Absolutely Chiswick West & Richmond Magazine October 2026

CHISWICK, WEST & RICHMOND

Chiswick, West & Richmond OCTOBER 2026 / £3.95

PLUS OSSIE AND CELIA

1960s icons at the Fashion and Textile museum

SPECI AL 60 pages of inspiration and insight

• SIMPLE DINNERS

More easy wins from Ottolenghi OCTOBER 2026

• BRUTALISM AT HOME Get the Barbican look

The rebirth of

COOL CHIC LOOKS FOR AUTUMN

ZEST.LONDON

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents OCTOBER 2026

140

54

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C U LT U R E 20 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

71

10 things we’re coveting this month

24 WHAT'S ON

Your diary for October

26 FASHION LEGACY

Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell

FOOD & DRINK 42 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL News from the industry

46 RECIPES

Ottolenghi's Simple Too

FA S H I O N 54 THE SHOOT

Lisa Corti's print collection

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THE TREND

Covetable knitwear

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y NAIL BAR New shades for the season

HOME 80 TOP TEN

Decorative ceramics

83 DESIGN NEWS Updates for AW26

88 HOUSE TOUR

At home with designer Sophie Garland

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ON THE FLOOR

A room-by-room guide to flooring

T R AV E L 140 CANAL DREAMS

The magic of Venice in low season

E D U C AT I O N 156 MEET THE HEAD Quizzing the head teachers

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N The online guide to inspirational London living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.

O N T H E C OV E R madeleine-thompson.com

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EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE MAMA EDITOR CARLY GLENDINNING ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA MAGAZINE DESIGNER MARIANA SUZUKI DESIGNERS ARTHUR JONAS, BRUNA FACCIN AND PAMELLA MORENO PRODUCTION MANAGER DANICA BRODIE SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANTS STELLA ADAMS, CLAIRE CORNISH CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES, JAMES FUSCHILLO, ABIGAIL GARDNER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 07818 690 386 or email: craig@zest-media.com

124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, London N1 7EU; 020 7704 0588 zest.london Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. Social icon

Circle Only use blue and/or white. For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

Fo l l ow Us O n Fa c e b o o k @ABSOLUTELYMAGAZINES T wi t t e r & In s t a g ra m @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS We b si t e

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5 LETTER Editor’s

House style A designer's stylish family home

ABSOLUTELY’S October issue highlights

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Ceramics

We are loving quirky, hand-painted and colourful ceramics

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utumn is on its way, and for us that means getting our homes ready for cosy season. In our dedicated Home section we're looking at new ways with lighting and how to find the right flooring, as well as shopping for new crockery, glasses and decorative accessories. We're taking inspiration from sources as diverse as Puglian tradition, Brutalist architecture, Danish design and 1980s colour palettes, while also considering serious issues such as heat pumps, storage solutions and making the most of natural light. With more than 60 pages, it's a huge section and we hope that you'll find something useful, appealing or simply entertaining there. Enjoy October.

Shady business

Lamps inspired by the Barbican? Yes please

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

2 Glass arts

Beautiful new glasses for all occasions

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Noodle bowls

Have you tried Notting Hill's new Nakimushi yet?

25/09/2026 12:08:44

Wish LIST

NEW FLAME Ths Skivvy is a new kind of candle – a hand sculpted glass vessel mouth-blown in India holds a sphere candle hand-poured in Australia. And Vine is a scent that brings the garden straight inside. £189 cillie.com

EDITOR’S PICK

10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

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GOLDEN YEARS Stylish jewellery brand Otiumberg is celebrating 10 years in business this month with a stylish campaign featuring Poppy Delevingne as well as a new store opening in King's Road. Their secret? Timeless chic and effortless elegance. otiumberg.com

PRETTY GREEN Staud's palette for AW26 is full of forest shades: brown, green and rust, combined with contrast dark purples and blues. We love the muted greens best. staud.clothing

SELF CARE Diptyque's new wellness collection offers an all-day ritual, starting with morning nourishment and invigoration, and finishing with evening relaxation. Les Rituels de Soin are accompanied by a collection of decorative objects too. diptyqueparis.com

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

C H A I N R E AC T I O N Liberty's fabulous new fashion jewellery gallery offers an excellent curation of contemporary and demi-fine jewellery. Brands include Miami favourite Martha Calvo, among others. libertylondon.com

ON THE PULL Casesafe is the world's first suitcase to include an integrated tracker. You'll never lose your luggage again. july.com

FAV O U R I T E SHIRTS Lisa Corti's prints feature an element of surprise in their motifs and colourways – and for AW26 this stripe shirt has an unusual feel, in a very zeitgeisgty palette. lisacorti.com

EMERALD CITY No shade is too obscure for Amelie's Follies, where bra and pant sets come in every hue, as well as every size and shape. Book a fitting to see for yourself. ameliesfollies.co.uk

PA N O U T Just laudnched at Le Creuset is Forêt, showcasing a matte fores green with subtle lightgold detailing, perfect for the cosy, rich feel of the season ahead. lecreuset.co.uk

N E W M E TA L L I C S Alex Monroe's Teeny Tiny Snake is elegantly poised and delicately detailed, handmade in solid 18ct yellow recycled gold in the London workshop. alexmonroe.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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C U LT U R E

RENÉ MAGRITTE, LE LIEU COMMUN (THE COMMONPLACE), 1964, OIL ON CANVAS, 39 3/8 X 31 7/8 INCHES (100 X 81 CM) © 2026 ADAGP, PARIS AND DACS, LONDON, PRIVATE COLLECTION, ON SHOW AT THIS IS STILL NOT A PIPE: THE AFTERLIFE OF MAGRITTE UNTIL DECEMBER 12, 2026, GAGOSIAN, 20 GROSVENOR HILL, LONDON

What's On 24 • Ossie Clark & Celia Birtwell revisited 26 • The 90s at The Tate 32 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Agenda

EV E N TS N OT TO M I S S I N LO N D O N T H E AT R E

Some Woman 7 October - 21 November D O R F M A N T H E AT R E The world premiere of Some Woman, a new play by Helen Edmundson (Small Island), directed by Blanche McIntyre (Tartuffe) and starring AnneMarie Duff. What happens when an ordinary woman pits herself against the forces that shape the world? What happens when she refuses to be quiet? nationaltheatre.org.uk

T H E AT R E

Man to Man

E X H I B I T I O N

Splendid Things

Until 24 October R OYA L C O U R T T H E AT R E More than 30 years after she first brought the role to life at both the Traverse Theatre and Royal Court, and the last time she performed live in a theatre, Tilda Swinton returns to the stage in the lead role as Ella/ Max in Manfred Karge’s Man to Man. royalcourttheatre.com

F RO M 24 O C TO BE R ; V&A S O U TH KEN SIN GTON

Marking the 80th anniversary year of Freddie Mercury’s birth, the V&A is displaying eight looks worn by the iconic performer and songwriter. The trail celebrates Mercury’s career through costumes and accessories worn in some of the most memorable music videos and pop performances of modern times. Each of the six stops on the trail will showcase an iconic moment in Mercury’s career. vam.ac.uk

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CULTURE • DIARY

P H OTO GRA P H Y

Sanlé Sory From 14 October P H OTO G R A P H E R S ' GALLERY Largely unseen for decades, Sanlé Sory’s colour photography will be shown for the first time in the UK. Better known for his black-andwhite studio photography of the 1960s and 70s, Sanlé Sory (b.1943, Burkina Faso) started producing colour portraits in his Volta Photo studio in the 1980s, revealing a dynamic portrait of a rapidly changing society in Burkina Faso across decades of political change. thephotographersgallery.org.uk

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ES DEVLIN: OT H E R WO R L DS ONGOING, DESIGN MUSEUM An exhibition exploring the expansive and intricate vision behind Devlin’s extraordinary 30-year career working across sculpture, stage design, music, language and light and immersing visitors in her imaginative world. designmuseum.org

This Month’s Must See

ICONS Held: Three Decades of Artists and Their Gibson Guitars

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E X H I B I T I O N

PAINTING THE FRENCH RIVIERA

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ROCK

F RO M 2 OCTOBER, ROYAL ACADEMY

he radiance of the French Riviera left an indelible mark on artists. It roused the imaginations not only of the 19th and 20th centuries' greatest painters – among them Picasso, Matisse, Cézanne, Renoir and Klein – but giants of literature, cinema and fashion, whose works helped define the carefree glamour and eternal romance of the Côte d'Azur. royalacademy.org.uk

ROBERT SMITH

egendary music photographer Scarlet Page has spent more than three decades capturing music legends live on stage. On the road with Foo Fighters, in Robbie Williams’ dressing room and in the pit at Glastonbury, she has built one of rock photography’s greatest live music archives. Her new exhibition, Held: Three Decades of Artists and Their Gibson Guitars, brings together more than 30 years of music portraits, celebrating the power of live performance and the legacy of Gibson guitars. Alex Turner is captured during Arctic Monkeys’ triumphant return to Glastonbury in 2023; AC/DC’s Angus Young while supporting The Rolling Stones in 2003; and The Darkness during Page’s year on the road as their official photographer. Paul Weller is pictured backstage at the Royal Albert Hall for Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity Page has supported throughout her career, while Jeff Buckley appears during his career-defining 1995 Pyramid Stage performance. The exhibition also features Slash, Lenny Kravitz, Jack White, Jimmy Page, Wolf Alice, Cat Stevens, Michael Kiwanuka, Brian Molko, Kelly Jones, Robert Smith, John Squire, Robbie Williams, Cameron Winter and Paul Stanley. Held is on display at Gibson Garage, Eastcastle Street London W1 until February 2027. Free entry.

gibson.com

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A CUT ABOVE A new exhibition dedicated to Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell at the Fashion and Textile Museum

FROM LEFT: Ossie & Celia following a fashion show - no known photographer - courtesy of Celia Birtwell; Ossie Clark dress featuring Celia Birtwell print; Model photography by Duffy, © Duffy Archive

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CULTURE • EXHIBITION

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CULTURE • EXHIBITION

Gala Mitchell Photographed by Celia Birtwell

Everyone from Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie to Marianne Faithful and Bianca Jagger wanted to wear their designs

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his month, the Fashion and Textile museum dives into the world of Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell - a world of slinky, biascut dresses, ethereal flounces of chiffon, astonishing tailoring, slim hipped flares and fitted python skin jackets. A world where 1930s glamour meets rock and roll flamboyance, gender boundaries are free flowing and newly liberated women flaunt a feminine sexuality. Together Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell created an instantly recognisable and hugely influential style that dominated

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the London Scene from 1965 -74. They not only inhabited the celebrity world but were celebrities in their own right. Famously painted by David Hockney, they vacationed with the Rolling Stones and sat the Beatles in the front row of their shows while their girlfriends modelled on the catwalk. Mad about music and drawn to the world of rock stars their legendary free-spirited fashion shows were more like happenings and held in unlikely venues like The Royal Court Theatre and Chelsea Town Hall. Soon everyone from Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie to Marianne Faithful and Bianca Jagger wanted to wear their designs. Music and celebrity intertwined for the first time in the fashion of Ossie Clark and

Celia Birtwell - a creative partnership that changed the face of fashion. With over 120 garments drawn from a private collection seen alongside items loaned by Celia Birtwell, this exhibition covers the couple’s heyday working together as textile designer and designer, but also looks beyond to their independent careers post 1974, allowing audiences for the first time to unravel their separate talents. Celia and Ossie’s professional partnership is showcased in the many iconic outfits they designed for the West London boutique, Quorum. Here we see how Celia’s original prints met Ossie’s talent as a pattern cutter and designer and how the two inspired each other. Early works on display are simple and linear in design such as the mail-order Paper dress featuring Celia’s Art Deco influenced design of orange and green flowers and the ‘Bakst’ dress of 1967 with its circles in purple and red, inspired by Leon Bakst’s costumes for the Ballet Russe and the work of abstract painter, Sonia Delaunay. Their partnership at this time was seamless, Celia would create illustrations and prints that would inspire Ossie’s designs and Ossie’s drawings would in turn inspire her to create prints.Ossie Clark had trained at the RCA and his extraordinary tailoring skills and remarkable pattern cutting will be showcased both in works in chiffon and in his tailored pieces. The stunning powder blue Ziggy Stardust dress resonates 1930s glamour, evidencing Clark’s visits to the V&A to study the creations of Vionnet, Chanel, Poiret and Schiaperelli, but it is also a marvel of construction. The dress is a spiralling corkscrew of chiffon cut on the straight grain and wound around the body, whilst Celia’s illustrative print features black birds and splashes of golden flowers. Together they had taken the glamour of an earlier period and converted it into something that could be worn on the street. Tailored items on display include the 1968 Lamborghini jacket, a long satin jacket worn with trousers in Celia’s Chinoiseriestyle print of black, red and cream which mixes geometrics with florals. This suit was worn by models, celebrities and itgirls from Twiggy to Rolling Stone, Bill Wyman and is a testament to Ossie’s skill in construction and cut which allowed for a perfect fit and a flattering silhouette. As the exhibition progresses we see how Ossie and Celia’s designs built a bridge between the linear dolly-bird mini of the early 1960s to the later more sophisticated and sinuous designs of the late 1960s and early 1970s. These later works show the continuing influence of vintage designs but with longer lines, increasing fluidity and lower hemlines. Their radical plunging necklines and diaphanous fabrics pushed acceptable dress codes into new territory. Beautiful, ephemeral robes that despite their longer length are slinky and revealing and perfectly encapsulate the Bohemian

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CULTURE • EXHIBITION

Their partnership defined an era and continues to influence the fashion world freedom of the era - full of movement and exuding sexuality. Anyone who was part of the in-crowd wore their designs, and they were soon creating outfits for Mick Jagger on stage and Liza Minelli in film. Period catwalk footage and runways help to recreate the movement inherent in their designs and the atmosphere of their legendary fashion shows. Trouser suits for women, such as a tailored black and red crepe trouser suit embroidered with strawberries and modelled by Jean Shrimpton are shown alongside ruffled and frilled chiffon shirts as worn by Brian Jones. In a decade that embraced androgyny their satin and chiffon shirts were equally popular with men and women. These flamboyant shirts were ‘ not to be hidden under a jacket they were splendid enough to wear just with trousers’. (Vogue 1968). Alongside the fluid chiffons and satins, Ossie also created pieces from python skin, having come across a stash of skins in an old leather warehouse. The exhibition features a stylishly constructed, shiny water snake jacket made from diagonal strips in black, cream red and green. The use of the material was revolutionary and these tight-fitting, hipster jackets, that mixed a daring eroticism with references to biker style were immediately popular. ‘In the 1930s and 1940s satin bias, feather boas and lace were worn by goddesses of the screen, we thought: why can’t people on the street wear them?’ asked Ossie. Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell married in 1969 and the exhibition features important outfits worn by the couple themselves, such as Celia’s wedding dress - the Ophelia dress, which combined two of her prints 'Floating Daisy' and 'Lollipop'. The garment demonstrates just how radical Ossie’s designs were. Made almost entirely of chiffon, this ethereal, voluminous dress is completely free, light as a feather with its shape resembling a kaftan. Celia’s romantically exquisite print offsets the more sensual aspect of a dress that is also very revealing. Hockney, who was a witness at their wedding, later famously immortalised the fashionable young couple in his iconic portrait Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy (1970-1). Here Celia is wearing Ossie’s Heavenly Twins’dress, a dress that also features in the exhibition. Upstairs the exhibition explores Ossie and Celia’s work after they split up and

their partnership with Quorum had ended. Here we see Ossie’s work in jersey including his dresses and jumpsuits. The works suggests a new look for the changing times following his divorce and the loss of Celia as his collaborator and muse. Although more restrained than some of his earlier garments, Ossie’s talent and expertise are immediately visible in the soft sensual draping of the fabric that both flatters and highlights the body. Created in simple block colours the garments reveal his incredible mastery of cut and flow. Later works from Celia on display include items from her sell-out collaboration with Topshop (2006). Celia’s style remains joyous, inspired by nature whilst incorporating numerous historical and art-historical references, she adeptly mixes varied motifs from geometrics to florals and juxtaposes multiple prints on one garment.

Items on display from her continuing work in textile design and home furnishings also reference the world of art as interpreted in her own unique and unmistakable style. Throughout her designs there is a particular delicate, illustrative quality, a sense of freedom and a light ‘French’ quality that make her work immediately distinctive. With their individual contributions unravelled we see clearly how Ossie Clark’s masterful tailoring and structural pattern cutting perfectly married with Celia Birtwell’s romantic, Bohemian, natureinspired textile prints, creating a unique partnership that defined an era and continues to influence the fashion world today. Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell is at the Fashion and Textile Museum from 2 October 2026 - 27 April 2027 fashiontextilemuseum.org

Celia Birtwell's sketches

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Talk

90s

BELOW Eddie Otchere, Metalheadz Sunday Sessions in the Blue Note, Hoxton Square 1995-1996 © Eddie Otchere LEFT Naomi Campbell models in Vivienne Westwood AW94 'On Liberty’. Photo Guy Marineau, Vogue © Condé Nast

Tate Britain’s new exhibition The 90s: Art and Fashion looks at the decade that reshaped Britain’s cultural identity 32

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CULTURE • EXHIBITION

The 1990s saw the emergence of a resourceful new generation of young talent in Britain

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CULTURE • EXHIBITION

THIS IMAGE Juergen Teller, Young Pink Kate London 1998 © Juergen Teller, All Rights Reserved RIGHT Nick Knight, David Toole 1998, printed 2016. Image courtesy of Nick Knight SHOW Studio

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he 1990s was a decade synonymous with possibility, optimism and an audacious spirit. Tate Britain’s new exhibition The 90s: Art and Fashion is the first exhibition to explore the art, photography and fashion of the period in the context of the time’s surge of creative energy. Featuring nearly 70 artists, photographers and designers from the YBAs to Alexander McQueen and curated by Edward Enninful, the show spotlights the emergence of the exciting and diverse artistic talent that reshaped Britain’s cultural identity in more than 100 photographs, paintings, sculptures and garments. Following the gritty economic uncertainty of the 1980s, the 1990s saw the emergence of a resourceful new generation of young talent in Britain. Photography by Corinne Day, Nigel Shafran and Juergen Teller for influential publications including i-D and Dazed and Confused demonstrate a new ‘anti-fashion’ grunge style. The influence of print media is explored in work by Roshini Kempadoo and Eileen Perrier which expanded mainstream beauty notions at a time when Kate Moss wearing Liza Bruce’s sheer slip dress captured tabloid interest. Real people became artists’ muses, as reflected in the work of Barbara Walker,

From grunge and rave to McQueen and the YBAs, Tate Britain revisits a decade of radical creativity and cultural change today

Jenny Saville and Gillian Wearing, while the likes of Tracey Emin, Sam Taylor-Johnson and Sarah Lucas captivated the public with their anarchic spirit and frank work tackling agency, identity and class. The decade’s youthful attitude is captured in film and photography engaged with nightlife and subculture; from Mark Leckey’s 1999 film Fiorucci Made Me Hardcore to images documenting young people at iconic club nights across the UK

including the Haçienda in Manchester and Bagley’s in London. There’s a focus on the birth of acid house, the rise of jungle, hip-hop and drum and bass and the spread of a joyful queer club scene. Raves and free parties photographed by Seana Gavin and Vinca Peterson illustrate a hedonistic counterculture fuelled by flyers and payphones, whilst Boy Racers are documented in Elaine Constantine’s series, Burn up Northampton. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • EXHIBITION

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Edward Enninful by Adama Jalloh; Yinka Shonibare, The Swing (after Fragonard) 2001 © Yinka Shonibare. Tate; Chris Ofili, No Woman No Cry 1998 © Chris Ofili, courtesy Victoria Miro, London. Tate

As the idea of ‘Cool Britannia’ grew, many artists used their work to draw attention to those largely excluded from this narrative As the idea of ‘Cool Britannia’ grew, many artists used their work to draw attention to those largely excluded from this narrative. Steve McQueen’s first major film Bear1993, a cinematic portrayal of an intimate faceoff between two men, is joined by Chris Ofili’s Turner Prize-winning painting No Woman, No Cry 1998, a poignant tribute to Doreen and Stephen Lawrence. Suits by Ozwald Boateng, runway footage of Joe

Casely-Hayford’s presentations and fashion photography by Koto Bolofo celebrate the work of Black British designers. The exhibition explores the decade’s conceptual movements, from opulent and macabre body horror to sleek and uncanny minimalism. Artists such as Hamad Butt responded to the ongoing impact of the AIDS crisis, and Helen Chadwick, Jake and Dinos Chapman and

Cathy de Monchaux played with a gothic interest in decay and revulsion. Damien Hirst took a conceptual approach further, removing the artist’s hand altogether with fabricated formaldehyde filled sculptures, the antithesis to low-fi grunge. Visionary designers who blurred the lines between art and fashion spectacularly range from Alexander McQueen’s provocative, dramatic and sometimes nightmarish presentations to Hussein Chalayan’s designled clothing inspired by everyday objects. Yinka Shonibare and Maud Sulter drew from European art history and dandyism to ask questions of diversity and representation, whilst designers such as Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano borrowed across history and cultures, interrogating style, class and national mythology with anachronistic fashion collections. The show is a reflection on the 90s as a moment poised between past and future, inviting us to rethink our picture of the art of the decade. The 90s: Art and Fashion 8 October 2026 – 14 February 2027 tate.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

PETER POLYCARPOU AS HERCULE POIROT

Crime scene Agatha Christie’s The Hollow arrives at Richmond Theatre

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gatha Christie’s The Hollow arrives at Richmond Theatre on Tuesday 27 October in a major new production that promises intrigue, passion and one of the most compelling mysteries ever penned by the Queen of Crime. Set at an elegant country estate, the story begins with what should have been a peaceful weekend away for the celebrated detective Hercule Poirot. Instead, he finds himself at the centre of a shocking crime. Renowned detective Hercule Poirot expected a quiet break in the country; instead he’s drawn into one of the most unsettling cases of his career. At The Hollow, an elegant country estate, a glamorous

circle of guests gather together one summer evening. But beneath the sunlit charm, something darker coils. Old passions refuse to die. New rivalries ignite. Dangerous infatuations take hold. Then — a shot rings out. A body is discovered. A smoking revolver in an unsteady hand. The scene appears almost staged; a shockingly straightforward crime…. though it is anything but. Taking on the role of Poirot is Peter Polycarpou, who describes playing Christie’s legendary detective as a long-held ambition. "He's been on my wish list for a long time," says the actor. "Poirot is so iconic - this wonderfully logical man who has such a moral responsibility to him and who has a huge psychological insight into people." Bringing Christie’s gripping drama to the stage is acclaimed director Lucy Bailey,

whose previous Christie productions have captivated audiences across the UK. The Hollow is her fifth Christie adaptation, and she believes the play offers far more than a traditional murder mystery. She said: “The Hollow is one of Agatha Christie’s most powerful and arresting plays. At first glance it appears to be a classic country house mystery, but it’s something far richer: a family ruthlessly clinging to the past, failed relationships and illicit love. Christie gathers a circle of brilliantly drawn characters to an English country estate and lets long-buried family tensions simmer until a sudden act of violence shatters the idyll. When the unthinkable happens, it falls to the incomparable Hercule Poirot to unravel the truth. Equally comic and tragic, it’s a play about people trapped between the lives they have and the lives they longed for. That tension makes The Hollow feel startlingly contemporary.” James Prichard of Agatha Christie Limited added: “We are thrilled to be working once again with Lucy Bailey and Fiery Angel on this bold new production. A sharply observed and unsettling drama, it showcases a fascinatingly different facet of my great grandmother’s storytelling, and we are excited for audiences across the UK and Ireland to experience it anew.” Whether you are a lifelong Christie fan or discovering her work for the first time, The Hollow offers a masterclass in suspense, creating a theatrical experience that lingers long after the curtain falls. 27-31 October; atgtickets.com/Richmond A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FOOD & DRINK

BOOK CLUB H O T E L C A F É R O YA L

Hotel Café Royal is bringing three of its most celebrated literary guests - Oscar Wilde, Virginia Woolf and John le Carré - to the table with the launch of London’s Most Literary Afternoon Tea. Drawing on this rich literary heritage, the new afternoon tea brings together celebrated authors, iconic books and unforgettable characters. Inspired by works including The Picture of Dorian Gray, Mrs Dalloway and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Head Pastry Chef Maxence Blondelle translates prose, plot and personality into an imaginative collection of pâtisserie and savouries. hotelcaferoyal.com

Food News 42 • Eating out 45 • Recipes 46 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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WHAT TO DRINK

TASTING NOTES

GRAPE news

London’s food news and most exciting openings this month By PENDLE HARTE

Wine recommendations for the month By THE WINE SOCIETY

The Society's Cava Reserva Brut 2023  £10.50 This fragrant, appley and organic Spanish sparkling wine is produced by Sumarroca, a small family estate. It's a bottle-fermented and aged blend of parellada, macabeo and xarel-lo, plus some chardonnay to add finesse.

Domaine Tariquet SaintAmand Blanc, Côtes de Gascogne 2025  £9.50 A well-balanced, friendly white made from chardonnay, gros manseng and sauvignon. Versatile enough to go with multiple dishes, including those with moderate spiciness and Asian cuisines, but can also be enjoyed on its own.

Un Amour de Cinsault, Chateau Beaubois 2025  £9.95 From an estate in the southern Rhône, the Boyer family have produced a lively red that is fresh and immediately appealing. Light bodied, this will be delightful served slightly chilled and pairs perfectly with tomatobased dishes.

Since it was founded back in 1874, The Wine Society has dared to do business a little differently. Bringing together a community united by a shared love of wine, The Society is a co-operative and owned by its members. This means there is no requirement to pump profit into annual dividends or bonuses for shareholders – all profits go back into the business. The Wine Society welcomes all wine lovers. Become a member today and receive £20 off toward your first order. thewinesociety.com

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Gordon's oil KRUDE

Co-founded by Gordon Ramsay, Krude olive oil has launched in Waitrose, bringing chef-led expertise, exceptional provenance and innovative packaging to one of the kitchen's most essential ingredients. Every Krude oil is fully traceable to family-run farms in Spain, where carefully selected olives are harvested early and cold extracted to preserve their bold flavour and freshness. krudeoliveoil.com

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

COCKTAIL TREAT YOURSELF HOUR Three Indulge of London's in these delicious finest Negronis desserts

H A P P Y

B I R T H D AY PORTOBELLO PIZZERIA

Pasta night L E GA R E

Legare is the Michelin Bib Gourmand neighbourhood Italian restaurant from restaurateur Jay Patel (ex-Barrafina) and Executive Chef Matt Beardmore (ex-Trullo), tucked into the cobbled streets of Shad Thames. The menu draws from the breadth of regional Italian cooking while championing exceptional seasonal British produce. legarelondon.com

X X XKXAYA X X XGXNXHX X X Alongside Loremthe ipsum classics, dolorspecial sit amet, serves consectetur at the Kayaadipiscing Great Northern elit. Praesent Hotel utinclude odio quis a smoky dui convallis Mezcal Negroni, tincidunt. Morbi fruit-forward efficitur Sloegroni, malesuadacomplex convallis. Nulla Barrelmaximus Aged Negroni, condimentum plus a nonurna, sed malesuada alcoholic augue. Nogroni. Aenean kayagnhlondon.com xxxxxxxxxxx.co.uk

Awared-winning eaterie Portobello Ristorante Pizzeria in Ntting Hill is celebrating its 18th birthday. Highlights from the menu includes the slow-risen sourdough pizza, the mushrooms, grown by the owner himself. portobellolondon.co.uk

X XMXIX RX RX OXRXBXAXRX X In Lorem the all-red ipsum world dolor of sit Italian amet, glamour consectetur at The adipiscing Mirror Bar, elit.a residency Praesent withutCampari odio quisis dui behind convallis creations tincidunt. like the tropical Morbi effi Mi-Ki citur Negroni malesuada or classic convallis. Campari Nulla maximus Negroni condimentum paired with lobster urna, sed arancini malesuada and parmesan-truffl augue. Aenean ed fries, landmarklondon.co.uk xxxxxxxxxxx.co.uk

L I F E

I S

A

CABARET BALTHAZAR

Japan house NAKIMUSHI

Just opened in Notting Hill Gate, Nakimushi is a dual-format Japanese townhouse led by Chef Yuji Shimokawa Kelly and Chef Robin Kosuge. Bringing together their hugely popular Urchin and Robin's Ramen residencies under one permanent roof, the three-storey restaurant offers two distinct experiences, united by a shared commitment to exceptional produce and traditional Japanese techniques. nakimushi.co.uk

XXX XXX SX OXNXGXBXI RXD Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, Songbird's Yorkshire Negroni gives consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent the timeless classic a distinctly British ut odiocombining quis dui convallis twist, gin and tincidunt. Campari Morbi efficitur rhubarb malesuada convallis. with Yorkshire aperitif and Nulla condimentum sweetmaximus vermouth for a bright,urna, tart sed malesuada augue. Aenean counterpoint to its xxxxxxxxxxx.co.uk signature bitterness. songbirdrestaurant.com

The Kit Kat Club comes to Balthazar for a theatrical dining experience. Running until 1 November, there will be live performances every Friday evening, with bespoke Brugal Rum cocktails and a specially created threecourse menu.

balthazarlondon.com

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“Though decor inside is glamorous, really it’s all about the vast terrace”

TO W E R HOUSE

FOOD Small plates and a wide menu

Richmond riverside dining in style

Y

B y PENDLE HARTE

ou can tell why Richmond residents love living here. On a summer’s evening, or a mild autumn one, the river is a magical spot. It’s hard to beat watching the sun set over the boats in this green yet urban location. I’m here for dinner a couple of days after returning from Greece, and it seems to me that the view compares well to a Paros seafront. Tower House was opened a few months ago by the team behind Portobello Road’s chic Gold, and it’s thriving. Though decor inside is glamorous, really it’s all about the vast terrace. And be warned: it fills

DECOR up early. Set across several levels and right next to Richmond Bridge, we’re surrounded by lush plants and terracotta tiles, feeling European. It’s a world away from when the site was an unlovely Pitcher & Piano. Charismatic waiting staff furnish us with cocktails immediately: House on Fire is a smoky, chilli-infused tequila concoction, and rhubarb negoni is sharp with just the right amount of sweetness. On the menu are the inevitable sharing plates, and we order too many of them in our enthusiasm. Tuna tartare comes with watermelon, jalapeno, lime, coriander and black sesami, in a sweet, and juicy mix, while prettily served sea bass carpaccio with beetroot and almonds is delicate

Leafy riverside luxe

PRICE Small plates £7-£37

VERDICT An urban treat retreat

and fresh. Jamon croquettes with manchego and aioli are crispy, hot and moreish; panzanella salad comes with large chunks of tomato, peppers, crunchy sourdough pieces and anchovy dressing – and it’s a winning combination thanks to high class tomatoes and a clever touch. A whole roasted cauliflower with tarragon dressing, sultanas and walnuts is brilliantly blackened and quite large (why are most cauliflowers so small now?) and a generous portion of chargrilled lamb with rainbow chard, pine nuts, raisins and dill yoghurt is deliciously pink and juicy. Greedily, we also have a portion of grilled squid with lemon and chilli, which takes me straight back to Greece. As the sun sets over the river, in the darkness we find ourselves sitting in a private lantern-lit corner. It’s probably the best spot on the river. Next time we’ll sit inside, where great views will create a dreamy winter scene. 11 Bridge Street, Richmond, TW9 1TQ 020 4636 9696 thisistowerhouse.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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too Simple

More delicious yet manageable recipes from Yotam Ottolenghi and Verena Lochmuller

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Braised halloumi with tomatoes and beans Serves 2 Pre p time 1 0 mi nutes Cook time 35 mi nutes

This is either a simple speedy supper for two, with rice or bread, or part of a spread to serve more. It works really well with any seasonal green veg. It’s also great as it is for a late breakfast, with a couple of fried eggs sitting on top.

INGREDIENTS

• 350g cherry tomatoes (a mix of colours looks great), half cut in half and the remainder left whole • 400g tin of black-eyed beans (or butter beans), drained (240g) • 5 garlic cloves, 4 thinly sliced, 1 crushed • 5–6 thyme sprigs, plus 1 tsp finely chopped leaves • 1 lemon, zest thinly shaved to get 4 strips, the remainder finely grated, 1 tbsp juice • 90ml olive oil • 250g halloumi, cut into 6 slices • 1 tsp za’atar • fine sea salt and black pepper

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180°C fan. Put all the tomatoes into a 26cm round (or similar) shallow ovenproof dish along with the beans, sliced garlic, thyme sprigs, lemon zest strips, lemon juice and 75ml olive oil. Add ½ teaspoon of salt and a good grind of pepper. Mix together and nestle the halloumi slices among the beans, making sure the cheese remains exposed. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of oil over the cheese and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the tomatoes have collapsed, released their juices and the halloumi is golden. 3 Mix together the crushed garlic, thyme leaves, grated lemon zest and za’atar. Once the dish is out of the oven, swirl this through and serve. 1

2

Butternut Parmigian Serv es 4 P rep ti me 2 0 m i nu te s Cook ti me 50 m i nu te s

• 1 garlic clove, crushed • 2 tsp za’atar • 4 oregano sprigs, plus • a few leaves for garnish • 125g taleggio (or brie or mozzarella), thinly sliced • fine sea salt and black pepper

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 220°C fan. Cut each squash half into 3 long wedges and arrange them in a large highsided roasting tray. Rub all over with 2 tablespoons of oil, ½ teaspoon of salt and a good grind of pepper. Bake for about 35 minutes, until browned and cooked through. 3 In a small bowl mix together the tomatoes, tomato paste, spices, sugar, 3 tablespoons of oil, 2 tablespoons of water and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set aside. 4 In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, garlic, ½ teaspoon of za’atar and 1 tablespoon of oil. 5 Remove the squash from the oven, then pour the tomato sauce around it and nestle in the oregano sprigs. Lay the cheese evenly over the squash, sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture and drizzle over the remaining tablespoon of oil. Return to the oven for 10–15 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Sprinkle over the remaining za’atar and oregano leaves and serve. 1

A classic parmigiana – made with slices of aubergine, layered with cheese and then baked – is hard to beat. This take might not have the Parmesan (or, indeed, the aubergines) but it echoes the flavours and textures and has the advantages of being made in a fraction of the time, assembled in one dish and also very much hitting the same spot.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 large butternut squash (about 1.3kg), unpeeled, halved lengthways and deseeded • 105ml olive oil • 4–5 plum tomatoes, grated and skins discarded (380g) • 1 tbsp tomato paste • ¹⁄8 tsp ground allspice • ½ tsp ground cumin • ¹⁄8 tsp ground cinnamon • ¼ tsp caster sugar • 25g panko breadcrumbs

2

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Chicken meatballs with pistachio and spinach Se r ves 4–6 Pre p ti m e 1 5 mi nutes Co ok ti m e 30 mi nutes These Iranian-inspired meatballs don’t sit quietly on the plate. They’re super bright with plenty of herbs and pistachios, and lightly sweetened with dried fruit. The food processor does much of the work for you and the result is a whole meal in itself, served in a shallow bowl, with some flatbreads if you like.

INGREDIENTS

• 100g pistachio kernels • 8–10 spring onions, roughly chopped (125g) • 50g coriander, roughly chopped • 20g dill, roughly chopped • 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped • 1 tsp ground turmeric • 2½ tsp ground cumin • 25g panko breadcrumbs • 1 egg • 400g chicken or turkey mince • 105ml olive oil • 200g baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped • 650ml chicken stock • 100g orzo • 75g dried sour cherries (or cranberries), roughly chopped • 2 tsp cherry molasses (or pomegranate molasses) • lemon wedges, to serve • fine sea salt and black pepper Make ahead: The whole dish can be made the day before, ready to warm through before serving.

METHOD

1 Combine the first 7 ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and blitz until finely chopped. Transfer 175g of the mixture to a small bowl and set aside. Keep the remainder in the food processor and add the breadcrumbs, egg, mince, ¾ teaspoon of salt and plenty of pepper. Blitz to combine, then shape into 14 meatballs. 2 Put 2 tablespoons of oil into a large

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sauté pan on a medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, about5 minutes. Remove to a plate. 3 Add the remaining 75ml of oil to the pan along with thereserved blitzed mixture and the spinach. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring until wilted, then add the stock, orzo, sourcherries, molasses and ¾ teaspoon of salt. Bring to a simmer, add the meatballs and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 10 minutes, covered, until the meatballs and orzo are cooked through. Leave to stand, covered, for 5–10 minutes, until the orzo has plumped up and thickened the sauce. Serve with a squeeze of lemon.

Extracted from Ottolenghi Simple Too by Yotam Ottolenghi and Verena Lochmuller (Ebury Press, £30). All photography by Jonathan Lovekin.

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

DRINKS CABINET What to drink this month By PENDLE HARTE

ART & WINE Madame 'B' is a new premium organic Provençal rosé from Damien Hirst and Château La Coste. Created by two long-time friends, Damien Hirst and Paddy McKillen, Madame 'B' brings together contemporary art and exceptional winemaking, produced exclusively from Demeter-certified biodynamic, estate-grown grapes at Château La Coste in Aix-en-Provence.

chateau-la-coste.com

Team winner Maison Telmont has released a limitededition champagne bottle of its historic cuvée, “Réserve Brut”, created in partnership with the Emirates GBR SailGP Team. A tribute to the team's iconic F50 race boat, it's available exclusively at 100 Waitrose stores across the UK.

champagne-telmont.com

Ready to pour Made with ultra premium 100% agave tequila, The Naked Margarita is an ultra-premium bottled margarita that strips away unnecessary ingredients in favour of a beautifully balanced recipe that lets the spirit's quality shine. Designed for refined, modern hosting, it delivers a five-star barquality cocktail that's ready to pour, without sacrificing the ritual or experience of making a great margarita.

thenakedmargarita.com

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SPOTLIGHT

Top Spritz Late summer drinks

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ho's still up for a spritz? Few drinks capture the spirit of summer quite like a spritz, and with warm temperatures ongoing we are still interested. Beyond the classics, countless variations take this cocktail in exciting new directions. Prefer something dry? Opt for a Fino Sherry Spritz. Looking for something sweeter? A Berry Spritz could be the perfect choice. Simply choose your base—whether that's a fortified wine or a liqueur—add some sparkle with Prosecco, tonic or soda, then finish with plenty of ice and a fresh garnish for an effortless and refreshing serve. From floral and refreshing to fruity and bittersweet, here are four of our favourite spritz serves. The Hugo Spritz - Fiorente Elderflower Liqueur. Light, floral and refreshing, the Hugo Spritz was created in northern Italy as a sweeter alternative to the classic Aperol and Campari spritzes. Fiorente Elderflower Liqueur is made with wild Piemontese elderflowers and less sugar than many alternatives, delivering delicate floral notes and a fresh, balanced base for this summer serve. Aperitivo Spritz- Quaglia Aperitivo Berto. As the evening draws in, a bittersweet Aperitivo Spritz makes for an ideal predinner serve. Bright and unmistakably Italian, Quaglia Aperitivo Berto is a classic aperitif infused with orange peel, rhubarb and gentian, creating a fresh, citrus-led base. Add Prosecco and soda for a spritz made for golden hour. And then there's the Berry Spritz - JeanLuc Pasquet Marie Framboise – and the Limoncello Spritz - Terra di Limoni Limoncello di Amalfi. Both fruity and fabulous. What to choose? thewhiskyexchange.com

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FA S H I O N

Intentionally RELAXED HUSH

The Hush approach to dressing is a perfect balance of style and practicality. It's about looking. put together without feeling overdressed. Clean silhouettes, thoughtful details and a confident sense of ease run through every collection, creating clothes that work across busy weekdays, spontaneous plans and everything in between. hush-uk.com

Lisa Corti's powerful patterns 54 • All the best knits for autumn 60 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Strong shapes and prints for Italian designer Lisa Corti's fashion/interiors crossover L I S AC O R T I .C O M

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FASHION • TREND

POETRY BUtton-neck sweater, £269 poetryfashion.co.uk

BELLA FREUD New Romantics jumper, £395 numberfour.boutique

MADELEINE THOMPSON CASHMERE Conduit cardigan, £470 madeleine-thompson.com

CATH X WYSE Gabrielle tie knit top, £165 wyselondon.com

EDITOR’S PICK

PIGLET IN BED Crew neck cardigan, £139 pigletinbed.com

KNIT PICK

Keep warm in wool EMELLO

By P E N D L E H A R T E

Cashmere knit trousers, £330 emello.com

DIOTIMA MANE Embellished top, £910 koibird.com

BRORA Cashmere cable cardigan, £445 broraonline.com

WIGGY KIT

ASPIGA Merino wool stripe cardigan, £150 and scarf, £40 aspiga.com

Alpie sweater, £425 wiggykit.com

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FASHION • PARTNERSHIP

Weightless warmth Experience pure luxury on skin this winter with HANRO

F

eatherlight fabrics have arrived from HANRO - Built for winter, the slopes and everything in between. Since 1884, HANRO has crafted essentials with one belief at their core: that what touches the skin matters. This winter, that belief comes to life in three collections: Ultralight Wool, a brand new arrival, alongside the heritage designs Woolen Silk and Silk Cashmere. Each feels almost weightless against the skin, making them the perfect base layer for skiing and cold weather alike. INTRODUCING ULTRALIGHT WOOL Crafted from a soft modal-merino wool blend, Ultralight Wool brings the lightest comfort to the colder months, extending the same philosophy long associated with HANRO's Ultralight Cotton collection. The fabric regulates warmth and moisture with quiet efficiency, keeping you comfortable through changing temperatures rather than trapping heat. Worn alone or layered, it offers exceptional cold weather performance without any of the usual bulk or itch. The merino wool is sourced from South African farms and is fully mulesing-free, reflecting HANRO's ongoing commitment to responsible sourcing. Alongside it sits Tencel™, a sustainable natural fibre prized for its smooth hand feel and low environmental impact. Ultralight Wool arrives in two seasonal shades, suede camel and dark mocha, chosen to complement the wider HANRO collection this season.

WOOLEN SILK Sitting between Ultralight Wool and Silk Cashmere, Woolen Silk offers a mid-weight layer without compromise. Crafted from 70% merino wool and 30% silk, these functional layers combine the natural warmth of merino with the fluid softness of silk for a base layer that performs as beautifully as it feels. Arriving in rose grey, a new trend colour for the season, Woolen Silk brings a fresh, versatile shade to HANRO's winter edit. SILK CASHMERE Also joining the AW26 range is Silk Cashmere, an exclusive collection of warm winter layers built for the coldest days. Woven from a luxurious silk cashmere blend, with cashmere yarn

“Exceptional cold weather performance without any of the usual bulk” sourced from certified Swiss farms committed to high animal welfare standards, it offers an exceptionally soft, insulating base layer for alpine climates and everyday winter wear alike. Ultralight Wool, Woolen Silk and Silk Cashmere are available now at HANRO's Flagship Boutique in South Molton Street and within Harrods, as well as online at hanro.co.uk. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FASHION • PARTNERSHIP

MADE

for LIFE Hush is coming to Guildford this October, more than 20 years after founder Mandy Watkins launched the brand from her kitchen table

T It's about looking put together without feeling overdressed

he story began in 2003, when Mandy moved from Australia to London and found herself searching for easy, effortless pieces to wear through long evenings spent sheltering from the British weather. What started with one woman, a laptop and a small collection of nightwear and loungewear has since grown into a global fashion brand known for creating clothes that feel as good as they look. While Hush has evolved over the years, its outlook has remained much the same. Inspired by the relaxed spirit of its Australian roots and the energy of its London home, the brand continues to create collections that feel modern, wearable and uncomplicated in all the best ways. At the heart of Hush is an intentionally relaxed approach to style. It's about looking put together without feeling overdressed. Clean silhouettes, thoughtful details and a confident sense of ease run through every collection, creating clothes that work across busy weekdays, spontaneous plans and everything in between. That mindset extends beyond style. Hush puts thought into every detail, from the fit of a favourite pair of jeans to the weight of a knit or the drape of a dress. Quality fabrics and considered design have always been central to the brand's approach. Soft cotton, pure wool and premium denim feature throughout the range, chosen for their comfort, quality and lasting appeal. As a certified B Corporation, Hush is also committed to continually finding ways to do things better. When the Guildford store opens, it will bring together new arrivals and the

signature styles the brand is best known for. Expect beautifully crafted knitwear, fresh prints, rich textures and everyday heroes created with the months ahead in mind. It's a chance to see the collection up close, get a feel for the fabrics and find the pieces that work best for your wardrobe. Whether Hush is already a firm favourite or you've yet to discover it, the new Guildford store is well worth a visit. Doors open this October. 132-134 High Street, Guildford, GU1 3HJ guildford@hush-uk.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FASHION • FOCUS

MORE THAN A

watch The hands that keep a lifetime of memories alive

A

Rolex is designed to accompany its owner throughout life. Built to exacting standards, these are watches that can be worn every day and, with the right care and regular servicing, passed down through the generations. Rolex-trained watchmakers understand this better than anyone. Every service demands exceptional technical skill and meticulous attention to detail, but it also comes with a sense of responsibility. Each watch arriving on the workbench has been part of someone’s life, and their role is to ensure it’s ready for whatever comes next. For Rolex-trained watchmaker Aaron Jones, this is what makes the work so meaningful. “Watches sit on your wrist and they experience almost everything you do,” he explains. “So when you pass that watch down, it’s not just a timepiece, it’s everything that person has experienced.”

A Rolex is unlike almost any other possession

This is why watch servicing is about far more than just replacing worn components or regulating the movement. “You haven’t just serviced a watch,” Aaron says. “You've brought life back to something that might have experienced everything that your grandfather did, or all the times that your father held you as a child.” A Rolex service is designed to preserve both performance and longevity, ensuring the watch continues to perform exactly as intended. That commitment requires years of specialist training, meticulous attention to detail and remarkable patience. After completing a degree in horology at Birmingham City University, Aaron undertook a further 18 months of specialist Rolex training. He passed his Rolex After-Sales Service Watchmaker exams in Geneva before graduating in the UK. For fellow Rolex-trained watchmaker Michael Raven, that dedication comes from a deep respect for the brand itself. “I know how special a Rolex is to our clients,” he says. “Rolex is worldrenowned, and synonymous with excellence. That is something that I really enjoy. I’m working on watches where excellence is front and centre.” But Michael believes the most rewarding moment comes at the end of the servicing process. “Being able to return the watch

to the customer, knowing that it’s just right and it’s within all the specified tolerances, is really satisfying.” For Lee Reynolds, who has spent 33 years as a watchmaker, the appeal has never faded. “A lot of clients aren’t just purchasing a Rolex, they are purchasing an investment... and will, fingers crossed, hand it down through the generations.” Perhaps that’s what makes a Rolex unlike almost any other possession. It doesn’t simply tell the time; it bears witness to a lifetime. And thanks to the expertise of Rolex-trained watchmakers, each careful service helps ensure that the memories it carries today can continue to be treasured and passed from wearer to wearer for generations to come. To book an appointment to get your watch serviced please contact The Watches of Switzerland Group, Rolex Boutique, Old Bond Street, London or email: WoSRolex@watches-of-switzerland.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

SIMPLE ROUTINE INNERSENSE

Innersense's founders spend their working lives backstage on shoots and in the salon chair, so a ten-step routine was never going to be practical or what they would recommend. They built their haircare brand around what a working stylist actually reaches for, not what looks impressive lined up on a shelf. innersensebeauty.com

Nail bar 71 • The lowdown on iron 73 • Win a spa retreat 75 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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anthonylabanhome.com

Photograph by Oladimeji Odunsi

Your experience at Home will always be incredible.

3 Bennet Court, 1 Bellevue Road, London, SW17 7EG

You can book an appointment using the QR code, online or by calling us on 020 3475 6644 or emailing us at info@anthonylabanhome.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

OPI X SUPERGIRL Up Up and Ablaze Supergirl Nail Lacquer, £16.60 opi.com

CHANEL

EDITOR’S PICK

Le Vernis, £30 chanel.com

MYLEE Spotlight gel polish, £9.99 mylee.co.uk

BIOSCULPTURE The Colour, £15.50 biosculpture.co.uk

On the NAIL

MYLEE Snow & Sorcery trio, £24.99 mylee.co.uk

Bright and shiny nails for autumn BIOSCULPTURE The Base, £15.50 biosculpture.co.uk

By P E N D L E H A R T E

MAVALA Mini Colours, £6.80 mavala.co.uk

MYLEE

MYLEE Bright & Early gel polish, £9.99 mylee.co.uk

Ski Patrol Alert, £9.99 mylee.co.uk

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Swimming in

QUALIT Y & STYLE LIFETIME

LIFETIME

STRUCTURAL

STRUCTURAL WARRANTY

OSMOSIS WARRANTY

The speed and ease of installation will impress. Short lead times as most models are in stock. We are increasingly spending our private lives in our homes rediscovering how much of a pleasure it is to spend time with family and friends.

A pool is an attractive extension of your living area the ultimate way to enjoy your free time and enhance your lifestyle and health.

Choose from a wide range of designs and sizes with a comprehensive package that leaves nothing to be desired.

A state-of-the-art product with a quick hassle-free installation. Your pool will not only enrich your family’s life, but also increase the value of your home.

www.swimpools.co.uk Phone for brochure and prices

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enquiries@swimpools.co.uk 01444 411 411 / 07710 402917

25/09/2026 12:25:12

HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

“Almost one in three women tested were iron deficient”

Test

RESULT Running on empty? It could be time to check your iron

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atigue, brain fog and low mood can be easy to dismiss as an inevitable part of a busy life. While these symptoms can have many possible causes, low iron could be one of them—and research suggests it may be more common than many women realise. ALMOST ONE IN THREE Randox Health research published in Frontiers in Nutrition analysed data from 33,029 women who attended Randox Health clinics across the UK. Almost one in three women aged 18–49 tested had absolute iron deficiency, while almost one in ten females were classified as anaemic. Importantly, 52.4% of those with absolute iron deficiency reported no symptoms. Iron deficiency can develop before haemoglobin falls to the level used to identify anaemia. This means your iron stores have depleted even if you are not anaemic—or feeling obviously unwell. SYMPTOMS CAN BE EASY TO DISMISS Iron plays an essential role in your health, supporting energy, focus and overall wellbeing. It’s needed to produce

haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. When iron levels are low, possible signs can include fatigue, brain fog, weakness, low mood, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and hair loss. However, these symptoms are not specific to iron deficiency. Women who menstruate can be particularly affected with, 47.5% of iron-deficient women in the study reporting heavy menstrual bleeding. DON’T DIAGNOSE YOURSELF ONLINE Social media trends such as “ferritin face” have increased interest in iron deficiency, but appearance alone cannot reveal what is happening inside your body. Taking iron supplements “just in case” is not the answer. Iron should only be taken when there is an identified need, as unnecessary supplementation can cause side effects and may be harmful. DON’T GUESS. TEST. A simple blood test can help you assess ferritin and other key iron markers alongside a full blood count and haemoglobin, helping to provide a clearer picture than symptoms alone. The good news is that, once identified,

low iron can often be addressed through dietary changes or supplementation. DISCOVER WHAT’S HAPPENING INSIDE YOUR BODY Fatigue and low mood may also be linked to nutritional imbalances, thyroid function, hormonal changes or other areas of health. That is why the Everywoman Health Check looks beyond just iron. It measures up to 150 data points, including markers for iron deficiency and anaemia alongside wider insights into hormones, nutrition, thyroid, heart, liver and kidney health. If an imbalance is identified, you can make informed decisions about your next steps. Repeat testing can then show how your levels are responding and whether the changes you have made are working. DISCOVER RANDOX HEALTH Randox Health now has more than 10 clinics across London, including new locations at Westfield London, St John's Wood and Hampstead, alongside a network of more than 50 clinics across the UK and Ireland. Book your health check today at randoxhealth.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • COMPETITION

WIN We are offering one lucky winner the chance to enjoy a luxury escape for two at West Court Retreat in Berkshire

WO RT H

£1,000

A HISTORIC MANOR HOUSE WITH ELEGANT INTERIORS

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his autumn, West Court Retreat is launching its new Midweek Autumn Reset Package, a seasonal invitation to slow down and spend time in the Berkshire countryside. To mark the launch, one lucky Absolutely reader will win a luxury escape for two, worth £1,000. Located in the heart of Berkshire, West Court Retreat is part of the family-owned Nirvana Spa Collection. The boutique hotel combines the character of a historic manor house with elegant interiors, warm hospitality, and a relaxed setting to step away from everyday routines. Although peaceful in setting, it remains within easy reach of London and the Thames Valley. The prize includes an overnight stay for two in one of the Luxury Suites. Each suite is individually designed, with generous proportions and thoughtful details that reflect the building's rich history and character. A bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne will be waiting in the suite on arrival, ready to begin the stay. In the evening, the winner and guest will dine in The Colours Restaurant. Open to hotel residents and non-residents, the restaurant serves seasonal menus in a relaxed setting and is becoming a destination for local diners and hotel guests alike. Both guests will also receive a 35-minute treatment, with a choice of facial or massage, subject to suitability and availability.

Guests can enjoy the retreat's wellness facilities, including the heated pool, sauna and steam room; use the tennis courts; walk through the grounds; or play board games on comfortable Chesterfield sofas. Plenty of quiet corners also offer a place to settle, from the welcoming Drawing Room to the landscaped grounds surrounding the hotel. Whether you spend the stay over a leisurely meal, enjoying a treatment, or simply taking time away together, West Court Retreat provides a calm setting to relax and recharge. A complimentary late checkout gives the winner more time for a leisurely morning before leaving, with breakfast included. You can book the stay on selected dates between 3 January and 31 March 2027, subject to availability and the full competition terms. It is an opportunity to begin the year with good food, time together and a change of pace in Berkshire. To enter, submit your entry through absolutelymagazines.com/win by 31 October 2026. Full terms and conditions apply.

Terms and conditions: Valid for stays between 3 January and 31 March 2027 • Subject to availability • Dinner allowance of £70 per person in The Colours Restaurant • Additional food, beverages and dining spend above the £70 per person allowance are not included and will be charged to the guest • Excludes Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and selected event dates • Adult-only hotel • Lead guest must be aged 18+; accompanying guest must be aged 16+ • Pets are not permitted • Travel not included • Prize is non-transferable, and no cash alternative is available • One night's accommodation for two in a Luxury Suite • Breakfast for two included • One 35 minute treatment per person (facial or massage) • Bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne • Complimentary late checkout • Use of the hotel facilities • The winner will be picked at random and notified by email within 7 days of closing. • Should the winner not respond within 3 days, we reserve the right to pick a second winner • Over 18s and UK residents only

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ESCAPE - WITHOUT LEAVING HOME

C L E V E R LY C O M PA C T F O R T H E C I T Y the traditional sauna experience, upgraded

L U X U R I O U S LY L A R G E I N T H E W I L D

classic design, best in class, built to last

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

Care, Considered

Beautifully In the best care settings, nothing feels accidental

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he chair placed where the morning light falls. The garden path wide enough for an unhurried walk. The cup of tea made as someone likes it, before they have had to explain. The team member who notices a change in mood, appetite or energy, and understands that these small details often say the most. This is the world CHD Living has spent more than 40 years creating. A family-owned provider of health and social care services across Surrey and South London, CHD Living has grown with a clear belief that care should never feel like a compromise. It should offer safety, expertise and reassurance, but also beauty, comfort, purpose and warmth. For the people it supports, and for the families who trust CHD Living with those they love, that balance matters deeply. The organisation provides residential care, nursing care, specialist dementia care, complex care, rehabilitation and care at home. Its services are varied, but the philosophy behind them is consistent. Every person should be supported as an individual,

with their routines, preferences, history and personality understood and respected. CHD Living calls this Creating Happiness Daily. It is a simple phrase, but its meaning is layered. Happiness in care is rarely about grand gestures. More often, it is found in the familiar. A favourite song playing at the right time. A meal that brings back a memory. A conversation that restores confidence. The ability to remain connected to family, community and self, even when care needs change. This thoughtful approach has earned national recognition. In 2025, CHD Living was named Residential Elderly Care Provider of the Year, Medium Group, at the HealthInvestor Awards, a

reflection of its leadership, quality and commitment to residents and families. In 2026, Brownscombe Care Residences in Haslemere, one of CHD Living’s flagship homes, has also been featured in the Knight Frank Luxury Care Home Guide for the fifth consecutive year, recognising a standard of care and environment that continues to stand out. CHD Living was also included in the carehome.co.uk Top 20 Mid-Size Large Care Home Groups Awards 2026, a respected national benchmark of quality based on independent feedback from residents and their families. Yet what defines CHD Living is not recognition alone. It is the organisation’s ability to combine ambition with intimacy. Its homes are designed to feel welcoming and considered, with gardens, lounges, dining spaces and bedrooms that support comfort and belonging. Its rehabilitation services help people rebuild strength, independence and confidence after illness or injury. Its care at home teams bring support into the place many people most want to remain. Its complex care services provide specialist input while protecting dignity and individuality. For families, CHD Living offers something invaluable: the sense that care is being thought about properly. Not just delivered, but considered. Not just scheduled, but shaped around real life. As expectations of later life continue to evolve, CHD Living remains quietly confident in what it has always known. Excellent care is not only clinical skill, though that is essential. It is the ability to make someone feel safe without making their world smaller. To provide support without taking over. To create a place where people are known, valued and able to keep living with comfort, dignity and joy. To find out more visit chdliving.co.uk or call 01428 772 469

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S U R FAC E A R E A CARL HANSEN & SØN

Carl Hansen’s minimalist CHO086 coffee table is available in three different heights. Crafted from solid oak, it features two extension leaves hidden underneath the tabletop, which is both practical and spacesaving, while also ensureing stability. Carl Hansen & Søn Flagship Store London 48A Pimlico Road, SW1W 8LP carlhansen.com

inside this section TOP TEN: CERAMICS p80 I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H

DESIGN NEWS p83 HOUSE TOUR p90 FLOORING TRENDS p94 I TA L I A N I N S P I R AT I O N p 1 0 2

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NEW

CERAMICS 10 of the best... decorative crockery COMPILED BY PENDLE HARTE

FLOWER GIRL

American artist Emma Kohlmann has expanded her La Pittura tableware collection with new artworks. Her motifs continue to unfold across handpainted ceramics, each object brought to life by Kohlmann’s expressive language. hay.com

PINK LEMONADE Les Ottomans’ pink lemons collection is individually handpainted and features an iconic lemon motif reinterpreted in refined shades of pink. koibird.com

TRES CHIC

These mugs from Jonathan Adler’s Marseilles collection feature a black and gold play on French ‘50 faces with a characteristic sense of fun. jonathanadler.com

A GRECIAN URN

Blending ancient Greek pottery with contemporary design, the ‘Krater N°4’ vase showcases delicate blue underglaze illustrations and seashells’ sculptures that harmonize traditional and modern aesthetics. iniceramique.com

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H O M E | TOP TEN

THE BIG BLUE

Deborah Brett’s Extra Large Flow Bowls are her largest open-form tableware pieces, part of her new approach to scale and entertaining. They’re impressive – and make great centrepieces. dbceramic.co.uk

CLASSICAL BEAUTY

Created in collaboration with Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay, Villa Bologna’s Sunflower Yellow Tassel Amphora Vase combines a classical amphora silhouette with a playful hand-painted tassel border in warm sunflower yellow. villabolognapottery.com

STUDIO POTTERY

This set of ceramic mugs celebrate imperfection — with hand-painted finishes, raw edges and subtle irregularities. Inspired by the creative chaos of the artist’s studio, they come in two shapes and four finishes. hkliving.com

GREEN SPLASH Add a Spanish touch to your dining table with the Graham and Green’s Green Splash Serveware collection. The collection features lots of shapes and sizes. grahamandgreen. co.uk

VIVA ITALIA

Bitossi Home’s Patrimonio dinner plates are decorated with iconic elements inspired by postcards of landmarks celebrating Italy and its good life. bitossihome.it

BOBBLE CHARM

Habitat’s stylish Bobbin dinner set has adistinctive ridged rim detail that adds a designer edge, and at £40 for a 12-piece set it’s a bargain. habitat.co.uk

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H O M E | NEWS

C O LO U R CODE H A B I TAT

AW26 is all about colour at Habitat, where a curated colour collection includes chic yet cosy shades of rust together with natural off-whites, alongside pops of bright hues for a contemporary feel. habitat.co.uk

IN THE

N E W S Updates from the industry Compiled by P E N D L E H A R T E

LINE UP O C TA E V O

Octaevo has introduced a collection of colourful striped handcrafted serving boards and matching salad servers. Inspired by the relaxed Mediterranean tradition, each piece is cast from polished resin. octaevo.com

S M O KI NG HOT M O N O WA R E

Monoware has teamed up with London designer Byron Friesem on a special-edition incense holder. Hand-carved from a single block of industrial aluminium, it blend the brand's signature minimalist style with a raw, tactile finish and it's designed to hold both incense cones and sticks. monoware.com

I TA L I A N I C O N S

BIGGER SPLASH N U D E X TO M D IXO N

Nude Glass has partnered with Tom Dixon on the Splash glassware collection that combines the designer's distinctive visual language with Nude’s years of experience in contemporary glassmaking. nudeglass.com

RIMADESIO

Celebrating to years of design, the Rimadesio London flagship store is hosting a curated selection of signature pieces from the Becoming collection, a testament to the brand’s commitment to refined design, material excellence, and contemporary elegance. rimadesio.it

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Create a relaxed lounge atmosphere with the timeless design, exquisite craftsmanship, and natural materials of the CH280 modular sofa

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H O M E | DESIGN

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arl Hansen & Søn presents the CH280 Modular Sofa, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1980 – a piece that captivates with its refi ned functionality and timeless simplicity. The sofa consists of three elements: an armrest section, a middle section and a footstool – which can be combined in every conceivable way. With its low seat and gently reclined backrest, the sofa invites both relaxed conversation and effortless comfort. Characteristically for Hans J. Wegner, the sofa has an exposed wooden frame that is not concealed by upholstery, while the backrest has slightly curved wooden slats that give the sofa a robust yet lightweight appearance. By using a simple coupling bracket, an unlimited number of modules can be connected lengthwise or at 90° to create your own personal configuration. The cushions are upholstered by hand with removable textile covers. Alongside the modular sofa, Carl Hansen & Søn is also launching another Hans J. Wegner design from 1980 – the CH086 Coffee Table. The minimalist table is crafted from solid oak and features two extension leaves with brushed stainless steel hinges, mounted on each side of the table. The extensions for the leaves are hidden underneath the tabletop, which is both practical

and spacesaving, while it also ensures stability. The coffee table is available in three different heights. Knud Erik Hansen, third generation owner of Carl Hansen & Søn, says: “Hans J. Wegner is held in high esteem by Carl Hansen & Søn, which is why we are thrilled to welcome the CH280 Modular Sofa and the CH086 Coffee Table into our collection. Both are incredibly versatile, and characterised by sublime craftsmanship, high functionality and a simple aesthetic.” Both CH280 and CH086 are made by skilled cabinetmakers and upholsterers at Carl Hansen & Søn on Funen, Denmark. Carl Hansen & Søn Flagship Store London, 48A Pimlico Road, SW1W 8LP; 020 7730 8454 @carlhansenandson_london carlhansen.com

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H O M E • LIGHTING

LAMPS OR PENDANTS? BOTH, WE SAY 1

G LOW U P

B E AU VA M P S T U D I O

L I G H T S H O W

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The beautiful NYX shade is handcrafted in Derbyshire and made from sustainably produced matka silk, the new designs create a warm, atmospheric glow while showcasing Beauvamp’s signature hand-stitched pleating. beauvamp.com

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HUNG UP F E L D S PA R

Devon-based studio Feldspar has launched its first lighting collection: four pendants in fine bone china and two lamps. Bone china proves the perfect material for lighting - glossy and opaque by day, glowing brilliantly by night. feldspar.studio

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3

L E A R N I N G C U RV E M A DE X BA R BICA N

The Curve lamp takes the Barbican Hall’s tubular acoustic panels and translates their structure into a sculptural lighting object. An angled, directional shade rotates on a chrome base. made.com

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C A N DY C R U S H ORIGINAL BTC

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Original BTC and Buchanan Studio have collaborated on the Neotenic lighting collection, inspired by the craft of glassmaking, curved shapes and a touch of Neapolitan nostalgia. We love the pink shades. rajtentclub.com

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WIND UP H A B I TAT

The Buster floor lamp was designed by Margo Selby and inspired by the bobbin. It features a colourful wooden bobble stand with a shade in one of Margo's signature prints. habitat.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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H O M E | HOUSE TOUR

Family L I F E

At home in Notting Hill with interior designer Sophie Garland and her husband Freddie, of Freddie’s Flowers Photography WESTWING.CO.UK

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ophie Garland is a Londonbased interior designer known for her joyful, characterful approach to interiors. For her own home, in collaboration with Westwing, she carefully selected pieces that seamlessly complement her signature aesthetic, thoughtfully integrating them throughout her family home alongside vintage finds, treasured heirlooms and bespoke elements. The result is a space that feels effortlessly cohesive, celebrating timeless design, individuality and considered living. Living in Notting Hill with her husband Freddie, founder of Freddie’s Flowers, and their two children, her home is a reflection of her layered, expressive and inviting style. Rooted in timeless British design, the space feels uplifting, filled with colour, warmth and personality. Celebrating homes that feel deeply personal is central to Westwing’s philosophy, with its interior design service helping clients translate their own vision

into thoughtfully curated spaces. At the heart of the home, the open-plan kitchen, dining and living spaces have been designed to bring the Garland family together. A striking green marble island anchors the kitchen, while layered textures, collected artwork and colourful furnishings create a relaxed setting for everyday entertaining and the chaos of family life. In the living room, rich tones, vintage pieces and cosy reading corners encourage conversation, creativity and comfort, while every carefully considered detail reflects Sophie’s belief that interiors should be lived in, evolving naturally with their inhabitants. This is a space that feels equally suited to quiet mornings, lively gatherings and everything in between. “I grew up surrounded by colour, and this is definitely something I’ve continued in my work as an interior designer, but also in my home,” says Sophie. “Our house is filled with so many different colours, which to us is really important because it means the spaces feel very energetic, but also a really creative place for the kids to grow up into. Green A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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into our home, introducing lots of different varieties and colours. They really make a huge impact and totally change the feeling and mood,” says Freddie. Upstairs, the children’s rooms are playful and full of imagination, balancing cheerful colours with spaces designed to feel calm and comforting. Throughout the home, Sophie’s instinctive approach to colour, pattern and collected pieces creates interiors that feel joyful, lived-in and unmistakably her own - a family home designed not just to be admired, but to be enjoyed every day.

“Being our first family home, we wanted it to be more than just a beautiful space we wanted somewhere our family could grow together” - FREDDIE

plays an important role in the house, and it’s so nice because it gives the feeling of bringing the outside in.” Throughout the home, colour is used intentionally to shape the mood of each space. Vibrant social areas give way to calming bedrooms, where soft blues and gentle greens create peaceful retreats, while botanical wallpaper, natural materials and warm terracotta tones continue the home’s connection to nature. Every room has its own distinct personality, yet together they form a cohesive story, united by thoughtful craftsmanship, meaningful objects and a palette inspired by the natural world. This softer approach comes to life in the principal bedroom, where gentle blues and greens create a peaceful sanctuary away from the energy of the ground floor. The adjoining bathroom continues the home’s connection to nature, pairing botanical prints with warm earthy tones, natural materials and fresh flowers to create a restorative space that feels inviting. Throughout these quieter rooms, subtle layers of texture and carefully chosen pieces encourage moments of pause, reflecting Sophie’s belief that beautiful interiors should feel as restorative as they are visually inspiring. Flowers are an inseparable part of this home. Tulips in the hallway, purple kids room and even a set of Lego sunflowers. They act as more than decorative finishing touches; they are an integral part of the family’s daily life. Together with mediterranean-inspired ceramics, collected objects and natural materials, they create interiors that feel deeply personal and effortlessly alive. “We’ve always incorporated flowers

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H O M E | HOUSE TOUR

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H O M E | TREND

REX LONDON Vintage etched coupe glasses, set of two, £18.95 rexlondon.com

COX & COX Fluted champagne coupe, set of four, £35 coxandcox.co.uk

MICUCCI INTERIORS Linea champagne glass, £12 micucci.store

OKA Ampelos wine glasses, set of four, £65 oka.com

BITOSSI HOME Giada glasses set of two, £35 bitossihome.it

HABITAT

H OT SIPS

Colour stem champagne flute/Martini glass, set of four, £17 habitat.co.uk

NUDE X TOM DIXON

All the chicest glasses

Splash set of two Lowball glasses, £30 nudeglass.com

By P E N D L E H A R T E PROCOOK Confetti tumbler set of four, £25 procook.co.uk

DIBOR Parisian purple wine goblet, £11 dibor.co.uk

MICUCCI INTERIORS Bicos wine glass, £20 micucci.store

CASA BY JJ Eleanor wine glass, set of eight, £99 casabyjj.com

CASA BY JJ Poolside Gossip acrylid tumbler, set of six, £64 casabyjj.com

NKUKU Yalla hammered champagne coupe, set of four, £48 nkuku.com

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w a l k O N B Y

What’s underfoot? A look at the best flooring room by room

AMTICO.COM

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H O M E | FLOORING

BLUE CORSAIRE KITCHEN BY VERY SIMPLE KITCHEN; SCP.CO.UK PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTEO BIANCHESSI

CAPIETRA.COM

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looring in a well-appointed London home needs to do two things: hold up to daily use, and still look good in 10 or even 20 years. Here's a practical breakdown by room.

“Herringbone or chevron oak is a standard choice for larger reception rooms”

LIVING AREA Living rooms and reception spaces are usually where people spend the most on flooring, since it's on show and gets less abuse than a kitchen. Herringbone or chevron oak is a standard choice for larger reception rooms. Wide-plank boards in smoked or fumed oak suit the taller ceilings of Victorian and Edwardian houses, while a lighter, natural finish works better in newer builds. It's expensive to install, but

a well-fitted parquet floor lasts a long time and wears well with light use. Wool carpet, woven densely (Wilton or Axminster construction), is still used in formal reception rooms, sometimes alongside sisal or seagrass in more casual family areas. Wool holds up well and is naturally flame-resistant, but it needs a household that's reasonably careful about spills and outdoor shoes. Poured resin or micro-cement floors are a modern option for homes that have been extended over time and have several different floor levels or room shapes to unify. These give a seamless finish with no visible joints, and are popular in architect-led renovations. KITCHEN The kitchen sees more foot traffic, spills and heat than any other room, and in London's period properties this is often combined with underfloor heating laid over uneven original subfloors. Natural stone, such as honed limestone A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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H O M E | FLOORING

HAVWOODS.COM

HAVWOODS.COM

or Belgian bluestone, is a common choice for kitchens where a solid, high-end look matters. It has a cool, matte finish and works in both period and modern extensions. The downside is that it's porous: it needs sealing roughly once a year, and it will show stains over time (wine, oil) unless you're careful. Large-format porcelain tile is a lowermaintenance alternative that has become popular with people who want the look of stone without the upkeep. Digital printing now reproduces marble or limestone patterns closely, and porcelain resists scratching, staining and moisture far better than natural stone. It also works well with underfloor heating, distributing warmth evenly under large islands.

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Engineered oak, in a matte or brushed finish, suits kitchen-diners where you want a warmer, less formal look. It's common in period conversions. Engineered boards are more stable than solid wood and are less likely to expand or contract with London's older, draughtier houses.

BATHROOM Bathrooms need materials that can handle constant moisture and temperature changes without wearing out or becoming a slip hazard. Marble is still the standard choice for a luxury bathroom look, usually Statuario or Carrara, honed rather than polished so it isn't slippery. It's common in the principal bathrooms of larger townhouses. The

“Engineered boards are more stable than solid wood ” trade-off is maintenance: marble etches if acidic products touch it, and it needs resealing every 12–18 months. Large-format porcelain slabs are the practical alternative, often book-matched to imitate the veining of natural stone. They're non-porous, can be finished to be slip-resistant, and can be laid with very thin grout lines, which gives a cleaner, more expensive-looking result with much less upkeep than marble. Terrazzo has come back into use, particularly in ensuites and smaller bathrooms where a bit of pattern is welcome. It's as durable as porcelain, and modern terrazzo (poured or in tile form) has more visual variety than plain stone or tile.

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E s t a t e O F M I N D Design enthusiasts love the Barbican. And now a collection of furniture and accessories inspired by the Brutalist icon brings it straight into our living rooms Photography by F E L I X S P E L L E R

The Brute rug reimagines a design from an original show flat. In 1967, designer Miriam Howitt anchored the Barbican’s plain off-white flats with ‘show-stopping’ patterned carpets. By using bold colours to create visual weight, she ensured the spacious rooms felt grounded instead of empty. The Brute is hand-tufted in wool with a long shag pile to deliver a retro feel.

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The Curve lamp collection takes the Barbican Hall’s tubular acoustic panels and translates their structure into a sculptural lighting object. An angled, directional shade rotates on a chrome base, allowing the light to be adjusted.

M Sadly, we can’t all live in the Barbican. But now we can all own a piece of it

any of us entertain fantasy versions of our lives in which we live in the Barbican. Those floor-to-ceiling windows, the sliding doors, the original built-in kitchens, the modernist details. It’s no wonder that the estate’s residents are collectively obsessed with their flats’ original features and quirks. Who can’t imagine themselves living their best life in EC2, overlooking the impressive concrete water features and watering their obligatory red geraniums? Sadly, we can’t all live in the Barbican. But we can all own a piece of it thanks to a new collaboration between the Barbican shop and MADE, which has launched a collection of furniture and decorative accessories that incorporate architectural references in their design.

Rooted in design history yet focused on modern living, the collection reinterprets the interiors and features of the Barbican Estate for today’s lifestyles. Drawing on archival research, original layouts and the pioneering work of designer Miriam Howitt, the 23-piece collection channels a design language defined by sculptural and geometric forms, modular layouts, grid structures and curved silhouettes. Throughout the design process, MADE's in-house designers worked closely with the team at the Barbican, undertaking extensive research into the estate’s rich architectural and cultural history. Through deeper study of the archival objects, the team discovered Miriam Howitt's interior approach to furnishing the original show flats, which shaped the project’s direction. The ambition was to create a complete product range that works both in isolation and together in an open living space. The final designs reimagine products, graphics and architectural details through a new lens, and into a cohesive product range that captures Barbican living: bold, considered and inherently social. Think sculptural silhouettes, layered materials and warm neutral hues, alongside moss greens, ochres and deep rusts. You’ll also find stained ash, chrome accents, woven fabrics and deep-pile textures. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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H O M E | TREND MASQUESPACIO Charlie Suspension lamp, £POA essentialhome.eu

MEMPHIS Treetops floor lamp, £2,087 diffusioneshop.com

ATELIER ARETI Table lamp, tube,£1,295 nedgis.com

MEMPHIS Santa Fe ceiling lamp, £627 tattahome.com

MEMPHIS Ashoka table lamp, £2,402 shop.mohd.it

MEMPHIS FEVER

MEMPHIS Bay table lamp, £1,465 nedgis.com

The 1980s Italian design movement is having a revival By P E N D L E H A R T E

MEMPHIS Oceanic table lamp, £1,412 shop.mohd.it

MEMPHIS STUDIO ROBIN

Tahiti table lamp, £1,234 madeindesign.co.uk

MEMPHIS MILANO Riviera Chair, £1,054 diffusioneshop.com

Applique Murale, Regina, £154 nedgis.com

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How an Italian couple looked to Danish design for their home/ gallery in Puglia

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n Grottaglie, a small Italian town in Puglia known for its deep ceramic tradition, art director and creative Paola Nerilli and StudioCromie gallery owner Angelo Milano have made a home rooted in local heritage without being defined by it. Bare stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and arched openings carry echoes of the Arab and Byzantine influences that shaped the region centuries ago. Angelo, who grew up here, constructed much of the space himself, designing the hand-painted tiles that define each room. Together, their flair for colour, contemporary design, and art shapes a home that is uniquely their own, with HAY woven throughout.

nected to the gallery, and I love that it functions as an all-in-one solution: home, workspace, meeting point, and exhibition space. Sometimes I wish I had a little more privacy, but at the same time I wouldn’t have it any other way. Q How do you think about design in your everyday life? A Paola Nerilli: I think about it as something that quietly shapes the way we live, move, and feel within a space. What matters to me is not whether something is fashionable, but whether it has character. I immediately recognise when an object or a piece of furniture speaks to me.

Q How would you describe your home

Q What does art mean to you? A Angelo Milano: Art is a tool to create

and the feeling of living within it? A Angelo Milano: The house was a personal challenge I embarked on by myself, and it’s incredible to see it all done now. I recently sat for the first time in the garden and felt I was truly enjoying it – what a glorious moment that was. We now have the Palissade outdoor furniture by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec out there, which completes the space perfectly. Paola Nerilli: The home is directly con-

and communicate. I use it – or abuse it – as I would any other tool. Paola Nerilli: The art we have in our home says something about who we are as a couple, much like the furniture. For me, it is a way of staying curious – the thing that makes you stop, question, look again, or feel something unexpectedly. It can be anything; even the most ordinary everyday object could resonate if it speaks to you in that specific moment. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s 103

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Q How do you define your personal style?

Angelo Milano: I’ve always tried to make my own things – and that is very visible in our home too, right down to the tiles I designed by hand, each one different from room to room. It’s all pretty colourful; I don’t necessarily enjoy being dressed like a clown, but I do get bored seeing everybody in dark blue, black, or brown. Paola Nerilli: Eclectic and spontaneous – it pretty much reflects who I am. I’ve never been particularly interested in rules, and I love mixing things that aren’t necessarily supposed to go together. In fashion, that might mean combining completely different garments and influences. At home, it’s the same approach: I enjoy contrasts and unexpected combinations. Q Where do you find inspiration for your interior? A Paola Nerilli: Through travel and the different places I have lived. I much prefer collecting objects over time rather than decorating according to a specific trend – which is why HAY works so well for us. The designs are contemporary but carry a simplicity that transcends the moment.

A Paola Nerilli & Angelo Milano: We are

A Paola Nerilli: What I appreciate about

so happy we finally have a sofa. For years we somehow lived without one, which now feels impossible to imagine. The Quilton Sofa in vibrant green has become the centre of the house – where we relax and cuddle our dog Cesare. What we love about it is that you can sink into it completely and it holds its shape regardless – as sculptural as it is comfortable. And if Cesare isn’t on the sofa with us, he’s found snuggled up in his HAY Dogs bed.

HAY is its confidence with colour and its ability to combine functionality with personality. The pieces integrated naturally into our spaces because they share the same playful, expressive, and characterful spirit, without ever feeling overwhelming. My favourite piece is the Uchiwa Lounge Chair with the matching Uchiwa Ottoman by Doshi Levien, in the red and pink colourway – there is something about its generous shape, its comfort, and the bold combination of colours that I find completely captivating. We also have the Amanta Sofa by Mario Bellini – a 1966 Italian design icon reissued by HAY – and there is something about its low, sculptural presence that feels completely at home in this space. Angelo Milano: I would have naturally been inclined to make all the furniture myself, so it was a great relief to find pieces that were already made and looked so great.

Q How do you relate to colour in your home? A Angelo Milano: It makes me happy –

as much as it does when I encounter it outside. It’s against our nature to live without it, and playing with it is fun. Paola Nerilli: I need colour around me; it is fundamental. Colours influence my mood, my energy, and the way I experience a space.

Q How does your Quilton Sofa fit into

Q How have HAY designs become part

your daily life at home?

of your surroundings?

hay.com

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Some Stories Start in Bed

Cult Furniture’s new collection is designed for bedrooms that feel individual, not formulaic

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or too long, the bedroom has played second fiddle to the more celebrated rooms of the home. Kitchens get statement lighting and marble worktops; living rooms get sculptural sofas and coffee tables worthy of a gallery. But now, Cult is putting the bedroom firmly back on the design agenda with the launch of its new bedroom collection and, true to form, it’s doing things a little differently. Known for its fashion-forward approach to furniture and its belief that interiors should have personality, Cult has expanded its offering beyond the living, dining and outdoor spaces to create a dedicated bedroom edit. The collection brings the brand’s distinctive aesthetic into one of the most personal rooms in the home, with beds, bedside tables, lighting, seating and finishing touches designed to make the bedroom feel considered from every angle.And this is not a collection built around playing it safe.

This is not a collection built around playing it safe

Expect expressive silhouettes, tactile materials and statement pieces that bring the same confidence to the bedroom as a beautifully dressed living space. From sculptural forms and rich upholstery to considered details that invite a little more personality, the collection is designed for bedrooms that feel individual rather than formulaic. The launch is accompanied by a campaign that takes the idea of the bedroom somewhere entirely unexpected: outdoors. Imagine a fully styled bedroom, complete with all the trimmings, transported into the wild. No walls, no neighbours, no morning commute. Instead, the bedroom becomes an escape in its purest form, a private retreat surrounded by nature, where the only agenda is staying exactly where you are. It’s an appropriately playful way to introduce a collection designed around the idea that the bedroom should be more than somewhere you sleep. After all, some of life’s best moments begin there. Slow mornings. Late-night conversations. The first coffee of the day. The decision to ignore the alarm. Getting dressed for an evening out. Reading one more chapter. Or simply closing the door on the outside world and disappearing for a while. The campaign captures these rituals with the visual language of a fashion editorial, turning the bedroom into a stage for everyday escapism. The furniture remains

firmly at its centre, but the story extends beyond the pieces themselves, inviting us to imagine what happened before the photograph was taken, and what might happen next. It’s a fitting direction for Cult, whose approach to interiors has always been about creating spaces with attitude rather than simply filling them with furniture. The new bedroom collection follows the same philosophy: design that makes an impression but still feels made for real life. For Londoners, where space is often at a premium, the bedroom can also be one of the few places in the home that is truly private. The new collection treats it accordingly; not as an overlooked functional space, but as an opportunity to create an environment that reflects personal taste, whether that means understated sophistication, maximalist glamour or something somewhere in between. The result is a bedroom collection with ambition: pieces that can anchor an entire scheme, elevate the everyday and turn the most private room in the house into one of the most memorable. Because perhaps the bedroom deserves its own design moment. Shop the bedroom collection now at cultfurniture.com

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HEART OF THE HOME THE RISE OF COLOUR: BRINGING WARMTH AND PERSONALITY TO THE KITCHEN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KASIA FISZER

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or years, the kitchen has been dominated by a familiar palette of whites, greys and understated neutrals. But colour is making a confident return. At Espresso Design, this year’s projects are revealing a growing appetite for kitchens with warmth, character and a little more personality, with clients embracing rich greens, sophisticated blues and earthy terracotta tones.

F R O M N E U T R A L T O N AT U R A L The move towards colour reflects a wider desire for interiors that feel warmer and more connected to the rest of the home. Rather than treating the kitchen as a purely functional space, homeowners are choosing cabinetry that feels considered and expressive, with colours inspired by nature, architecture and the changing seasons. Greens are proving particularly popular, from soft, muted shades to deeper, more sophisticated tones. They bring an organic quality to cabinetry and work beautifully

alongside natural timber, stone and brass. Blue offers a different character, ranging from calm, dusty hues to richer shades that create a stronger architectural presence.

T H E WA R M T H O F T E R R AC O T TA Terracotta is also finding its way into contemporary kitchens, introducing a warmer, earthier note. Used across cabinetry or as an accent colour, it brings depth and a sense of Mediterranean warmth without feeling overly rustic. Combined with natural wood, textured stone and carefully chosen finishes, it creates a palette that feels both contemporary and timeless.

COLOUR WITH CONFIDE NCE For Espresso Design, the key to using colour successfully is balance. A coloured kitchen does not have to dominate a room. Thoughtful combinations of cabinetry, worktops, flooring, lighting and architectural details can create a layered scheme in which every element has its place.

The result is a more personal approach to kitchen design. Colour can define zones, highlight architectural features or simply bring warmth to an otherwise neutral interior. It also allows the kitchen to feel more like part of the home rather than a separate, purely functional space.

A MORE PERSONAL KITCHEN The rise of colour marks a broader shift towards individuality in kitchen design. Clients are becoming more confident about moving beyond safe neutrals and choosing schemes that reflect their own tastes and the character of their homes. Ready to bring more colour and personality to your kitchen? Visit Espresso Design’s showrooms in Wandsworth and Design Centre Chelsea Harbour to explore our latest kitchens, discover inspiring colour palettes and talk to our design team about creating a space that’s uniquely yours. espressodesign.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s 109

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New light, NEW LIFE’ The house was right. The back of it wasn’t –and Elemented had the solution

THE ROOM NOBODY WANTED TO BE IN From the street, the house looked right. Timber-clad, contemporary, properly built. Inside, everyone kept ending up in the same room, and it wasn’t the one they wanted to be in. The back of the house was dark and cut off from the garden beyond it. Light stopped short of it. So did the life of the house. It’s a common story on a house that isn’t remotely old. Plenty of homes are built well and arranged wrong, and the answer is rarely more square metres. WHAT THE HOUSE WAS ASKED TO DO The first conversation wasn’t about glazing or layouts. It was about how the family actually live. Where people gather. Where they cook. Which room gets avoided without anyone quite saying so. What a good evening in the house is supposed to feel like. What came back was a single sentence rather than a wish list. They wanted a home that could host, connect and inspire. That set the scope. A new kitchen exten-

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sion, a courtyard excavated at the rear, a staircase to connect the levels, a basement turned into a gym and a media room, and the interiors reworked throughout. R E AD I N G TH E H O U S E B E FO R E DRAWING IT The survey came before the drawings, and it changed the project. The house sits over a basement, so anything new at the rear meant piling coordinated around existing foundations. There was also no rear access. None. Both were known before a price was agreed rather than discovered halfway through, which is the difference between a constraint and a problem. LIGHT, TREATED AS A MATERIAL What emerged was one idea, not a list of features. Bring the sky into the back of the house, then let it fall further than the ground floor. A frameless glass roof spans the extension, so the ceiling reads as open air. Set into the floor, a walkable glass panel

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“We now live in a space that lifts your mood just being in it” carries daylight into the basement below. The darkest part of the house now holds a gym and a media room, and neither of them feels like a basement. A steel staircase drops to a sunken courtyard, framed in white brickwork, so the garden arrives downstairs instead of stopping at the back wall. INTERIORS, FLOOR BY FLOOR The interiors were taken on across the house rather than stopping at the new room, which is what keeps a house from reading as two houses stitched together. Soft-grained ash and grey-stained oak in the cabinetry. Travertine underfoot. Blackened steel where the structure is honest about itself. Lighting is concealed, so the evenings are lit without a single fitting asking to be looked at. Sculptural pendants hang from the glazed ceiling as the one permitted flourish. Storage disappears into joinery. Appliances integrate. Shelves

float. Nothing is added to be noticed, which is usually what people mean when they say a room feels calm. GETTING IT IN Then the part the photographs never show. With no rear access, every panel, beam and slab was hand-carried more than 100 metres through the house, including oversized glass and a bespoke steel frame, and the staircase was fabricated to a tolerance the courtyard gave no room to argue with. It was made, installed and finished on site by the same team that had drawn it, which is the only reason the detailing survived the journey. THE MOMENT IT CHANGED Once the final roof panel went in, the shift was immediate. Light took over the space, and the atmosphere went with it. “The team was excellent at a tricky contemporary extension on a very constrained site. What stood out was the calm confidence they brought. No dramas, just high-level execution. The finish is exceptional. “We now live in a space that feels considered in every way. It lifts your mood just being in it.” HOW IT LIVES NOW The kitchen hosts. It cooks, it gathers people, and it’s a good place to do nothing in. The garden is part of the house rather

than a view from it. The basement, once an afterthought, is where the family trains and watches films. None of that came from adding space. It came from deciding early what the house was for, and then refusing to let anything on site quietly undo it. PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS Property type Modern timber-clad new build Location Wandsworth, south west London, SW18 Scope Glass kitchen extension, courtyard excavation, steel stair fabrication, basement gym and media room, full interiors upgrade Services Plan. Create. Deliver. What changed A cramped, dark rear room and a disconnected garden replaced with a fully glazed space that carries daylight down to the basement Constraints No rear access, every item hand-carried more than 100 metres, piling coordinated around existing basement foundations, complex structural glazing Outcome A contemporary kitchen and living space with walkable glass, a sunken courtyard, and a basement that earns its place Elemented. Architect, design and build studio, 517 Old York Road, London SW18 1TF. elemented.co.uk/projects A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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A gamechanger for reducing time spent doing the chores

Smarter Kitchens

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How Scotland-based consumer tech company Loch Electronics is transforming kitchen routines

ack in 2021, a kitchen appliance that households across the globe didn’t know they needed became Scotland’s most successful Kickstarter project ever. It was backed in over 70 countries on the well-known crowdfunding platform. Loch Electronics’ debut product, Capsule tabletop dishwasher, broke records, and the company has since gone on to launch a second version of the advanced dishwasher and introduce a new entry-level model, Capsule Solo. Whether you’re living in a smaller household and find filling a full-sized dishwasher in a day or two an impossible task, or you’re

in a city apartment with a compact kitchen and no room for a full-size dishwasher, or the next trip to your favourite weekend getaway spot requires manual dishwashing, Capsule and Capsule Solo’s versatility and portability, is a gamechanger for reducing time spent doing chores. But that’s just the start. Using Capsule and Capsule Solo is actually more cost- effective and eco-friendly than dishwashing by hand, using just 2.6 litres of water in a quick wash, which is around four times less than manual dishwashing. And all the while it will reach temperatures of 75 °C, which is hot enough to kill germs to NHS standards. A family company, the creators of the world’s narrowest and fastest dishwash-

ers, are on a mission to make sustainable choices the easier ones for households, by designing products that help people save time, save water, and live better, without compromising on style or convenience. Francisco Carreno, Co-founder of Loch Electronics, said: “When we initially came up with the idea for Capsule, it was born out of a frustration at the time lost washing up, combined with a passion for helping the environment. And as we developed Capsule, we found ways of making the dishwasher innovative for both people and planet.” Designed for those in compact living situations, whether that be an apartment, cottage or even a motorhome or boat, at just 46 cm tall, 26 cm wide, and 51 cm deep, they are the narrowest dishwashers in the market and despite their slim profile, have an internal rack wide enough for a two-place set of everyday plates, bowls, and cookware. These dishwashers have rapid 15-minute wash cycles, come with industry-leading capacity, fitting up to 25 items on their own, or 35 items when used with the optional Dual Tray, and can accommodate large kitchenware. And, unlike the vast majority of compact dishwashers in the market, they feature stainless steel interiors, for healthier and cleaner results. Both table-top dishwashers come with the same sleek design, measurements and portability with their built-in carry handle and optional travel bag. Capsule allows for connection to existing plumbing and has the addition of advanced features such as a UV-assisted sanitisation mode, whereas Capsule Solo delivers all of Capsule’s essential features and is fully self-contained. Capsule is available for £399.99 and Capsule Solo for £349.99 from lochelectronics.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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BOCONCEPT’S NEW

AW26 Collection For AW26, BoConcept unveils a new collaboration with Italian architect and designer Claudio Bellini, reimagining how we sit, dine and gather at home

KAKU LIGHTING COLLECTION

PARAGGI SOFA SET

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eading the range is Paraggi, a sculptural highback sofa that reflects Claudio Bellini’s belief that furniture should be “not a static object, but a living, evolving space.” Inspired by the sheltered bay of the same name, its enveloping high back creates a sense of comfort and protection, while adjustable arm and backrests let the sofa’s form and atmosphere shift with ease and without visible mechanisms. Available as an armchair, 2.5 and 3-seater sofas, chaise lounges, corner modules and pouffes, and upholstered exclusively in fabric, Paraggi is BoConcept’s first fully functional high-back design.

Alongside it sits Volterra, an architectural dining collection of tables, chairs, sideboards and side tables. Defined by bold yet refined geometry and a considered palette of wood, ceramic and glass, it channels Bellini’s belief that “a table is a sort of basic architectural element.” As he puts it: “We are not designing for trends, we are designing to last.”

“We are not designing for trends, we are designing to last” – Claudio Bellini warmth and texture to considered, contemporary interiors. Choosing pieces for a home is about more than finding something you love. It’s about understanding how those pieces will work within your space, alongside what you already have and the way you live. That’s where BoConcept’s complimentary Interior Design Service comes in. Available in-store, at home or virtually, the service gives customers access to BoConcept’s professional interior designers, who can help bring the possibilities of the new collection to life in their own space. From layouts and colour palettes to fabrics, finishes and configurations, designers can

create personalised proposals and 3D visualisations, helping customers see how their choices could work before committing. It’s a more personal way to experience the collection — and a chance to create an interior that feels entirely your own. Call or email your local store to book your free appointment. To celebrate the new collection, BoConcept is offering 15% off all sofas, including the new range, instore only at BoConcept St Albans, Westfield London, Tottenham Court Road, Harrods, Notting Hill, Battersea Reach, Finchley Road, Fenwick Brent Cross, Fenwick Kingston and Guildford until Sunday 11th October. boconcept.com

VOLTERRA COLLECTION

Together, the collections mark a continued collaboration rooted in shared values, Italian sensibility meeting Danish design clarity. Completing the AW26 story, BoConcept also introduces a new lighting collection exploring soft, layered illumination through sculptural pieces such as KAKU and BLOSSOM, alongside a range of tactile, handcrafted rugs developed with Linie Design, both designed to bring

VOLTERRA SIDEBOARD

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HOME • PARTNERSHIP

Design classic

Own a piece of iconic London Transport heritage with these handcrafted pieces

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ondon Transport Museum Shop offers a distinctive collection of made-to-order moquette furniture and authentic decommissioned transport signage, bringing iconic London design into the home. Blending heritage, craftsmanship and timeless style, the range appeals to both transport enthusiasts and design lovers alike. Whether chosen as a striking focal point or a subtle nod to London's rich design heritage, each piece adds character, history and a strong sense of place to both contemporary and traditional interiors. From vibrant moquette-upholstered furniture to original signs once displayed across the TfL network, every item tells a unique story. Derived from the French word for carpet, moquette is a durable woven wool fabric that has featured on London's public transport seating for more than a cen-

tury. Its distinctive patterns have become synonymous with the city's transport network and visual identity. Made in the UK, each furniture piece combines skilled craftsmanship with iconic moquette designs, bringing a touch of London's design heritage into the home. The furniture range includes sofas and armchairs, footstalls and storage ottomans upholstered in a selection of classic and contemporary moquette patterns. New additions include designs inspired by the latest DLR and Central line moquettes, offering a fresh take on an iconic London aesthetic. Made to order and handcrafted in the UK, each piece takes no longer than 10 weeks to create. For those seeking something truly distinctive, the Museum Shop also offers an exclusive collection of decommissioned signs from across the TfL network. Once seen by millions of passengers, these original pieces played a genuine role in

keeping London moving. No two signs are exactly alike, making each one a characterful addition to the home. Rich in history and instantly recognisable, they offer the opportunity to own a piece of London's transport heritage while creating a striking design statement. Whether you're a design enthusiast, transport fan or simply looking for an interior piece with a story to tell, London Transport Museum Shop offers the chance to own a genuine part of London's heritage. From handcrafted moquette furniture to original decommissioned signs, every item combines history, craftsmanship and individuality to create a lasting statement in the home. Discover more at shop.ltmuseum.co.uk

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W I N D OW S H O P P I N G When it comes to steel windows, Crittall are the originals, and the best

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ew architectural details have quite the impact of black steel windows and doors. Slender frames, crisp lines and generous panes of glass can change the feel of a room completely, whether they are opening up a Victorian townhouse or giving a contemporary extension a little more character. It is easy to see why the look has become so sought after. Of course there is no shortage of aluminium systems designed to look like the iconic black steel made by renowned manufacturers Crittall Windows. From a distance, some can be remarkably convincing. Get closer, though, and the differences become rather more marked. Crittall has been making steel windows since 1849, so it has had more than 175 years to understand what makes the material work so well. Steel’s strength allows the company to produce exceptionally slim profiles without sacrificing structural integrity. That means more glass, more daylight and those beautifully fine sightlines that

“An aluminium system can imitate Crittall, but it cannot be Crittall” are such a big part of the appeal. The effect is particularly striking when used for large glazed doors, where the frame becomes part of the architecture rather than simply something holding the glass in place. It also gives the windows and doors a reassuring solidity. Modern Crittall steel is galvanised and powder coated to protect against corrosion, while contemporary systems can incorporate thermal breaks and high-performance glazing. You can have the distinctive character of steel without giving up the thermal performance expected in a modern home. And because steel is exceptionally durable, it will look good and perform well for decades.

There is another difference that is harder to put into a technical specification: authenticity. Crittall windows have been part of the architectural landscape for generations, appearing in everything from period properties to landmark buildings and contemporary homes. The design has endured because the proportions and detailing work, rather than because they happen to be fashionable at the moment. For homeowners who care about the details, the distinction between steel and an aluminium lookalike is more than technical. It is about choosing the material, proportions and heritage that made the style famous in the first place. An aluminium system can imitate the appearance of Crittall, but it cannot be Crittall. When a window or door is going to play such a prominent part in your home, there is a certain pleasure in knowing you have chosen the original, and the best. crittall-windows.co.uk

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S L E E P

Solution

Customise your Jensen bed to create a bespoke sleep environment

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Jensen bed is a personal choice. From the comfort inside the bed to the textile, size, headboard and legs, there are countless ways to create a bed that feels right for you – and looks right in your bedroom. With different bed types, spring systems, textiles and accessories to choose from, you can create a sleep experience that is truly your own.

Start with the right comfort

Good sleep starts with comfort. Choose the bed type and spring system that suit your body and the way you sleep. With Jensen, mattress firmness can also be individually selected on each side of a double bed – without a gap or hard edge between you and your partner. So

you can share a bed without having to share the same comfort preference.

Find the right size

As the colder months approach, the size of your bed matters – both for your sleep and for the room around it. Consider how much space you need to sleep comfortably, while leaving enough room for bedside tables and movement around the bed. From single beds to generous double beds, choose the size that works for your needs and your bedroom.

Choose your textile

Once the comfort is in place, it is time to create the look. Your choice of textile can completely change the character of the bed – from light and understated to warm and sophisticated.

Explore different colours and textures to find the combination that suits your personal style and the atmosphere you want to create.

Add a headboard

A headboard gives the bed a more complete look and can become a defining feature in the bedroom. Choose a design that complements your bed and textile, whether you prefer something soft and understated or a more distinctive statement.

The details make the difference

The legs may be a small detail, but they can make a big difference to the overall look. Different shapes, materials and heights allow you to give your Jensen bed a lighter, warmer or more contemporary feel.

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HOME • PARTNERSHIP

It is these details that make the bed truly personal.

Complete the bedroom

Why stop with the bed? Add bedside tables and carefully selected accessories to create a complete and harmonious bedroom. By coordinating the bed, headboard, legs and surrounding furniture, you can create a space where every element works together – with the Jensen bed at its centre.

Make it yours

From comfort and size to textiles, headboards, legs and bedside tables, every detail can be chosen to create a Jensen bed that feels personal to you. First, make it feel perfect. Then, make it look perfect.

Made in Norway since 1947

Jensen was established in 1947, when resources were scarce and ingenuity was essential. Our first mattresses were made using materials such as horsehair and cotton wool – natural materials that were available at the time. Much has changed since then, but our commitment to outstanding sleep comfort has remained the same. Every Jensen bed is still made in Svelvik, Norway. For us, Made in Norway is more than a label. It represents generations of craftsmanship, attention to detail and a dedication to quality.

Experience Jensen in London

Made in Norway is more than a label. It represents generations of craftsmanship, attention to detail and a dedication to quality

Today, you can experience this Norwegian craftsmanship in the heart of London. Choosing a new bed is a personal investment, and finding the right comfort is an important part of that decision. Visit our showroom at the Chelsea Harbour Design Centre, where our London team can introduce you to the Jensen collections, help you explore different comfort options and guide you towards the bed that is right for you.

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H O M E | COMPETITION

Worth

£7,432

WIN

a Jensen Premiere Continental Bed

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We are offering one lucky winner the chance to win the ultimate in luxury sleep, a SuperKing Jensen Premiere Continental Bed, complete with mattress topper and headboard

ensen Beds embody the best of Scandinavian design, combining simplicity, timeless style and inspiration drawn from nature. Using quality materials, clean lines and decades of expertise, they craft beds that are both comfortable and beautiful. Norwegian-made since 1947, Jensen Beds are designed to make you fully rested, every day. Experience this comfort for yourself and drift off in a bed that combines Scandinavian elegance, exceptional craftsmanship, and the promise of truly restorative sleep. The Jensen Premiere

HOW TO ENTER

Continental Bed features two layers of pocket springs and the Jensen® Original Zone System with an extra-long, soft shoulder zone for flexibility. Its reversible mattress combines stable pocket springs with Innergetic® Sonocore latex, built-in lower back support, and a double spring base. Plus, exact comfort adjustment lets you tailor the mattress firmness to your weight and personal preference. Bring everyday luxury and comfort into your own home, sleep deeply, wake effortlessly, and enjoy the quiet luxury of a perfect bed.

One lucky winner has the chance to take home the luxury Jensen Premiere Continental bed, complete with a 180 x 200 cm mattress topper, legs and headboard. To enter, head to

absolutelymagazines.com/win/ TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• Over 18’s and London residents only. • The prize includes a Premiere Continental Bed with a seamless base (180 x 200 cm), an Embrace mattress topper (180 x 200 cm), and a Fenix Plus headboard with legs (180 cm), valued at £5,945 including VAT. • The winner will be able to select the firmness of the bed, colour in a specific fabric and legs. • The prize is non-transferable and cannot be refunded or exchanged for cash or credit. • Competition closes on 31 Oct 2026. Entries after this date will not be counted. • The winner will be picked at random and notified by email within 7 days of closing. • Should the winner not respond within 3 days, we reserve the right to pick a second winner.

jensen-beds.com/uk

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Material world

Designing for warmth with bathroom experts Ripples

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rom underf loor heating to rich, cocooning colour, today’s most inviting bathrooms are designed to feel as good as they look. There is a particular kind of luxury that comes from stepping into a bathroom that feels warm before you have even run the bath. It is not simply about temperature, but atmosphere: the softness of the light, the depth of the materials, the colour on the walls and the small, thoughtful details that make a room feel instantly more inviting. Warmth has become a defining part of good design. The best spaces are increasingly layered, tactile and comforting, creating somewhere that feels restorative at the beginning and end of the day. Few things are less appealing than a beautiful bathroom that feels icy underfoot, which is why underfloor heating remains one of the most worthwhile additions to a new scheme. Discreet and wonderfully effective, it creates an even warmth throughout the room without interrupting the design with bulky radiators.

A heated towel rail offers another everyday indulgence. The pleasure of reaching for a warm towel after a bath or shower is difficult to overstate, yet today’s designs also add something visually. Slimline profiles, sculptural shapes and finishes such as brushed brass, bronze and matt black mean heating can become part of the overall scheme rather than something to disguise. But the feeling of warmth is just as much visual as it is practical. Cool greys and stark whites have gradually made way for softer, richer palettes that bring greater depth to a bathroom. Terracotta, clay, tobacco, chocolate and deep berry tones are appearing alongside warm neutrals such as mushroom, sand, plaster pink and creamy off-white. These colours feel sophisticated and create a sense of comfort that works throughout the year. For those who prefer a more restrained palette, the difference can be found in the undertones. A marble with caramel or rustcoloured veining, a warm limestone effect or an ivory tile can immediately soften a space without introducing obvious colour.

Often, one confident choice is enough. A painted freestanding bath, a richly coloured basin or a vanity unit in warm timber can become the focal point while allowing everything around it to remain quiet and considered. Natural materials are particularly effective at creating this sense of ease. Timber brings an immediate softness and can be introduced through furniture, shelving, wall panelling or smaller accents. Used alongside stone, it creates a balance between texture and refinement that feels both contemporary and timeless. Stone itself can add considerable warmth when chosen carefully. Look towards surfaces with visible movement and character: dramatic veining, sandy tones and travertine-inspired finishes all make a bathroom feel more tactile and layered. Then there is lighting, perhaps the most transformative element of all. A bathroom lit only from above can feel clinical, regardless of how beautiful the materials are. Layering light at different heights creates a much softer result. Wall lights positioned around a mirror can bring a flattering glow to the basin area, while illuminated mirrors, discreet lighting within niches and subtle lighting beneath furniture can create a sense of depth. The temperature of the light matters too. A warmer glow enhances timber, stone and metallic finishes, helping the room feel calmer and more inviting as evening draws in. Brassware is another simple way to introduce warmth. Brushed brass, aged bronze and softer metallic finishes add richness without overwhelming the space, particularly when repeated thoughtfully across taps, shower fittings, mirrors and lighting. The most successful bathrooms rarely rely on one statement feature alone. Warmth comes from the way each element works together: how the floor feels, how the light falls and how comfortable the space feels. And with darker evenings beginning to creep in, that sense of comfort suddenly feels all the more appealing. Because a warm bathroom is not simply somewhere to get ready. It is somewhere to retreat to. ripplesbathrooms.com Ripples Banstead, 38 High Street, Banstead, Surrey, SM7 2LU, 01737919034 Ripples Lindfield, 99 High Street, Lindfield, West Sussex, RH16 2HR, 01444 715 121 Ripples London, 26 England’s Lane, NW3 4TG, 020 7449 9594. Ripples Walton-on-Thames, 121 – 123 New Zealand Avenue, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 1QD, 01932 391 912 Ripples Wimbledon,337 – 339 Haydons Road, London, SW19 8LA, 020 37147838 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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H O M E | PARTNERSHIP

Cultural STONE

Culture, craftsmanship and contemporary design at stoneCIRCLE

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or thousands of years, natural stone has been a medium through which cultures have expressed belief, power, beauty and permanence. That relationship remains relevant today. The applications may have changed, but the underlying cultural connection is still there: every piece of natural stone has a story that begins long before it reaches a building. Natural stone’s colour, crystals, fossils and veining are the result of geological processes that may have taken millions of years. Ancient Greek, Roman and Islamic architecture used marble to communicate order and refinement. When a contemporary designer or homeowner chooses a statement stone, they are choosing a material with provenance and geological character, brought to life by craftsmanship. This season, stoneCIRCLE moves beyond the familiar and allows you to explore lesser-known stones: richly coloured marbles, Breccias, travertines, onyxes, limestones and other regional stones. A-list celebrities love the visual drama of these highly tactile choices. Gwyneth Paltrow’s kitchen island is a rich marble with burgundy veins oozing quiet luxury, Tommy Hilfiger opted for heavily patterned onyx to make a statement in his bathrooms and Jennifer

Natural stone introduces individuality into an environment

Aniston’s hand-carved limestone flooring will develop a rich patina over time. In everyday homes, richly coloured marbles, quartzites and onyxes can also inject unexpected character. Large slabs can make a bold statement across an entire wall, while carved basins, bespoke vanities, worktops, splashbacks, mouldings and carefully detailed edges introduce elements of eye-catching workmanship. The result feels less like a conventional space and more like a contemporary architectural interior. For homeowners, the selection of a particular stone for a kitchen or bathroom is a highly personal process. Its character, movement and the way its veining will appear in situ can influence the entire design of a room. You will become aware that natural stone introduces a sense of timelessness and organic beauty, which feels luxurious and deeply individual.

Natural stone is also effortlessly suited to entrance spaces, as they mark a transition between outside and inside, public and private. In this domain, it can establish a sense of arrival and invitation, infused with natural warmth and elegant craftsmanship, while creating a strong sense of identity for the home. Whether the interior feel is rustic or refined, choosing travertine, marble or any of the other choices at stoneCIRCLE adds a layer of finesse. This is how natural stone introduces individuality into an environment where standardisation often dominates. This is why natural stone continues to occupy a powerful position in contemporary design. It is not simply a material inherited from the past. It is a living cultural tradition, one in which landscape, history, craftsmanship, technology and creativity continue to meet. stone-circle.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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H O M E | PARTNERSHIP

Life in style Reimagining home – the art of bespoke refurbishment

Every home is different, and Hestia's approach reflects that

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or many homeowners across the UK, the family home is more than just a place to live. It's an investment, a sanctuary, and often a project close to the heart. As families grow and lifestyles change, so does what we need from our homes. This is where Hestia Refurbishment comes in. Specialising in bespoke home refurbishment, Hestia works closely with homeowners from the very first conversation, taking time to understand how a family actually lives, entertains and relaxes before any design work begins. Whether it's a sympathetic restoration of a period property, a modern extension or a full top-to-bottom renovation, every project is shaped around the people who will live in it. Alongside full refurbishments, Hestia has taken on a growing number of standalone projects, including high-standard flooring, interior and exterior painting for highstanding properties, and bespoke carpentry. These smaller-scale services follow the same principles as Hestia's larger projects: careful attention to detail and a finish that matches the quality of the property itself. What sets Hestia apart is its in-house design team, where designers and builders work side by side rather than as separate contractors. Clients benefit from a single point of contact and a consistent vision throughout, from initial concept through to the finishing touches. It's an approach that has also earned the trust of the wider design community: Hestia recently completed work for the Duravit Showroom, a project that called for the same precision and eye for detail the brand is known for among designers and architects. Homeowners in areas around London

often face a particular challenge: how to update a period property for modern family life while preserving the character that made them fall in love with it in the first place. Hestia's designers specialise in exactly this balance, whether that's a reconfigured kitchen-diner opening onto the garden, a loft conversion adding a muchneeded extra bedroom, or new flooring and carpentry that ties a whole scheme together. Every home and every family is different, and Hestia's approach reflects that, shaping each project around the property itself and the people who live there, rather than working from a fixed template. The result is a home that has been thoughtfully shaped around its owners, built to be lived in and loved for years to come. To find out how Hestia Refurbishment could transform your home, get in touch with the team for an initial consultation. hestiarefurbishment.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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‘Art as a Way

OF KNOWING’

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An insight into independent international artist Carolin Rechberg von der Brüggen

hether in art or in life, it is about the process of experiencing, being in the moment, being present and learning from the encounter with the now, in dialogue with the past and future. In the art process one consciously communes with the very act of creation, with making ‘a knowing’, an understanding brought forth through the work itself. The practice births a way of being in the world, nurtures comprehension and fosters a relationship of one’s effect of presence. Artmaking facilitates a means to digest and transform information, and in response receive revelations, reflected at large in life. Art is a means to be aware, to become conscious.’ Carolin Rechberg von der Brüggen, is an interdisciplinary artist interested in the importance of cognitive, sensory and spiritual learning, initiated through the encounter with the artistic process. She places most value in the multi-sensory experience involved in creating, the embodied insights which are generated and how these transfer to a way of life. Rechberg von der Brüggen attained an Interdisciplinary BFA from the California College of the Arts, a MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute, and a M.Ed from Teachers College, Columbia University. She taught Drawing and Painting as a Teaching Assistant at the San Francisco Art Institute, and Etching, Lithography, Silkscreen and Woodcut at Teachers College. While completing her M.Ed, she managed the Printmaking Studios at Teachers College, facilitated individual instruction of adult students and, assisted in workshops such as the ‘Making and Knowing Project’, an initiative from the Center for Science and Society at Columbia University, that explores the intersections between artistic making and scientific knowing. Carolin Rechberg von der Brüggen works as an independent international artist and her body of work includes practices of drawing, installation, painting, performance, poetry, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and sonic voicework.

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H O M E | PARTNERSHIP

“Art is a means to be aware, to become conscious”

ABOVE Living Process Installation RIGHT Enai Ego Ousia / Becoming my Essence BELOW Emergence FACING PAGE Witnesss

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HOME • ISSUE

P H

U O

U

M S

E

Absolutely takes a look at heat pumps. Are they suited to London homes?

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or several years now we have been talking about heat pumps. But are they right for everyone? A heat pump can be an expensive outlay and a long-term investment, so it’s important to get it right. For many people, government grants are a big draw.The Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives most households in England £7,500 off an air source or ground source heat pump, with an extended budget running through 2028. If you're on oil or LPG rather than mains gas (unusual in inner London), the grant rises to £9,000 (but only until 31 March 2027). Since April 2026 you no longer need an EPC to qualify, and there's no means test, plus every residential heat pump install carries 0% VAT. That typically leaves £5,000–£10,000 to find yourself for a full system, sometimes less. Housing stock is the real deciding factor for London. Victorian/Edwardian terraces often have solid walls, small gardens for outdoor units, and

existing radiators sized for high-flowtemperature gas boilers. Heat pumps run at lower flow temperatures, so you may need larger radiators or underfloor heating and better insulation fi rst — this adds cost and disruption beyond the unit itself. Flats and conversions are trickier: no garden for an outdoor unit, shared freeholds requiring permission, and sometimes no obvious place to site equipment. Air-to-air heat pumps (which get a smaller £2,500 grant) or communal/ district systems can be better fits than a standard air-to-water setup. Conservation areas and listed buildings may need pla nning permission for external units where permitted development rights don't apply — it's worth checking with your council before committing. Newer or well-insulated homes are the easiest case: existing radiators or underfloor heating often cope fi ne, and payback is faster. A whole-

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house retrofit assessment (insulation, radiator sizing, heat loss survey) from an MCS-certifi ed installer is worth doing, since it tells you whether you're a "straightforward" case or a "fabricfirst" case needing extra work. While the environmental case is solid, it is not absolute. Heat pumps cut carbon emissions significantly if run on grid electricity, since the grid is much greener than it was a decade ago.They're more efficient at converting energy into heat than gas boilers, so the case strengthens further as the UK grid decarbonises. However, if your home is poorly insulated, a heat pump run inefficiently can cost more to run than a modern gas boiler, even if it's still lowercarbon — so insulation improvements often deliver as much environmental benefit as the heat pump itself, and ideally happen alongside it. In short, if you're in a reasonably well-insulated terrace or house with outdoor space and not in a restrictive conservation area, a heat pump is increasingly becoming a sound choice with current grants. If you're in a flat, solid-wall Victorian house without space for external kit, or a listed building, get a proper survey fi rst — the answer may be "yes, but not the standard system," or "insulate first."

Housing stock is the real deciding factor for London

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H O M E | PROMOTION

DESIGN SHIFT How dressing rooms are becoming the new living spaces

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he dressing room has evolved far beyond its traditional purpose. Once considered a purely functional area for storing clothes and getting ready, is now increasingly being designed as a room with multiple purposes. As homeowners rethink how they use every corner of the home, the dressing room has become one of the most desirable spaces, creating something practical but also personal, part lounge, sanctuary and of course, still a functional space. This shift reflects a broader change in the way people live. Rather than creating rooms with a single function, consumers are looking for spaces that support different parts of their daily routine. The dressing room is no longer somewhere to use at the start or end of the day now but also now another room to enjoy at various times throughout. As a result, the design approach is also changing, people are now being bolder and more confident with their colour choices and overall design. Up until recently warm neutrals have been the go-to choice for dressing rooms but Neatsmith has seen

a shift in design direction. Colours such as soft blues and striking pinks are some of the most popular colours requested. This year, Neatsmith launched a new blue colourway, Tides which has proved to be one of their most successful colours. The beauty of embracing bolder colour is that homeowners are also becoming more adventurous with materials. Uniform, matching interiors are increasingly being replaced by more layered, individual schemes, with mixed metals, contrasting textures and a variety of door finishes brought together to create a truly bespoke dressing room. Glass doors, such as Neatsmith’s Reflex collection has become a firm favourite from the collection. The doors have a secret as when lit from the inside the glass becomes transparent to reveal the contents of the wardrobe. Glass allows certain pieces to be showcased, enabling homeowners to highlight their possessions, which could be an extensive shoe or handbag collection As always lighting is always integral to design, Neatsmith integrates LED lighting throughout its designs, ensuring that the rooms are practical and atmospheric. Proper lighting enhances usability but also sets the mood, elevating the dressing room into a space that feels considered and complete. Neatsmith has seven UK showrooms which offer clients the opportunity to view dressing room concepts. Here, visitors can explore finishes, layouts, and door styles, and meet with expert designers to create a bespoke dressing room entirely tailored to their home neatsmith.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HOME • PARTNERSHIP

c r e at i v e s o l u t i o n s Simplify your complex property transactions with Together Money

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raham Noctor is Private Client Director at Together, covering London and the South. He works with high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs and business owners to deliver tailored property finance solutions, including large mortgages and regulated bridging loans. Graham works closely with accountants, solicitors, estate agents and professional advisers to support complex property transactions that require a more flexible, relationshipled approach than traditional lending.

in ways that traditional lenders can struggle to accommodate. This might include dividends, rental income, pension income, director's drawings or earnings from multiple businesses. Our bespoke underwriting approach allows us to assess a client's financial position, taking a broader view of affordability and providing solutions that reflect how successful individuals generate wealth.

Q How would you describe Together

Q When are regulated bridging

Premier and what sets it apart? A Together Premier is a bespoke service designed for high-net-worth clients with complex financial circumstances. We provide larger mortgages and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)-regulated bridging loans within demanding timescales. What sets us apart is our ability to look beyond standard lending criteria. Whether a client has multiple income sources, owns several businesses or is purchasing a unique property, we take a relationship-led approach and tailor solutions to individual circumstances rather than relying on automated processes.

Q How do you assess affordability

for clients with complex finances?

A Many of our clients earn income

loans most useful?

A Regulated bridging loans are often used

when speed and flexibility are essential. A common scenario is a homeowner looking to secure a new property before selling their home. Bridging finance can also support renovations, tax liabilities and short-term funding requirements. It gives clients the confidence to act quickly on opportunities. Q Can you share an example? A One recent case involved a retired couple

downsizing from their Cheshire farmhouse and equestrian centre to a new-build home closer to family. When their buyer pulled

out unexpectedly, their property chain collapsed and they risked losing their next home. We provided a regulated bridging loan that enabled them to complete the purchase while waiting for their property to sell. Once the farmhouse sold, they repaid the loan and moved into their new home. Q How important are relationships? A Relationships are central to everything

we do. We work closely with brokers, accountants, solicitors and estate agents to deliver a seamless experience and keep transactions progressing efficiently. With more than 50 years of lending experience, Together's focus remains on providing practical solutions for complex circumstances and helping clients achieve their property ambitions. togethermoney.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CORSICA | FRANCE | GREECE | ITALY | MALLORCA | TURKEY

Your time is precious... Our service is exceptional

Kalkan Regency, Penthouse Pool Suite - Draco, Kalkan, Turkey

020 3282 5125 | simpsontravel.com

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Book with confidence

25/09/2026 12:40:18 11/01/2024 15:53

TRAVEL

THE WONDER OF VENICE CA' DI DIO

The secret to visiting Venice is to visit in low season. Away from the crowds, the city reveals its spectacular beauty and sleepy pace. And where to stay? On the canal, of course, and somewhere with views. So Ca' Di Dio is our new favourite haunt. vretreats.com

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CANAL

Dreams The secret to enjoying Venice? Visit off season. And stay at Ca’ Di Dio Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

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TRAVEL • EUROPE

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ARSENALE DI VENEZIA

’ve been missing a trick in all my visits to Venice over the years. This most beautiful of cities has become a byword for overtourism, with images of crowds storming the small streets and half the population of America taking over the Grand Canal slightly ruining the vibe. But the solution is simple: avoid the summer. That’s all. An off-season trip to Venice reveals the city to be sleepy and relaxed, with real inhabitants and a slow pace of life, alongside the city's mindblowing, otherworldy beauty and crumbling grandeur – qualities that can be eclipsed by the crowds in, say, August. It’s always best to pull up to your doorstep by boat, and Ca’ Di Dio is just a few steps from the Arsenale vaporetto stop and its direct waterbus to the airport. Coming into Venice across the lagoon must be one of life’s greatest joys, and the airport waterbus is almost as good as a private water taxi, dropping us quite literally at our door. Ca’ Di Dio ("House of God") dates back to 1272 and has welcomed Crusaders, pilgrims and tourists for more than eight centuries. It was a convent, and then an old people’s home, and now it’s a luxury hotel. One lucky elderly lady is still in residence, we are told, and we wonder whether the cat we see in the courtyard belongs to her. There can’t be many better places in the world to live out your final years than here, overlooking the lagoon and San Giorgio, right on the border where tourist Venice meets real Venice. Because Ca’ Di Dio feels relaxed in its quiet location near the Arsenale, where the pavement is wide, making it an ideal base away from the crowds. Designed by Patricia Urquiola's studio, it's a contemporary space with decorative details that nod to Venice's history, and A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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TRAVEL • EUROPE

seemingly every window has a spectacular view; from our bedroom window we can see across the lagoon to San Georgio; vaporettos and gondolas pass – and the pavement is noticeably clear of crowds. We’re here in March; the sun is shining and a marvellous magnolia is blooming in the hotel courtyard. People sit outside drinking spritz, and Venice feels alive but not teeming with people. Setting off on foot from the Arsenale, we head to see San Marco and the Campanile, a short stroll down the Grand Canal. Even part-covered in scaffolding, San Marco is spectacular; my partner seeing it for the first time literally sheds a tear. Without crowds and queues we have views over the whole square that's usually hidden under a canopy of tourists and touts. Venice is small; a two day visit allows you to see a significant amount of it if you’re prepared for quite a bit of walking. We wander through the maze of little streets, stopping to visit almost every church (even by Italian standards, Venice has a lot of churches; there are almost 140 on these islands) and relying on my sense of georgraphy from past visits, and google maps, to take us across the Accademia bridge and to Peggy Guggenheim's house, revisiting her impressive collection and the graves of her beloved dogs. From there it's a stroll to the Giudecca, via the ornate church of Santa Maria della Salute and the calm residential streets

SPECTACULAR VIEW OF SAN GIORGIO FROM CA' DI DIO

Even by Italian standards, Venice has a lot of churches ON THE TRAGHETTO TO THE SALUTE

VENETIAN CLASSIC: THE SELECT SPRITZ

of Dorsoduro. We stop at small bars for cicchetti and spritz (Select rather than Campari, for local authenticity) and marvel at the extraordinary feat of engineering that Venice represents, a city built entirely on water. We don't take a gondola ride, despite tempting offers from gondoliers standing at every bridge, and instead we take the two Euro traghetto ride across the Grand Canal, and back to Ca'Di Dio for dinner at the impressive Vero restaurant, where minerals, herbs and produce are sourced directly from the lagoons and the hotel's own courtyard garden and transformed into imaginative and playful concoctions. Venice: we love you. vrretreats.com Double rooms from €896.50 in October

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TRAVEL • SOUTH AFRICA

Bushmans Kloof is a retreat like no other, combining spectacular scenery and unforgettable hospitality Wo r d s S A N DY C A D I Z - S M I T H

W I L D E R N E S S By SA N DY CA D I Z- S M I T H

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BUSHMANS KLOOF WILDERNESS RESERVE & WELLNESS RETREAT

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ur journey through the unspoilt splendour of the Cedarberg Mountains is an appropriate prelude for the magic to come. Over the course of our three-hour drive from bustling Cape Town, winding roads carve through an everchanging wild landscape where rugged sandstone formations rise from the earth beneath vast, uninterrupted skies. Signs of human habitation gradually disappear, replaced by an incredible sense of tranquility. At our journey’s end lies Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat, an iconic South African sanctuary – known as the place where raw nature, rich heritage and understated luxury combine to create something truly unique. A discreet gate marks the turn-off from the main road and, as it opens, the outside world seems to melt away. We travel the final stretch along a winding dirt track, our sense of anticipation growing, until Bushmans Kloof emerges, an oasis of fivestar luxury set on 7,500 hectares. Part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, the retreat has just 17 rooms and suites thoughtfully dispersed in a way that feels perfectly in tune with the tranquil surroundings. We’re greeted with chilled refreshments and introduced to Abigail, our guide for the duration of our stay. She escorts us to our deluxe room, a cool and inviting sanctuary with a generous sitting area, plus an expansive bathroom with walk-in shower and freestanding bath. There's a substantial private shaded terrace designed for lingering to take in the views. Positioned

on a quiet corner of this plot, our room feels wonderfully secluded – a private window on to this stunning landscape. Our real introduction to Bushmans Kloof begins, fittingly, over lunch, at The Homestead, the lodge’s main restaurant just a short stroll from our room. The chefs here celebrate the remarkable diversity of South African produce, showcasing ingredients like West Coast crayfish, springbok, guinea fowl and Karoo lamb. Most of the vegetables, herbs, fruit and edible flowers that arrive on our plates have travelled only a matter of metres, harvested that day from the walled garden. You can taste the freshness. The food is exceptional and the settings elevate each dining experience into something even more memorable. The philosophy of dining in harmony with the land is revealed in surprising ways throughout our stay. One afternoon we’re treated to lunch beneath a canopy of ancient trees in the heart of the bush. We enjoy a delightful picnic platter and a bottle of chilled local rosé in one of the most breathtakingly serene backdrops imaginable. But even this is surpassed on our final evening, when

we dine by candlelight within the walled garden itself. Surrounded by fragrant herbs, rose-petal-strewn pathways and the quiet of the Cedarberg night, it feels like the perfect expression of Bushmans Kloof’s deep connection to nature. While dining is undoubtedly a highlight of our stay, each day also reveals another facet of the reserve’s natural and cultural heritage. Accompanied by Abigail, who turns out to be an incredibly knowledgeable guide, we venture into the wilderness on evening nature drives, watching as zebra, baboon, ostrich and springbok emerge from the bush and stopping from time to time for sundowners. We discover some of the 130 remarkable rock art sites scattered throughout the reserve, with paintings dating back 10,000 years, Time spent in the Heritage Centre further enriches this story and we are impressed by its collection of authentic artefacts and thoughtfully curated displays. And there’s much more to see and do. Daylight hours can be spent cycling, hiking, fly fishing, birdwatching or trying your hand at archery. As darkness falls, the absence of light pollution transforms the night sky into a dazzling canvas for stargazing. Private dining can be arranged in a whole range of beautiful locations across the reserve. Afternoon tea is a much-loved daily ritual here and the award-winning spa offers an indulgent menu of treatments, from restorative massages to facials. Bushmans Kloof perfectly balances understated luxury and a genuine connection to the natural world. From the inspired South African cuisine and beautiful, individually designed suites to the wealth of immersive experiences it is one of a kind. Then there's the superlative service and overwhelming sense of serenity that permeates every moment – a reset away from the pace and noise of everyday life. Nothing captures the spirit of the place more perfectly than our final evening. After that magical candlelit dinner in the walled garden, we take a leisurely stroll back to our room beneath the Cedarberg sky. As we approach it, we come across a herd of red hartebeest grazing peacefully on the lawns. They don’t even look up as we walk by. It’s an unexpected moment of awe – a fitting reminder of the quiet enchantment that makes Bushmans Kloof so special. Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is a member of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Find out more at bushmanskloof.co.za

"AS DARKNESS FALLS, THE ABSENCE OF LIGHT POLLUTION TRANSFORMS THE NIGHT SKY INTO A DAZZLING CANVAS FOR STARGAZING"

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TRAVEL • SOUTH AFRICA

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TRAVEL • PARTNERSHIP

WINTER PLAYGRO U ND

ABOVE ©RandyLincks/TourismWhistler RIGHT ©TourismBritishColumbia

Trailfinders invites you to discover the plethora of activities available in Whistler this winter –it's a winter playground with something for everyone

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estled against a breathtaking natural backdrop and defined by two impressive mountains, these are dramatic landscapes which deliver a powerful connection to nature and an unforgettable alpine experience. Whistler Blackcomb is North America’s largest ski resort, with 200+ runs over 8,171 acres of terrain. It has reliable snowfall, moderate temperatures and a long snow season (November to May) thanks to its West Coast locale. It has been voted Best Ski Resort in North America multiple times. As well as being the largest ski resort in North America, Whistler’s recreation extends well beyond the slopes. Visitors can join an unforgettable dogsled tour, an activity which has been practised in Canada for over 1,000 years. Those

seeking high-speed excitement can catch the wind while tubing down designated lanes or feel the rush of adrenaline during a winter ziplining tour high above the valley. For a more relaxed experience, alpine sightseeing provides breathtaking, panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Nestled at the base of slopes, Whistler's vibrant, pedestrian-only village effortlessly pairs alpine charm with urban sophistication. Here you’ll find award-winning restaurants, lively après-ski bars and sun-soaked patios. Beyond its outdoor allure, the town boasts an ever-evolving cultural scene anchored by unique local events, contemporary art galleries and fascinating museums such as the Audain Art Museum and the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) that celebrate the region's heritage. The outdoor lifestyle and friendly

Canadian atmosphere draw people back to Whistler year after year, season after season. The friendly locals, vibrant energy and warm hospitality create an unforgettable escape. It is a place where adventure meets comfort, making every visitor feel like a local from the moment they arrive. Book a winter Whistler package with Trailfinders before the end of November and benefit from some incredible hotel and ski pass offers. There are several pass options available, with something to suit the needs of every skier and rider, from day passes to full Season passes. Speak to the Travel Experts at Trailfinders to book your Whistler Adventure on 020 7368 1506 or visit your local Travel Centre. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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• PARTNERSHIP • XXXXX ABSOLUTELY XXXXXXXX

T h e p e r f e c t M A T C H

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Why Leeds Castle is a dream venue for your wedding

or those dreaming of a fairytale wedding, Leeds Castle offers a selection of beautiful venues to suit celebrations of all styles and sizes. From the grandeur of the historic Castle to the character of Battel Hall and the elegance of the Maiden’s Tower, each venue offers a distinctive setting, complemented by picturesque outdoor spaces and a range of unique on-site accommodation. Selected late availability dates until the end of August 2027 are also available, with 20% off the standard wedding package price in the Castle and Maiden’s Tower.

Within the Castle, couples can exchange vows in the Ceremony Room, with its tall French windows and elegant interiors, before enjoying a wedding breakfast in the Salon overlooking the moat and surrounding parkland. The Drawing Rooms then provide a beautiful setting for evening celebrations. Couples and their guests can also stay at the Castle, with 19 bedrooms including the Castle Bridal State Bedroom, seven Castle State Rooms and 11 Castle Classic bedrooms. The Maiden’s Tower offers a private and elegant setting on Castle Island, within a beautifully restored 16th-century building. Couples can choose between the light-filled Long Gallery or the private garden for their

ceremony, with both spaces accommodating up to 80 guests. Receptions take place in the Tudor Hall, with evening celebrations for up to 100 guests, while five luxurious en-suite bedrooms provide accommodation for the couple and their guests. For smaller celebrations, Battel Hall offers exclusive use of a beautifully preserved 14th-century medieval manor house. Ceremonies can take place in the wood-panelled ceremony room or beneath the timber-framed garden pagoda, surrounded by landscaped grounds. The manor has five en-suite bedrooms, with additional accommodation available in the adjacent Battel Hall Oast. For evening celebrations, the Fairfax Barn offers a characterful setting for larger parties, with space for up to 180 guests and views across the estate. Outdoor celebrations can take place in a variety of stunning locations, from ceremonies on Castle Island to receptions on Pavilion Lawn and larger marquee celebrations on Cedar Lawn. With a range of licensed ceremony spaces, exclusive-use options, onsite accommodation and a dedicated team of wedding coordinators, Leeds Castle gives couples the flexibility to create a celebration that feels personal to them, from the ceremony through to the evening celebrations. leeds-castle.com/wedding A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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E D U C AT I O N

HOUSE PROUD R U G BY S C H O O L

Rugby School is an independent co-educational school for full boarders and day students aged 13 – 18, located in the town of Rugby in Warwickshire, the heart of England. We meet Head Master Gareth Parker-Jones; page 159 rugbyschool.co.uk

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

GOING FOR

GOLD

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cademics at Millfield are broad with GCSEs, BTECs and A Levels offered in a variety of subjects, as well as Project Baccalaureate and Higher Project Qualifications for those seeking to add more to their academic portfolios and an enviable lecture series with top-industry speakers. Sixth Form A Level and BTEC courses are highly specialised, and students acquire ample skills that employers are seeking throughout the two-year programme. 79% of leavers secured Higher Education places across the world, including at Oxbridge and Russell Group Universities in the UK. 30+ students chose to study in the US, with destinations including Ivy League universities: Brown, Columbia, Dartmouth and Yale and 43 students are attending overseas institutions, with Switzerland, Spain, Italy and France being popular destinations in Europe. Millfield Futures supports all senior students with

Millfield offers a unique opportunity to balance exceptional academics alongside elite sport pathways guidance on post-Millfield pathways. Alongside this academic rigour, 30 sports are delivered by 200 sports staff, with 1850 years of cumulative coaching experience, enabling a dynamic and flexible sporting timetable and unrivalled opportunities, supported by outstanding facilities. The school has been named the UK's Best Sports School for 12 years and recently won Best of the Best Senior Schools for Sport with The Week. There is a clear correlation between good academic outcomes in the classroom being reflected on the sports field, and vice versa. Will, one of this year's top achievers, achieved A*A*A* in economics, physical education and geography. He played National League Club Hockey and is going on to study Business Economics at the University of Exeter. Sixth Former Filip studied A Levels in mathematics, physics and economics whilst training to swim at the 2026 Commonwealth Games where he made history, winning gold in the Men’s 200m breaststroke, as well as silver in the

Men’s 100m breaststroke. He is going to Loughborough to study economics and continue swimming, with his sights set on the 2028 Olympic Games. Millfield received 22 selections for this year’s Commonwealth Games, earning a total of 15 medals across swimming, athletics, and cycling. Including two golds, seven silvers and six bronzes. Millfield is a full boarding school, home to 900 boarders who live on our Somerset campus, 24/7. All facilities are located conveniently on campus eliminating the need to drive children to various locations for school, sport and co-curricular activities. Millfield’s campus offers 250 acres of beautiful countryside, an Olympic sized swimming pool, Music School and 400-seat theatre. Inspired to become a Millfield scholar? Scholarships are available for September 2027 entry. The deadline to apply is 7 October for Sixth Form entry, and 1 December for Year 9 entry. Discover more at Open Day on 27 February 2027, book online: millfieldschool.com/opendays A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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M E E T T H E H E A D A B S O L U T E LY QUIZZES SOME OF THE UK'S MOST IMPRESSIVE HEAD T E AC H E R S

Namexxx Surname xxxx

MRS JANE BOND KEW COLLEGE PREP kewcollegeprep.com

Q What was your first Headship role and what would you say you learnt from it? A My first Headship is my current one at Kew College Prep, having been at my previous school for 13 years. Being Head has confirmed my belief that whatever the topic, putting the children first in all decision making invariably means that the outcome is the right one. Q How long have you been at Kew College Prep and what attracted you to working there? A I have just entered my sixth year at Kew College Prep. The warm, happy and welcoming community absolutely made me want to join and is something that visitors regularly comment on. I also benefit from having an excellent team of staff who are passionate about nurturing each child to achieve

their very best and they are fantastic at what they do. Q How would you describe your leadership style? A My leadership style is practical, collaborative and grounded in mutual respect. I value the experience and ideas of staff and believe they should have a meaningful voice in shaping the school's direction, performance and growth. Q What is your vision for the future of the school? A We recently announced that Kew College Prep is now part of the newly formed Hampton Schools’ Trust. This hugely exciting step enhances our ethos of giving every pupil the best possible start in a warm, nurturing and intellectually challenging environment. As a member of the Trust, we now have assured places schemes with Hampton School and Lady Eleanor Holles, giving our pupils the advantage of exciting pathways to Hampton and LEH as well as the benefit of our existing excellent relationships with all

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

SID INGLIS ELSTREE SCHOOL elstreeschool.org.uk

Q What first inspired you to pursue a career in education? A I loved my time at school and was fortunate to have been taught by truly inspirational teachers who combined passion for their subjects with a genuine interest in their pupils. It is that same combination that shapes my approach at Elstree: I want every child to be known, nurtured and inspired. My own path took me to Chile, then Ludgrove, where I taught Classics before becoming Deputy Headmaster and, eventually, Joint Headmaster. In 2023 I took on the Headship at Elstree and today I lead the school with the invaluable support of my wife, Olivia. We both believe that education is about guiding and nurturing young people not just academically, but emotionally and personally. Q The school talks about an “Elstree Childhood”. What does that mean? A For me, an Elstree Childhood is

other leading senior schools. Kew College Prep maintains its own identity and character, and will continue to grow in the same direction, as a welcoming, nurturing and ambitious school with excellent academic results and a broad, balanced approach, embracing sport and creative arts.

about letting children be children for as long as they can – they should be curious, energetic, occasionally mischievous and always encouraged to have a go. We combine high expectations and a love of learning with the freedom to enjoy the camaraderie and adventure that make childhood so memorable. Triumphs and disappointments alike help to build confidence, character and resilience. And then there is the Elstree family: friendships between children and families often last a lifetime. I hope pupils leave us happy, grounded and quietly confident, with wonderful memories of their childhood at Elstree. Q What are your ambitions for Elstree’s next chapter? A My ambition is for Elstree to retain its high academic standards and breadth of co-curricular opportunity, while continuing to evolve. These are exciting times for Elstree: we have grown carefully and deliberately. Soon I will be setting out a new ten-year vision, ensuring Elstree remains a beacon of excellence while keeping our feet firmly on the ground.

Sid Inglis

Q Looking a little closer to the present, what excites you about this academic year? A I am always looking for ways to enhance school life for our pupils and their families and last month we opened our brand new kitchen and dining room. Seeing pupils enjoying nutritious, freshly made meals and being able to socialise over lunch has been wonderful. Being a part of the Trust will also bring fantastic benefits this year, including the assured places scheme, shared facilities, increasing access to activities and enrichment as well as opportunities for professional collaboration for our staff. These will all enhance our pupils’ day to day experience here at school, so this is a very exciting year for all involved. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Alistair Brownlow

ALISTAIR BROWNLOW ROCHESTER INDEPENDENT COLLEGE rochester-college.org.uk

Q What was your first Headship role and what would you say you learnt from it? A RIC is my first and only headship. I joined as a novice English teacher in 1997, became Co-Principal in 2002 and Principal in 2016- so I’ve essentially grown up with the place. The biggest thing I’ve learnt is that schools are about people not systems. Students flourish when they feel known and when somebody notices what makes them tick. Q What attracted you to working at Rochester College? A What attracted me was that RIC didn’t really feel like an institution at all. There was no uniform, students called teachers by their first names,

“ ST U D E N TS F LO U R I S H W H E N T H E Y F E E L T R U LY K N O W N A N D U N D E R S T O O D, SCHOOLS ARE ABOUT P E O P L E , N OT SYST E M S”

classes were tiny and nobody seemed terribly interested in doing things simply because that was how schools had always done them. That spirit is still here. We’ve grown enormously with 400+ students now from the age of 11, but we’re still spread through Georgian houses and gardens in the middle of Rochester, with art studios, boarding houses, murals, and flying pigs on the gates. It feels more like a small liberal arts college or creative quarter than a conventional school. Q How would you describe your leadership style? A Informal, visible, curious and occasionally impatient! I like ideas and people who make things happen. I wander around a lot. I want students to feel they can stop me to tell me about a university offer, come up with a new idea for a club or explain the film they’ve just made. Schools become rather strange places if the people running them become remote from the young people they’re actually there for. Q What is your vision for the future of your school? A Quite simply, to become more RIC, not less. There’s a temptation as schools grow to become shinier, more standardised and more

corporate. Our strength is that we can be academically ambitious without being highly selective or culturally dull. We have future doctors and engineers alongside filmmakers, artists and musicians; students heading for Oxford and UCL alongside young people who arrived having lost confidence in education altogether. Some follow beautifully straight lines. Others take routes less ordinary. Small classes, excellent teaching and real flexibility allow us to take the individual seriously. “School Can Be Different” is our line, and I want us to keep proving that it can. Q What excites you about this academic year? A The unpredictability of it. There’ll be university offers, great trips, sustainability projects and music gigs in the gardens. But the moments I enjoy most are often smaller: someone discovering they’re brilliant at something they’d never considered, a student who barely spoke in September suddenly debating, someone arriving with modest GCSEs leaving with top A level results or somebody convinced they hated school when they arrived becoming reluctant to leave. After nearly 30 years, that transformation still feels a little bit magical.

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

GARETH PARKER-JONES RUGBY SCHOOL rugbyschool.co.uk

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ugby School is an independent co-educational school for full boarders and day students aged 13 – 18, located in the town of Rugby in Warwickshire, the heart of England. It currently has 880 students. Q What was your first Headship role and what would you say you learnt from it? A Rugby School was my first Headship (in 2020); I had been Deputy Head Academic before that, coming from Sevenoaks School where I had been Head of History. Q What attracted you to working at Rugby? A I came to Rugby School in 2015. I was attracted to the school for a number of reasons. It performed well academically, it recognised the importance of non-classroom activities like music, sport, performing arts, service, outdoor learning. And its bursary programme was – and remains - a fundamental aspect of its ethos. Q How would you describe your leadership style? A Being a Head Master means being involved – and interested - in every aspect of the School. You have to be visible and approachable. There are a lot of names to remember and it’s a big campus! I have lunch in a different House every day (we have 15) so that I can talk to (and more importantly, listen to) the students. A Head also has to have a keen awareness of life outside the School gates. If we want our students to be curious and look over the horizon, Heads and teachers have to do that too. We encourage our students to read, to think hard about difficult problems, to ask questions, to challenge, to have an open mind. I remind myself of this every day!

A B OA R D I N G SC H O O L IS ABOUT BUILDING C H A RACT E R A S M U C H A S IT IS ABOUT LEARNING

Gareth Parker-Jones

Q What is your vision for Rugby's future ? A I am committed to Rugby becoming the best co-educational full boarding senior school in the country. While flexi arrangements are preferable for junior boarders, I believe that full boarding is best for teenagers. Our students live in the same House for the whole of their time at Rugby. They learn to manage their time (they’re very busy), to engage with the people they are living with, to have fun - and take a few risks. A boarding school is about building character as much as it is about learning. Each student has their own tutor; they meet to discuss whatever the student wants to talk about, a relaxed and private conversation. This makes students feel supported and provides reassurance for families. Academically, we are developing our own way of teaching which focuses on students concentrating on independent reading, research and reflection so that they arrive at lessons ready to

listen, challenge, and collaborate – with teachers as well as peers - not just absorb information passively. We are one of the few schools to offer a choice between A levels and IB. Q Looking a little closer to the present, what excites you about this academic year? A Rugby has had a great year of academic results. We are supporting our students in learning about AI and technology, expanding our enrichment opportunities with university research links, and we have significantly enhanced our Futures Department to help students think and learn about what they might want to do when they leave school. It’s important, too, that they understand the importance of making a life as well as a living. I really do feel that schools have a role in this, especially boarding schools. I also have high hopes for some more sporting achievements! A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

COURSE RATING

Seaford College offers students an exceptional environment in which to enjoy and develop their golf

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eaford College, near Petworth, is one of only a small number of schools in the UK to have its own nine-hole golf course on site, giving students the opportunity to play and practise without leaving the school grounds. With stunning views across Lavington Park, the course forms part of Seaford’s extensive 450-acre estate at the foot of the South Downs. Alongside the course, students benefit from an on-site driving range, a state-ofthe-art indoor golf simulator and expert coaching, with students able to book individual lessons with Seaford’s resident golf professional, Andy Shakespear.

Seaford also supports talented golfers with ambitions beyond school. Several students have gained golf scholarships to universities in America in recent years. One of Seaford’s current talented golfers is Georgia Young, who finished second in the Sussex Amateur Ladies Championship at Crowborough Beacon Golf Club. Georgia was selected for the Sussex County Ladies Team and has offers of golf scholarships at American universities in 2027. Recent success within our Prep School includes Seth Edwards winning the ISGA Junior Cup at Drayton Park and the Seaford team finishing second overall. Whether students are playing for enjoyment or competing at a high level, golf at Seaford provides opportunities to develop confidence, resilience, focus and a lifelong enjoyment of the sport. Golf also plays a part in the wider Seaford community, with annual golf days bringing together parents and alumni to socialise, compete and network. The golfing ethos at Seaford is another example of the commitment to giving students opportunities beyond the classroom, helping them discover new interests, develop their talents and enjoy being active in one of the most beautiful school settings in Sussex. Seaford College, Lavington Park, near Petworth seaford.org

GOLF FROM YEAR 3 TO YEAR 13 Golf opportunities are available throughout the school, from Year 3 through to Year 13. Students can enjoy golf recreationally, learn the game for the first time or develop their skills with aspirations to compete at a high level and potentially pursue a professional career. Having such extensive facilities on site means golf is part of everyday school life, with students able to practise regularly alongside their academic studies. Competition is an important part of the programme. Prep School competitions are held on Seaford’s own course, while senior students have opportunities to represent Seaford against other schools, including fixtures at nearby Cowdray Park Golf Club. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

A NEW CHAPTER Reed's School expands its family of schools and becomes co-educational

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eed’s School's mission is to nurture each child's self-esteem and selfbelief, helping them grow into confident, articulate young men and women who think critically and independently, with a global perspective, a strong moral compass, and the skills to improve a rapidly changing world. A leading HMC independent day and boarding school for around 870 pupils, Reed’s sits in over 40 acres of countryside near Cobham, Surrey with excellent transport links including an extensive bus service. Reed’s recently announced it will welcome girls into Year 7 from September 2027, becoming fully co-educational by 2031. The move is rooted in its history. They were founded in 1813 as a school

for boys and girls, and it builds on more than three decades of success in its co-educational Sixth Form, which is vibrant, oversubscribed and achieves excellent A Level outcomes. Reed’s has also welcomed Feltonfleet School, a successful Cobham prep school, into their family. Together with Ripley Court School, the group now spans three schools: Reed’s (11–18), Feltonfleet (3–13) and Ripley Court (2–11), offering a coeducational pathway from early childhood to A Level, with clarity, continuity and natural transitions at every stage. Reed’s culture of innovative, dynamic teaching keeps pupils engaged and curious, while outstanding pastoral care places every pupil at the heart of school life, with a strong emphasis on values, character, and well-being. Modern facilities keep Reed’s at the forefront of educational provision while preserving the warmth and community it's known for, guided by a strategic plan built for the future. For more information, please visit reeds.surrey.sch.uk or contact admissions@reeds.surrey.sch.uk 01932 869001 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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T O

THRIVE What does Inclusive Excellence really look like?

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By ROB LANE

or 130 years, Clayesmore has believed that our school should create an environment where every child can find their place, discover what they are good at and develop the confidence to see what they might become. We live in a world in which education is often judged through relatively narrow measures of success. Academic ambition matters enormously. Young people deserve to be taught well and challenged intellectually. But is that enough? For me, excellence in education is about creating the conditions in which every child can discover their strengths, challenge themselves

and achieve more than they thought possible. That is what we mean by Inclusive Excellence at Clayesmore. It is an idea that feels particularly important as I begin my time here. Clayesmore has a lovely sense of itself: ambitious without being overbearing, personal without being complacent and, importantly, a place where children are known. There is a warmth to the school that is difficult to manufacture but easy to recognise, and feel. But warmth alone is not enough. Nor is academic ambition. A modern independent school should bring the two together. Each pupil should be stretched, nurtured and supported. For some that’s a medical degree at Oxbridge, or a college in America. For others, it’s a

WE NEED TO GIVE PUPILS KNOWLEDGE, BUT ALSO TEACH THEM HOW TO USE IT

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place on an apprenticeship scheme, a dance school in London or having the skills and confidence to inherit the family business. All are valid. Our objective as educators should be to help them find their path. To get there, we have to be comfortable that for one pupil, Inclusive Excellence might mean outstanding examination results. For another, it’s finding the confidence to perform on stage, discovering a talent in the music school, leading a team on the sports field, designing something or developing a passion they didn’t know they had. The point is not that academic achievement doesn’t matter, it is fundamental, but it cannot be the only measure of what a young person is capable of becoming. Our children are entering a period of rapid global change. Artificial intelligence will transform the way we work and learn. Employers will increasingly value communication, creativity, adaptability and judgement alongside technological fluency and traditional knowledge. Schools therefore have a responsibility to do more than prepare pupils for the next examination. We need to prepare them for the next chapter of their lives. That means giving them knowledge, but also teaching them how to use it. Our job as educators is to create the environment in which they can find out. That requires high expectations, excellent teaching and genuine academic ambition. It also requires opportunity, encouragement, relationships, creativity, character and the confidence to try things. At Clayesmore, that is the ambition: not excellence for a select few, but excellence in all its different forms, for every child, in an environment where no one gets lost. Rob Lane is Head of Clayesmore School. Discover more at clayesmore.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • SENIOR

I N D E P E N D E N C E

DAYS The team at Eltham College discuss the value of residential trips for building academic and life skills – and lifelong memories

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esidential trips have long been a cherished part of school life. The very words can evoke in each of us a treasured memory of forays away from home. In an era where academic outcomes often dominate the conversation, their importance can't be overlooked. They are key to the broader purpose of education of nurturing confident, curious and capable young people, ready to engage with the world around them. At Eltham College, which educates boys and girls aged 7 to 18, such experiences are high on the co-curricular agenda at every stage of the journey through school. For younger pupils, a first residential trip provides an opportunity to practise essential life skills – packing their own bags, managing routines, coping with homesickness – as well, of course, as trying exciting challenges such as abseiling and rafting for the first time. “Our Windmill Hill adventure centre trip is often a child’s first time away from home,” says the Junior School’s Head of Year 3 and 4, Nicki Chamberlain. “They return that little bit changed – more independent, supportive and connected. Food and dorms are highlights. Night one brings excitement

“RESIDENTIAL TRIPS ARE KEY TO THE BROADER PURPOSE OF EDUCATION – OF NURTURING CONFIDENT, CURIOUS AND CAPABLE YOUNG PEOPLE”

ELTHAM COLLEGE STUDENTS

and little sleep, night two complete exhaustion. For staff, it is a wonderful opportunity to get to know the children beyond the classroom.” As students move into teenage years, these shared experiences strengthen friendships and encourage collaboration, says Eltham College. Pupils learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts and appreciate diverse perspectives – perhaps even redefining themselves within their peer group, away from the structures of school. Eltham aims to offer opportunities for all interests. Recent Lower School visits have included a camping trip plus a STEM residential to Bletchley Park, Bell Heath and Cadbury’s World. Special-interest trips have included an Activity Language trip to France, a conservation trip to Devon, a netball trip to Disneyland, Paris and a rugby trip to Cardiff. Overcoming challenges and finding unknown strengths builds selfsufficiency and a sense of achievement – these trips often become lasting memories.

For older students, residential trips may take on a more academic and aspirational focus. Opportunities such as Eltham’s recent study tour, which took 80 students to NASA’s Houston space centre for a six-day immersion in space science, can be transformative. Whether local or overseas, such trips deepen subject knowledge while connecting learning to real-world applications – and also, potentially, future careers. “Residential trips remain a vital part of education, fostering independence, resilience and meaningful social connections beyond the classroom,” says James Willatt, Head of Co-curricular and Partnerships at Eltham College. “From a Year 7 camping trip that builds confidence and camaraderie to Sixth Form visits to Uganda combining service with global awareness, these experiences enrich learning and inspire ambition. Together, they help shape well-rounded young people, prepared not only for exams, but for the wider demands and possibilities of life.” A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PREP

EARLY excellence

The Head of DUCKS, Dulwich College’s kindergarten and infant school, on what excellence in early childhood education looks like

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n May 2026, The Duchess of Cambridge, an active campaigner to raise awareness about the importance of early years education, visited Reggio Emilia – the Italian city known worldwide as a centre of excellence in the field. The visit reflected the importance of innovative approaches to early childhood learning – and particularly ‘Excellence in Education’. That describes a journey where children are exposed to opportunities that instil passion for learning with awe and wonder. This comes in parallel with building resilience and relationships with the environment and those around them. A centre of early excellence is an environment that stimulates and inspires children to learn while ensuring wellbeing. Children make connections through relationships with the adults around

them – from the Early Years practitioners and front office team to those who make and serve lunch. Daily connections happen not only within the school community but also children’s surrounding environment – including family and neighbours – and are vital in early years. Supporting children to explore is critical. Children are capable and competent, and we often do not give them the appropriate space to take safe risks or to express

themselves and their ideas. Taking time to listen, offering opportunities for shared experiences, and time for independent exploration and play all give opportunities for learning with passion and inspiration. When a child takes on the challenge of climbing a tree, riding a bike or writing their name, we know that at first they may not succeed. With encouragement, they try again, making links with previous knowledge and altering their approach in order to succeed. They learn persistence and perseverance along the way. Here, the power of the word ‘yet’ is vital. It’s a small word that helps children develop a growth mindset – ‘I can’t do it…yet’. When a child is struggling, we can show them an image that contrasts a fixed mindset with a growth mindset and talk it through together. The image becomes a prompt to remember ‘yet’, so they are more likely to keep trying. Teachers and Early Years practitioners are facilitators of scaffolding learning. This includes setting up the indoor and outdoor learning environments to foster curiosity. Children have a natural curiosity, and we need to tap into that with opportunities to inspire learning. A balance of freedom and routines provides confidence and a feeling of safety in exploration. In our DUCKS Forest School setting, our children do climb trees and they do take risks – and we need to trust them. This means giving them the guidance and information to stay safe and climb as high as they feel capable. We will be there to verbally help and to facilitate the steps to come down but not carry them out of the tree. This is an example of promoting empowerment. Academic excellence and success in older years are supported by establishing the passion and the enthusiasm for learning in these vital early years. This is coupled with solid relationships and connections to both the adults and environment surrounding the young learner. As parents and practitioners, we too continue to learn. Reading research, listening to parenting podcasts, and taking the time to observe our children can inspire us to reflect and continue our pursuit of early excellence.

“Children are capable and competent, and we often do not give them the appropriate space to take safe risks or to express themselves” A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

E XC I T I N G T I M E S AT

Feltonfleet There is a real sense of momentum at Feltonfleet this term, with exciting developments underway at one of the area’s leading prep and pre-prep schools

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et within 25 acres of beautiful grounds, Feltonfleet welcomes children from three to 13 and has built its reputation around a simple philosophy: every child is known, heard and valued. Pupils are encouraged to discover their own strengths and interests, supported by teachers who understand that every child is different and take the time to help them flourish as individuals. This personal approach is at the heart of Feltonfleet’s warm and welcoming community. There is a strong sense of belonging and a distinctive spirit to school life, with children nurtured to be curious, kind, confident and independent. Alongside excellent academic achievement, the school places considerable emphasis on

personal growth and aspiration, helping pupils develop the confidence and character to make the most of the opportunities ahead. A superb range of co-curricular activities further enriches school life, while wrap-around care and flexi boarding provide valuable support for families. The results speak for themselves. Each year, Feltonfleet pupils secure places at some of the country’s leading senior

“The school has the ability to combine ambition with genuine care”

schools, with 100% achieving their firstchoice destination. Alongside these strong senior school outcomes, pupils regularly gain scholarships across a range of disciplines, including academic, sporting and performing arts awards. Later this term, Feltonfleet will open Little Doves, a new all year-round nursery for children from six months to rising five. Rooted in play and inspired by the principles of Friedrich Froebel, Little Doves will offer an education-led, play-based approach in a nurturing environment, giving the youngest children the opportunity to explore, discover and develop confidence from the very beginning of their educational journey. Another significant development has been Feltonfleet joining the Reed's Schools Charitable Trust, alongside Reed’s School and Ripley Court School. The move strengthens an already longstanding relationship with Reed’s and opens up opportunities for collaboration, while each school retains its own distinctive identity and community. There is also a new chapter ahead for the school’s leadership. In January 2027, Feltonfleet will welcome Oliver Barrett as its new Head. Currently leading Twickenham Preparatory School, Oliver brings extensive experience of prep-school education as Feltonfleet looks towards the future. Feltonfleet’s enduring strength lies in its ability to combine ambition with genuine care: a school where children are motivated to aim high, supported as individuals and surrounded by a community that celebrates who they are. With Little Doves opening its doors, a new Head arriving and the school now part of the Reed’s Schools Charitable Trust, there is much to look forward to. We recommend a visit to Feltonfleet to experience the school’s distinctive atmosphere and community for yourself. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

READY for

the WORLD How St Dunstan’s College is rethinking education – and who can access it

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t Dunstan’s College is having its best run in 138 years. The south London school’s 2026 A Level results were the strongest in its history, and its GCSE cohort followed the same trajectory a fortnight later. The school ranks in the top 25 schools in the UK for its A Level results, according to The Times league table, and is delighted to hold a commendation for London Independent School of the Year Award, wins for both Academic Excellence and Sporting Development at the Private Education Awards, and a place in The Times Parent Power Top 100. For St Dunstan’s, it’s about more than grades. The founding headmaster, Charles Stuart, built the country’s first purposedesigned school science laboratories because he believed pupils learned best by doing, not by being told — a heuristic instinct that still shapes the College today, most visibly in the Stuart Additional Curriculum, which runs alongside the academic timetable across three strands: Thriving in the Future, preparing pupils for careers that don’t yet exist; Connected Lives, digital citizenship and global responsibility; and Thinking Without Limits, creativity and critical thought. The Good

Schools Guide has independently described the result as a ‘Renaissance-style education’. That renaissance thinking extends to who gets to have it. St Dunstan’s bursary programme is one of the more substantial in south London independent education: 1 in 11 pupils currently receive a bursary covering half or all of their fees. Since 2020 the College has raised more than £2m for bursaries, and secured its first-ever sevenfigure donation in mid-2026, gifted by an alumnus to fund bursaries in perpetuity. The same habit of testing convention shows up in the classroom. While some other schools have dropped the focus on Modern Foreign Languages, St Dunstan’s has created a new STEMFL philosophy — the idea that languages don’t compete with science and technology subjects, they complete them. As machine translation gets better at the words, the distinctly human skills — curiosity, empathy, the ability to see an issue through someone else’s eyes — become the scarcer, more valuable ones. All of this progressive thinking happens in Catford, in a genuinely mixed corner of south-east London, which the College treats as a resource rather than a backdrop. While examinations inevitably demand attention, cultural curiosity should never become an optional extra. Whether through international experiences, authentic

cultural learning or hearing older students share their own language journeys, every opportunity helps young people appreciate that learning another language opens doors to different ways of thinking as much as different ways of speaking. In a city as globally connected as London, that feels particularly significant. The future will belong to young people who can combine knowledge with understanding, innovation with empathy and technical expertise with the confidence to communicate across cultures. Discover the College’s academic programme, bursary scheme and how it prepares students for the future by visiting one of its Open Mornings, Football Open Day or Orchestral Workshop. Book your place at stdunstans.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

BUSTING

stereotypes

Nicki Fry, Head of Tormead Prep, tells us about her Secret Assembly programme aimed at breaking down gender stereotypes, one assembly at a time

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he vision for our Secret Assembly programme here at Tormead Prep was to develop a diverse and inspiring programme of speakers from a wide range of professions and backgrounds to broaden our pupils' horizons and encourage them to look beyond traditional gender stereotypes. Through these talks, our pupils have been introduced to women whose careers challenge assumptions about what might be considered a 'male' or 'female' profession. Past speakers have included a biomedical Egyptologist, a medical vaccine researcher, environmentalists, robotics and automative engineers (including a female engineer working at McLaren), women working in the police force (forensics and police photography), and women representing their countries in international sport. By hearing from inspirational women who have achieved success across a variety of fields, our girls have come to understand that there is no predetermined path for

them because of their gender. Whether they aspire to become scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, doctors, writers, leaders, politicians, architects, technology specialists, academics, or to pursue careers that have yet to be imagined, we want every girl to believe that her ambitions are both valid and achievable. During these Secret Assemblies, pupils have heard first-hand accounts of perseverance and resilience: stories of overcoming obstacles, challenging expectations, taking risks, embracing change and finding the courage to start again when things have not gone to plan. Alongside celebrating impressive individual achievements, our speakers have embodied the qualities we seek to nurture in our pupils: curiosity, courage, determination, confidence, kindness, responsibility and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world around them. Our Secret Assemblies are an integral part of our Future Women Leaders ethos here at Tormead Prep, providing opportunities for our pupils to meet inspiring women, engage in meaningful

discussion, ask thoughtful questions and reflect on the lessons they can take from each individual's journey. Over time, we hope these encounters will create a rich tapestry of role models, enabling every girl to identify with women whose experiences resonate with her while also opening her eyes to possibilities she may never previously have considered. A scientist may spark an interest in STEM, an entrepreneur may encourage a pupil to see herself as a future business leader, an athlete may demonstrate the value of discipline and perseverance, while an artist may inspire creative confidence. Equally, women working in technology, engineering and other traditionally male-dominated sectors can challenge perceptions about where girls belong and what they can achieve. Beyond their professional accomplishments, our speakers have shared the values, choices and determination that have shaped their lives and careers. As a result, pupils are encouraged to consider not only what they might become, but also the kind of person they wish to be. Ultimately, our ambition is for every Tormead Prep pupil to leave school with a genuine sense of possibility: confident that her future is not defined by stereotypes, aware that her voice matters and empowered to shape her own path. We believe, as a girls’ school, that Tormead has a vital role to play in developing ambitious, resilient and compassionate young women who possess the confidence to seize opportunities, the courage to embrace challenges and the determination to turn their aspirations into reality. Nicki Fry Head of Tormead Prep A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

C H O O S I N G

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NURSERY Faye Messinger, Head of Rydes Hill Prep & Nursery, talks about the many benefits of choosing a nursery within a school setting

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hoosing a nursery is one of the first significant decisions parents make. Whilst there are many wonderful early years settings available, there is something particularly special about a nursery that sits at the heart of a school community. At Rydes Hill, our Nursery children are not simply attending a standalone setting. They are part of a much wider journey, one that is carefully planned from their very first day through to the moment they leave us as confident and capable young people. One of the greatest advantages is curriculum progression. Because our Nursery is part of the school we know exactly where our children are headed. Our staff carefully build the knowledge, skills and characteristics that children will need for the next stage of their education. Learning is purposeful. It is progressive. Most importantly, it ensures children are fully prepared for Reception and beyond.

The transition from one year group to the next is also wonderfully smooth. Moving to school can feel daunting for many children. New routines, unfamiliar expectations and different faces can sometimes make the next step feel overwhelming. For those already attending our Nursery, however, school is simply a familiar extension of what they already know. They recognise the environment, understand the routines and feel comfortable within the setting. This familiarity allows children to move forward with confidence and excitement. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do. Throughout their nursery years children have countless opportunities to meet and spend time with the adults who will support them as they move through the school. Whether through shared activities, assemblies or everyday interactions, these regular touch points help children feel known, valued and secure long before they enter their next classroom. Staff continuity also enables us to develop a deep understanding of every

child. Their strengths, interests and individual needs are recognised and nurtured from the very beginning. Being part of a wider school community brings enormous benefits. Nursery children regularly see older pupils around the school and quickly begin to understand what comes next in their educational journey. They watch assemblies, performances and sporting events. They observe older pupils demonstrating kindness, independence and curiosity. These positive role models help our youngest learners feel inspired while giving them a tangible sense of belonging. Beyond the classroom there are opportunities that many standalone nurseries cannot easily offer. Our children enjoy access to specialist teaching and facilities including PE, music and Forest School. They explore different learning environments, develop new interests and experience the joy of learning in a variety of ways. School life extends far beyond four walls. Perhaps most importantly, children in a school-based nursery are surrounded by a community of adults who know and care for them. From teachers and teaching assistants to office staff and specialist teachers, there are countless people invested in their happiness and success. Children are greeted by familiar faces each day and grow up feeling known and loved. The benefits are equally significant for parents. Joining a nursery within a school means becoming part of a community from the very beginning. Advice is shared. Friendships are formed. Support is always close at hand. There is a reassuring sense that you are part of something bigger. A nursery within a school is about far more than simply preparing for Reception. It is about laying strong foundations, fostering meaningful relationships and creating a genuine sense of belonging. It is the beginning of a journey where children and families are known, valued and supported every step of the way. Faye Messinger Head of Rydes Hill Prep & Nursery A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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A WARM

WELCOME Christopher Woodward, the new Head of Rosemead Prep, outlines his ambitions for the school

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

“IT IS MY AIM TO HELP, ENABLE, INSPIRE AND LEAD A VERY GOOD SCHOOL BECOME EVEN BETTER”

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ave you experienced something similar? A point in your career where, sometimes, the right opportunity appears at precisely the right moment – it being almost too good to be true? Becoming Head of Rosemead feels like that for me. It brings together what I value in education, a community I love, and a school whose instincts feel reassuringly – and yet totally uniquely – familiar. Is it too far to suggest the stars have aligned. I hope not. Indeed, that image was inevitable given the role of constellations at Rosemead. Our prized house system uses four constellations: Lacerta, Dorado, Ursa and Aquila. This is one of the many things that is unique, and it is woven into daily life here, enabling children to be celebrated and also belong. Bringing us back to earth briefly, Dulwich

CHRISTOPHER WOODWARD

is my home – and I love that. I know its roads, its families, its parks (of course, its schools!) and the web of connections that makes this part of London feel like a village within a city. I am not arriving as a stranger to Rosemead; I already know the affection in which it is held locally and the strength of its reputation. Taking responsibility for the next chapter of such a successful school is exciting, but it also feels deeply personal. My career in school leadership has taken me to different places, yet some threads have remained constant. To me, leading a school must be about finding something that resonates with you personally. When our commodity is people, these values really matter. So, too, do the (what I describe as the) ‘nuts and bolts’: co-educational, genuinely creative communities, and a belief that childhood should be taken seriously without becoming overly serious. I have learnt that leadership works best when personal conviction meets an existing sense of purpose. At Rosemead, I have found just that. Its educational values belong to a tradition stretching back more than a century, but they are alive in classrooms now. I do not want to arrive with a totally new script; it is my aim to help, enable, inspire and lead a very good school become even better. There is reassurance, too, in Rosemead’s place within the not-for-profit St Dunstan’s Education Group. Parents work enormously hard to pay school fees, and I never underestimate the trust that represents. Being able to say that every penny is reinvested directly in education is important. Our decisions are driven by what will serve children and schools, not private equity or proprietary interests, however uncomfortable that might be to write. Strong governance supports that promise: our Group’s newly formed local school boards combine experienced oversight with a close understanding of each school and its community.

And this matters because it protects something that is easily felt but much harder to write down: culture. Since arriving, I have heard the same words repeated in different conversations: warmth, confidence, kindness, energy. A prospectus can show facilities and achievements, but it cannot quite reproduce the sound of a lively classroom, the easy conversation at the gate, or the way a child speaks to an adult when mutual respect is simply normal. If I had to name three things that sit at Rosemead’s heart, I would begin with the individual child, supported by a shared approach. We teach children how to think, not what to think. Good questions are welcomed; thoughtful mistakes are part of learning. Then there is ambition without ego. We want children to achieve highly, but not at the cost of joy or perspective. Rosemead is academically serious, yet grounded. Confidence does not need to be loud, and success is richer when children remain generous, curious and themselves. Finally, the intangible matters. The humour, relationships and small acts of encouragement that fill an ordinary day are not extras: they are education in motion. A school is not a waiting room for some distant future. It is a child’s life now. That is why this moment feels so right. The place, the values and the point I have reached in my own career have come together. I feel fortunate to be here, ready to celebrate every child and help Rosemead continue to shine. I hope you will come and see this: the welcome is warm, and the difference is felt almost at once. Perhaps schools are more like constellations than one might initially think: in groups, multiple and many, appearing in a certain way, all shining brightly. I feel fortunate that this constellation – and indeed this star – shines brightest of all. rosemeadprep.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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