience of supporting these women. We also have an in-house dietician called Alexia Dempsey who has extensive expertise in perimenopause and menopause support. It is quite common for women to experience issues with weight gain, bloating, loss of muscle and bone mass and she can support you with this. This means we can look at menopause in the context of a woman’s overall health rather than as an isolated issue. At Wimbledon Medical Service, we also place a great deal of emphasis on continuity and building a relationship with our patients. We want women to feel that they have someone who knows their history and understands their individual needs. As such our patients will see the same doctor whenever possible, and appointments can take place both in person or online, if more convenient. Why is prevention such an important part of menopause care? Menopause can be a pivotal point in a woman’s health journey. It gives us an opportunity to look ahead as well as address what is happening now. Bone health is a good example: protecting bone density and identifying osteoporosis risk can have implications for health many years into the future. We want to help women feel better today while also making informed choices that support their long-term health.

WIMBLEDON MEDICAL SERVICE 39 Church Rd, London SW19 5DQ info@wimbledonmedicalservice.com 020 8153 4239, wimbledonmedicalservice.com

PROMOTION

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When running suddenly feels harder, it’s easy to wonder whether menopause means your best running is behind you. But a change in pace, recovery or confidence isn’t a verdict on what’s still possible. RunningRewire helps you understand what’s influencing your running, adapt without lowering your goals, and get back to feeling excited about what you can still achieve.

Arella Pause is an award-winning plant-based liquid supplement created to support women through every stage of menopause. Its clever 7-in-1 formula combines sage, pine bark extract, B vitamins, biotin, vitamin E and more to support sleep, energy, clarity, skin, hair and nails, immunity and overall wellbeing. Convenient daily sachets make targeted menopause support simple, wherever life takes you.

Dr Umer Malik is a private GP at Mayfield Clinic in Wimbledon, supporting women through menopause with personalised advice. He can help with symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, disrupted sleep, mood changes and fatigue, and can talk through the options that may suit you. His 30-minute appointments give time to be heard, ask questions and agree a plan together.

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Welcome to

The Weekend Time & Leisure’s must-read weekend newsletter

Mayfield Clinic, 12 Church Rd, London SW19 5DL mayfieldclinic.co.uk/locations/wimbledon

INTEGRATIVE HYPNOTHERAPY ZONE ZERO by Eva Alvarez

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PROMOTION

Keeping Your World Big as You Get Older As we get older, one of the greatest risks is not always ill health itself, but the gradual shrinking of our world.

It can happen slowly. Retirement changes daily routines, friends move away, mobility may become more difficult and, sadly, bereavement can remove people who have been part of our lives for decades. Before long, the weekly shop, an appointment or a visit from family can become the main events in someone’s calendar. For me, living well in older age means doing everything we can to stop that world becoming smaller. Social connection is a hugely important part of our wellbeing. We all need conversation, companionship and a sense that we belong somewhere. Loneliness is not simply about being physically alone either. Someone can have people around them and still feel isolated if they no longer have meaningful relationships, shared interests or a sense of purpose. After more than 20 years working in health and social care, I have seen the difference that connection can make. When people become isolated, it can affect far more than their mood. Motivation can reduce, people may become less physically active, appetites can change and confidence can gradually disappear. If someone stops going out because they are worried about falling, for example, they may move less. Reduced activity can then lead to further loss of strength, making going out feel even more difficult. Once again, one part of our wellbeing has a habit of affecting another. The opposite is also true. Having a reason to get up, somewhere to go or someone to meet can be incredibly powerful. A coffee with a friend, an exercise class, lunch with people we care about, gardening, music or simply having someone to talk to over breakfast can give structure and meaning to a day. This is one of the reasons I think our understanding of communal living in older age needs to change. Moving into a care setting is sometimes viewed as losing independence, when for some people it can actually reopen a world that has gradually become smaller. Living alongside other people creates opportunities for interaction without forcing it. You might choose to have breakfast quietly one morning and join friends for dinner that evening. There may be activities taking place, gardens to enjoy, people to meet and support available if you need it. The important thing is that the choice remains yours.

At Signature at Surbiton, which opens this October, this principle is central to how we want people to live. Alongside nursing and dementia care, there will be a strong emphasis on wellbeing, physiotherapy, dining, activities and maintaining connections with the wider community. But ultimately, none of those things should be about filling somebody’s diary for the sake of it. Good communal living should begin with understanding the individual. What did they enjoy before they moved? Who matters to them? What gives them confidence? What would they like to try that they have never done before? Sometimes that might mean joining a group. Sometimes it could simply mean finding one person who shares the same interests. There is also something important about continuing to make new relationships in later life. We often talk about maintaining old friendships, which is vital, but ageing should not mean that the opportunity to meet new people or have new experiences has passed. Older age should still contain firsts. The first time trying a new hobby. The first friendship with a new neighbour. The first trip somewhere different. The first meal shared with somebody who was a stranger only

a few weeks earlier. Perhaps that is what keeping your world big really means. It is not necessarily about travelling further or doing more. It is about continuing to feel connected, interested, valued and part of something. Our world may change as we get older, but it should never have to become smaller.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tom Holden is a Registered Nurse with more than 20 years’ experience across health and social care. As Commissioning General Manager at Signature at Surbiton, he is passionate about helping people maintain independence, wellbeing, meaningful relationships and quality of life throughout later life. If you would like more information please contact: Enquiries.surbiton@signaturesl.co.uk or call Tom on 020 8036 2401

Signature Care Homes 187 Ewell Road, Surbiton, KT6 6AP signature-care-homes.co.uk

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PUMPK INS , PLaY & FaMILY A DVENT UR E

This autumn thousands of pumpkins are landing at Hobbledown, celebrate the season with a full day of play, then choose your favourite pumpkin!

Book tickets online: www.hobbledown.com/epsom

W H AT ' S O N

YOUR OCTOBER DIARY 21+ events to book now… spectacular theatre, art galleries, Halloween family fun, and Bonfire Nights to get in the calendar! By Tara Robinson

Brilliant Theatre The Haunting of Hill House Richmond Theatre, 6-10 October

The Haunting of Hill House takes to the stage in this gripping new production that blurs the line between suspense and the supernatural. atgtickets.com

Toto Polka Theatre, Wimbledon, 10 October - 1 November

Adapted from the beautifully illustrated children’s book by Ximo Abadia, set course on an adventure to the moon with a strong-willed little donkey and a carrot-filled rocket. Perfect for young’uns! polkatheatre.com

Jane Eyre Rose Theatre, Kingston, 13-24 October

Freedom beckons when Jane Eyre is offered a position as governess at the home of the brooding and

enigmatic Mr Rochester. But when longburied secrets come to light, she must choose between the man she loves and the woman she wants to become. rosetheatre.org

Dolly Omnibus Theatre, Clapham, 20 October - 7 November

Dolly’s never had to think about the criminal justice system, until one day when it becomes all she can think about. Let down by the system, she has no choice but to take matters into her own hands. omnibus-theatre.org

Legally Blonde the Musical New Wimbledon Theatre, 20-24 October

Legally Blonde The Musical is back with a fabulous new production starring Amber Davies as Elle Woods. Follow the iconic fashionista from California to Harvard Law School in this highenergy feel-good musical. atgtickets.com

Art & Culture Wisley: Then and Now RHS Garden Wisley, 3 October - 31 January

The Wisley: Then and Now exhibition shows how the iconic RHS garden has been shaped,

transformed and continually reimagined over the years, from its unlikely beginnings as a muddy Surrey landscape to one of the world’s most visited gardens. rhs.org.uk

Katherine Hubbard: The Great Room Studio Voltaire, Clapham, 7 October - 10 January

Spanning photography and sculptural installation, this exhibition centres the shifting relationship between a mother and daughter, photographer and subject, to reflect on experiences of visibility, grief and illness. studiovoltaire.org

Art Surrey Epsom Downs Epsom Downs Racecourse, 2-4 October

Art Surrey returns to Epsom Downs, bringing together a showcase of contemporary art and creative talent. Curated by Art Surrey and Caiger Art, the event features 90 artists exhibiting under one roof. artsurrey.co.uk

In Dappled Light Arty Corner, Wimbledon, 8-18th October

A Wimbledon gallery has teamed up with a new group to celebrate the role that trees play in our lives. Popular gallery Arty Corner presents the first exhibition of Canopy, a recently-formed collective of tree-loving artists. artycorner.uk

Epsom Symphony Orchestra

Epsom Playhouse, 17 October

Join the Epsom Symphony Orchestra as they mark the start of their 75th year of making music. The programme opens with Brahms’ lively and jovial Academic Festival Overture. Epsomplayhouse.co.uk

W H AT ' S O N

Family-Friendly Fun Harvest Festival

Morden Hall Park, 3 October

Celebrate the season with apple pressing, Morris dancing, family crafts, performances and a community food collection for a local food bank. nationaltrust.org.uk

Hey Duggee Trail Kew Gardens, Richmond, 17 October - 1 November

Families can explore Hey Duggee’s vibrant world at Kew Gardens through an interactive trail filled with educational activities, games, and outdoor adventures. kew.org

The Enchanted Autumn Fest

Morden Park, 22-31 October

Wander through a breathtaking illuminated light trail created by the team behind

Hobbledown’s Pumpkin Adventure Hobbledown, Epsom, 26 September – 1 November

Hobbledown Epsom is launching a new pumpkin experience, where families can explore the display, capture autumnal photos and choose a favourite pumpkin to buy and take home. hobbledown.com

Malice Returns: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mayfield Lavender, Epsom, 10-31 October

Malice Returns: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is a full-sensory adventure combining challenges, handson activities, spectacular Halloween effects and dramatic music, with a pickyour-own pumpkin patch. mayfieldlavender.com

the world-famous Eden Project and experience the rich history and folklore behind Halloween traditions from around the world. autumnfest.co.uk

Saxon Saga

West Horsley Place, Epsom, 24-25 October

The weekend will include living history demonstrations, Saxon-inspired food, talks, storytelling, children’s activities, a performance of Beowulf and each day culminates with a spectacular burning of a replica Saaxon ship.

Pumpkin Carving

Deen City Farm, 30 October

Join for pumpkin carving at the farm this October half term! Choose a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and carve a spooky face or spooky shapes in the events room. There will be examples and stencils to use as well as child friendly carving kits. Deencityfarm.co.uk

Bonfire Nights to Book Now Fireworks Spectacular

The Lensbury, Teddington, 30 October

Gather with friends and family, enjoy the atmosphere and settle in for an evening of fireworks, food, fairground attractions, and a traditional bonfire. lensbury.com

Colets’ Family Fireworks Thames Ditton, 1 November

Join Colets’ Health and Fitness for their annual family fireworks night – bring along

the family and friends for an evening of fireworks, rides and entertainment. coletshealthclub.co.uk

Battersea Park Fireworks

Battersea Park, 7 & 8 November

This stunning display, orchestrated by the fireworks team behind the annual NYE London Fireworks, will return, with food stalls, rides and entertainment. batterseaparkfireworks.com

Fireworks in the Park Wimbledon Park & Morden Park 5 & 7 November

Merton’s legendary fireworks shows are back for 2026, taking place in Wimbledon Park on Thursday 5 November, and Morden Park on Saturday 7 November. merton.gov.uk

10 THEATRE SHOWS TO SEE THIS AUTUMN: timeandleisure.co.uk/SUBSCRIBE 32

WORLD-CLASS MUSIC. UNEXPECTED PLACES. 7–29 November 2026 www.wimbledonmusicfestival.co.uk 26 events across Wimbledon. From orchestras and intimate recitals to jazz, candlelit concerts, live painting, family concerts and music with wine.

WIMBLEDON INTERNATIONAL

MUSIC FESTIVAL Angela Hewitt • David Khrikuli • Quatuor Agate • rising stars of ENO 33

PROMOTION

STEP STEP INTO INTO THE THE SPOTLIGHT! SPOTLIGHT!

Brand New Pumpkin Patch Comes to Surrey A lawn of orange is coming to Surrey this autumn as Hobbledown in Epsom launches a brand-new pumpkin experience for 2026, bringing pumpkins, seasonal photo displays and family friendly trick or treating to the adventure park from 26th September to 1st November. And the best part? The new pumpkin experience is included with general admission! HOBBLEDOWN EPSOM Horton Ln, Epsom KT19 8PT 01372 668942, hobbledown.com/epsom

Autumn Days Out Immersive History Historian, broadcaster and bestselling author Tracy Borman OBE brings the Tudors vividly to life in Tudors on Tour, a thrilling theatrical experience packed with drama, scandal and intrigue. Through costumes, film, music and storytelling, Borman reveals the real people behind England’s most famous dynasty, uncovering secrets, rivalries and royal scandals in an immersive show for history lovers, students and Tudor enthusiasts. Epsom Playhouse, Tuesday 20th October at 8.00pm EPSOM PLAYHOUSE 42 Ashley Ave, Epsom KT18 5AL 01372 742555, epsomplayhouse.co.uk

Two Unique Shopping Events at RHS Garden Wisley Craft In Focus returns to RHS Garden Wisley with the Contemporary Craft Fair and Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair. Discover original ceramics, textiles, furniture, jewellery, silverware and fine art by talented British makers. Find distinctive Christmas gifts or something truly personal, with commissions available. Book in advance and save! 4-8 November. CRAFT IN FOCUS Wisley Ln, Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB, craftinfocus.com

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�� October Half Term Camp: Spooky Show in a Week! �� Step into the magical worlds of Coco and The Book of Life! �� Battersea | Wimbledon | Earlsfield �� Dates: Mon 26th Oct - Fri 30th Oct 2026 �� Half Day: 09:30–12:30 | Full Day: 09:30–15:30 BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL TODAY! WIMBLEDON - EARLSFIELD - BATTERSEA - CHELSEA info@bossactingschool.co.uk

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PROMOTION

Royal Albert Hall Since opening in 1871, the Royal Albert Hall has been a jewel amongst London’s many iconic buildings, hosting music legends from David Gilmour, Dua Lipa, Eric Clapton, Raye, Paul Simon and Ludovico Einaudi to pivotal figures in the arts and sciences, such as Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking and Tim Peake. With nearly 400 events every year, our breathtaking auditorium continues to be a legendary destination for remarkable live experiences.

Private Box Partnership

A Private Box Partnership at the Hall offers a perfect way to entertain clients, reward colleagues, or enjoy unforgettable experiences with family and friends. It also

makes a unique and memorable gift. As a Partner, you will gain access to all our sold-out shows with priority booking and a dedicated team who will book your events throughout the year. You will also have the very best in tailor-made hospitality, provided by our catering partner, Rhubarb Hospitality Collection, creating an exceptional experience for your guests on every visit to the Hall.

The Partner Experience

• Receive regular newsletters with new show announcements • Benefit from dedicated account management throughout your partnership • Enter the Hall via a dedicated hospitality entrance when you attend a show • A dedicated box waiter who will welcome you to your private box for the evening • Indulge in fine dining hospitality in your personal box before the auditorium comes alive with the show

Additional Partner Benefits

• Complimentary room hire for events such as away days, private dinners, and pre-show receptions • Private tours of the Royal Albert Hall, and give your guests the chance to see the Hall without the crowds • Access to exclusive previews, redcarpet events and dress rehearsals

For more information, please contact the team at partnerships@ royalalberthall.com or 020 7959 0507.

W H AT ' S O N

AUTUMN BLOCKBUSTERS The autumn tickets worth getting your hands on now... Spectacular Shows

There is no shortage of amazing shows coming to London and Surrey this autumn, so get booking while tickets are still available! Catch The Lives of Others at the Adelphi Theatre in the West End (14 October – 9 January), a gripping new play starring Kiera Knightley set in the totalitarian regime of East Germany, where a Stasi agent bites off more than he can chew after spying on the life of a young couple. Over at New Wimbledon Theatre, from 10-14 November you can see The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, a mixture of coming-of-age story and whodunit that has been popular with audiences since its first ever staging.

Fabulous Festivals

South west London and Surrey are the home of autumn book festivals. Guildford Book Festival is running from 3-18 October, back for its 37th year with a full programme of books, talks and lively discussion. Speakers include Elif Shafak, Mary Portas, Kate Bradbury and Caroline Quentin, along with several fun events for all the family. On 17 October, visit Omnibus Theatre for Clapham Book Festival, marking its tenth anniversary edition this year. The annual one-day celebration of the literary arts features talks from several speakers and a literary walk around Clapham led by local author Julie Anderson. Wimbledon BookFest returns from 15-25 October. This year’s headliners feature an

Dua Lipa hosts the London Literature Festival ©Madison Phipps

Wimbledon Art Fair

impressive list, with a range of illuminating talks from Celia Imrie, Julian Clary, Ben Okri, Maggie O’Farrell, Marina Hyde, Victoria Hislop, and many more. If you find yourself still craving more literature, check out the London Literature Festival running at the Southbank Centre from 20 October – 1 November. Hosted by superstar Dua Lipa, this buzzy festival features a series of in-conversation events with the likes of Zadie Smith, Mustafa, Patti Smith and more. If you’re a music lover, be sure not to miss Wimbledon International Music Festival, running from 3-29 November. The festival features a brilliant range of music events, from jazz and world music all the way to classical.

Art & Exhibitions

Make your way to these autumn art fairs and exhibitions to get your fix of art and culture. There’s a new blockbuster exhibition opening at the Royal Academy of Arts on 2 October: ‘Painting the French Riviera’ is for art lovers and Francophiles alike, exploring how artists including Monet, Morisot, Matisse and Klein found inspiration in the skies and sea of the south of France. Don’t miss an exciting new exhibition opening at the Tate Britain: ‘The 90s: Art and Fashion,’ opens on 8 October, curated by industry game-changer Edward Enninful OBE and exploring the bold creativity and rebellious spirit of the decade that brought us Oasis, grunge and so much more. From 3 October – 31 January, head to the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square to see 'Renoir and Love,' showcasing some of the French impressionist's most iconic works. Closer to home: from 5-8 November, Wimbledon Art Fair returns to Wimbledon Art Studios, offering thousands of artwork for sale for all tastes and budgets that you can buy directly from the creators themselves, with a chance to meet the makers and purchase original art.  T&L

Elif Shafak at Guildford Book Festival and Wimbledon BookFest ©Ferhat Elik

Juergen Teller, Young Pink Kate London 1998 © Juergen Teller,

FOR MORE AUTUMN EVENTS TO BOOK NOW timeandleisure.co.uk/SUBSCRIBE

www.marymountlondon.com

Find Her Future JOIN US AT OUR UPCOMING OPEN MORNINGS:

THURSDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 2026 THURSDAY, 21 JANUARY 2027

PROMOTION

A Thriving Education

Where Every Student is Celebrated

Becoming Your Best Self

Bringing Out the Brilliant in Every Boy

Halliford is a warm-hearted, ambitious school where every student is known, respected and celebrated. They offer a distinctive educational journey: a boys’ school from Year 7 to Year 11, followed by a flourishing co-educational Sixth Form, supporting students’ academic, social and personal growth. Recognised with an ISI Significant Strength for Pupil Leadership, they invite their students to ‘Come as you are. Go as all you can be’.

At Marymount International School London, girls are known, valued and inspired to become their very best selves. Their International Baccalaureate education nurtures intellectual curiosity, confidence and compassion. Students are challenged to think critically, embrace different perspectives and develop the courage and character to make a positive difference in the world.

Rokeby School’s aim is simple: bringing out the brilliant in every boy. Their warm, welcoming independent day school in Kingston upon Thames encourages boys aged 4–13 to be smart, skilful and kind. Come and see the school in action and discover why Rokeby is the ideal place for boys to begin their educational journey.

HALLIFORD SCHOOL Russell Rd, Shepperton TW17 9HX 01932 223593, admissions@hallifordschool.co.uk hallifordschool.co.uk

MARYMOUNT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL LONDON George Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT2 7PE 020 8949 0571, marymountlondon.com

ROKEBY SCHOOL George Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT2 7PB 020 8942 2247, rokebyschool.co.uk

Open Morning

Saturday 3rd October 9am & 11:30am

Sixth Form Open Evening

Thursday 1st October 6pm

Scan to book your visit

Personal tours are available throughout the year

RECEPTION OPEN MORNING - Tuesday 10 November | 9.30–11.00 am.

Awarded an ISI Significant Strength for Pupil Leadership

See where being known can lead

FRIDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER

OPEN EVENTS

SATURDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER & THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER

Book your place at: www.ewellcastle.co.uk A 4–18 co-ed, private day school and sixth form in Ewell, Epsom, Surrey

Leading Prep School in Twickenham for boys and girls aged 3-13

JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT OPEN MORNING www.newlandhouse.net

Smart, S i Skilful and Kind Reception Open Morning Tuesday 10 November 9.30 - 11 am Independent day school for boys aged 4-13

www.rokebyschool.co.uk | 020 8942 2247 | admissions@rokeby.org.uk

PROMOTION

MAGICAL PANTO

Fee-fi-fo-fum, book tickets early so you don’t miss the fun! Follow Jack and climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to Cloudland, in the spectacular family panto, Jack and the Beanstalk. The Richmond Theatre cast is led by actress, singer, dancer and television personality Bonnie Langford alongside TV’s Dr Ranj, Basil Brush, Lloyd Hollett and James Hume promising laughter, music and audience participation. Sat 5 Dec 2026 - Sun 3 Jan RICHMOND THEATRE

1 Little Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ, atgtickets.com

LUXURY FESTIVE COCKTAILS

Theatre Shows

Top Tipples

Make Christmas feel truly special with the Letterbox Cocktails 12-Day Advent Calendar. Each beautifully designed box holds a handcrafted, ready-to-drink cocktail made with premium spirits and fresh ingredients. Presented in an elegant box, it is a luxurious countdown for cocktail lovers - and an unforgettable gift to enjoy throughout December. Pre-order yours today for festive delivery while stocks last. LETTERBOX COCKTAILS letterbox-cocktails.com/pages/christmas

CHRISTMAS CALLING... 5 things to get ahead for the festive season SKATING AT THE PALACE

SOCIAL SEASON

Christmas Parties

Wimbledon favourite Bombay Delight is the perfect venue for a festive party like no other. With an indulgent Christmas menu featuring mouthwatering dishes like slow-cooked lamb in a rich coconut sauce and guinea fowl kebabs seasoned with white spices, it’s certainly a festive feast to remember. The restaurant can cater for small groups to larger parties, events and private dining.

As winter draws in and the grounds of Hampton Court Palace begin to take on a festive glow, the much-loved Ice Rink is set to return for another season beneath the towers of Henry VIII’s former home. From Friday 20 November, skaters will take to the ice for an evening fuelled with festivities. Book your tickets now for a magical festive experience! HAMPTON COURT PALACE ICE RINK Hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk

BOMBAY DELIGHT 271-273 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SD 020 4568 6294, bombaydelight.co.uk

CHRISTMAS ON THE HILL

Festive Feasts

Perched just above Richmond Park, Richmond Hill Hotel is going all out for Christmas. Book in for festive afternoon tea, fireside mulled wine and seasonal Sunday lunches, or make an occasion of Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day feasting and a leisurely Boxing Day lunch at 144 On The Hill. Guests can host private festive events, join one of the hotel’s joiner parties throughout December, or see out the year in style at its glittering New Year’s Eve Ball. RICHMOND HILL HOTEL 144-150 Richmond Hill, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6RW 020 8940 2247, richmondhill-hotel.co.uk/celebrate/christmask

Ice Skating

in association with presents:

anto Of T hem rest P i a F e Al l Th

FRI 11 DEC 2026 - SUN 3 JAN 2027 book online: book online: www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk Box office: Box office: 01372 742555 742555 // 742227 742227

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Sushi & Noodle Bar

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CHICKEN HOTDOGS CORN DOG POTATO £3.90 HOTDOGS CHICKEN HOTDOGS £4.30 HOTDOGS HOTDOGS HOTDOGS Crispy MEAT-FREE (V) Mozzarella £4.90 £3.90 HOTDOGS HOTDOGS

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PROMOTION

Food & Drink Complimentary

Beetroot Tikki

Chapter 2 by The Biryani Centre

Cent Anni

CHOBO

The Biryani Centre serves generous, flavourpacked Indian food made with care, warmth and proper soul. From fragrant biryanis and slow-cooked curries to tandoor favourites and crisp, spicy snacks, every dish is built for comfort and abundance.

Autumn has truly arrived at Cent Anni, the hugely popular Italian in Wimbledon Village. New seasonal dishes include Chianti braised short rib, and baked cod with cannellini bean chorizo stew, plus a great range of pastas and pizza. Their set lunch menu remains one of the best value around at £24 for three courses, and the extensive wine list has some real finds.

CHOBO is a Japanese food brand bringing bite-sized, round Japanese flavours to London. From savoury street food to sweets, they’re creating playful, authentic tastes of Japan in every bite. As they grow, they’ll also showcase traditional Japanese ingredients through tastings, drinks and collaborations, creating new ways for Londoners to discover and experience Japanese food culture.

33 High Street, London SW19 5BY 020 3971 9781, centanni.co.uk

Found at East Putney Station, 3 Keswick Rd, London, SW15 2RB on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays from 5pm. @chobo_london

Reader Offer: Complimentary Beetroot Tikki when you dine in and spend £30 or more. Quote T&L when booking or ordering. 197-199 Replingham Road, Southﬁelds, SW18 5LY 020 8922 0559, thebiryanicentre.co.uk

Oy Bar

Elys Restaurant

Bombay Delight

Bubbly and rosé season has arrived! Celebrate summer at Oy Bar - the hottest independent bar & kitchen and must-visit culinary gem in Wimbledon - with fresh new wines and seasonal dishes. Discover their exclusive wine concept: exceptional quality at unbeatable prices. Enjoy paired with delightfully fresh oysters and delectable seafood, served up to you with a smile.

Elys Restaurant has something to entice everyone, from delicious brunch to artisan sandwiches, sweet treats & afternoon tea. Quality is a key principle with all the breads & cakes being sourced from only the best artisan bakeries, and their artisan coffee is also available to take home. The bar offers a range of delicious cocktails, wine and beer; the perfect place for an aperitivo.

Delicious, authentic food, from the streets of Mumbai all the way to your table. Bombay Delight in Wimbledon brings the bold, aromatic culture of India to the heart of your neighbourhood. Hand-crafted curries, tandoor-fired breads, and spices sourced from the subcontinent—every dish tells a story. Come hungry. Leave enchanted.

66 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1RQ oybar.co.uk Instagram @oybar.uk, Facebook @Oybar

16 St George's Rd, London SW19 4DP 020 8946 9191, elyswimbledon.co.uk

271-273 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SD 020 4568 6294, bombaydelight.co.uk

FOOD

FOOD BITES

Olive oil, Oktoberfest, and Vivek Singh's new cookbook...

25 years of spice Top restaurateur and chef Vivek Singh is celebrating 25 years of his first restaurant The Cinnamon Club with a new book, Spirit & Spice, part memoir, part recipe book. He went on to found several more restaurants, including Cinnamon Kitchen in Battersea. Is there a dish he’d love everyone to cook from the book, we asked him. He says: “That’s a very hard question to answer - I love so many of the recipes! The original idea was to have a smaller number of recipes, but it didn’t work because we couldn’t let any go. But there are some dishes now that I don't think get cooked enough - rabbit, for example. It’s such a traditional, rustic and special dish and never gets featured in recipes, so I’d love people to reconnect with it again.” He also hopes to bust some myths about cooking

Make Gulab Jamun Crème Brûlée timeandleisure.co.uk/ subscribe

©Jean Cazals

Indian food: “There is the misconception that you need loads of ingredients and have to follow the recipe to the letter. Indian cooking is actually very flexible. You can pick a raita, relish, chutney or other component and create hundreds of different dishes. I’m hoping this book will show how accessible cooking Indian food is."

Tenerife’s foodie side Forget Tenerife’s reputation as a wild party destination. We checked in to the Royal Hideaway Corales Resort – the ‘hotel with the Most Michelin Stars in Spain’. There’s three Michelin-starred restaurants with four stars between them. We tried the tasting menu at Il Bocconcino, with stand-out dishes including its refined take on the classic carbonara.

All the latest reviews Subscribe to our newsletter to read what’s hot across London and Surrey. Some of our latest reviews include new Lebanese hotspot Kinz in Notting Hill. Our contributor Angela Zaher says the buzz around Kinz is well founded. www.timeandleisure.co.uk/subscribe

Read the review: www.timeandleisure.co.uk

Oil hail the olive Puglian restaurant Sudi has opened in Richmond, from the folk who were behind Tarantella in Chiswick. Tables have a “Press for Olive Oil” button to summon an olive oil sommelier.

Balham’s new opening Scott Hallsworth’s Joe’s Oriental Diner has returned. The former Nobu chef originally launched Joe's as a pan-Asian concept in Chelsea. It will now call Balham home, taking over his former Freak Scene site at 1 Ramsden Road.

Raise a glass to Oktoberfest There’s a whole host of events to celebrate beer this month including a selection of Surrey’s finest ales at De Vere Horsley Estate, (with the likes of Hogs Back and Dorking breweries); live music at Fulham Pier and Oktoberfest on the Common in Clapham. www.timeandleisure.co.uk/subscribe

Surrey gastropub collab Top British chef and restaurateur Mark Sargeant will take over the kitchen at acclaimed gastropub The Victoria as part of a four-month residency. Sargeant, who led the restaurant Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s, will work closely with head chef Daniel Lee until the end of the year. There will be game dinners in October and British winter seafood evenings in November.

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HOMES

SHELF LIFE Styling your shelves can transform a room…

Shelves, like eyes, are the windows to your soul. Ok, not quite, but close. They provide a canvas with which you can tell your story and stamp your personality, bringing in books, objects and photos that you love. They can fit in anywhere – above a bed, in a nook by the door, alcoves by the fireplace, or span across an entire wall. Shelves can change how a room feels, and, what’s more, you can easily change the result if you don’t like it.

By the book

Lig

set

Your shelf-ish intentions may be entirely practical – i.e., it’s where you will store your book collection. But even the most utilitarian of designs will benefit from curation. Organise your books by the colours of their spines and group them together. Then break up the shelves with larger coffee table books on their sides. The perfect activity for a cold autumn day!

The shelves themselves

You can keep them plain, letting the objects do the work, or have some fun by painting the bookshelves in a contrasting colour to the walls around them or wallpapering inside the bookshelves. You could also make a feature out of freestanding ironwork shelves.

In the details

Plants add interest to a shelf but do consider how you will water them and how heavy they will be. There are some excellent artificial options for an easy life. Illuminate your shelves with a picture light above, or LED spotlights. Rechargeable lamps are the solution if you don’t have sockets nearby or want to avoid wires for higher shelves. Book ends will bring some order, if you hate a wonky tome. ©Decorbuddi Olivia Wilkins, KT1 Photography

Darlings of Chelsea

Left: Click Style Artificial Aloe Plant Bark Effect Pot

HOMES

Cullifords, Rosso Levanto Marble Shelves

We asked Decobuddi’s local interior designers for their tips…

Keep it personal “Shelves are a lovely place to display things that mean something to you. Mix decorative pieces with favourite books, photographs, collected objects or something brought back from a special trip. These are often the things that give a room its personality and make it feel like home,” says Stephanie Bailey.

The Vawdrey House, 82mm Photography

Think about the room as a whole Lorraine Sakharet says: “Choose pieces that work with the colours, materials and style already within the room. Consider how the space is used too, bringing out beautiful, useful or interesting pieces that might otherwise be tucked away. “

Create interest with texture & shape “Mix different materials, shapes and finishes to allow for interest and variety. Ceramics, glass, books, artwork and natural materials can all work well together. Try not to make everything match too closely; a few unexpected or older pieces can make the overall arrangement feel much more natural,” says Jo Miller Vary the height Advises Tracy Duncan: “Avoid arranging everything at the same level. Stack books to give smaller objects some height, lean artwork behind other pieces and mix taller items with lower groupings. This helps create balance and stops shelves from feeling too uniform or overly styled.”  T&L

Left: Nkuku Ribbed Glass Vase

10 SHELF DESIGNS WE LOVE WWW.TIMEANDLEISURE.CO.UK/SUBSCRIBE 46

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THEY SAY YOUR EYES ARE THE WINDOWS TO YOUR SOUL WE SAY YOUR WINDOWS ARE THE SOUL OF YOUR HOME

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A LITTLE ABOUT THE WIMBLEDON VILLAGE PROPERTY MARKET The Wimbledon Village property market remains active, although buyers are certainly more considered than they have been in previous years. There is still strong demand for wellpresented family homes, period properties and good-quality apartments, but buyers are taking their time and paying close attention to value. A few key factors continue to shape the market:

Location remains everything.

Wimbledon Village is a particularly distinctive market, with buyers drawn to the village atmosphere, green spaces, excellent schools and easy access to central London. Within the Village itself, even small differences in position, outlook and proximity to amenities can have a meaningful impact on value.

Condition matters. Buyers are increasingly conscious of the cost and hassle of renovation. Beautifully presented homes that are ready to move into can attract strong interest, while properties requiring significant work need to be priced accordingly. Pricing is crucial — but it isn’t the whole story.

Buyers have more information than ever, and price per square foot is an important reference point. But property is rarely bought on mathematics alone. For the right buyer,

the story a home tells, the lifestyle it offers and the emotional connection it creates can be just as influential as the numbers. That is where the right narrative and presentation can make a real difference. A home that captures someone’s imagination can move from being a property they are comparing on a spreadsheet to somewhere they can genuinely see themselves living. And when that emotional connection is there, the conversation can become much less about pounds per square foot and much more about whether they can imagine calling it home.

Every property is different.

Character, architecture, gardens, parking, views and the overall feel

of a property can all influence what a buyer is prepared to pay. In a market as individual as Wimbledon Village, those softer factors can be particularly important. Ultimately, the market is still moving — it is simply more selective. Good properties, sensibly priced and properly presented, continue to attract serious buyers. If you’re thinking of selling, buying, or simply curious about what your home might be worth in today’s market, I’d be very happy to have a chat. Sometimes an informal conversation is all that’s needed to give you a clearer idea of where things stand, with no obligation at all.

PROPERTY ADVICE BUILT ON DATA, EXPERIENCE AND UNRIVALLED LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. Contact Stephen for a confidential, no-obligation conversation about your property and the best way forward

3 St Mark’s Place, Wimbledon, SW19 7ND • 020 8103 2863 stephen.ashby@stephenashby.co.uk • stephenashby.co.uk

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