BOCONCEPT’S GLOBAL ARTISTIC DIRECTOR PRESENTS THEIR NEW COLLECTION TO MARK 20 YEARS IN LONDON
GIZZI ERSKINE Back with lots of food and chat CHOCOLATE HUNT Finding the best Easter treats ON SAFARI Exploring wildlife along the Zambezi
Join us in-store from 2–21 April as we celebrate Danish design in London, with a limited-time opportunity to save across the full collection.
Join us in-store from 2–21 April as we celebrate Danish design in London, with a limited-time opportunity to save across the full collection.
Create light-filled rooms with elegant steel frames and classic design. Crittall windows and doors feature slim sightlines that combine style with substance, offering enduring quality and sophistication for homes that value both. Experience the distinctive charm of Crittall Windows.
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LETTER Editor’s
1 ABSOLUTELY’S April issue highlights
SIs this the year we go on our for its promised completion date. All of drinking. We hope you enjoy the issue.
pring is most certainly in the air. It's the end of term and there's a sense of imminent new beginnings – so with that we're planning some trips. Is this the year we go on our first safari? Or eat chocolate straight from a cocoa farm in Grenada? Perhaps we'll visit Barcelona's iconic Sagrada Família for its promised completion date. All of these and more feature in this month's extended travel section, which is full of ideas to inspire wanderlust. And if a fear if flying is holding you back, we've got that covered too, as we learn about treating phobias from a Harley Street expert. Meanwhile we're loving Gizzi Erskine's new show Messy Luch, which she tells us all about, and we've rediscovered the delights of Marylebone, where we've been spending some time shopping, eating and drinking. We hope you enjoy the issue.
3Pack it in All your travel essentials
Yellow fever Take inspiration from this impeccably
Lamp light You can never have enough lamps
Gizzi Erskine and her Messy Lunches
styled house
Egg-stravaganza Easter treats galore
FRINGE BENEFITS
Celia B's Ursa Dress features an
Wish LIST
airy silhouette adorned with lush palm trees, starlit skies, and dreamy botanicals. An open back framed by dazzling beaded fringe that sways with every step. celiab.com
CURVE APPEAL
Teresa by Ferruccio Laviani for Kartell is a lamp with sinuous shapes that evoke petals gently unfolding, creating an enveloping and welcoming light effect. kartell.com
BLUE JEAN
Chanel's new collection is themed 'Never too much denim" – and the collection of blue and pink makeup shades is encased in stylish denim pouches. Collect them all. chanel.com
HUNG UP
Italian fi ne jeweller Francesca Villa creates jewellery rooted in memory, narrative and joy, transforming discovered treasures into precious, story-led pieces. francescavilla.it
STRIKE A CORD
Kybele Studio's Eternal Summer cord necklaces are cra ed for effortless summer style, blending artisanal handcra smanship with season-ready natural gemstones. kybelestudio.com
DOUBLE DENIM
From oversized patches and Ws to sculpted fits and bold silhouettes, Wrangler Super Jeans brings to life design-forward denim that remembers where it came from. wrangler.com
BLUE MOOD
Feeling blue? Amelie's Follies in Battersea will have the perfect shade. Make an appointment and you'll come away with the best fitting underwear you've ever owned. ameliesfollies.co.uk
TIGHT FIT
Pioneering hosiery brand Heist Studios creates tights using an innovative combination of sports and tights are gravity-defying, seamless sagging – and all-day comfort. heist-studios.com
kapten-son.com
GOOD NEWS
Bella Freud has partnered with The King’s Trust to launch a limitededition, 100% organic cotton t-shirt in support of their ‘Change a Girl’s Life’ campaign. 20% of each t-shirt sold goes straight to the charity. bellafreud.com
oversized Kapten shades as soon as the sun comes out. Zurich frame in Maple Tortoise grey, £119.90.
There are garden rooms and there are Eco Studios.
Bespoke garden studios that are as individual as you are. Sustainably made using hemp, a historic material with serious built-in benefits for you and your building.
Salon Privé London is set to fuse the very best of automotive innovation, design and craftsmanship with the elegance of a classic English garden party when it returns to The Royal Hospital Chelsea. Fresh from the success of its award-winning 20th anniversary event at Blenheim Palace, Salon Privé returns with its distinctive blend of high-performance motoring, fashion, hospitality and entertainment. salonprivelondon.com
Until 18 April
Broken Glass
UNTIL 18 APRIL, YOUNG VIC
Broken Glass premiered in 1994 and went on to receive the Olivier Award for Play of the Year and a Tony Award nomination for Best Play. This marks the first major London production in 15 years. Directed by Jordan Fein, the story is set in Brooklyn, New York, 1938, where Sylvia Gellburg reads about violent attacks against Jewish communities in Germany.
youngvic.org THEATRE
THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET Funny, profound, deeply moving and uplifting, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a joyous new musical adapted by Rachel Joyce from her multi-million selling novel, with a score by chart-topping indie musician Passenger and directed by Katy Rudd. haroldfrymusical.com
MULTIMEDIA
SKATE 50
FROM 30 APRIL,
SOUTHBANK CENTRE
Aseries of new commissions utilising photography, moving image, animation and sound to tell the story of what is widely considered the birthplace of British skateboarding; the Southbank Centre’s iconic Undercroft Skate Space. The exhibition will journey through the past 50 years, from early archive photography, to hand held skate videos and contemporary depictions of the space today. southbankcentre.co.uk
ART
Joanna Van Son
Until 16 April
SAATCHI YATES
At the heart of van Son’s newest works is an intricately interwoven relationship between painting and drawing. A graduate of The Bartlett in the discipline of architecture, drawing has served as a fundamental compositional component in van Son’s practice. These new paintings lay bare the intimate fascination the painter has of her partner Lilah. saatchiyates.com
adie Sink and Noah Jupe play the star-crossed lovers in this exciting new production directed by Robert Icke and produced by Empire Street Productions. The run has already been extended by two weeks due to huge demand, so rush to get tickets if you haven't already. The play needs no introduction. romeojulietplay.com
Making
Cecily Brown at the Serpentine Gallery PICTURE
Picture Making is an exhibition featuring new and recent works by Cecily Brown, one of the most important painters working today. The exhibition will run from 27 March to 6 September 2026 at Serpentine South and marks a homecoming for the British artist who has lived and worked in New York for the past 30 years. Over three decades Brown has gained a reputation for her unique approach to painting, characterised by vigorous brushwork, a vivid sense of colour and dynamic allover compositions that hold the viewer in an active space of looking. Picture Making brings together works inspired by Serpentine’s unique location in Kensington Gardens, a site of personal significance to the artist. Themes of nature and park life have long shaped Brown’s formal explorations and, for her exhibition at Serpentine, the artist revisits familiar subjects such as amorous couples, woodland settings and uncanny nature walks. New works made specifically for the exhibition will be shown alongside a selection of key paintings dating back to 2001 to contextualise the continuities and evolutions that have taken place in Brown’s approach to painting over the past 25 years. In turn, recent monotypes and drawings offer insight into Brown’s broader practice, touching upon her early memories of the English landscape, her interest in children’s book illustrations, and the darker sides of nursery rhymes and cautionary tales.. serpentinegalleries.org
saturation diving, helium molecules can infiltrate the watch case in hyperbaric chambers. Without a release mechanism, pressure could build internally and compromise the crystal. The valve allows this excess gas to escape safely during decompression, protecting the watch without sacrificing waterproofness.
up to 4.5 and 5 tonnes respectively.
Reliability at such depths is rigorously proven. Every Rolex Deepsea undergoes waterproof testing with a safety margin of 25 percent beyond its rated depth. Rolex even developed a specialised hyperbaric tank in collaboration with the French underwater engineering firm COMEX to conduct these extreme trials. Under such conditions, the crystal withstands nearly four tonnes of force, while the compression ring and case back resist up to 4.5 and 5 tonnes respectively.
Functionality remains paramount.
Functionality remains paramount. The unidirectional rotating bezel
Depth & precision ENGINEERED TO WITHSTAND THE CRUSHING PRESSURES OF
Rolex Deepsea: engineering the abyss
When Rolex unveiled the Deepsea in 2008, it wasn’t simply introducing another luxury dive watch, it was redefining the limits of underwater horology. Designed to meet the extreme demands of professional saturation divers, the Rolex Deepsea combined uncompromising engineering with the unmistakable aesthetic of the brand’s Oyster Perpetual Professional line. The result was a watch capable of descending where few mechanical timepieces had gone before: 3,900 metres beneath the ocean’s surface. In 2024, Rolex introduced an original version of the Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea in 18ct yellow gold for the first time. This divers’ watch features a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom bezel insert in blue ceramic, as well as a blue lacquer dial bearing the name ‘DEEPSEA’ in powdered yellow.
At the heart of the Deepsea’s formidable capabilities is its 44mm Oyster case, anarchitecture synonymous with durability. Machined from a solid block of
18ct yellow old, the case provides a fortresslike shell around the watch’s intricate mechanics.The Triplock winding crown, protected by integrated crown guards, features a triple waterproof sealing system and screws securely into the case to maintain absolute watertight integrity.
THE DEEP OCEAN
features a Cerachrom insert in black or blue ceramic. The engraved numerals, coated with gold or platinum using PVD technology, remain legible even in harsh conditions. On the dial, Rolex’s Chromalight display ensures exceptional visibility, emitting a long-lasting blue glow from its luminous markers and hands.
Rolex’s patented Ringlock system is a case construction specifically engineered to withstand the crushing pressures of the deep ocean. This relies on three key elements working together. First is the thick, slightly domed sapphire crystal, an impressive 5.5mm in thickness and treated with an anti-reflective coating. Beneath it sits the compression ring, the structural core that absorbs the immense force exerted by water pressure. The 18ct yellow gold version, introduced in 2024, uses a high- tech blue ceramic variant. Completing the system is a case back in RLX titanium, secured by a screw-down ring that locks the entire structure together. Another essential feature for professional divers is the helium escape valve, a technology Rolex patented in 1967. During
Inside beats the Rolex calibre 3235, a selfwinding mechanical movement developed entirely in-house. Featuring the patented Chronergy escapement, a blue Parachrom hairspring, and the brand’s Paraflex shock absorbers, the movement delivers exceptional reliability alongside a 70-hour power reserve. Each watch is certified as a Superlative Chronometer, guaranteeing accuracy within −2/+2 seconds per day.
The Deepsea's design inspired the experimental Rolex Deepsea Challenge, which accompanied filmmaker and explorer James Cameron during his historic 2012 descent to the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, the deepest point on Earth. This is a mechanical companion built not just to survive the abyss, but to master it.
Prestons: 115-117 High Street, Guildford GU1 3DP
TALK show
Absolutely chats to Gizzi Erskine about her new food and music series, Messy Lunch
What inspired you to start this show? Talk us through the lightbulb moment.
A It’s been bubbling around for many years, and I’ve made several pilots for a food and music show over the years. What made this one investable was the dining experience in London restaurants. I love Steve Coogan and Rob Rydon’s show, The Trip, and I wanted to give it the same feel, where conversation and meal are both as important as the other. I also looked around at women I admired who were self-producing. I’m an old school TV broadcasting chef, and I’ve made tens of shows so I know how it’s meant to work, so I just put my money where my mouth was and it’s paid o .
Q What’s di erent about this series? What sets it apart from the other music and food shows we see online and on socials?
A To start with, we shoot it with three cinematic cameras, which is really something. The shows are beautiful. It’s feelgood, cosy television. It’s made so the viewer is pretty much sat at the table. Most music and food shows are grime or rap or pop music, but this is about independent artists and guitar music. It’s a bit more grown up, nostalgic and really delicious.
Q Define Messy Lunch. What does the name of the show mean?
A It goes without saying that to begin with it means a long boozy lunch, which is at the core of the idea, but we know that these days nothing is linear and everything comes with individual nuance. Many people that we interview are sober, others are screaming with rage at the political systems that are falling down all over the world, others look inwards at what it’s like
to be human and to exist in all of this… and some simply just look at it as the merging of chaos in a room full of big personalities. Every episode takes on its own personality.
Q The conversations feel very open and honest — how do you create that sense of intimacy with your guests?
A We sit down for lunch for a few hours with no phones and it really means that we have everyone’s full attention. There is alcohol thrown in for some and that also helps. I’m lucky that I know most of Series 1’s talent, even if by one rule of separation, and I am a genuine fan of everyone’s music, so I try to disarm them with kindness. My co-host Leonie is one of music and food’s bestknown interviewers so she’s great at getting me back on track if I go on a curveball.
Q Are there any topics you’ve covered so far that have surprised you? What’s been the most eye-opening?
A Rat Scabies and Paul Gray from the
Damned were both outrageous. Their stories were the things that rock and roll dreams are made of. Paul opens the show with a story of sharing smoked salmon sandwiches with David Bowie and continues with some fun times in Los Angeles with Courtney Love and Lemmy. Graham Coxon from Blur talks about being o ered bear in Russia and Jason from Sleaford Mods opens up about his bustups with Idles frontman Joe Talbot and Fat White Family. It’s fall-o -your chair funny in bits, and gob-smackingly shocking in others.
Q How does the show reflect what the London restaurant scene is like at the moment?
A I wanted to show that restaurants, while struggling with the cost of everything, are still thriving and the London food scene is really one to showcase as a brilliant and buzzy place. We look at a combination of new openings like Town and Island, Michelin-starred places like Legado and cultural hotspots like Acme Fire Cult, Plaza Khao Gaeng and real hidden gems like Ottos.
Q What are the best ingredients for a great guest?
A Great anecdotes about touring and other famous rockstars, and an actual love of food and restaurants.
Q Who would be your dream guest(s) on the show?
IT’S NOSTALGIC and really delicious
I have a list: Tim Armstrong from Rancid, Axl Rose and Slash from Guns n Roses, The B-52s, Devo and Sisters of Mercy are all on it....
Q You've also recently started back at Mare Street Market. What can we expect on the menu?
A I’m so proud of the menu we’ve made. The all-in Kiev with crispy fried egg, chicken jus, anchovies, Kyiv butter and capers is outrageous, the steak tartare with beef dripping rosti and the hot chocolate cookie dough are all winners.
Q What else are you manifesting this year? Any other things that you want to tick o your list?
A I just got proposed to by my boyfriend of four years, Matt Turner of the punk band Luxury Apartments, so after the biggest comeback in my professional career, I’ve managed to sustain the most pure and beautiful relationship of my life. I couldn’t want for anything else. I’m in the best place I’ve ever been!
Messy Lunch is out on YouTube alongside an accompanying podcast available on Spotify and other streaming platforms
– 5pm
A future-ready education
9am, Wednesday 29 April 2026
Infant and Junior School Open Morning
9am, Saturday 27 June 2026
Whole School Open Morning
VILLAGE
people
Absolutely’s guide to shopping, eating and drinking in Marylebone
So there’s tourist London, and then there’s London London. At least, that’s mostly the way – but some rare places are equally appealing to both camps. Marylebone is possibly the best example of somewhere that is both a real place, a village where locals shop, eat and drink – and an attractive destination for visitors. It’s all down to an auspicious mix of attractive Georgian and Victorian architecture, a central location and a carefully curated selection of shops and businesses that serve both residents and visitors. Here’s Absolutely’s pick of the best spots around Marylebone.
STAY
Visitors from further afield (or, like us, Londoners on a precious child-free excursion) should stay at The Marylebone Hotel for its handy location and luxurious facilities. Don’t miss the top floor Terrace Suites with their rooftop lounge areas, complete with retractable roof, electric fire, huge TV and comfortable sofas. Plus there’s an impossibly comfortable bed, a wellstocked minibar and a bathroom of dreams. doylecollection.com
EAT
We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to food. Our favourites include Lina Stores, for its fabulous corner site, stylish brasserie look and traditional Soho Italian legacy (expect excellent pasta, Italian ingredients and a busy vibe) as well as the iconic Fischers with its mitteleuropa glamour – this is a classic grand Viennese cafe that serves everything from sausages and herrings to schnitzel and dumplings via borscht, tafelspitz and venison goulasch. Delamina’s eastern Mediterranean dishes feature delicious ingredients like tahini, rose harissa, pomegranate and sumac; the charred cauliflower is a highlight, along with an unforgettable beef shawarma and
an insanely good halva parfait for pudding. And back at the hotel, the breakfast bu et at 108 Brasserie is too good to miss. delaminakitchen.co.uk linastores.co.uk
fischers.co.uk
DRINK
Come to the Cavendish for the cocktails – then bring your dog for the Dog Menu. Yes, this long-standing independent pub The Cavendish with its cosy interior o ers specially made dog’s dinners and will even cater to specific canine dietaries. However, we stuck with the tasty and potent pomegranate and cardamom margaritas, expertly mixed. If it’s too early
108 BRASSERIE, THE MARYLEBONE HOTEL
for cocktails there’s always Ottolenghi, whose excellent spin on the matcha latte involves a rose petal tahini shot – and don’t miss the impressive cakes and pastries on display in the window. 35newcavendish.com ottolenghi.com
SHOP
Where to begin? Marylebone Village’s shops have been carefully selected to create a balance of useful things mixed with beautiful and luxury items, all with a focus on craftsmanship and independent spirit. Don’t expect any big chains, but do expect everything from stylish stationery to creative footwear via ribbons, French fashion and decorative accessories. Walking down Marylebone Lane from Wigmore Street, one of the first shops we encounter is OPioneers, where floral Liberty prints are made into whimsical, vintage-inspired dresses and blouses. Think smocking, ru es and embroidered collars, all with a strong focus on detail and romance. We love the Liberty print knickers, and there’s a collection of hand-knitted cardigans and tanks too. Next door is Tracey Neuls, whose handcrafted conceptual footwear has a cult following – her shoes dangle from the ceiling and range from practical leather lace-ups with reflectors for cyclists to two-tone mules and colourful platforms.
Nearby is Mud Australia, with its collection of colourful and minimalist porcelain pieces that look impossibly delicate but are in fact hugely durable, ovenproof and dishwasher safe. Made in Sydney from Limoges porcelain, these plates, bowls and dishes come in beautiful bright colours with an intriguing glaze and texture, and the Marylebone shop displays them on stylish Vitsoe shelving (the classic design store is also here).
Opposite is VV Rouleaux, founded in 1990 to supply London with all the ribbons, decorative trimmings, feathers, motifs and hats that anyone could ever need. Looking for a fabric flower to embellish a hat? This is the place. A fringed border for some upholstery? Also here. They o er a bespoke millinery service too, alongside all the haberdashery you could imagine. On Marylebone High Street, fashion shops include Agnes B, the iconic French brand that opened in Paris in the 1970s and continues to stock its bestselling piece, the snap cardigan, in a variety of colours and cuts. Wyse London is a small brand that’s become hugely popular in the past few years for its chic, wearable pieces that come in small quantities and capture precisely what the Marylebone woman wants to wear.
Marylebone’s Daunt Books is the chain’s original store, opened in 1990 primarily as a travel bookstore on the site of the UK’s oldest purpose-built bookshop. Its long
galleries and skylight make it one of the most beautiful shops in London – and it’s a great place to browse. For treats, Rococo Chocolates combines creative flavour combinations with beautiful illustrated packaging, while award-winning La Fromagerie is heaven for cheese lovers. traceyneuls.com / agnesb. com / opioneers.com / vvrouleaux.com / wyselondon.com / mudaustralia.com / rococochocolates.com lafromagerie.co.uk
RELAX
After all that shopping, relaxation is in order. Newcomer Rebase Recovery is one of London’s hottest sauna destinations –book a private session for two and alternate between plunge pools ranging from very cold to very very cold and an infra-red sauna. There’s also an oxygen chamber and a cryotherapy chamber for longevity and wellbeing. Also nearby is Margaret Dabbs, the original foot specialist where you can restore your feet with a medical pedicure, or simply treat yourself to a manicure. marylebonevillage.com
REBASE RECOVERY
WYSE LONDON
LINA STORES
The annual Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize exhibition at the Photographers' Gallery gathers four sharply di erent practices under one roof – but it’s Weronika Gęsicka’s section that most directly addresses the anxious ambient hum of our moment: the sense that images, information and authority are slipping out of sync.
Gęsicka is shortlisted for Encyclopaedia, a publication released by Blow Up Press with Jednostka Gallery in late 2024. The premise is deceptively simple and wickedly contemporary: she “humorously reimagines fake encyclopaedia entries,” using manipulated stock photography and AI-generated imagery to visualise things that sound plausible enough to be true, until you look properly.
The comedy lands first. Her pictures often borrow the high-key polish and behavioural sti ness of commercial imagery: families posed in cheerfully generic kitchens; outdoor scenes that feel
lifA look at Weronika Gęsicka’s striking work at the Deutsche Börse Prize Exhibition
pre-sanitised for brochures; faces that deliver a reassuring approximation of “relatable.” Then something in the frame starts to misbehave. A body part doesn’t quite sit right; an animal—or an object, or a shadow—reads as slightly wrong; the world develops a hairline crack. What Gęsicka is good at, and increasingly fearless about, is letting that crack widen just enough for you to fall through.
In the Gallery context of clean walls, museum lighting and the quiet confidence of works “on display”, that slippage becomes the point. Encyclopaedias are meant to be stabilisers: a promise that knowledge can be organised, verified, and retrieved on demand. Gęsicka flips that promise. In a culture saturated with screenshots, generative images and frictionless sharing, her work asks what happens when an error appears in a source we’ve been trained to trust—and how quickly that error can become the new baseline.
Importantly, her method doesn’t position AI as a villain in a simple morality play. Instead, it’s treated as a continuation— an acceleration—of older photographic
instabilities. Long before “deepfakes” became a headline, photography was already a medium built on selective framing, contextual laundering, and the persuasive power of surfaces. Gęsicka’s contribution is to make that history feel visceral again: not as theory, but as the weird sensation of your eyes trying to reconcile a picture’s slick authority with its quietly impossible content.
That tension is consistent with her wider practice. The Gallery notes that she works with archival materials, including images found online, stock libraries and press photography—sources whose “everydayness” is precisely what makes
Clockwise from top le :
1: Weronika Gęsicka, Soyombo Revival Society, From the series ‘Encyclopaedia’, 2023-2025, Courtesy of the artist and Jednostka Gallery
2: Weronika Gęsicka, Argusto Emfazie, From the series ‘Encyclopaedia’, 2023-2025, Courtesy of the artist and Jednostka Gallery
3: Weronika Gęsicka, Stone Louse, From the series ‘Encyclopaedia’, 2023-2025, Courtesy of the artist and Jednostka Gallery
4: Weronika Gęsicka, Lipid therapy, From the series ‘Encyclopaedia’, 2023-2025, Courtesy of the artist and Jednostka Gallery
"When an in a source we’ve been TRAINED to trust.”
them potent. In her earlier series Traces, for instance, she trawled online image databases for mid-century photographs that perform an “American way of life” rich in cliché, then altered them until the dream curdled into something closer to a warning. If Traces was about the afterlife of the archive and how easily nostalgia can be weaponised, Encyclopaedia is about the afterlife of the reference: how authority migrates from institutions into feeds, captions, and confident-looking images. What’s striking, too, is the work’s tone. Gęsicka’s humour isn’t a garnish; it’s a delivery system. Laughter lowers your guard, and then you realise you’re laughing inside a situation you don’t fully understand. That combination of pleasure and uncertainty mirrors the mechanics of misinformation itself: the quick emotional hit, the smooth coherence, the delayed fact-check (if it arrives at all). Her pictures don’t tell you what to think; they stage the conditions under which thinking gets outsourced. In the broader Deutsche Börse exhibition, this feels like an argument for photography’s relevance rather than its decline. Now in its 30th year, the Prize was founded to identify work that has made a significant contribution to photography in Europe over the previous 12 months. Gęsicka’s contribution is to insist that “photography” is not only a craft or a technology, but a social agreement: one that can be rewritten, exploited, or repaired. And in 2026, that might be the most urgent subject of all.
Exhibition continues until 7 June; tpg.org.uk
From top:
1: Weronika Gęsicka, Crested basketfish, From the series ‘Encyclopaedia’, 2023-2025, Courtesy of the artist and Jednostka Gallery
2: Weronika Gęsicka, Baldock Beer Disaster, From the series ‘Encyclopaedia’, 2023-2025, Courtesy of the artist and Jednostka Gallery
V&A East opens with an exhibition dedicated to Black British music
AFRICAN RHYTHM RHYTHM
RHYTHM
For more than a century, sounds rooted in African musical practices have travelled, adapted and reshaped British cultural life, leaving a lasting imprint on British identity. The Music Is Black: A British Story, a major exhibition at the V&A East Museum, traces that story across 125 years. Moving through histories of colonialism, transatlantic enslavement, migration and experimentation, it follows the emergence of a distinctly Black British musical culture and the ways it has influenced audiences at home and across the world.
Structured as a four-part journey, the exhibition blends sound, film and large-scale installations with more than 200 objects spanning from the early 20th century to the present. These range from instruments and recording technologies to clothing, photography, handwritten notes and artworks. Many items come from the V&A’s own holdings, while more than 60 pieces have been newly acquired for the collection. Together they map the evolution of genres born or reshaped in Britain: lovers rock, Brit funk, 2 Tone, jungle, drum and bass, trip hop, UK garage, grime and others that continue to ripple through contemporary music. Some of the most immediate connections come through personal objects that reveal how artists first encountered music. A small, wellused guitar once belonging to Joan Armatrading is displayed as the instrument that sparked her early fascination with songwriting. Nearby is the jacket worn by rapper and actor Nolay during filming for Top Boy, linking television, fashion and the realities of London life that inform much of her work. Visitors can also see clothing worn by Seal for the release of his 1991 debut album, a moment that introduced one of Britain’s most recognisable voices to an international audience.
Outfits trace the style of performers such as Janet Kay and Pauline Black
Photography plays an equally important role in documenting the culture surrounding the music. Among the new acquisitions are vivid images taken by Eddie Otchere of drum and bass pioneers Kemistry and Storm, capturing the atmosphere of a scene that redefined club culture in the 1990s. These images sit alongside objects tied to the producers, DJs and MCs who shaped Britain’s underground networks. Items linked to DJ Target and the influential Lord of the Micsclashes — created by Jammer with Chad “Ratty” Stennett — illustrate how grassroots platforms helped propel grime into public view and altered the paths of many emerging artists.
The exhibition also reveals the unlikely tools that sometimes sit at the beginning of musical careers. On display for the first time is the Super Nintendo console and copy of Mario Paint used by Jme during his teenage years. Long before founding the grime collective and record label Boy Better Know with his brother Skepta, Jme used the game’s simple sequencing tools to experiment with rhythm and melody. The console, modest though it appears,
marks a starting point for a movement that would go on to reshape British rap and influence artists worldwide.
Fashion threads through the exhibition as another language through which music culture is expressed. A dramatic gold gown worn by Dame Shirley Bassey when she performed “Goldfinger” at the 2013 Academy Awards commemorates 50 years of the James Bond film franchise and highlights the enduring stage presence of one of Britain’s most celebrated vocalists.
Nearby stands an ensemble designed by Comme des Garçons worn by rapper Little Simz for a 2023 issue of Dazed, signalling the dialogue between contemporary musicians and high fashion. The show also includes a striking green suit and spiked headpiece worn by Skin, frontwoman of Skunk Anansie and the first Black woman
to headline Glastonbury Festival in 1997. Other outfits trace the style of performers such as Carroll Thompson, Janet Kay, Pauline Black, Sade and Morcheeba’s Skye Edwards, each representing a di erent strand of Britain’s musical landscape.
Beyond stagewear and club culture, the exhibition reaches further back to uncover lesser-known histories. Musical batons belonging to composer Samuel ColeridgeTaylor o er a glimpse into the early 20th century, when he was commissioned to compose music for the first Pan-African Conference in London in 1900. ColeridgeTaylor’s work connected classical traditions with wider discussions of identity and diaspora long before many later genres emerged. A piano once played by Winifred Atwell is also on view, recalling the moment she became the first Black artist to top the
Just 40 minutes from London on the Chiltern Railways line, Amersham feels a world away from the city. Discover the characterful Old Town with its historic coaching inns, independent boutiques, cosy cafés and excellent restaurants, all set within the rolling beauty of the Chiltern Hills.
Recently named Best Town in the UK 2025, Amersham is the perfect destination for a relaxed lunch, a countryside walk or an unhurried day exploring somewhere special.
CLOSER THAN YOU THINK, AND READY TO WELCOME YOU.
Black British artists continue to shape global sounds
UK Singles Chart in 1954. The exhibition places these figures alongside American performers such as Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Big Mama Thornton, whose recordings and performances helped shape the sound and spirit of later British musicians.
Visual art adds another layer to the narrative. Works by artists including Dame Sonia Boyce, Olayinka Burney-Nicol, Sokari Douglas Camp, Denzil Forrester, Fowokan George Kelly, Tam Joseph, Vicky Lindo, Bill Brookes and Zak Ové appear throughout the galleries, reflecting on music’s connections to politics, identity and everyday life. Two new commissions — by Sir Frank Bowling and LR Vandy — have been created specifically for the exhibition, o ering contemporary responses to the histories it explores.
Curator Jacqueline Springer describes music as a force that both reflects and shapes emotion. It can comfort, provoke, entertain or call memories into focus, she notes, and it also provides insight into the social and political circumstances from which it emerges. By bringing together objects, recordings and artworks, the exhibition aims to
show how di erent communities have responded to changing conditions through music, creating forms that carry both personal and collective histories.
The four acts of the exhibition follow that evolution across time. The opening section, “Origins of Music,” traces African musical foundations and the ways rhythms and traditions travelled through the era of enslavement, later influencing genres that would take root in Britain. The second act, “ ‘Great’ Britain: 1900–1969,” explores the growth of modern Britain during periods of war, migration and technological change, showing how Black musicians and audiences shaped the country’s cultural life. The third act focuses on the emergence of Black British genres themselves, from lovers rock and Brit funk to grime and garage.
The final section looks at the present and future, where Black British artists continue to shape global sounds across pop, gospel, jazz, afrobeats, drill and dubstep.
The exhibition is also the starting point for a broader programme of events. BBC Music has partnered with the museum to provide archival material and produce a season of broadcasts inspired by the
themes of the show. In summer 2026, the surrounding area of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will host The Music Is Black Festival, organised in collaboration with cultural institutions including Sadler’s Wells East, UAL’s London College of Fashion and UCL East. Performances, discussions and installations will extend the exhibition’s themes beyond the museum walls.
For Gus Casely-Hayford, director of V&A East, the project reflects the museum’s ambition to become a centre for collaboration and creative exchange. Opening with a story rooted in east London — an area that has produced many influential musical scenes — signals the institution’s commitment to recognising the artists and communities who shaped those sounds. As visitors move through the exhibition, the story that emerges is not simply about genres or famous performers. It is about how generations of musicians transformed inherited traditions into new forms of expression, leaving a soundtrack that continues to shape Britain’s cultural life.
The Music is Black: A British Story opens at V&A East Museum on18 April 2026, on East Bank in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
The race departs from Blackheath and Greenwich, but the first great spectator moment arrives at the Cutty Sark. Runners are still fresh here, and supporters are energetic — it's all fizzing optimism before the hard miles kick in. The historic clipper ship makes for a spectacular backdrop, and the noise bounces o the surrounding streets beautifully. Arrive early, though. Crowds at Greenwich town centre and Cutty Sark can be several deep on the barriers so securing your patch by 8.30am is strongly advised.
Tower Bridge — Mile 13
If you only go to one place, make it here. Tower Bridge sits at the halfway point of the course, and the spectacle of thousands of runners crossing one of London's most iconic structures is genuinely breathtaking. Emotions run high — runners are approaching halfway, the crowd is enormous, and the roar
RUN
WILD
The
London Marathon is back – here are some of
is the kind that gives you goosebumps even if you know nobody in the race.
The Isle of Dogs & Canary Wharf — Miles 18–21
Miles 14 to 21, east of Limehouse and around Canary Wharf, tend to have fewer crowds than the headline spots. This is where the race gets real. Legs are heavy, the finish feels both close and impossibly far, and a genuine cheer from a genuine human can make all the di erence. Mudchute and Crossharbour on the Isle of Dogs are quieter areas where the runners really need the support — your voice carries weight here.
Miles 34-24: the river
Perfectly positioned between miles 23 & 24 of the iconic London Marathon, The Westin London City is celebrating the spirit of movement, community and inclusivity with the launch of a brandnew accessible RunWESTIN route, just in time for marathon season.
the best spots for spectators
Located on the banks of the Thames and spanning Upper Thames Street, the contemporary riverside hotel boasts striking floor-to-ceiling glass windows, o ering guests and visitors front-row views of one of the most emotionally charged stretches of the race, making it an exceptional base not only for runners, but also for friends, families and cheer squads eager to soak up the electric marathon-day atmosphere.
The Embankment & The Mall — Miles 24–26.2
This is where it all comes home. The route stays close to the Thames all the way down to Westminster Bridge, turning onto Great George Street, continuing onto Birdcage Walk, and sweeping round in front of Buckingham Palace for the finish on The Mall.The atmosphere here is something close to delirium — runners digging into reserves they didn't know they had, supporters screaming themselves hoarse.
before? Bruisyard can arrange it all.
EVENTS THAT MAKE AN IMPRESSION
The big day
Planning a wedding
or event? Here's why Bruisyard Country Estate is the perfect venue
Standing majestically in gently rolling Su olk countryside, is Bruisyard Country Estate. It’s 700 acres of ancient woodland, patchwork fields, sparkling lakes and well-kept grounds, with a classic English stately home and medieval barn at its heart.
Staying at Bruisyard is an unforgettable experience. There is accommodation onsite for up to 30 people, in the newly renovated Byre and Bruisyard Hall itself, and each room is unique and full of character. More is available locally so everyone attending your event can stay nearby.
YOUR WEDDING, THE WAY
YOU DREAMED IT
Bruisyard Country Estate is an incredibly popular place for a threeday wedding, and it’s easy to see why. The spacious barn can hold up to 140 people, while the Hall is the choice for a more intimate ceremony, allowing you to have 30 loved ones present.
Bruisyard is somewhere you can create your perfect wedding. The size and space gives you ultimate flexibility to bring your vision to life - and the expert wedding planning team will support you every step of the way. Want a formal sit-down wedding breakfast, then exotic street food outdoors as dusk falls and the dancing begins? Perhaps a pamper session for you and your bridesmaids the evening
But Bruisyard is not just about weddings. The Su olk venue is a popular destination for businesses looking for something more inspiring than the standard identikit city conference suite. Because there are so many di erent spaces to use on the estate, and the flexibility to set them up how you want, it really is a blank slate to create your event on.
Spending a few days at Bruisyard will bring your team together in a way that’s meaningful and memorable. With inspiring spaces and peaceful surroundings, it’s somewhere that lets you regain focus and creativity, away from the distractions of a busy workplace. The Bruisyard team works with you to provide all you need, while being unobtrusive the whole time.
And when the work is done for the day, you have the whole estate to yourselves to enjoy some downtime, whether that’s relaxing together with a film after hours in the entertainment room, taking a run through the woods or simply enjoying good food together, prepared by the expert onsite chefs.
It’s not just away days though. Team building, conferences, product launches … if you need somewhere special to do it, Bruisyard is the place.
LOCATION
It’s easy to exchange the urban hustle of London for the relaxing surroundings of Bruisyard Country Estate. You’ll find it just a short drive along the A12, or five minutes from the nearest station.
PLAY POWER
Jonathan Lynn on Yes Minister and its longawaited final chapter at Richmond Theatre
In 1976, 50 years ago, Antony Jay suggested that we write a comedy series about the Civil Service. A tall thin man with wispy grey hair, he had been Head of the BBC department that made That Was The Week That Was and created the format for The Frost Report. We buried ourselves in research, deciding that our comedy would work best if it revealed how our government really worked in practice – not least because we discovered the truth was more absurd than anything we might have invented.
Wondering how to fit this huge subject into a sit-com, I saw that a government department could be represented by just three characters: the Minister, the Permanent Secretary and – caught in between them – the Minister’s Private Secretary who owes absolute discretion and loyalty to both, the servant of two masters. The other comedy model was clearly the battle between Jim and Sir Humphrey, the master who is less able than the servant, like Jeeves and Bertie Wooster.
People assumed the series was about the Thatcher government because it was first broadcast in 1980, the year she came to power, but our two principal sources were from the Labour Party, the government when we wrote the first series - Bernard
Donoughue and Marcia Williams had lots of ideas mostly based on true events and introduced us to potential sources who were strangely willing to talk to us once they knew that we would never reveal their names. Bernard and Marcia later outed themselves when the show was successful, as did Michael Heseltine. He proved on one occasion to be a particularly agreeable lunchtime companion. On the second bottle
of fine claret, he remarked that it was a certainty that the government would be re-elected; he took out his wallet, tapped it and said, “Voters only care what’s in this.”
Presumably he meant their wallets, not his. In general, we found that the higher politicians had risen, the more indiscreet they became: a bottle or two of good claret with lunch and they would tell you anything.
We wrote a pitch and sent it to John Howard Davies, Head of Comedy at BBCTV. He commissioned a pilot script for BBC 2 for £1200, six hundred quid each. We decided to call the pilot Open Government because almost everyone including Jim was talking about transparency. Sir Humphrey wasn’t, and explained, “You can be open, or you can have government”.
The BBC, always worried about the Licence Fee, refused to broadcast our pilot until after the forthcoming election in case they were accused of bias. We were surprised that a comedy series could be thought to have any influence over anybody, and even more surprised when it rapidly became an influential success. We read that the business of the nation came to a standstill while MPs crowded into the many bars at the House of Commons to watch it. Of course, there could be no other possible reason for finding so many of them within close reach of alcohol.
Yes Minister became known as Mrs Thatcher’s favourite TV show, which worried me because we had been carefully neutral about party politics. But, from every party, one politician after another queued up to praise us. We had unintentionally given them an alibi: the public understood for the first time that if the government didn’t keep its promises, it might be because they were obstructed by their o cials.
From the BAFTA Award-winning cocreator ofYes, MinisterandYes, Prime Minister,Jonathan Lynn, comes the longawaited final chapter of British political satire.
I’m Sorry, Prime Minister plays at Richmond Theatre from 26 to 30 May. Book your tickets at atgtickets.com/Richmond
BATTERSEA
LIVING
The HiLight unveils immersive showhomes by US design firm House of Honey
Ghelamco are proud to introduce one of London’s most immersive showhome launches o ering an experience that feels more dynamic, more cinematic, more emotional and far more memorable than the usual ‘perfectly staged’ formula. Set on the 15th floor of The HiLightthe landmark riverside wellbeing-infused development transforming the former Price’s Candle Factory in Battersea - the two residences move far beyond traditional staged interiors. Instead, they unfold as immersive ‘living galleries’, layered with storytelling, sensuality and subtle provocation.
Renowned for its cinematic, story-telling interiors, House of Honey have designed show homes that feel emotionally resonant and deeply rooted in female empowerment. Delivered in close collaboration with MarieJulie Gheysens, Managing Director UK at Ghelamco, the mixed-use development has been realised by an all-female-led team spanning creative direction, artisanship, interior design and build.
The result are two distinct yet complementary spaces - The Evelyn and The Ethel - each inspired by extraordinary women connected to Battersea’s cultural legacy.
The Evelyn, a one-bedroom apartment themed ‘A Space for Fantasy’, draws on the glamour and defiance of cabaret singer
and BBC trailblazer Evelyn Dove. Ombré walls dissolve into a golden haze, sculptural lighting casts theatrical shadows and layered textures create a space that feels both polished and playfully rebellious.
In contrast, The Ethel - a two-bedroom residence inspired by writer and activist Ethel Mannin - o ers a darker, more contemplative atmosphere. Themed ‘A Space for Invention’, it combines tonal palettes, dramatic lighting and sculptural forms to create a setting that encourages reflection, creativity and quiet focus.
Collaboration sits at the heart of the project, bringing together female makers from across the UK, Europe and the US, including Elitis, Nilufar, Pinch and Cox London. The studio also debuts its Morris Sofa, Wanderlust Edition, created in collaboration with Lulu la Fortune and artist Megan Jorgensen. Other striking works by Lucie Sotty, Purdey Fitzherbert, Alexa Harris and Lara Julian punctuate the interiors. As an added touch, the narrative begins before the apartment doors even open.
A hand-painted corridor mural by artist Maria Cristina lines the approach, depicting portraits and vignettes of Battersea’s most remarkable women alongside local landmarks. At each doorway, hand-scripted text introduces the imagined occupant within.
Beyond the interiors, The HiLight will also deliver one of London’s most comprehensive private rooftop wellness sanctuaries designed to support both performance and recovery. Other on-site amenities include a cinema room and stateof-the-art gym.
Prices start from £575,000. For further information, visit thehilight.co.uk.
FOOD & DRINK
The Chef's Table, Actually
PANTA REI
The chef's table has always been the most coveted seat in the room. At Panta Rei on Fulham Road, it's the only seat. One sitting per service, Lorenzo Salami always present and cooking, every course watched taking shape before it reaches you. Ten courses. A menu reimagined completely each month. The most intimate fine dining experience in West London. Select Fridays to Sundays. Dinner £189; lunch £89. www.pantarei.uk
WHAT TO DRINK GRAPE news
Wine recommendations for the month
By THE WINE SOCIETY
The Society's Pinot Grigio 2025
TASTING
NOTES
London’s food news and most exciting openings this month
By PENDLE HARTE
£9.50
This elegant Italian pinot grigio from, made exclusively for The Wine Society, really hits the spot. With lemon and ripe conference pear on the nose, this is refreshing and bright with a crisp, slightly salty finish.
Muac! Terra de Falanis Mallorca 2022
£13.95
From the south-eastern part of Mallorca, it’s a blend of indigenous varieties lead by the islands signature grape callet with mantonegreo-fogoneu and a touch of cabernet sauvignon for structure. The wine has lovely graphite perfume with juicy blue and black fruit, a touch of bay leaf and round talcy tannins.
Prosecco Brut I Duecento
£9.75
Prosecco is a fantastic choice when looking for a crisp, apple- and pear-scented, delicate fizz. Made for us by the expert team at Araldica, this is fresh and gentle with elderflower notes on the finish.
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
Grand dining
SIMPSON'S IN THE STRAND
The iconic Simpson's in the Strand has reopened, reimagined by Jeremy King, who has brought the building back to life as four distinct spaces, each with its own character. Founded in 1828, Simpsons is a London institution and historic grandeur meets contemporary flair in its new incarnation, which features two restaurants, two bars and a spacious events space.
simpsonsinthestrand.co.uk
Let it roll
TEMAKI
Just opened on Mayfair’s Maddox Street, is Temaki, led by A.M. Dupee, who created the cult handroll bar that was originally in Brixton. Inspired by California’s handroll bars, Temaki returns in a new and bigger home, bringing elevated classic Japanese dishes blended with a relaxed Californian approach. temaki.co.uk
Wine and dine
SOVA
Opening this month is Sova, a new wine and vinyl bar specialising in wines from Eastern and Central Europe. This intimate Notting Hill space will focus on low-intervention and skin-contact wines produced in countries including Georgia, Armenia and Ukraine, alongside a menu of Slavic-inspired sharing plates and guest DJs. sova.london
TREAT
YOURSELF
TAKE THREE
Indulge in these delicious desserts
Our favourite Easter bakes
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Made from heritage grains and bejewelled with candied peel, cranberries and sultanas, Gail’s Hot Cross Buns are spiced with cinnamon, mixed spice and grains of paradise. Yum. gails.com
BUTTER HEAVEN
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Australian cult brand Wood Fired Co ee has launched in the UK with its rare approach to roasting: every batch is slow-roasted over real wood fire fuelled by sustainably sourced hardwoods. The result is a sweet, flame-kissed flavour.
woodfiredco ee.co.uk
Birley Bakery's Raspberry Tarte Tropezien is a delicious briochesoaked with orange blossom, filled with crème madame, raspberry sauce and fresh raspberries, topped with pearl sugar. birleybakery.com
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Sublime chocolate sponge is layered with sweet salted caramel and chocolate fudge buttercream, then finished with caramel fudge pieces and chocolate chips for Cutter and Squidge's decadent Easter cake. cutterandsquidge.com
Foli is a new condiment brand bringing ethically sourced, high-polyphenol olive oil and refined European dressings to the table. The Essentials set includes olive oil from Cordoba, a classic French dressing and mature balsamic from Modena.
foliclub.com
WOOD FIRED COFFEE
FOLI
CAKE OFF
“The ethos of Paladar is to showcase the best of Latin America”
FLATIN LOVE
Elevated and refined South American cuisine at Paladar
or those that haven’t been to Elephant & Castle recently, major changes are underway. Gone is the old shopping centre and the grungy underpasses – now replaced with a delightful park and a gleaming new “town centre” with hi-rise buildings sprouting from behind hoardings. It was a surprise. Paladar sits in a Grade II listed Georgian building at historic St George’s Circus. The main dining room is a warm and friendly space with a sleek long bar top – and the walls are decorated with changing art exhibitions by Latin American artists. The friendly sta immediately made us feel very welcome, but I was in for another surprise: their conservatory garden. This hidden gem is set down a few steps behind the restaurant. Hanging baskets, trailing plants, a giant Alocasia and little stu ed birds immediately give the feeling that you have arrived in another world.
Once seated in the courtyard garden we started with a couple of very well executed cocktails from their signature range – the Pisquini (made with Peruvian Pisco) and a Commandante (a rum Old Fashioned). These arrived with a shot glass of green tomato and jalapeño ‘gazpacho’ to whet the appetite – a nice touch. The menu is inventive and unexpected; this is elevated and refined Latino cuisine. Chef Jose Rubio Guevara is Colombian at heart, but was brought up and trained in New York, Miami and most recently, London. The menu is also 100% naturally gluten-free, based on corn, tapioca and rice. Their rather cool tablets showing little videos of the dishes were very helpful in giving us a visual idea of the dishes. We started with their signature Plantain crisps with a super-smooth guacamole taquero with a subtle lime-kick, followed by some absolutely delish tuna tostadas and tapioca cheese croquettes, which came with a surprising guava and balsamic reduction. The dishes are designed to be
shared and we moved on to the larger dishes, enjoying the Uruguayan chargrilled rumpsteak with chimichurri and the Cochinita Pibil. We washed all this down with an interesting light Criolla red wine from Argentina, served lightly chilled. We hardly had room for dessert, but our waiter insisted that we try their signature purple corn Churros. Again, he was not wrong – they came with unbelievable chocolate/ chilli and co ee dulce de leche dips. The ethos of Paladar is to “showcase the best of Latin America” – and this is reflected in all aspects of the restaurant: from the ingredients and flavours of the food, the exclusively Latin American wine and spirits lists, the music, the art and the warm hospitality.
PALADAR
4-5 London Road, SE1 6JZ paladarlondon.com
EASY peasy
Japaneasy recipes by Tim Anderson
Simple-SpicySticky Teriyaki Chicken
Serves 3-4
I tried to make a dish called ‘chicken in waffles’. Yes, its dumb, but I have my reasons. The idea came from an old episode of Treme, where the chef character Janette develops a chicken and rice flour waffle dish. I could never quite imagine how it would have tasted, but regardless, the idea stuck with me – I loved the idea of rice cooked in a waffle iron. So many crispy bits! So I cooked some spicy teriyaki chicken and sandwiched it between two layers of steamed rice in a waffle iron. The result was actually kind of too crispy, like eating a big, hard rice cracker. It was also a pain in the ass to get the rice out of the waffle iron. But luckily, it wasn’t a total waste of time, because the chicken I made to put in the waffles was delicious – so here it is, minus the waffles.
This is why we test recipes, folks!
INGREDIENTS
• 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) chicken thigh fillets
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated about 1 cm (½ in) chunk of fresh root ginger, finely grated (no need to peel)
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup, mirin or honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• ½–1 teaspoon shichimi (depending on how spicy you like it), plus more to garnish
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil sesame seeds, to garnish
METHOD
Combine everything, except the sesame seeds, in a non-stick frying pan. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed and the chicken is well coated. Set over a medium-low heat with a lid on the pan and cook for 10 minutes, then turn the chicken over and cook for another 10 minutes, turning the chicken through the sauce a few times as it cooks. If there is any liquid left in the pan, turn the heat up and cook until nothing but a sticky glaze remains, turning the chicken frequently. If you are so bold, you can let the chicken blacken a bit. The main thing is that it should be sticky, not saucy. When the glaze is completely reduced, remove from the heat, slice and serve with rice or noodles and steamed greens.
Tofu Miso Katsu
Serves 2
Miso katsu is a speciality of Nagoya, home to the famous Hatchō miso that features in the dish’s sauce. It is exactly what you might guess it is from the name: tonkatsu, smothered in a sauce of dark red miso, dashi and other seasonings. It’s excellent with pork, of course, but it works with basically any protein, and it is a nice match for the mellow beany flavour of tofu.
INGREDIENTS
• 4 tablespoons very dark red miso, such as Hatchō or brown rice miso
• 4 tablespoons sake
• 4 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 2 tablespoons water
• ¼ teaspoon dashi powder
• ½ teaspoon grated fresh root ginger (optional)
• a dash of Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1 block (300–400 g/10½–14 oz) medium or firm (cotton) tofu (smoked tofu is also tasty), patted dry
• salt, pepper and MSG, to taste
• 50 g (1¾ oz/scant ½ cup) plain (allpurpose) flour
• 100 ml (3½ fl oz/scant ½ cup) water
• about 100 g (3½ oz/1¾ cups) panko
• vegetable oil, for frying
• sesame seeds, to garnish
METHOD
1 Combine the miso, sake, honey or maple syrup, mirin, water, dashi powder, ginger and Worcestershire sauce (if using) in a saucepan and whisk well, until no lumps of miso remain. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes to cook o the alcohol from the sake.
2 Don’t let the sauce reduce. Remove from the heat and leave to cool.
3 Cut the tofu in half to form two rectangular ‘cutlets’, and season each one with a pinch of salt, pepper and MSG. Whisk together the flour and water to make a batter, then dip each tofu katsu into it, then dredge in the panko to coat.
4 Pour enough oil into a frying pan to come up to a depth of about 5 mm (¼ in), then set over a high heat. When the oil is shimmering and feels hot when you hold your hand above its surface, lower in the tofu katsu and fry for about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp all over. Drain on paper towels, then slice and serve with the miso sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds and enjoy with rice and vegetables.
Vegan MatchaMiso Double Cheesecake
Serves 8
This vegan dessert is roughly inspired by the famous ‘double fromage’ cheesecake from Hokkaido’s Le Tao bakery, which features a rich baked layer beneath a silky whipped layer. This version uses a generous quantity of matcha in the baked layer and a touch of miso in the top one, to replicate some of the tang of cream cheese. The fundamentals for this recipe came from Philip Khoury’s A New Way to Bake, which is an outstanding resource if you’re looking to de-animalise your baking.
INGREDIENTS
For the crust
• 50 g (1¾ oz/3½ tablespoons) plant-based butter, melted, plus extra for greasing
• 200 g (7 oz) digestive biscuits (graham crackers)
• 25 g (1 oz/2 tablespoons) sugar a pinch of sea salt
For the baked layer
• 350 g (12 oz) firm silken tofu
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 70 g (2½ oz/scant ¹⁄³ cup) sugar
• 20 g (¾ oz/1 tablespoon) maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons matcha
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 25 g (1 oz/scant ¼ cup) cornflour (cornstarch)
• 10 g (½ oz/3½ tablespoons) plain (all-purpose) flour For the whipped layer
• 30 g (1 oz/2 tablespoons) plantbased butter or coconut oil, melted and cooled slightly
• 4 strawberries, halved, to decorate
METHOD
1 For the crust, line the base of a 23 cm (9 in) springform cake tin (pan) with baking paper and lightly grease it with plant-based butter. Blitz the biscuits in a food processor to make a fine crumb, then pour in the plant-based butter and sugar and process until well mixed. Stir in the salt, then
spread this mixture out in the lined tin, packing it down firmly in an even layer with your hands.
2 Preheat the oven to 150ºC (300°F/gas 2).
3 Blitz all of the ingredients for the baked layer together in a food processor until smooth (there will be some tiny flecks of unblended tofu –that’s fine). Scoop the filling mixture onto the biscuit base and spread it out evenly across the tin. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Allow to cool, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill completely.
4 For the whipped layer, combine all the ingredients except the plant-based butter (or oil) and strawberries in a large bowl and whip with an electric beater until thick and flu y, somewhere between the texture of a custard and a mousse – this will take several minutes. Pour in the melted plant-based butter, a little at a time, as you continue to whip, to distribute it evenly throughout the mixture before it solidifies. The finished mixture will be glossy and smooth and still semi-liquid. Pour the whipped tofu
cream on top of the cooled matcha layer, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill overnight.
5 Serve cold and decorate each slice with half a strawberry.
Recipes taken from JapanEasy Kitchen by Tim Anderson (Quadrille, £26) Photography: Patricia Niven
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From our beautiful whitewashed Georgian terrace in London’s Walton Street, Scalini London has been hosting authentic Italian dining, special occasions and celebrations in the heart of Chelsea for an incredible 38 years. The original Scalini, with its distinctive blue and yellow awning, continues to welcome generations of the same families through our doors and a warm greeting is always guaranteed from Restaurant Manager Massimo. With three members of our dedicated team possessing over 100 years’ Scalini experience between them, the family feeling in the kitchen and restaurant is also reflected in our personal greeting and timeless recipes.
Restaurants come and go, trends pass, but there is always a place for heartfelt, wholesome, delicious cuisine prepared and served with passion and care. Today our relaxed atmosphere and friendly service is loved by regular guests and international visitors alike with al fresco dining and aperitivo available during the spring and summer
ITALIA
A
taste of Italy in the heart of Chelsea –Italian feasting with Scalini London
months on our Walton Street terrace. Italian cuisine has always been underpinned by quality, seasonality and regional produce. Executive Chef Paulino Alves, a fixture in the Scalini kitchens for over 30 years, thrives on preparing authentic, tasty and varied menus relying heavily on market fresh ingredients sourced from all across Italy and locally: dishes with a traditional approach at their heart.
Seafood is a speciality and the freshest crab, prawns and lobster can be enjoyed on the menu year round in dishes such as our legendary Insalata di Mare with prawns, scallops, squid, mussels and clams and a zingy mandarin dressing.
And who could forget the wine list, a treasure trove of Italian quality, rarity and taste, packed with big reds, sophisticated whites and chilled bubbles perfect for the big occasions. Spritzes are also a speciality and perfect for relaxed aperitivo pre dinner.
Dine in the main restaurant for parties up to ten, or for larger groups and complete privacy, reserve our spacious private dining room and bar on the first floor, ideal for parties and events for up to 26 people seated.
Celebrate the Italian way this springtime with friends, family, exceptional food and wine. Scalini London, an authentic taste of Italy in London. Scalini London Gift Vouchers are also now available online, the ideal present for the Italian food lover in your life. Scalini London is open 12 noon10.45pm Tuesday-Sunday.
To book a table or to hold a private dinner, party or celebration at Scalini, visitscalinilondon.co.uk contact info@ scalinilondon.co.uk or call 020 7225 2301.
The Scalini Story
Scalini London can be traced back to 1959 with the opening of La Trattoria Terrazza in Soho. Launched by Mario Cassandro and Franco Lagattolla, La Trattoria served simple, traditional Italian food in an easygoing atmosphere which inspired a new generation of trattorias in London. It was here that Scalini’s founders, Mario Paggetti and Valerio Calzolari met, with Scalini launching to a local Chelsea clientele in 1988.
A“The ten-course tasting menu changes every month, completely”
CHEF'S TABLE
Panta Rei : a uniquely intimate chef’s table concept
ten-seat restaurant on Fulham Road is redefining what a chef's table actually means — by making it the only table.
For those who have dined at the finest restaurants in London and beyond, the chef's table has always represented something specific: proximity, attention, the sense that the evening was arranged around you rather than alongside everyone else. Panta Rei, opened in September 2025 by chef-owner Lorenzo Salami, takes that instinct seriously — and follows it to its logical conclusion. Every seat is the chef's table.
The restaurant operates one sitting per service, without exception. Guests take individual seats at the kitchen counter, watching each course take shape in real time before it reaches them, or book the whole restaurant privately for a chef's table dinner entirely their own. Either way, the experience is the same: the kitchen is the room, Salami is present throughout, and there is no other group, no other sitting, no distance between the chef and the guest. The scale, the noise, the managed distance of the conventional fine dining experience — none of it exists here.
Before Panta Rei, Salami spent years in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe and worked for the King and Queen. At his own restaurant, he has taken everything that experience produced — the precision, the discipline, the instinct — and built something that strips away everything around it he didn't want. Ten seats. One sitting. A kitchen at the centre of everything. His ten-course tasting menu changes every month, completely — not a dish or two rotated with the season, but a genuine reimagining of what he is cooking right
now. The restaurant's name makes the intention plain: Panta Rei, everything flows. The menu moves forward with the season and with Salami's own thinking, which means no two visits are the same.
"Panta Rei is a reflection of my philosophy: always evolving, constantly in motion, and forever looking ahead," says Salami.
For a diner who has experienced everything the city's restaurant scene has to o er, Panta Rei represents something genuinely di erent — not a grander version of fine dining, but a more considered one. Intimate by design, deliberate in every detail, and entirely focused on the people sitting at the counter.
The restaurant opens select Fridays to Sundays at 647 Fulham Road, SW6. Dinner is £189 per person; lunch is £89.
FASHION
Cool girl
BELLA FREUD
Slogan knotwear, tailoring, androgynous looks and humour make up Bella Freud's signature style, and for SS26 all of these elements come together for a chic reinvention. There are stripes and neutrals, plus lots of new blue and beige. bellafreud.com
Voluminous shapes and sharp cuts from Danish favourite Ganni
GANNI.COM
Northern LIGHT
By PENDLE HARTE
“We used to shoot our footwear with other peoples' clothes, then I thought: let's do our own”
Re-boot
Footwear legend Penelope Chilvers has quietly started designing clothes. Absolutely chats to her about creating a whole look, from the feet up
By PENDLE HARTE
Q After many years of shoes, why clothes?
A I’ve always had such a love of textiles. I collect, I go to vintage fairs and I have always worked with fabrics. For many years we’ve been shooting footwear with other peoples' clothes, always styling from the feet upwards. We use vintage clothing to stop using other people’s clothes, and customers would ask about them, which made me think maybe we should do our own.
Q And did it make good business sense?
A Well, there are only so many shoes you can have! Everyone knows that if you’re selling online or reaching out to new customers, marketing is expensive. It’s easier to sell more to the same loyal customers, so it seemed like a good direction to go in for us, since the demand seemed to be there.
Q The first collection launched quietly and now o cially – how’s it going?
A I know our customer now, so we’re trying to keep it close to what we do in our footwear, and to think about what that person is doing in our footwear. Cowboy boots are our bread and butter, so we thought of looks to go
with them. And for instance to go with our Incredible boot, we thought – she’s walking in the snow, going to the mountains, therefore I thought I’d do a shearling gilet made with all the same qualities in mind. It seems to have already proved that it’s going to work. We thought about the styles we sell best and how to wear them, making full looks.
Q How did you put the looks together?
A I think of it as looking at an empty wardrobe, and then I put the pieces in it for a two day stay. My mantra is ‘pack light, travel far’ – so for instance, one look takes inspiration from an empty wardrobe in a safari camp. I put six pieces in it: a kaftan, a travel jacket with a passport pocket, a shirt that you can wear with everything, some cargo pants, boots, sandals.
Q Is it very di erent designing clothes - and is there an overlap?
A Like with shoes, I start with drawings and swatches and make a moodboard with my strategy for the year ahead. Storytelling pages reflect the collection and it seems very natural to see it as one collection, with one feel and environment.
Q Tell us about the new collection.
A For SS26 we have four di erent stories. They all o er something slightly di erent. Travel is all about London and stripes, and colours of the buildings in Notting Hill. It’s lots of versatile casual streetwear. Pieces that are purposeful, just like our footwear, have a function, long-lasting, easy. Then there’s English summer , where
we’ve reworked chintz into some gorgeous romantic florals ,which I really enjoyed doing. It’s made in India, which I love. Then for high summer I looked to Greece with lots of blue and white linens and sandals, embroidery, cross stitch, all inspired by Patmos. Plus there’s a lot of denim, we’ve got some chopped up vintage levis made into an amazing skirt, a drop waist midi in a dark indigo.
Q It's become a family business - tell us about that.
A I think of us as a family brand rather than a family business. I like to think of us selling to mothers and daughters, and our factory workers in Spain work in multigeneration teams – there are fathers and sons and mothers and daughters. One of my daughters works in design, and another in marketing. We have 50 other employees, so that’s just two of a larger team.
Q How much of the collection is made up of pieces you would wear yourself?
A In my dreams I’d wear it all. It's ageless, not designed just for me. Same as footwear.
Q And what's next?
A I’m deep in SS27, designing that. I’m just really delighted when it’s selling, it’s such a new area. Many people started with shoes, like Prada and Miu Miu; Loewe started with leather goods. I love the freedom: footwear has tramlines but clothing has more creativity.
penelopechilvers.com
SS26
PENELOPE CHILVERS WEARING HER OWN COLLECTION
1 3 2 4 5
WATCH OUT RADO
BEACH BOY
MR MARVIS
For SS26, the Mr Marvis collection expresses a subtle nod to the 80s whilerefi ning new classics in seasonal colourways. New pieces include the wrinkle-resistant Techwools and The Zip Cardigan. mrmarvis.com
IN THE FRAME KAPTEN
For the Sunglasses Collection 2026, Kapten & Son combines new styles with trusted favorites, and an improved fit. This is the Zurich oversized aviator, which comes in several colourways. kapten-son.com
BLUE JEAN WRANGLER
The new Relaxed Super jacket is a longer classic shape with pockets and a zip. It comes in a stylish raw wash wrangler.com
The Swiss-born design visionaryLe Corbusier's unique and striking approach to architecture has been captured in a new collection of special-edition Rado timepieces. rado.com 1 3 4 5 2
FRESH CUTS
JOHN LEWIS
John Lewis has expanded its branded menswear offer with the arrival of Parlez, Patagonia, Percival, Belstaff and Stetson. Joining them is premium resort wear label OAS whose signature printed shirt stands as a seasonal hero piece. johnlewis.com
“A refreshingly simple approach to buying glasses”
RCLEAR VISION
IOLLA arrives in Richmond
ichmond’s independent retail scene has welcomed a stylish new addition. Scottish eyewear brand IOLLA has opened its first permanent London showroom on Hill Street, bringing its refreshingly simple approach to buying glasses to the neighbourhood.
Founded in Glasgow in 2015, IOLLA has built a loyal following for its modern frames, transparent pricing and relaxed retail experience. Known for doing things di erently, the independent brand designs its frames in house and o ers all prescription glasses for £85, including lenses and lens thinning.
Leading the Richmond showroom are joint venture partners James Whitehead and Meron Kidane,two experienced optical professionals with a shared vision for making eyewear feel personal, enjoyable and accessible. We caught up with them to hear more about the new space and their plans for Richmond.
Q How is the IOLLA experience di erent from a traditional optician?
A James: The biggest di erence is simplicity. All our prescription glasses are £85, including lenses and lens thinning, so there’s no complicated pricing or surprise upgrades. Meron: We don’t carry out eye tests in the showroom, so customers simply bring their prescription along. From there, our trained stylists focus on helping you find frames that genuinely suit you, in a relaxed and welcoming environment. In short, IOLLA is built around style, quality, and the joy of choosing eyewear. By focussing on the eyewear, and not the clinical, customers get better looking frames, superior lenses, and a more enjoyable experience, all at a price that makes it hard to stop at just one pair.
Q Tell us about the showroom itself.
A James: Before Richmond, I managed IOLLA’s London pop-up in Shoreditch last year, which showed us just how much people loved the concept. Here we’ve created a space that feels calm, open and easy to explore. Choosing glasses shouldn’t feel rushed or clinical - it should feel enjoyable and straightforward.
Q Do you have a favourite frame at the moment?
A Meron: I love the Cooper in Medium Havana. It’s a bold oval shape that feels contemporary yet timeless. James: Mine is the Stewart in Honey. It’s a great pop of colour to brighten up a monochrome outfit.
Q How do you hope the showroom wwill fit into the local community?
A James: Being part of a neighbourhood means contributing to it. We’d love the space to feel like a hub where people can connect.
A Meron: Across our other showrooms, IOLLA has hosted pop-ups and collaborations with independent makers, and we’d love to bring that same spirit to Richmond. With thoughtful design, friendly styling advice and refreshingly straightforward pricing, IOLLA o ers a new way to shop for eyewear.
The new showroom can be found at 12 Hill Street, Richmond, TW9 1TN
HEALTH & BEAUTY
TEST TODAY, KNOW TODAY
Fast, accessible health testing with results in just 2 hours - designed to fit around your life, and track your progress over time
RANDOX HEALTH EMPOWERS
YOU TO TAKE MEANINGFUL ACTION BASED ON REAL DATA
A SMARTER APPROACH TO STAYING WELL
Anew chapter in proactive healthcare is beginning at the Bentall Centre, Randox Health are bringing their cutting-edge diagnostics and advanced health testing directly to the heart of Kingston upon Thames.
The newly opened Randox Health clinic is redefining how individuals engage with their health, placing powerful data firmly in their hands. At a time when prevention is becoming just as important as treatment, Randox Health o ers a smarter, more informed approach to wellbeing.
HEALTH DATA THAT PUTS YOU IN CONTROL
At the heart of Randox Health’s o ering is the popular Everyman and Everywoman health checks – designed to go far beyond the basics of a standard checkup. By analysing up to 150 essential biomarkers across the areas that matter most, you’ll get a comprehensive, full body view of your health. From nutrition and hormones to heart function, liver health, kidney health and thyroid balance, the focus is on uncovering what routine testing often misses. Rather than waiting for symptoms to appear, this deeper level of insight helps identify imbalances early—often before they develop into more serious concerns.
What sets the experience apart is not just the volume of data, but how it is brought to life. Each result is translated into personalised health insights, helping individuals make informed lifestyle decisions. Whether it’s adjusting nutrition, improving sleep or exploring targeted treatment, Randox Health empowers you to take meaningful action based on real data. Speed is another defining advantage. In contrast to traditional pathways where results can take weeks, delaying important decisions, Randox Health delivers answers in as little as two hours from sample arrival at the lab. This rapid turnaround allows clients to move forward quickly, with clarity and confidence. With no GP referral required, clients can access services directly eliminating unnecessary barriers and delays. There are no long waiting times, just fast, reliable answers when you need them most.
Just as important is the focus on long term health. With a follow up check included after 6 months, you can track your health data over time, building a clear picture of trends and changes. This approach transforms health monitoring from a one-o snapshot into an ongoing journey—supporting longevity, prevention and sustained wellbeing.
THE POWER OF PREVENTION
Work. Family. Life. It’s easy to put your health last – until it demands attention.
According to the World Health Organisation up to 80% of chronic diseases and 40% of cancers are preventable with early detection and the right lifestyle choices.
Regular blood testing like that provided at Randox Health gives you the data to stay in control. By catching risks early, you can make informed decisions – not just today, but for years to come.
SCIENCE YOU CAN TRUST
Randox Health is at the forefront of diagnostic innovation, powered by their cutting-edge Biochip Technology — a scientific
breakthrough that turns complex diagnostics into simple, actionable insights. This novel technology is capable of analysing multiple biomarkers simultaneously from a single sample to deliver a comprehensive picture of your health with unmatched speed. It’s this innovation that lets you understand your health faster and make informed choices sooner.
A NEW ERA OF PROACTIVE HEALTHCARE
Backed by more than four decades of expertise in diagnostic testing and more than 22 million tests carried out since 2023, Randox Health is committed to helping individuals take control of their long-term wellbeing. With an expanding network of 50 clinics across the UK & Ireland, Randox Health is making preventative healthcare more accessible than ever.
The opening of its Kingston Upon Thames clinic marks a broader shift toward proactive, data-led health management— where early detection, personalised insights, and continuous tracking come together to help people live longer, healthier lives.
To find out more visit randoxhealth.com
BEAUTY NOTES
The latest in luxury makeup and skincare
By PENDLE HARTE
CHANTECAILLE
Chantecaille’s newest limitededition makeup is the Flamingo collection, with 5% of every piece sold supporting Amazon Conservation Team’s Ancestral Tides program to protect the American Flamingos and their fragile wetland habitat on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. chantecaille.co.uk
THE ONE IN THE PINK CLEAN MACHINE
EDITOR’S PICK
YORK TEST REVIEW
Quick and easy food allery testing
CGIELLY GREEN
Gielly Green’s The One System is a highperformance, streamlined haircare ritual born from decades of salon expertise. The Salon has created a core trio of essentials: One Shampoo, One Conditioner, One Mask - paired with four targeted leave-in boosters that meet well over 80% of hair needs with elegance, precision, and ease. giellygreen.co.uk
SURI
B-Corp brand Suri’s electric toothbrush uses sonic technology for great performance and is a joy to use for its good looks, four week battery life, handy travel case and magnetic bracket. And now there’s a new colour too: Canyon Sunrise. We are fans. trysuri.com
ould I have a food intolerance? I wasn’t sure. Vague symptoms might appear and disappear, and it’s hard to know what steps to take. So when someone suggested an at-home test, I was sold. What could be simpler? York’s tests arrive quickly with simple and clear instructions, though there’s no getting away from the fact that you do have to draw blood. Still, it’s a simple pinprick and it’s easy to do two at once: the Premium Food Intolerance Test and the Food and Environmental Allergy Test come as a bundle, and they can identify all four types of immunoglobulin. I send o my samples, and within a few days I receive an intriguing set of results via email. The format is simple, using a tra c light system: red for high reactivity, orange for borderline and green for low. As I suspected, I am showing high reactivity (albeit at the very bottom of the scale) for cow’s milk in the intolerance test – but also for coriander/cumin/dill, which is a surprise. Happily, I have normal reactivity to everything from wheat to walnut, via Sauvignon Blanc. I’m clear of all allergies, happily, though there is a medium reactivity to horse dander, and cockroach. Well who wouldn’t react to a cockroach? Fascinating stu .
YORK TEST
Food intolerance and allergy bundle, £230 yorktest.com
CLASS PASS
DDynamic Mat Pilates at Third Space, The Whiteley
ynamic Mat Pilates at Third Space
Whiteley strikes a rare balance between strength, control, and flow. It’s a class that feels purposeful from the very first movement, designed to challenge the body while sharpening awareness of how everything works together. Rather than rushing through exercises, the emphasis is on moving well—connecting breath to motion and precision to power.
The class builds steadily, layering classical Pilates principles with a contemporary, athletic edge. Core engagement underpins everything, but it never feels repetitive. One moment you’re holding slow, controlled leg extensions that demand deep abdominal strength; the next, you’re flowing through dynamic transitions that bring heat to the muscles and elevate the heart rate. Glutes, inner thighs, shoulders, and back all get their moment, creating a genuinely full-body workout.
What sets this class apart is its intelligence. Movements are thoughtfully sequenced, allowing muscles to fatigue in a way that feels productive rather than punishing. The instructors guide with clear, detailed cues, helping you find subtle adjustments that transform an exercise from “good” to genuinely e ective. Options are always o ered, so whether you’re new to Pilates or deeply experienced, the class meets you where you are while still encouraging progress.
The atmosphere at the Whiteley studio plays a big role in the experience. The space is refined but welcoming—clean lines, calm lighting, and a layout that allows you to focus inward without distraction. Music is carefully chosen to support the rhythm of the class, adding energy without pulling attention away from the movement itself.
As the session draws to a close, stretching feels earned. There’s a noticeable sense of length through the spine, lightness in the limbs, and clarity in the mind. You leave feeling strong, aligned, and quietly accomplished. Dynamic Mat
Pilates here isn’t about extremes or spectacle; it’s about consistent, intelligent movement that delivers real results.
For anyone looking to build strength, improve posture, and move with more confidence, it’s a class that quickly becomes a staple rather than a one-o .
thirdspace.london
YOUR FEARS FACE
Words PENDLE HARTE
Collage MARI SUZUKI
Absolutely meets
Christopher Paul Jones, a Harley Street expert in helping people overcome phobias
Can you relax in a lift? Manage a spider in the bath? What about flying? There are rational fears, and then there are less rational ones – and around one in seven people in the UK su ers from a phobia. Irrational fears can grow into debilitating forces that severely limit people’s lives, and overcoming them is a challenge. When Clare, 47, found herself panicking uncontrollably on a solo flight to Japan, she knew that she needed to address her fear of flying. If you don’t su er from them, phobias are ba ing. Why would someone who’s never experienced a shark attack develop a persistent fear of sharks that even makes them afraid of swimming pools? Clare had never been in a plane crash, or even had a bad landing. So why would she be so afraid? Statistics show that we are more likely to win the lottery than to die in a plane crash. Couldn’t she outwit her fear with logic?
Christopher Paul Jones is a Harley Street-based therapist and coach with a strong record of freeing people from their fears. His clients come from all over the world and include Hollywood actors and Oscar nominees, models, musicians, presenters and other celebrities. He explains: “With a phobia, at some point in the past your brain has associated something with danger, and holds onto it. It doesn’t have to be literal, because emotions aren’t logical. A fear of flying could have started in a rollercoaster, or from watching a cartoon as a child. Most people focus on the why, but it’s important to look at the how. When we’re afraid of something we delete, distort and compartmentalise.”
So how does he eliminate the fear? There are several established approaches to treating phobias, and Christopher’s methods vary according to a client’s needs. He's quick to point out that it’s not a passive experience, and people need to engage fully, rather than simply demanding that he “fixes” them. The brain can change, he says, but it’s not a magic wand.
Clare consulted Christopher about her fear, despite her initial scepticism. “Everyone just thinks my fear is about control, but I don’t think I’m a control freak,” she says. His sensitive and perceptive manner put her at ease immediately. “He’s very present, and he really listens. He’s not pushy and he doesn’t insist – he made me feel much calmer and question my fear. If I’m honest, I didn’t really want to do all the mental work. I wanted someone to wave a
wand – or send me to sleep and have me wake up unafraid. In reality it’s a lot harder than that.” Phobias that have been in place for many years, often worsening over time, are usually made up of lots of di erent elements and are challenging to unpick. They also start in some unconscious way to form part of who you are, so they can be di cult to let go of.
So what does he actually do? With Clare, he tried lots of di erent techniques. "One exercise involved expanding my peripheral vision – I had to stand with my feet very close together, slightly o balance, looking at a spot in the opposite corner of the room, and hold my arms out to the sides just at the edge of my vision," she says. "He then asked to 'speak to my subconscious'. I had no idea how to do that, so I tried to go with the flow – relaxing, keeping my mind as blank as possible. With the other physical elements to focus on, I found this easier than I expected. I’m still not entirely sure how 'subconscious' some of it really was."
But she surprised herself by saying something completely unbidden and unexpected, revealing a belief that her fear was actually helping her to deal with her feelings about flying, and that she was almost holding onto it as protection. "We talked a lot about how all the fear symptoms were doing the exact opposite – gripping the seat, hyperventilating, crying, heart hammering etc etc – all of these things make you less prepared and able to cope in an emergency."
Christopher made her aware that we can become very narrow focused when we’re stressed, almost laser-like the more stressed we are – and allowing our eyes to open outwards instead can help clear some of that stress. "I’ve continued thinking about this technique and try to be more aware of my peripheral vision. I do totally feel it works for me so I’m trying to do it more just generally too."
With Clare, Christopher also used havening techniques (hugging yourself and stroking your arms slowly and deliberately) and some talking therapies. Clare says: "We went through traumatic or related memories and made them more comedic, or treated them like a movie to reduce their power; imagined observing situations from far above to create distance; mentally placed thoughts in a bubble and floated them away. There were also exercises where I was guided into a more relaxed position and asked to speak directly to myself as a young girl." Some techniques felt more useful than others, but Christopher's skill lies in identifying which methods suit each client best. His manner made Clare feel that he was invested in her progress, and that he was taking it seriously.
"I did go in a bit sceptical but I’m surprised to say that, genuinely, I do feel di erent. I’m actually excited to see what happens next time I fly. I feel as though I have tools now, and that somehow the grip has loosened. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to let it go but I had come to believe it was part of who I am – I can see now that it’s not defining and it is something that I can let go of. Christopher was able to help me do that when I’d started to think it wasn’t going to be possible," says Clare. Freedom from fear? It's really possible.
Christopher Paul Jones' Face Your Fears: 7 Steps to Conquering Phobias and Anxiety (10.99, mombooks.com) christopherpauljones.com
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Beautiful hair rarely looks forced. The most modern styles have movement, softness and an ease that suggests they simply fell into place.
Texture is embraced rather than controlled, and polish comes from enhancing what is naturally there.
Yet e ortless hair still has to contend with everyday realities. Humidity can soften definition, sun and wind leave strands feeling exposed, and city air often turns a beautifully air-dried style into something less refined by midday.
For those who prefer to minimise heat styling, achieving that balance between natural texture and a polished finish has not always been simple.
Innersense Air Dry Styling Cream was created to support this more e ortless approach to styling. The lightweight gelcream enhances hair as it dries, helping to smooth frizz while allowing texture and movement to remain beautifully intact.
Rather than reshaping the hair completely, the formula works with what is already there. Waves appear more defined,
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the realities of daily exposure in mind. Hair is a ected by far more than styling tools alone. Humidity, pollution and UV exposure all influence how it behaves throughout the day. Air Dry Styling Cream helps protect against these environmental stressors while maintaining smoothness and definition.
soft curls settle naturally into place and finer textures maintain movement without feeling weighed down. The result is hair that feels polished, fluid and quietly refined.
At the heart of the formula are ingredients chosen for both performance and care. Algae-derived algin forms a flexible, breathable film that helps smooth the cuticle and provide gentle hold, while amino acids support the hair’s natural structure and encourage moisture retention. Baobab oil, rich in nourishing fatty acids, adds softness and natural shine without heaviness. The formula was also designed with
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The result is hair that feels e ortless, healthy and naturally beautiful — exactly as modern styling should.
This product is a new launch, and it will be an online exclusive with Cult Beauty for 2 weeks, launching on the 20th of April.
Tucked away in the heart of Chiswick, The Door W4 is one of West London’s most soughtafter destinations for advanced aesthetic treatments, surgery, women’s health and dentistry. Known for its industry-leading patient experience, results-driven approach and best-in-class aftercare, the clinic has quickly built a loyal following among people who want natural-looking results delivered through expert clinical care.
Multi-award-winning – including Best Clinic London 2026 at the prestigious MIP Awards – The Door W4 is recognised for combining leading technology with personalised treatment plans designed around each individual’s skin. Thousands of patients trust the clinic’s experienced medical team to guide them through their skin journey, whether they are new to aesthetic treatments or exploring more advanced solutions.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, The Door W4 is known for its carefully tailored consultations and commitment to skin health first. Every treatment plan is designed to enhance skin quality, improve confidence, and deliver natural, balanced results that never feel overdone.
The clinic o ers some of the most innovative skin technologies available today, including BBL (BroadBand Light) and MOXI light and laser treatments - two of the most
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HAIR today
Absolutely quizzes Anthony Laban as he celebrates 35 years as a salon owner
Q What special services do you o er?
A At Anthony Laban Home, our consultations are designed to be thorough, personalised and unlike any other. We take the time to really listen to each client, understanding not just the look they want to achieve, but also their hair type, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Whether you’re looking for a subtle change, a bold transformation, or specialist services like extensions or colour treatments, our consultations ensure every detail is considered so that the result is perfectly tailored to you. What sets our consultations apart is the level of care and expertise involved. Our stylists assess your hair’s condition, discuss maintenance and styling options, and guide you through the best methods to achieve your desired outcome. From selecting the right extension method to choosing the perfect colour tones or cutting technique, we provide advice that is both professional and honest. The result is a personalised plan that guarantees your hair not only looks incredible on the day but remains healthy, manageable and beautiful long after you leave the salon.
Q You have been in the business a long time. What's the secret of your success?
A Although I have changed over the years, I have always evolved by listening to our clients and the area. My original site in Clapham Junction had beauty rooms, nail technicians and a co ee shop – it was a great experience and we trained a huge number of stylists who have gone on to do amazing things After closing this store the plan was to be as boutique as possible, putting the client at the heart of the experience and now all our stores are boutique: stylish and all about the experience. Our success comes from really understanding that we are a hub of the
community and being so much more than a shop: we have created the best places to work and such a happy and involved team, all encouraging learning, growth and passing on the skills. I feel very lucky to have been so welcomed into the community.
Q Tell us about your team.
A Our team are an incredible bunch of creatives who really love their work and most importantly work so well together – necessary when working in an intimate salon. The precision cutting from all our team coupled with our consultation process is definitely the strength across the brand .Our consultation process really allows our blonde and colour experts toproduce the Best Blondes in London, as well as the best in Wandsworth.
Q And what are your specialities?
Precision Cutting Anisa is a precision hair cutting specialist with a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating beautifully tailored hairstyles. Her approach focuses on clean lines, balance, and structure, ensuring every cut is carefully designed to complement each client’s hair type, face shape, and personal style. Whether it’s a sharp bob, soft layers, or a complete restyle, Anisa’s expertise allows her to create cuts that grow out gracefully and remain easy to manage between appointments. Her precision and attention to detail ensure every client leaves with a style that feels polished, modern, and perfectly suited to them.
Colour Ruby is a talented Graduate Stylist and Colour Specialist with a passion for creating fresh, modern looks tailored to each client. With a strong foundation in both cutting and colouring techniques, she focuses on enhancing natural beauty while delivering styles that feel both wearable
and personalised. Ruby takes the time to understand her clients’ preferences, ensuring every appointment is relaxed, enjoyable, and leaves you feeling confident. Specialising in colour, Ruby enjoys working with a variety of techniques to create beautiful, dimensional results. Whether it’s subtle tonal changes, soft highlights, or a complete colour refresh, she carefully considers skin tone, hair condition, and lifestyle to achieve the
perfect finish. Her attention to detail and enthusiasm for the craft make her a valued member of the salon team.
Extensions Taelor is our Salon Manager, Extensions Specialist, and a talented allround stylist, bringing both expertise and leadership to the salon. With extensive knowledge across multiple extension methods, she specialises in creating seamless, natural-looking results that
“Our success comes from really understanding that we are a hub of the community”
enhance length, volume, and confidence. Her attention to detail and ability to perfectly match extensions to each client’s hair ensure a flawless, comfortable finish every time. Alongside her extension work, Taelor is a skilled all-round stylist, o ering cutting, colouring, and styling services tailored to each individual. As Salon Manager, she plays an important role in ensuring every client experience runs smoothly, maintaining the welcoming and professional atmosphere of the salon. Her friendly approach, strong knowledge, and passion for hair make her a trusted stylist for clients looking for both transformative extensions and beautiful everyday hair.
Creative Cutting I am the salon owner and have been at the heart of the business for over 35 years. With decades of experience in the industry, I have built a reputation for passion, creativity and dedication to delivering exceptional hairdressing. My commitment to high standards and personalised service has helped shape the welcoming and professional atmosphere the salon is known for today. As a creative cutting specialist, I'm known for my ability to craft beautifully structured, modern
hairstyles tailored to each individual client. With a deep understanding of hair movement, texture, and shape, I create cuts that not only look great on the day but continue to grow out e ortlessly. My experience and artistic approach ensure every client receives a style that feels both unique and perfectly suited to them.
Q What trends are we looking at for summer hair? For colour: foodieinspired colours, buttery, caramel, biscuit blondes are really huge. Cool brunette will be popular to warm up for the summer, balayage and blonde is massive throughout spring/summer 2026. For hair cuts, we are seeing shorter choppy bobs and loose layers on longer hair to create movement and always the bouncy blowdries.
Q Your salons have won several awards. Can you tell us about them? Salon Business, which is one of the industry biggest awards, Best Local Salon (twice), Balham Awards Business -Best Local Salon, Wandsworth Business Awards - Best Business Owner.
Photograph by Oladimeji Odunsi
BAR RAISE THE
The Pilates Clinic o ers programmes that are precise, progressive and personal
Pilates has never been more visible. It fills studio timetables, trends across social media and promises everything from sculpted abs to improved posture. But as the method has surged in popularity, something essential has often been diluted: precision, expertise and clinical integrity.
At The Pilates Clinic in Wimbledon, we have been committed to a di erent standard for over 24 years — long before Pilates became a lifestyle headline. Ours was never a trend-led decision. It was, and remains, a belief in the power of intelligent movement.
We are intentionally boutique. Not because small is stylish, but because attention matters. Every body carries a history — injuries, imbalances, sporting demands and subtle compensations that shape the way it moves. Whether a client arrives for rehabilitation, performance refinement or long-term strength development, they deserve more than choreography.
Our philosophy is clinical, without feeling clinical. We combine anatomical knowledge, biomechanical understanding and careful assessment to create programmes that are precise, progressive and personal. We look at how you move before recommending how you should move. That philosophy extends to our small group Reformer classes. The Reformer has become synonymous with fast-paced, trend-driven workouts — sometimes more performance than practice. Our classes take a di erent approach. They are small by design, technically led and rooted in the same principles as our private sessions: control, alignment and purposeful progression. The equipment is a tool, not theatre. There are no gimmicks here — just depth of teaching and intelligent challenge. There is often a gap between physiotherapy and mainstream fitness. Many people complete rehabilitation unsure how to rebuild strength safely. Athletes striving for marginal gains may find intensity without control increases strain rather
than resilience. We position ourselves deliberately in that space — where rehabilitation meets performance, and where strength is built with understanding.
Pilates, taught with depth of expertise, strengthens deep stabilising systems, restores alignment and refines movement e ciency. It can reduce recurring pain, support spinal health and enhance athletic performance — but only when applied with knowledge and intent.
Joseph Pilates originally called his method Contrology, emphasising disciplined control over careless repetition. In a culture driven by intensity and speed, we choose precision. We teach clients to understand subtle muscle activation, pelvic alignment and spinal articulation. We prioritise quality over quantity because sustainable results are built through intelligent control.
As Pilates continues to grow across London, training standards vary widely. Working with injury, hypermobility, osteoporosis, postnatal recovery or high-level sport requires advanced study and continual professional development. A clinical lens ensures exercises are adapted rather than avoided, safety is prioritised without limiting progress, and progression is structured with purpose.
For 25 years, clients in South West London have trusted us because they feel understood here — not simply instructed. That trust is built on experience, consistency and an unwavering commitment to raising the bar.
In Wimbledon, where performance and longevity both matter, Pilates at its best is not about fashion. It is about function. And that is what we stand for.
thepilatesclinic.com
SPECIALISTS
MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
London's longest running wellness festival returns for its 49th year
Now in its 49th year, the Mind Body Spirit Festival takes over Olympia London from 22–25 May — a four-day event that has quietly become one of the UK's most enduring gatherings for people interested in health, self-development and spiritual practice.
The 2026 edition spans seven dedicated stages and spaces, with more than 111 sessions included in the ticket price. Speakers this year include body image advocate and This Morning contributor Michelle Elman, broadcaster and author Lynne Franks OBE, health and beauty expert Liz Earle and lucid dreaming specialist Jade Shaw. They're joined by astrologer Steve Judd, moon cycles
writer Yasmin Boland, and NLP founder Dr Richard Bandler, among others.
One of the year's more notable additions is the Alchemy of Breath space, making its London debut. Run by Anthony Abbagnano, Amy Rachelle and their team, it's a free area where visitors can try breathwork sessions and learn about its applications for stress management and general wellbeing — accessible regardless of prior experience.
The festival's Wellbeing Market remains a draw in its own right. More than 200 independent vendors sell everything from crystals and aromatherapy products to organic skincare and meditation tools. Alongside the shopping, visitors can book massages and one-to-one sessions with tarot readers, psychics and aura practitioners.
The programme is organised across clearly defined spaces, each with a distinct
focus. The Wellbeing Studio o ers yoga, dance and movement classes suitable for all levels. The Oasis of Sound, led by sound healer Anne Malone, hosts meditation and sound bath sessions. The MBS Academy runs structured workshops in areas including crystal healing and psychic development — practical rather than passive.
The Midlife Wisdom Stage addresses a subject the wellness industry has historically underserved: women's health beyond 40. Sessions cover menopause, gut health, neurodiversity and fatigue, with speakers o ering research-grounded perspectives alongside personal experience.
The Ceremony Space, hosted this year by Flavia Kate Peters and Barbara MeiklejohnFree, takes a di erent tone — more ritual and community-focused, with drumming, astrology talks and seasonal ceremonies forming the backbone of its programme.
For anyone new to this type of event, the breadth can feel overwhelming. The practical approach is to decide in advance which two or three themes matter most and build from there — whether that's the market, a particular speaker, or one of the structured workshop tracks at the Academy.
Tickets cover the vast majority of sessions. Some one-to-one readings and select workshops carry an additional charge and book up in advance.
The Mind Body Spirit Festival runs 22–25 May 2026 at Olympia London. mindbodyspiritfestival.co.uk/london
TTHE INTENTION IS NOT TO CREATE A SHOW HOME. IT IS TO CREATE A REAL ONE
wo new doors are opening in Surrey, and both have been designed around the same simple idea. Later life should still feel like life. Not just safe and supported, but calm. Not just well run, but warm. The kind of places where you can breathe out, where routines feel familiar, and where care sits quietly alongside the everyday pleasures that make someone feel like themselves.
That is what CHD Living is bringing to Willow Grange in Pyrford, Woking, and Wey Meadows in Elstead. Two very di erent settings, shaped for two very di erent communities, with one shared ambition: to create homes where people can live well, not simply be looked after.
Wey Meadows is the new arrival in the Surrey countryside. Set in the village of Elstead, it has been purpose built to feel open, bright and reassuring, with 60 ensuite bedrooms and spaces that invite people to spend time together, not retreat behind closed doors. It will provide residential and nursing care, as well as respite, convalescence and post-operative recovery, with a focus on helping people settle, recover and rebuild confidence at their own pace.
LATER LIVING
Willow Grange and Wey Meadows: two new Surrey care homes designed for living well, not just being looked after
The intention is not to create a show home. It is to create a real one. Somewhere families want to visit, where conversations happen naturally, where there is room for activity and room for quiet, and where the experience feels thoughtful from the moment you arrive.
Willow Grange has a di erent story. Formerly known as Avens Court, CHD Living acquired the home in 2023 and began a full refurbishment, working closely with the local authorities to ensure the environment is safe, compliant and ready to welcome people again. When it opens, Willow Grange will restore 41 care beds to the local area, with a focus on residential care, dementia support and respite. Both homes have been shaped with the same CHD Living ethos in mind, Creating Happiness Daily. Expectations of later life are changing. People want reassurance, yes, but they also want quality of life. Willow Grange and Wey Meadows are being created to meet that shift, with care that is clinically strong, emotionally intelligent, and built for the lives people want to keep living.
TEST RESULT
The benefits of cervical screening: information and reassurance from Harley Women’s Health
Receiving an invitation for cervical screening is more than just another task—it’s a critical step in protecting your health. Yet, with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to set it aside, thinking you’ll get to it later. We get it—life is busy. Between work, family, and personal commitments, it might feel like there’s no time to squeeze in another appointment. But before you push that letter aside, consider this: cervical screening is one of the most e ective ways to prevent cervical cancer. This simple test, often referred to as a smear test, can detect early changes in cervical cells that, if untreated, could develop into cancer. The sooner these changes are caught, the easier they are to manage, often preventing the onset of cancer altogether. Maybe you’re worried about discomfort, or perhaps you’re unsure why the test
is so important. Rest assured, you’re not alone in these feelings. Many women share these concerns, but the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re taking a proactive step to protect your health is worth the brief discomfort.
At Harley Woman’s Health we o er a wealth of information to enhance your understanding of cervical screening and colposcopy. Our goal is to provide you with clear, detailed insights into these crucial
“Cervical screening is one of the most e ective ways to prevent cervical cancer”
health procedures, empowering you to make informed decisions about your cervical health. Cervical Screening, commonly known as a Pap smear or Pap test, is vital for detecting early signs of cervical cancer and pre-cancerous conditions. Cervical screening benefits are immense, as this lifesaving programme has helped reduce the risk of cervical cancer since its introduction in the UK in 1988, aimed at reducing the risk of cervical cancer. This programme invites women aged 25 to 64 to undergo a routine tes which has played a crucial role in saving lives. The smear test is a simple and quick procedure typically performed by a nurse or doctor. During the test, a small sample of cells is gently collected from the cervix, which is the lower part of the womb, also known as the neck of the womb. There is nothing to fear, and so much to gain – so book the appointment now.
harleywomenshealth.com
For many families, the conversation about “what next” for Mum or Dad starts from a place of worry: they certainly don’t need a care home, but they could do with a little more support. Is the house still practical? The garden still manageable? What if they fall? Are they lonely? Yet the most powerful stories coming out of Castle View Windsor aren’t about loss at all – they’re about parents quietly reclaiming their freedom. Castle View is part of a new generation of retirement communities where the starting point is independence, not care. Residents buy or rent their own contemporary apartments, front doors, kitchens and outside space. They choose their own routines, head into Windsor when they like, see friends and family on their own terms. The di erence is that this independence sits within an environment carefully designed around later life – level access, lifts, secure entry, and a team on site around the clock if something does go wrong. Parents get their life back; adult children get to stop “keeping one eye on the phone” at all times. That balance is also behind Castle View’s new series of free guides, including one written specifically for adult children and another focusing on support and care. The adult children guide is disarmingly honest about the knotty questions: how to raise the idea of downsizing without sounding bossy? How to talk about safety and loneliness?
FRESH START
Helping parents reclaim their freedom
How to weigh up the family home against options that might give more day-to-day freedom?
The Support and Care guide shows how help can be layered-in gently over time – from full independence to housekeeping, meals and visiting carers, without ever taking away control from Mum & Dad. Support is there if it’s needed, not pushed when it isn’t and is always at residents’ absolute discretion.
You see this ‘freedom first, safety built-in’ approach in the families who’ve chosen Castle View. Daughters talk about parents who were becoming lonely and anxious, now heading to our bistro with friends, attending film night, or just enjoying a glass of wine with spectacular views across Windsor. They still have their own space and privacy, but they now have company, and someone to check in on them. Reclaiming your parents’ freedom in later life isn’t about stepping back; it’s about choosing an environment where they can live more, worry less, and know that if they ever need extra support, it’s there in the wings. Castle View; not a retreat from life, but the base for a new stimulating, secure chapter.
Scan the QR code in their advert to read the guides.
INTERIORS
SCREEN TIME
CRITTALL WINDOWS
Internal screens from iconic black steel manufacturer Crittall Windows are admired for their versatility across the home. While often used to divide living spaces, they can also bring striking design into bathrooms. Find out how a steelframed screen can subtly separate a shower or dressing area while allowing natural light to flow through the room via slim sightlines and bespoke configurations. crittall-windows.co.uk
NOTES INTERIORS
Ideas, designs and styles for your home
By PENDLE HARTE
CLUB CLASSIC
GEORGE SOWDEN
Made from 100% natural and sustainable materials, the Maxi Club chair by George Sowden, a British industrial designer based in Milan, who was one of the founding members of the Memphis Group, is a classic postmodern piece, combining elemental forms and vibrant colours with functional integrity. It's made at SCP's Norfolk factory.
scp.co.uk
CHARACTER STUDY
BERT & MAY
Rediscovered is a new British-designed, British-made tile collection created in collaboration with print and pattern designer Chrisanna McArthur. It takes its cue from the timeworn history, colour and character of reclaimed tiles. bertandmay.com
EURO STAR
WESTWING
European interiors destination Westwing is now available to shop online in the UK. Known for its curated, design-led approach, Westwing brings together its in-house Westwing Collection with brands including Gubi, Ferm Living and Marimekko - championing cra smanship, individuality and contemporary style. westwing.co.uk
TAKE FIVE
Scented candles
VALENTINO
Cire Baroque candle, £69 selfridges.com
ACQUA DI PARMA
Le Chapeau candle, £65 johnlewis.com
TRUDON
Figuerie candles, from £40 trudon.co.uk
DIPTYQUE
Fleur de Cerisier candle, £58 diptyqueparis.com
JOHN LEWIS
John Lewis has collaborated with Scandinavian artist Anine Cecilie Iversen to create a homeware collection that combines a modern approach to florals with a Scandinavian aesthetic that translates perfectly across textiles, tableware and lighting. johnlewis.com
SCANDI SPRING HUMAN TOUCH
CARROL BOYES
Newly available in the UK is the collection by the late South African artist and designer Carrol Boyes, whose pieces are instantly recognisable for their fluid forms and human-inspired silhouettes. These are timeless designs for everyday use. carrolboyes.co.uk
Colour, texture and atmosphere define this house redesigned by Yellow London
This warm and characterful Surrey Hills House is a part-time residence for a family based in the Middle East. The clients, who spend only part of the year in the UK, wanted the property to feel distinctly British without being overly traditional, and asked Yellow London to create a home that blended a modern aesthetic with an inviting sense of comfort and ease.
Colour, texture and atmospheric lighting formed the backbone of the brief. The clients wanted the house to feel rich in texture and low in lighting levels, creating depth and warmth throughout. They wanted colour as a contrast to their neutral home in the Middle East, but in a way that still felt calm and timeless, leaning towards earthy tones rather than bright primaries. The final schemes evolved around natural, deeper hues such as greens, rusts, pinks, and blues, repeated throughout the house in di erent tones to create a sense of flow and unity.
In the kitchen and sitting room, Yellow London unified the open-plan space with an earthy palette of green, rust, and navy. The existing kitchen was in good condition, so to minimise waste the original timber cabinetry was repainted in a muted green, and the dark worktop was replaced with a lighter marble to reflect more light and create balance against the deeper hues elsewhere in the room, with a transformative e ect. A new marble splashback was designed with a curved profile that subtly
mirrors the shape of the oven extractor, introducing a bespoke detail that adds softness to the architectural lines.
The adjoining sitting area is given its own distinct character with antique armchairs from Birdie Fortescue reupholstered in Le Manach fabric from Pierre Frey, a Jennifer Manners rug and a bold painting by Ed
Burkes. The connecting study continues the same tonal scheme, with bespoke joinery on both sides of the room and a long built-in desk and banquette bench, allowing the space to function both practically and aesthetically as part of the home’s primary rooms.
Upstairs, the darker colours of the primary suite are softened by neutral
linen-textured wallpaper and a patterned Pierre Frey headboard. The adjoining dressing room features bespoke joinery with oak internals and reeded panel doors, paired with Matilda Goad handles and a custom dressing table by Pandora Taylor. The bathroom follows an organic palette with limestone floor tiles, dark mosaic detailing, and Rutland London brassware.
Each of the children’s bedrooms was designed to evolve as they grow. The youngest’s green bedroom features Christopher Farr Cloth textiles and bespoke oak joinery, while the terrazzo bathroom by Diespeker includes a curved vanity echoing details from the bedroom furniture. The other bedrooms follow in complementary blue and natural tones, with Pierre Frey, Abbott & Boyd, and Peter Page pieces continuing the tactile, layered approach seen throughout the home. The guest suite, with colour-drenched soft pink walls and green woodwork accents, balances calm simplicity and character.
Bespoke craftsmanship was integral to the project. Yellow London collaborated closely with local joiners to create custom pieces throughout, including built-in reading benches, desks, bathroom vanities, and intricately profiled marble surfaces. The result is a home that feels relaxed yet luxurious, o ering a quietly British yet contemporary atmosphere.
A FEW WORDS WITH CATH BECKETT OF YELLOW LONDON
Q What did the clients want?
A They wanted a home that felt distinctly British but still modern and relaxed. As their main residence in the Middle East is quite neutral, they wanted this property to embrace colour, texture and low-level lighting to prioritise warmth and atmosphere.
Q The palette is colourful but not garish - tell us about that?
A We focused on deeper, earthier tones so the palette would feel layered rather than overwhelming. Greens, rusts, pinks and blues appear throughout the house in di erent shades, creating continuity while keeping the overall scheme vibrant.
Q Where did you spend, and where did you save in this?
A We prioritised bespoke joinery and upholstery as well as standout pieces like a patterned Pierre Frey headboard and a hand-knotted rug from Peter Page, which bring both personality and practicality to the interiors. We saved by updating existing elements, such as repainting the kitchen cabinetry and worktops rather than re-doing the space entirely.
Q Were there any major challenges?
A The main challenge was the relatively right timeframe. We had roughly six months from the builders starting on the site to handing the house back to the clients.
Q What kind of house is it - period and style?
A The house dates from between the 1930s and 1950s and has a traditional character. It provided a strong foundation for us to introduce colour and texture.
Q What appealed to you most about it?
A The layout works naturally for family living, with several rooms flowing into another. This allowed us to create continuity between spaces through repeated colour and materials.
Q How do you imagine it changing in time?
A The house was designed to evolve with the family, particularly the children’s bedrooms which include bespoke joinery and schemes that can adapt as they grow.
Q Do you have a signature style, and how does it come through in this project?
A Our work often focuses on interiors layered with colour, texture and natural materials. In this project, that approach is reflected through the earthy palette and bespoke details.
“The home feels relaxed yet luxurious, with a quietly British atmosphere”
A FRESH
PERSPECTIVE
Bringing your home to life with Farrow & Ball Colour Consultancy
As the light shifts and days grow longer, spring invites a renewed way of seeing our homes –lighter, brighter, and full of possibility. It’s the perfect moment to reimagine your space, and with Farrow & Ball Colour Consultancy, that transformation becomes an inspiring, highly personal journey.
Step into a Farrow & Ball showroom and you’ll find more than a palette of beautifully crafted paints and wallpapers. You’ll discover a thoughtful, tailored service designed to help you unlock the full potential of your home through colour – guided by experts who understand how to make spaces feel just right.
At its heart, the Colour Consultancy is about collaboration. It begins with a conversation – about your home, your lifestyle, and how you want your space to feel. Every consultation is shaped around you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by choice or simply want to refine your ideas, a Colour Consultant brings clarity and confidence. They have an instinctive understanding of how colours behave – how a gentle green can echo the first signs of new growth outdoors, or how a pale, sunlit neutral can enhance natural light and open up a space.
Light plays a defining role. As daylight becomes brighter and more dynamic, colours shift and come alive in new ways.
A north-facing room might benefit from warmer, optimistic tones to counterbalance cooler light, while a sun-filled space can carry softer, more delicate shades that glow throughout the day.
A Farrow & Ball Colour Consultant looks beyond individual rooms, considering how your entire home flows. Spring is a natural time to create that sense of continuity – connecting spaces through a palette that feels cohesive yet varied, where each room has its own character but still belongs to a wider story.
Just as importantly, your home needs to work for how you live. Whether you’re
opening up your kitchen for brighter, more sociable moments, refreshing a living room for a lighter, calmer feel, or introducing playful colour into family spaces, your consultant will shape a scheme that supports everyday life while elevating it.
The process itself is simple and flexible. You can choose an in-home or virtual consultation, at a time that suits you. Ahead of your appointment, your consultant will take the time to understand your goals. Mood boards and references are always welcome, but never essential.
During the consultation, ideas come to life. Together, you’ll explore your space, discussing light, layout, and atmosphere. Colours are selected with care – not just to look beautiful, but to feel right in your home. By the end, you’ll have a clear, cohesive
scheme that’s ready to be brought to life. Afterwards, you’ll receive a detailed set of recommendations, including colours, finishes, and quantities, removing any uncertainty. What remains is the enjoyable part –watching your home evolve with confidence. And the support continues beyond the consultation. Whether you revisit your showroom, share your finished space, or seek further advice, Farrow & Ball remains a partner in your project. Ultimately, Colour Consultancy is about more than choosing paint. It’s about understanding how colour interacts with light, architecture, and the changing rhythm of the year – and using that knowledge to create a home that feels refreshed, uplifting, and entirely your own. This spring, it’s an invitation to start anew thanks to Farrow & Ball Colour Consultancy.
Kasia Fiszer
THE PERSONAL APPROACH
We chat to three Farrow & Ball Colour Consultants: Harriet of Hampstead Studio, Emilie of Esher and Guildford Showrooms, and Sarah of Notting Hill and Marylebone Showrooms
Q What do you love most about being a Colour Consultant?
Harriet: Colour choice is visceral, you sometimes feel it in your gut, and there is little we can do to change this instinctive reaction. What I love about my job is seeing this play out and being part of this joyful experience. Seeing someone’s face light up when you present the right colour is wonderful, I love seeing peoples' excitement about the schemes. It doesn’t have to be a bold colour, finding the right neutral is sometimes just as exciting. Choosing colours should always be a fun experience. Emilie: The variety each day brings. No two consultations are ever the same, which keeps the role constantly inspiring and creative. I really enjoy meeting di erent people, learning about their tastes, lifestyles and the way they use their homes. It’s incredibly rewarding to help clients choose colours that suit the period, style and atmosphere of their space. One of the most fulfilling aspects of the job is seeing the positive impact colour can have – not just
visually, but emotionally. The right colours can completely change how a room feels and how people experience their home.
Sarah: What I love most is the creative process of exploring colour and colour combinations, then acting as the translator between colour itself and the client’s vision. I’m particularly drawn to the emotional aspect of choosing colours. Understanding that this is deeply personal for clients. I love the challenge of crafting a specific mood or atmosphere using the colours that resonate with them, blending their preferences with the feeling they want to create in their space.
Q What are your top tips for someone seeking colour advice for their home?
Harriet: Try to stay historically sensitive to your home while finding your own style. Whether you’d like to restore the original spirit of a period home or add touches of your favourite era to a modern one, the past can be a rich source of inspiration. The space must work with the way you live your life while subtly reflecting your personality. Emilie: Be open minded about choosing the bolder option, you’re unlikely to regret it! Many people initially feel drawn to stronger colours, but end up playing it safe. Often, those bolder choices are the ones that bring the most character and personality to a room. Also, always consider how light and function a ect colour. Natural light changes throughout the day, and artificial lighting can also alter how a colour appears, sometimes making it warmer or cooler. The function of the room is just as important – softer tones
may suit a bedroom, while living spaces or kitchens can often carry something a little bolder. Make sure you’ve really considered the time of day that you’re using various rooms. Sarah: Firstly, understand what mood you want to create in the space. Really think about when and how you’ll use the room. Consider the activities that will take place there and the atmosphere you want to cultivate. Secondly, look at colours and choose the ones that genuinely make you feel good and evoke the emotions you want to experience in that space. Trust your instinctive response to colour. Thirdly, push yourself slightly out of your comfort zone when it comes to colour depth. The experience of colour transforms when it’s on the wall.
MERI MERI X LIBERTY Paper honeycomb bunnies, £42 merimeri.co.uk
BERGS POTTER
Kobenhavner vase, £69.20 nordicnest.com
EDITOR’S PICK
BRAIDED RUG COMPANY
Tulip jute basket, £26 braided-rug.co.uk
By PENDLE HARTE
SPRING FORWARD
JOHN LEWIS X ANINE CECILIE IVERSEN Fine china teapot, £35 johnlewis.com
ARTFULLY WALLS
Framed Daffodil presed fl ower print by Jamjar Edit, from £126 artfullywalls.com
MERI MERI X LIBERTY Paper fl ower garland, £35 merimeri.co.uk
ROCKETT ST GEORGE
Set of six colourful disco Easter decorations, £22 rockettstgeorge.co.uk
JAMES Hare linen napkins, £23.95 annabeljames.co.uk
ANNABEL
MATISA DECO Floral Hand-Block Printed Cotton Napkins, £18 for two matisadeco.ie
20 YEARS OF LIVING DANISHLY
Two decades. Ten stores. One unwavering philosophy. BoConcept marks 20 years of Danish design – and invites you to celebrate
Some anniversaries are simply counted. Others are felt – in the rooms we have shaped, the mornings we have savoured in a chair that fits just so, the evenings around a table that makes every dinner feel considered. For BoConcept, 20 years in London belongs to the second kind.
When BoConcept first opened in the capital, it arrived carrying something specific: a Danish conviction that a well-designed home is not a luxury, but a foundation. That the objects we live among should be chosen with care, crafted with precision, and built to endure. That simplicity, far from being a compromise, is the highest form of intention.
London, a city that has always understood style and individuality, proved the ideal home for that philosophy. Over two decades, BoConcept has grown from a single address to ten stores across the capital and surrounding areas – from Tottenham Court Road and Harrods in Knightsbridge to Westfield and beyond – each one a space where Danish design meets the particular way we choose to live today.
The Art of Living Danishly
To live Danishly is to resist the superfluous. It is to value quality over quantity, warmth over grandeur, and the quiet confidence of a room that simply works. In practice, it means oak chosen for its depth and grain, upholstery selected for its tactile pleasure, and silhouettes shaped not by passing trend but by the enduring logic of comfort and proportion.
In the South East – cities and towns of Georgian terraces, Victorian conversions, contemporary new-builds, and everything in between – this philosophy translates remarkably well. BoConcept’s collections have always understood that a beautiful interior must also be a liveable one: adaptable where a flat is compact, expansive where a space allows, and always coherent. Modular sofas that grow with a household. Dining tables with discreet extension leaves. Storage that conceals without sacrificing character.
Twenty years of working alongside interior designers, architects, and homeowners has only deepened that understanding. The result is a collection that speaks fluently to the area it calls home, while remaining grounded in the Scandinavian principles that give it meaning.
A Creative Vision: Helena christensen & the new collections
At the heart of BoConcept’s creative direction today is a figure who embodies the Danish philosophy as naturally as anyone
HELENA CHRISTENSEN, GLOBAL ARTISTIC DIRECTOR FOR BOCONCEPT, WITH THE NEW CATSKILLS COLLECTION
alive. Helena Christensen – supermodel, photographer, and lifelong champion of considered living – was appointed Global Artistic Director for BoConcept in 2025, and her influence on the brand is already being felt across its newest collections.
Born in Copenhagen and raised between Denmark and the wider world, Christensen brings to the role a sensibility that is both deeply rooted in Scandinavian design heritage and shaped by a lifetime of living beautifully. In her homes – from Manhattan to her beloved retreat in the Catskills – she has long demonstrated what it means to curate rather than accumulate: spaces that feel personal, generous and utterly unforced.
The Axo dining collection, created in collaboration with Copenhagen-based atelier axo, reflects this sensibility in its purest form. Architectural in proportion yet warm in presence, Axo is a study in balance – its tapered legs and expansive oak veneer surface celebrating natural material with quiet confidence. In Natural Oak, the defining tone of the current season, Axo
feels almost illuminated from within, lending warmth without heaviness. Christensen’s eye for the intersection of structure and softness is unmistakable in its design: this is a table that invites gathering, conversation and the slow rituals of a well-lived day.
The Catskills collection speaks to another dimension of Christensen’s creative world –one shaped by the landscape of her upstate New York home, where Scandinavian spirit meets American wilderness. Organic forms, tactile materials, soft earthy tones and a mood of unhurried ease define the collection’s character. It is interiors as autobiography: the kind of spaces that feel lived-in from the first moment, as though every piece has always belonged exactly where it has been placed. In this, the Catskills collection is perhaps the most personal expression yet of what Helena Christensen brings to BoConcept – and of what the brand, at its best, has always believed: that a home should tell the story of the person who lives in it.
Together, Axo and Catskills represent BoConcept at its most contemporary –and most enduring. Collections that do not ask to be admired from a distance, but to be lived with, and lived well.
Twenty Days to Celebrate
To mark two decades of Danish design in London and surrounding areas, BoConcept is celebrating in a manner entirely in keeping with its character: generously, and without unnecessary complication. From 2 to 21 April, BoConcept is o ering 20% o everything in-store – across all collections, for 20 days. Every piece that defines the BoConcept o er –living, dining, bedroom, home o ce – is included, along with additional o ers running across the same period. The 20% promotion is one element of the anniversary. The other is something BoConcept has always o ered, and which remains at the heart of its approach: a complimentary Interior Design Service, available in every store. Rather than leaving customers to navigate a
BOCONCEPT HAS ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT A HOME SHOULD TELL THE STORY OF THE PERSON WHO LIVES THERE
collection alone, BoConcept’s qualified interior designers guide each visit as a collaborative conversation. They listen to how a space is used, understand how the light falls, and translate that knowledge into layout plans, material selections, and fully rendered 3D visualisations –allowing rooms to be explored digitally before a single decision is finalised. It is, in the truest Danish sense, design with intention. Not a transaction, but a considered process – the same one that has shaped London homes for 20 years.
boconcept.com
Offer terms. Not available online. Only available at BoConcept Tottenham Court Road, Harrods, Notting Hill, Westfield, Battersea Reach, Finchley Road, Fenwick Brent Cross, Fenwick Kingston, St Albans and Guildford. 20 years of Danish design in London. 20 per cent off, in-store, for 20 days — 2 to 21 April.
KITCHEN KIT
DAILY GRIND MICROPLANE
STICK GREEN PAN
The GreenPan Evolution Collection is cra ed from 100% recycled aluminium and features the world-leading Thermolon™ PFAS-free ceramic non-stick coating, enhanced with diamonds. Nothing will ever stick to this. greenpan.co.uk
CLEAN AIR MEACO
You might not realise quite how much moisture is in the air until you plug in a dehumidifi er. The Arete One 6L dual dehumidifi er and HEPA air purifi er is small, quiet and super effi cient. meaco.com
USE YOUR NOODLE KITCHENAID
KitchenAid's 3-in-1 Metal Pasta Attachment fits quickly and easily onto the stand mixer to transform it into a pasta-making machine. Make your own lasagne, spaghetti, ravioli and more with ease. kitchenaid.co.uk
Essential for grating and storing hard spices, the Microplane Spice Mill 2-in-1 features razor-sharp stainless steel blades for superior results while releasing all of the full aroma and fl avour. £29.95 microplane.com 1 5
OH MICKEY BODUM
Following on from its successful design partnership with the Museum of Modern Art MoMA, Bodum has launched a range of coffee makers with Disney. Cute! selfridges.com
A spring SHIFT
Ripples explore what the new season means for bathrooms
Spring 2026 brings with it a renewed desire for homes that feel uplifting, personal and easy to live in. Rather than dramatic redesigns, this season is about thoughtful updates that enhance wellbeing and reflect how we truly use our spaces. Here the designers at Ripples share their insight into why the bathroom is emerging as one of the most transformed rooms in the home.
Once purely practical, bathrooms are now being designed as restorative sanctuaries. Homeowners are prioritising layouts that feel calm and uncluttered, layered lighting that adapts from energising mornings to relaxing evenings, and tactile materials that add warmth and comfort. The focus is not on indulgence for its own sake, but on creating an atmosphere that supports daily routines and moments of pause. Warm neutrals are replacing the cool greys that dominated previous years. Soft
beiges, clay tones and gentle browns add depth while maintaining a light, springready feel. These hues pair beautifully with natural materials such as timber furniture, stone-e ect tiles and brushed metallic finishes, creating spaces that feel both grounded and e ortlessly elegant. Colour is also returning, but with greater intention. Mineral greens, soft sky blues and muted terracotta tones are being introduced through tiles, cabinetry or accessories to add personality without overwhelming the room. The e ect is subtle yet uplifting – a reflection of a wider shift towards bathrooms that support emotional wellbeing as much as aesthetic appeal. Another defining trend is the move towards softer shapes and organic forms. Curved mirrors, rounded basins and gently contoured baths introduce a sense of flow, helping bathrooms feel more welcoming and less clinical. Paired with textured finishes such as fluted glass, ribbed surfaces and matte stone, these
details add quiet visual interest while maintaining a calm, cohesive look. Ultimately, spring 2026 is less about following trends and more about creating spaces that feel authentic and restorative. By embracing warmth, texture and thoughtful design, homeowners are shaping bathrooms that not only look beautiful, but genuinely enhance everyday life.
ripplesbathrooms.com
SPRING MARKET
Are you ready to sell?
Here’s how to get your house in shape
Anyone embarking on selling their home will be hoping to attract as much interest as possible, in order to sell quickly and for a good price. But how can we ensure that we’re showing our homes to best advantage? This is something that agents know all about. Before putting your home on the market and inviting people in to view it, it’s worth putting in some proper preparation, and try to view your home with fresh eyes. You might love your house, but it’s not necessarily going to sell itself. Here’s a guide to preparing it for sale.
1 De-clutter. Remember: less is more when it comes to making each room look its best. A cluttered interior makes rooms look smaller and distracts applicants. Clear surfaces, tidy bookshelves and put away clothes.It can be worth putting your collection of china dolls/beer mats/ bicycles in storage for the duration if it means that your space looks sleeker.
2 Make the property presentable and inviting. That means dust-free, clean and sparkling, with no bad smells. If it’s a flat, ensure common parts are looking their best by tidying up mail, hoovering the stairs and adding paintings and furniture if possible. Tidy the garden if you have one.
3 First impressions count, so make sure the first sight of the exterior is inviting with a tidy front garden and fresh paint on the front door and façade. Why not consider a windowbox full of flowers?
4 Always make sure curtains are wide open. There’s nothing more depressing than a room with the curtains closed during the day. Also - think about lighting. Make sure lights are on in the evening and o during the day.
6 Depending on the weather, internally the property should be the right temperature. So heating on in the winter and windows open in the summer. A stu y room will put people o immediately.
7 Leave internal doors ajar or open when showing around to create a sense of open flow – other than bathrooms, where doors should be closed (and loo seats down).
8 Get the agent to arrive before the viewing to action some of the above! Developers dress their properties with stylish furniture, modern paintings and objets d’art to create a desirable lifestyle product. The more modern, stylish and fresh you can make your home, the more applicants will hanker for your lifestyle – and your home.
FOUR SEASONS FAIRWAYS
QUINTA DO LAGO
ALGARVE
SPECIAL TRAVEL
CATALAN DELIGHT
Barcelona is always worth visiting, but especially in a year when it’s marking two Gaudi milestones, says Sandy Cadiz-Smith on page 152.
inside this section:
ON SAFARI IN ZIMBABWE p140
FEASTING IN GRENADA p144
THE AUTHENTIC ALGARVE p148
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS p159
BARCELONA
LEGEND FALLS of the
Touchdown at Victoria Falls International Airport. The Shona singers who serenade our departure from arrivals showcase traditional Zimbabwean hospitality. And yet some things are unmistakably 2025. Our small tour group is greeted by Lookout, both guide and chaperone for the next four days, and who hands each of us a sleek, metal water-bottle, complete with scannable QR-code. Where once the safari kit-list was topped by mosquito nets, gin and tonic (for the quinine, old boy), today’s emphasis is, rightly, on sustainability.
The bottles, Lookout tells us proudly, can be topped up at the numerous water stations around town, a way to monitor water usage and reduce single-use
plastics. ‘Town’ is about right, although Victoria Falls calls itself a city, a somewhat ambitious legacy of imperial aspiration.
Named after the Zambezi cascades ‘discovered’, in 1855, by David Livingstone (and who named those for Queen Victoria), what is unquestionably the world’s greatest water-feature straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Forbes magazine recently named Zimbabwe one of its top five global destinations, singling out ‘Vic’ Falls , one of the seven natural wonders of the world, for special praise.
We are staying at the Victoria Falls Safari Club, a premium contender in a sector so crowded with high-end operators it can make the Great Migration look like two cows on a hillside. As someone fortunate enough to have visited exceptional destinations across southern Africa, my own kitbag included a vial of scepticism.
MARK MACKENZIE ENJOYS TRADITIONAL ZIMBABWEAN HOSPITALITY, IMPRESSIVE VIEWS AND PLENTY OF WILDLIFE AT VICTORIA FALLS SAFARI CLUB
True, Zimbabwe has much to recommend it (Hwange, Mana Pools, Great Zimbabwe…), but a reputation for luxury travel is hardly foremost – added to which, the Club sits just 20km from the airport. And then we arrive on the Club’s viewing deck.
The sky above teems with vultures, circling in numbers so extraordinary it makes you wonder what sort of predators are lurking nearby. As we are served welcome drinks, White-backed and Hooded vultures converge into well-rehearsed holding patterns, making final descents, in their hundreds, to the treetops just metres from the elevated deck.
‘Deck’ is a bit glib for a space that is also a beautifully appointed guest lounge, bar and restaurant. Looking to the horizon across the Zambezi National Park, the views here rival, genuinely, some of the best in Africa; a match for the arid Namib Desert, for example, or the boundless Serengeti.
If your eyes make it as far as the horizon, however, you’ll be doing well, for immediately in front of us is an impressively busy watering hole. Fed by the mighty Zambezi, whose waters are pumped in as one of the Club’s many conservation initiatives, it’s a magnet for wildlife. Routinely attracting impala,
elephants and, recently, the lions that brought down a warthog for the benefit of guests (if not the warthog), a resident leopard dines here, too.
Our own dinner that evening is at the MaKuwa-Kuwa restaurant, in the neighbouring Safari Lodge. One of two additional properties on the estate which, together, make up the Victoria Falls Safari Collection (there are also self-contained Safari Suites), the Lodge’s views are, if possible, even better than those from the Club.
Day two starts with a visit to Victoria Falls proper. Plunging into a vast scar in the Earth, the resulting spray is visible for miles. Livingstone, the first European to record them, was su ciently moved he paraphrased Hamlet. “Scenes so lovely,” he wrote, “must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.”
Visiting in November means low water. Peak flow arrives between March and May, when the local Zambian name, Mosi-oaTunya (‘The Smoke That Thunders’), is apposite. There is no bad, or better, time to see the Falls; peak waters bring thrilling noise but also an enveloping mist that obscures the view; low water, as now, allows you to appreciate the geological architecture. From the Devil’s Cataract, the Falls’ easternmost viewpoint, the rock formation
Before lunch, there is time for a treatment at the estate’s Safari Spa. As with the views, the massage is world-class;
the scent of local botanicals, the steady rhythmic pressure, putting in the hard yards in order to build an appetite. Lunch, like all the food here, is both internationally inspired and expertly executed: a poke bowl of goodness, followed by a local treats, including a mopane-worm brownie.
We end the day aboard the Zambezi Explorer, a luxury cruiser from whose deck we watch hippos honking at the sunset, before we return to the Club for dinner. Tucking in to inventive and generous dishes, my personal highlights are a delicate tilapia, a melting beef short-rib, and a tarte tatin so delicious I order it every day (possibly twice).
The following morning we set out for a game drive into the Zambezi National Park. During Covid, when tourism collapsed, wildlife in the region flourished and our guide, Greemph, is a font of knowledge on species large and small. By the river we
Looking to the horizon across the Zambezi National Park, the views here rival, genuinely, some of the best in Africa
watch hippos and crocodiles, while in the scrub we encounter gira e, zebra, kudu and other antelope.
Keen to stand up for the little guys, Greemph points out the many nests of whitebrowed sparrow weavers, ingenious birds who work collectively to build a home for one dominant breeding pair, the rest serving as decoys to deter snakes and eagles.
Back at the Club, we park for the short walk to a hide next to the estate’s watering hole – just a few hundred yards, it’s still long enough to require an armed escort. Viewed so close, the birdlife is wondrous; black herons ‘mantling’ (fishing in the shade of their own wings), hammerkops and fish eagles and, a personal favourite, a pied kingfisher, a Gerard Manley Hopkins poem in monochrome. Then, with sundowners on the Club’s westfacing deck, the sunset provides an almost arrogant display of African splendour.
The following morning we too take to the skies, to witness the Falls from a di erent perspective, a helicopter ride billed, again, as the ‘Flight of Angels’. It doesn’t disappoint. After lunch we chat
to Nathan Webb, head of the estate’s anti-poaching programme, who highlights the realities of game conservation here. Speaking candidly about the ongoing threat from poachers, but also passionately about progress made, the revival of Vic Falls’ wildlife, Webb says, owes much to the e orts of the estate.
The ‘Vulture Culture’ experience is a case in point. Feeding hordes of birds daily, during which guests learn about the role played by these scavengers crucial to the wider ecosystem, it’s both tourist attraction and environmental success story. (Provisioned by leftovers, it also provides handy waste-disposal.)
Our own final dinner is reserved for The Boma restaurant, whose African bu et and rousing drum show has become something of a local institution. Drawing visitors to the estate from across town, it’s a celebration of Zimbabwean food and culture, but also of a resurgent destination that never fails to surprise.
More information and for bookings: victoriafalls-safari-collection.com
Grenada feast
The fabled Spice Isle Grenada is tropical paradise at any time, but visit during its annual chocolate festival for ultimate sweet indulgence
By SANDY CADIZ-SMITH
Located in the south-eastern Caribbean Sea, Grenada is the fabled Spice Island – so called because of its abundant bounty of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and other fragrant spices. It’s also home to powdery white-sand beaches, lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls. Oh, and it's internationally recognised for producing some of the finest cocoa in the world.
Each year, the island hosts a celebration of this precious crop at the Chocolate Festival, showcasing its deep-rooted cacao
and chocolate culture. And that’s why we’re here – to soak in the sunshine, experience the island’s vibrant traditions and, most importantly, indulge in all things chocolatey.
The festival is the visionary creation of Magdalena Fielden, who established it in 2014 to unite farmers, chocolatiers and the local community, as well as visitors to the island. Most events are held at the charming True Blue Bay Boutique Resort, owned and operated by the Fielden family. It’s on the island’s southern coast, a short drive from the airport, and our indulgent home for the week.
We receive a warm Grenadian welcome and are guided through the
garden to our room. Palm trees sway beside crystal-clear pools, frangipanis perfume the air and bougainvillea add bursts of colour to the lush greenery. The air feels warm and we inhale the feast of fragrances. It’s tropical heaven.
Our aptly named Cocoa Pod room is surprisingly spacious, with a small kitchen and dining area, plenty of seating and storage and a large ensuite bathroom. The floor-to-ceiling doors open onto a balcony that feels entirely enveloped by lush vegetation. And it overlooks the pools and dazzling, azure sea beyond – perfect base for our chocolate adventure.
COCOA PODS
TRUE BLUE BAY BOUTIQUE RESORT
The Rum Shop bar alongside the pool is a great spot for sampling the local rum punch in the shade. Dodgy Dock, a scenic stroll through the gardens and along an oceanside boardwalk, is where all the action happens, including our meals. On our first night we get straight into the flavour of things at Street Food Wednesday, where local companies serve up a selection of traditional Grenadian dishes.
When morning comes it’s time to start exploring the island through a specially curated programme of events. These not only celebrate Grenada’s world-class chocolate but also the island’s breathtaking natural beauty and the warmth of its people. Over the course of the week, we head into the heart of the island, exploring historic cocoa estates, indulging in a foodie tour and rum and chocolate pairing, and participating in hands-on workshops and wellness experiences. All are infused with the island’s signature ingredient.
One night at Dodgy Dock we’re treated to a culinary cocoa dinner, an inventive multicourse menu where every dish is inspired by, and incorporates, chocolate. From savoury starters to decadent desserts, the creativity is as impressive as the complex flavours and is one of the highlights of our stay.
Our journey takes us to so many enchanting corners of the island. There are routes along narrow, winding roads that weave through dense forest and verdant plantations, passing colourful villages that seem to cling like tendrils to the slopes. We hike to hidden waterfalls –Grenada boasts at least 15 of them – and bathe in their crystal-clear waters.
Of course, we also make sure to find time to relax in our beautiful hotel. There are four pools for lounging and swimming and
plenty of quiet spaces to chill. Daily shuttles transport guests who can tear themselves away from the pool to the gorgeous beaches of Grand Anse, just a short drive away.
The on-site Aquanauts dive shop provides guests with the extraordinary opportunity to explore the vibrant world beneath, home to thriving coral reefs, historic shipwrecks and the island’s incredible Underwater Sculpture Park. This includes the iconic installation Vicissitudes – a hauntingly beautiful circle of 26 life-sized children holding hands. It is a powerful symbol of unity, continuity and the island's connection to nature.
This seems to capture the very essence of Grenada - an island defined by a deeprooted sense of community, harmony with nature and, indeed, the chocolate treasure it grows and shares with the world.
Grenada explorer
• The 2026 Grenada Chocolate Festival runs from 22-27 May.
• True Blue Bay Resort truebluebay.com
• Belmont Estate Cocoa Adventure classic tours from $6 per person belmontestategrenada.com
• House of Chocolate houseofchocolategnd.com
• Flights from London Gatwick to Grenada with British Airways depart three times a week, starting from £585 return.
• Flights from London Heathrow to Grenada with Virgin Atlantic depart three times a week, starting from £619 return.
• Find out more about visiting Grenada at puregrenada.com
VICISSITUDES, UNDERWATER SCULPTURE PARK
BEACHES OF GRAND ANSE
Beyond the GATES
A day trip into the authentic Algarve
By KATHRYN PEEL
One of the quiet luxuries of staying at Four Seasons Fairways is the sense that everything you need is right there; manicured gardens, serene swimming pools, excellent dining and that unmistakable Quinta do Lago calm. Yet just beyond the gates lies a very di erent Algarve; slower, earthier and deeply local, rewarding those willing to venture out.
One morning during our stay, we set o inland, trading coastal polish for rolling hills and whitewashed villages as we headed towards Querença. The drive itself feels like a reset, with the air seeming to grow fresher with every kilometre. Just outside the village lies Fonte da Benémola, one of the Algarve’s most beautiful walking trails. Unlike the dramatic coastal paths the region is known for, this walk is defined by water, trickling streams, shaded pools and a constant soundtrack of birdsong.
The trail meanders gently alongside the Ribeira da Menalva, passing reed beds, fig trees and limestone outcrops. Dragonflies skim the water’s surface while wild herbs release their scent underfoot. It’s the kind of walk that invites you to slow down, to
stop often and simply notice. Lush and unexpectedly green, this corner of the Algarve o ers a softer, more tranquil kind of beauty. It’s an easy, restorative route, perfect for those seeking nature without the strain of a demanding hike. From the calm of the trail, we returned to the heart of Querença for co ee at Café da Rosa, set in the village square beside the Igreja Matriz. This is village life at its most uncontrived. Tables spill into the sunshine, locals linger over espresso and conversations unfold at an unhurried pace. Rosa herself served us co ee and warm pastéis de nata with a smile. There is no rush here, only the quiet pleasure of sitting, observing and soaking it all in. It feels worlds away from resort life, yet it’s less than an hour’s drive – a reminder that the most memorable moments are often the simplest. For lunch, we drove further inland to Casa dos Presuntos, a restaurant firmly rooted in its community. Arriving on a bank holiday, we found it buzzing, not a tourist in sight. Families and friends filled the room, settling in for long, leisurely meals. The atmosphere was convivial and unpretentious, with animated conversations, clinking glasses of local wine and tables laden with generous dishes. Having enjoyed refined seafood the day before, we opted for something heartier. The menu celebrates traditional Algarvian
It is a reminder that the most memorable moments are often the simplest
cooking, particularly rich meat stews and casseroles made for sharing. We sampled a deeply flavoured wild boar stew, tender lamb chops and a comforting lamb stew, each dish robust and satisfying. Desserts, displayed temptingly around the room, encouraged diners to linger. We shared a selection of regional sweets, with the standout being a sweet potato cake (torta de batata doce); moist, gently spiced and quietly addictive. To round o the day, we stopped at Quinta da Tôr, ideally located en route back to Quinta do Lago. Set among rolling hills, the estate o ers a glimpse into Algarve winemaking, a side of the region often overlooked. Owned by the Santos family, the winery was restored just over a decade ago. During the tour, we learned about their production process, from ageing red wines in French and Hungarian oak barrels to producing around 100,000 bottles annually. There’s a clear pride in their use of local cork, a nod to Portugal’s long-standing heritage. The tasting revealed bold, characterful wines (high in alcohol!), full of warmth and unmistakably reflective of the Algarve climate. It was a fitting end to a day spent uncovering the region’s deeper layers. By the time we returned to Four Seasons Fairways, night had fallen. The resort lights felt especially welcoming after a full day of exploration. A light bite
at VIVO, followed by a soak in the pool and jacuzzi, provided the perfect contrast. There’s something deeply satisfying about returning to comfort after experiencing the Algarve beyond its polished edges – villages where time slows, restaurants filled with locals and landscapes shaped by tradition. Another easy and worthwhile excursion from the resort is a morning in Loulé. On Saturdays, the vibrant food market is a must-see, buzzing with locals and brimming with fresh produce, regional delicacies and handcrafted goods. Four Seasons Fairways o ers a shuttle, making the outing e ortless. It’s worth lingering for lunch and a wander through the historic streets, including a visit to the Islamic Baths. For something more hands-on, Loulé Criativo o ers craft and food workshops that provide a deeper connection to local traditions. We joined a fig-themed session, creating a selection of treats to take home – a fun and memorable experience that adds another dimension to a visit.
For guests staying at Four Seasons Fairways, these day trips add texture and context to a stay. They reveal a quieter Algarve, where life unfolds at its own pace and experiences feel authentic rather than curated. Within an easy drive, landscapes shift, conversations change and meals become occasions rather than interruptions. For first-time visitors and returning guests alike, these moments o er a deeper understanding of place. Walking beside spring-fed streams, lingering in sunlit squares, sharing traditional dishes and ending the day among vineyards all contribute to a richer, more rounded experience. Sometimes, the best way to appreciate where you are is simply to step a little beyond it.
7 nights in a 2 or 3 bed villa or apartment with swimming pool or Jacuzzi from £1,404 - £4,400 on a self catering basis. For more details, visit fourseasonsfairways.com; visitalgarve.pt
Mauritius, Perfected: e Art of Effortless Luxury
An island where powder-so beaches, crystalline lagoons and emerald interiors create a sanctuary of rare beauty. With Away Holidays, enjoy discovering charming resorts and bespoke experiences across Mauritius. From refined family escapes with exceptional offers for children to moments of pure indulgence. All seamlessly delivered with 24/7 dedicated support because true luxury is feeling entirely, impeccably looked a er.
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MAURITIUS
Discover a balance of relaxation and adventure in Mauritius with Away Holidays
Experience Mauritius with insights from Neela Goyal, Indian Ocean Product Expert at Away Holidays, who has expertly answered these questions to help guide your perfect escape. As a UK-based travel specialist with access to exclusive deals and carefully curated resort options, Away Holidays takes the complexity out of luxury travel. From flights and premium hotels to bespoke excursions tailored to your preferences, every detail is thoughtfully arranged. Your dream getaway is closer than you think, supported by 24-hour expert guidance and ATOL protection every step of the way.
Q Why is Mauritius such a popular family destination?
A Mauritius is ideal for families thanks to its balance of relaxation and adventure in a welcoming setting. Calm lagoons and soft sandy beaches make swimming easy for children, while many resorts o er kids’ clubs, family suites and activities such as snorkelling, paddleboarding and nature excursions. Beyond the beach, families can explore botanical gardens, waterfalls, wildlife parks and vibrant local markets. The island’s warm hospitality ensures children feel genuinely welcome, creating a relaxed and memorable holiday for all ages.
Q When is the best time to visit Mauritius for the most value?
A For the best value, travel during the shoulder seasons of May to October. During these months, the weather remains warm and sunny, while flight and resort prices are typically lower than peak periods. Avoiding school holidays can unlock excellent deals, making luxury resorts and stunning beaches more accessible.
Q What’s the di erence between the north and south of Mauritius?
A The north is known for its lively atmosphere, popular beaches, stylish restaurants, beach clubs and shopping spots. Grand Baie stands out for its nightlife and water sports. In contrast, the south feels
more untouched and dramatic with rugged coastlines, thriving landscapes and natural attractions like waterfalls and reserves. Resorts here tend to be more secluded, o ering tranquillity and striking scenery.
Q What types of beaches can you expect in Mauritius?
A Mauritius o ers diverse beach experiences from powder-white sands and shallow turquoise lagoons protected by coral reefs, perfect for swimming and snorkelling, to the north and west’s calm waters and beautiful sunsets. The south features a wilder coastline with waves, cli s and unspoiled stretches of sand for a more dramatic setting.
awayholidays.co.uk; 020 3993 6235
CATALAN
RETURN
Barcelona is always worth visiting, but especially in a year when it's marking two Gaudi milestones, says Sandy Cadiz-Smith
Visiting Barcelona is always a good idea. This year, though, the city is o ering particularly persuasive reasons to return (or make your first foray). It is the centenary of Antoni Gaudi's death and, in a feat that has long felt more mythical than plausible, the Sagrada Família is finally nearing completion (or so we are assured). There’s something irresistible about enjoying the Catalan capital just as one of its most audacious dreams edges towards fulfilment. And we can’t resist.
I’ve long had a personal dream to stay within the Gothic Quarter. And that’s exactly what we’re doing, right in the heart of this historical district at the stunning Hotel Neri. A member of Relais & Chateaux, it occupies two
landmark buildings. One of them just happens to be a magnificent 12th-century palace. Hotel Neri has been renovated with Catalan verve, and also full respect for history and provenance, with 22 rooms and suites – each one of them delightfully di erent. There's an exceptional restaurant here, too, and a wonderful urban rooftop oasis. Our room is spacious and light-filled, with a huge, modern bathroom and lovely views of the courtyard. It’s a calm, cool and elegant place to be – the perfect foil to the bustling streets below. And appropriately, Gaudi regularly attended the church opposite. Below these bustling streets lie the stones of Roman Barcino – still visible in fragments of walls and columns – while above them rise the Gothic palaces, churches and civic buildings of a medieval city that once ruled the Western Mediterranean. Today, the Gothic
SAGRADA FAMILIA
GAUDI'S CASA BATLLÓ
Quarter remains a beloved, lived-in neighbourhood – which is my favourite thing about it. Laundry flutters from wrought-iron balconies, people walk their dogs and children play. And the streets are lined with what seem like endless shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. There's enough to keep you occupied for weeks, even tempt you to move here for good.
Just around the corner is my favourite market in the world (a bold claim, but one I stand by). La Boqueria is Barcelona at full volume – bright, busy and noisily alive. What began as an open-air market beyond the old city walls has developed into a cathedral of food, its iron-and-glass roof sheltering stalls piled high with jewel-coloured fruit, jamon strung like festive bunting and seafood so fresh it still seems to glisten with the salty sea.
This place is not merely a box to be ticked, though it is endlessly photogenic. La Boqueria remains a working market, pulsing with the rhythms of daily life. Locals navigate the crowds with practised ease, while visitors – us included – still pause to marvel at the abundance. After stocking up on surprisingly well-priced herbs and spices, we retreat to a favourite corner for chilled cava, tapas and oysters, the perfect restorative, before drifting back out into the streets. Barcelona is a city made for wandering, after all, and from here it feels entirely natural to meander onwards towards yet another
La Boqueria is Barcelona at full volume – bright, busy and noisily alive
of its great spectacles – the famous work in progress that is Sagrada Familia. Construction of this mighty cathedral began in 1882, with Gaudi taking over a year later and slowly turning it into the defining work of his life. Barcelona is scattered with his visionary designs and details, but this was the project that consumed him. When he died in 1926, only a small portion was complete, leaving behind a vision so vast it seemed almost inconceivable it would ever come to full life. And yet here it is, rising majestic, funded by awestruck visitors and shaped by modern technology. It manages to look both ancient and startlingly new – and certainly more complete than on my last visit three years ago. O cially, the aim is to finish it this year. A small part of me hopes it never quite gets there. An unfinished and ever-changing masterpiece is, after all, the best possible reason to keep coming back to magnificent Barcelona and check in on its many treasures.
Hotel Neri is a member of Relais & Chateaux. hotelneri.com
HOTEL NERI COURTYARD
HOTEL NERI
LA BOQUERIA MARKET
The Ultimate in Resort Living
Royal Westmoreland in St. James, Barbados, offers a golf resort experience which is second to none.
Enjoy five-star amenities including our championship 18-hole golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., offering breathtaking views and a world-class playing experience. Or if you prefer, relax at our exclusive Beach Club at Mullins Bay. Our dedicated concierge team is on hand to ensure your stay is perfect from beginning to end.
The exclusive community is made up of a collection of stunning properties, from apartments to sprawling detached villas. Stay for a while, or for a lifetime with holiday rental, fractional and full ownership opportunities all available.
Take a TRIP
A UK break or an adventure further afield? The choice is yours. Here are some ideas
DARWIN FOREST
Experience luxury lodge holidays in the Derbyshire Peak District. Darwin Forest is located between Matlock and Bakewell in the heart of England and combines luxury self-catering lodges with fantastic onsite facilities including a swimming pool, restaurant, play centre and activities.
The lodges sleep from two to eight people and are nestled within a woodland paradise. Spa lodges include an outdoor hot tub and all one bedroom lodges include a sauna. Up to two dogs are welcome in the pet friendly accommodation.
The family friendly park provides an ideal base from which to explore the delightful Peak District and its wonderful attractions. With facilities and attractions for all ages to enjoy, many families take the opportunity to book a multi-generational family holiday, enabling grandparents to spend precious time with their grandchildren.
Escape to the Derbyshire countryside for a romantic getaway with the one you love. Relax and enjoy strolling through the area’s picturesque landscapes, perhaps stopping o for a delicious pub lunch or afternoon tea. For a luxury treat, choose a hot tub lodge and spend a romantic evening under the star filled night sky. darwinforest.co.uk
DE VERE WOKEFIELD ESTATE
Nestled in 250 acres of beautiful Berkshire countryside, De Vere
Wokefield Estate is an excellent choice for travellers searching for a peaceful, relaxing destination outside of the city this summer.
Unwind, unplug and enjoy breathtaking countryside views, attentive customer service and delicious, seasonal food that will leave you recharged, refreshed and invigorated. Outside, discover the estate’s 18-hole PGA-approved, championship golf course complete with putting green, all-weather 15-bay driving range and onsite Pro Shop. You’ll also find an indoor pool, sauna, newly refurbished gym with Technogym equipment, outdoor gym and tennis courts. There’s no shortage of dining options either. The View is the main restaurant, located in Wokefield Place, and serves Italian-inspired dishes using fresh, seasonal produce. devere.co.uk/wokefield-estate
THE LUXURY TRAVEL BOUTIQUE
At The Luxury Travel Boutique, every itinerary is crafted with intention, imagination and insider expertise. Founded by Sheryl Makin, a specialist in tailor-made travel and luxury hotels, the Boutique is built on one simple belief: your trip should feel like it was designed just for you — because it was. This is travel without templates. No generic packages. No guesswork. Just beautifully curated journeys shaped around who you are, how you love to explore, and the stories you want to bring home. From private island hideaways to culturally rich city escapes, Sheryl blends meticulous planning with warm, boutique-style service that makes every client feel known, understood and completely looked after. And for the explorers at heart, The Luxury Travel Boutique is your gateway to the world’s most extraordinary expedition cruises. Think Antarctica’s sculpted icebergs, the Galápagos’ wild beauty, the Arctic’s silent majesty, or remote corners of the Kimberley — all experienced with world-class guides, small-ship intimacy and immersive adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of a handcrafted family itinerary, a once-in-a-lifetime expedition, or a seamless luxury escape, Sheryl brings creativity, care and deep destination knowledge to every detail. Contact Sheryl Makin on 07866805050 theluxurytravelboutique.com
WELLIES & WINDBREAKS
Swap airport queues for sea air this summer and rediscover the magic of a UK staycation along the beautiful West Sussex coast. Choosing a handpicked holiday home with Wellies & Windbreaks in West Wittering and the surrounding villages o ers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience and coastal charm for the whole family.
West Wittering is famed for its expansive Blue Flag beach, with soft sand, clear waters and space to truly unwind – ideal for families, couples and dog owners alike. Days are e ortlessly simple: morning swims, paddleboarding on calm seas and long walks along scenic coastal paths with views across the Solent.
Staying with Wellies & Windbreaks elevates the experience. Their curated homes combine boutique style with “home-from-home” comfort – whether it’s a cosy cottage near the shore or a spacious family house with gardens and room to relax. Beyond the beach, the area o ers a laid-back yet vibrant coastal lifestyle. Explore East Wittering’s independent shops and cafés, enjoy fresh seafood, or watch the sunset from East Head. For the active, cycling and watersports are on your doorstep.
A staycation here is more than a holiday – it’s a chance to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy one of the UK’s most stunning seaside escapes. welliesandwindbreaks.co.uk
IN THE BAG
1 4 5 3
SILVER MACHINE CARL FRIEDRIK
Carl Friedrik has launched its fi rst aluminium luggage collection, blending midcentury design inspiration with modern functionality. The new line brings a contemporary take on classic travel style. carlfriedrik.com
MAT WORK PLAY & GO
Beautifully considered for life on the move, the Noomad So in Meadow Green by Play&Go is a quietly brilliant 3-in-1 essential. A so organic playmat, clever toy storage and practical nappy bag in one, it brings calm, order and comfort wherever the day takes you. binkyshop.co.uk
HAPPINESS IS... GLOBETROTTER
The best collaboration in the travel world has to be Peanuts and Globetrotter, with their range of Snoopy leather cases and accessories. We want them all. globe-trotter.com
PUSH IT ICANDY
The iCandy Pip compact pushchair is an ultra-lightweight, IATA cabin approved travel stroller featuring a one-hand fold, smooth suspension wheels and a lie-fl at seat suitable from birth. There's an extendable UPF 50+ canopy too. icandyworld.com
SNAP HAPPY HOPPSTAR
Pocket-sized and perfectly playful, the Hoppstar Popcorn is made for little adventurers on the go. Lightweight, beautifully designed and effortlessly easy to use, it slips into any bag (or pocket) and is always ready to capture the moment. binkyshop.co.uk
Skin First TRAVEL
The new travel essential: skin you don’t need to cover. Here’s how to glow without makeup, wherever you’re headed
As temperatures rise and holidays beckon, many of us share the same goal: e ortless, glowing skin that doesn’t need covering up. Whether it’s beach days, city breaks or long, sun-soaked evenings, the appeal of going foundation-free has never been stronger. But while we pack lighter wardrobes and pare back our beauty routines, confidence in bare skin doesn’t always come as easily. There’s been a noticeable shift in how we approach beauty, particularly when travelling. Rather than relying on heavier products, more people are investing in skin health, prioritising clarity, tone and radiance over coverage. The idea is simple: great skin does not need much on top.
Instead of packing more products, travellers are investing in skin that does not need them. Another challenge is that travel itself can take a toll. UV exposure can trigger pigmentation and redness, long-haul flights leave skin dehydrated and dull, and changes in climate often lead to breakouts or sensitivity. In other words, just when you want your skin to look its best, it is often under the most stress. As a result, pre-holiday skin prep and post-holiday repair has become an essential part of the modern travel routine. Treatments that deliver visible results with minimal downtime are increasingly in demand, particularly those that can target multiple concerns in one go. Light-based therapies, such as BroadBand Light and LED facials, are leading the way. Designed to improve skin tone, texture and overall radiance, they can help reduce pigmentation, redness and fine lines, while boosting a healthy, even glow. Quick, comfortable and suitable for all skin types, they fit seamlessly into even the busiest schedules.
The goal: “I don’t wear foundation any more”
For those looking to achieve that kind of confidence before their next trip, or restore their skin afterwards, West London’s The Door W4 has become one of the capital’s most sought-after destinations. Tucked away in the heart of Chiswick, the multiaward-winning clinic, including Best Clinic London 2025 and 2026 at the MIP Awards, is known for its personalised, results-driven approach and commitment to natural-looking outcomes. Combining advanced technologies like BBL and MOXI with expert clinical care, the team focuses on enhancing skin quality in a way that feels subtle, balanced and long-lasting.
Enter our competition on page 100 for your chance to win a £1,500 course of treatments at The Door W4, including three BroadBand Light sessions and two LED facials, designed to target fine lines, pigmentation, texture and dullness. Discover what a true skin reset can do for your next getaway.
EDUCATION
ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL Nurturing young readers is a huge priority at south London prep school St Christopher's The Hall, where Enid Blyton was once Head Girl. p175 stchristophersthehall. org.uk
The AI train
Daniel Martin says boarding the AI train was mandatory for educators, but the direction at Emanuel School is positive
For many schools, managing pupils’ use of AI has felt like being on a train they didn’t decide to board and cannot get o . With free large language models so readily available, pupils look to these platforms regularly to reduce their workload, generate ideas and deepen the quality of their learning. This can be both beneficial and detrimental – we have entered a new era in education and cannot go back. Schools must now educate students on how to use AI in a safe, ethical and educationally beneficial manner, but how are we to do this? I believe the answer lies in positivity.
It is impossible for schools to guide their pupils on e ective AI practice if members of the teaching sta do not understand for themselves what this means. At Emanuel School, our AI journey began with empowering sta . We wrote and published an AI guide on how to write prompts and what was acceptable AI practice (this is available for free on the school website under the name ‘Your MAIT’).
We also founded a new sta group, ‘Tech4Teachers’, which meets once every half term to show-and-tell how AI has been beneficial to our pedagogy. The benefit of this was not only allowing sta to reduce their workload and plan for more engaging
“IF PUPILS ARE GOINGTO USE AI, LET’S GET THEM USING IT IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE – ASSESS THE RISKS AND POSITIVES FOR THEMSELVES AND PRACTICE USING AI BENEFICIALLY”
lessons with AI’s assistance. Teachers now fundamentally understand what draws our pupils to these platforms, how they can add or detract from their understanding and what tools work for which function.
Our second phase has focused on making it clear to pupils when AI use will genuinely improve their long-term learning and when its use would be considered unethical, dangerous or damaging to their education. While it would be easy to approach pupils with a long list of ‘don’ts’ and the threat of various sanctions, we decided instead to root the message in positivity. If pupils are going to use AI, let’s get them using it in the best way possible. The publication of a student guide (AMAISE), and several assemblies, have allowed pupils to understand the context, assess the risks and positives for themselves and practice using AI beneficially.
Our recent prompt writing competition for Y10 and Y12 saw 95 entrants. Pupils submitted exemplar prompts from a range of subjects, utilising ChatGPT as a tutor, revision assistant and facilitator to their learning. In seeing our pupils model innovative and mature methods of using AI, we have validated that our approach is working and have been able to re-circulate best practice to the wider school.
AI is part of everyday life in our schools and pupils will use it. As educators, we now have the responsibility to guide them in the right direction. When deciding to approach AI with positivity, we empower sta and students with the skills needed to use AI beneficially. This creates classrooms where best practice is established, discussed and implemented. While our ride upon the AI train remains mandatory and inescapable, we can have an impact on the destination by creating opportunities for pupils to benefit from a powerful educational tool, the likes of which has never existed before.
EMANUEL SCHOOL
SCHOOL overview
The latest news from some of the best schools
thomas-s.co.uk
Thomas’s Clapham will welcome a new Head in September 2026, as Miss Jessica Mair joins the school at a point of considerable strength. Under Mr Nathan Boller’s leadership, the school has experienced a successful and well-established period of development. Building on these strong foundations, Miss Mair brings clear vision, energy and a deep commitment to shaping the next phase of the school’s journey with confidence and ambition.
Miss Mair is known for creating learning environments that are safe, joyful and purposeful, places where children are nurtured and challenged in equal measure. Her appointment reflects a strong alignment with the ethos of Thomas’s, ensuring that the distinctive culture and close-knit community of Clapham remain in expert hands. This was reflected by Ben Thomas, Principal of Thomas’s London Day Schools, who said: “When I visited her current school, I was struck by Miss Mair's alignment with our vision, aims and values at Thomas’s Clapham.It was immediately apparent that she is a strategic and dynamic school leader, who is driven by a tenacious ambition for her pupils, her sta and her school. It is clear that she is the right person to build on Nathan Boller’s strategic vision and to lead Thomas’s Clapham into its next chapter.”
Miss Mair brings a wealth of experience, including a highly regarded decade of leadership at John Betts Primary School, and
her focus is firmly on the future of Thomas’s Clapham. Reflecting on her appointment, she said: “Thomas’s Clapham is a remarkable school where the culture, ambition and sense of purpose are the foundation of its success. The opportunity to join and lead its wonderful community is truly exciting. I am looking forward to working closely with the children, families and members of sta to continue to grow the excellent standards of education, parent engagement and personal development that define the school. It is a privilege and an honour to be taking on this role from Mr Boller. I am deeply aligned with Thomas’s founding values and I hope to build on all that he and his team have created, leading the school toward an even more exceptional future.”
Miss Mair’s experience brings depth to her perspective and strategic clarity. She holds National Professional Qualifications in both Headship and Executive Leadership and currently serves as a secondary school governor. She believes it is the school’s responsibility to prepare young people “not just for tomorrow, but for every tomorrow to follow.”
Thomas’s Clapham looks ahead to its next chapter with confidence.
Pupils at Thomas's Clapham
Thomas's Clapham
clayesmore.com
For any parent, choosing the right school for their child is one of the most important decisions they will make. While every stage of education plays a role in shaping a young person’s future, the transition into Year 7 stands out as a defining milestone – one that can profoundly influence a child’s confidence, happiness, and long-term success.
Year 7 marks the beginning of Key Stage 3 and introduces a step change in both academic expectations and personal development. For many children, it is their first experience of moving between classrooms, managing multiple teachers, and navigating a far larger peer group.
At this age, children are also undergoing significant developmental changes. Friendships evolve, independence grows, and the early stages of adolescence begin to shape how
STRONG PASTORA CARE HELPS
PUPILS
NAVIGATE SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL CHANGES
they see themselves and the world around them. This makes it a deeply personal change, and how a child feels about learning at this stage can shape their motivation, curiosity, and independence.
Co-curricular opportunities o er vital outlets for creativity, sport, and self-expression. Without the right support, some children can feel overwhelmed or lost. The right school nurtures both academic potential and personal growth, helping pupils develop resilience, social skills, and self-confidence.
At Clayesmore, Year 7 is approached with a clear understanding of just how pivotal this stage is. Small class sizes and personalised learning ensure that every child is known as an individual. Teachers take the time to understand each pupil’s strengths, interests, and areas for growth, providing both the support and challenge needed to build confidence and resilience. In a safe and welcoming environment, children are ready to explore, engage, and thrive.
Equally important is the sense of community at Clayesmore. Strong pastoral care helps pupils navigate social and emotional changes, creating a genuine feeling of belonging. Beyond the classroom, a broad and enriching programme of sport, music,
drama, and initiatives, including Clayesmore’s unique extracurricular programme called LEX, encourages pupils to explore new interests, think critically, and develop real-world skills. These experiences build both competence and character, cultivating communication, creativity, courage, and consideration.
What truly sets Clayesmore apart is its belief that success looks di erent for every child. In a culture where individuality is celebrated, pupils are empowered to find their own path. Confidence grows naturally when children feel understood and accepted, and from that confidence comes the willingness to take risks, embrace challenges, and aim high.
Choosing the right school for Year 7 is therefore about far more than academic results. It is about finding a place where your child will be happy, supported, and inspired – a place where they can navigate change with confidence and begin to shape the person they are becoming. At Clayesmore, Year 7 is the foundation for a future built on curiosity, resilience, individuality, and a genuine love of learning.
Discover whether Year 7 at Clayesmore is the right fit for your child – contact the admissions team at admissions@ clayesmore.com to arrange a visit
Clayesmore
Pupils at Clayesmore
Reed's School
reeds.surrey.sch.uk
Reed’s School is a leading HMC independent day and boarding school providing an education for 850 pupils. Boys join at 11+ and 13+, with girls entering at 16+ to form a vibrant co-educational Sixth Form that prepares pupils for university and beyond. In its most recent ISI Inspection (January 2025), Reed’s not only achieved excellent outcomes but was awarded the rare accolade of a ‘significant strength’ for its use of feedback to raise academic performance. Teachers deliver engaging lessons alongside consistent, high-quality feedback, encouraging pupils to reflect and set meaningful targets. This personalised approach has led to sustained improvements in examination results and outcomes for all.
Set within 40 acres of beautiful countryside in Cobham, Surrey, the School benefits from excellent transport links, including an
extensive bus network serving many areas of Surrey and London. Outstanding pastoral care underlies the very essence of Reed’s, with a strong focus on values, character and wellbeing, alongside a breadth of opportunities that ensure a truly rounded education. Modern facilities ensure it remains at the forefront of educational provision support with innovative and dynamic teaching, while maintaining the warmth and close-knit community for which the School is known.
Reed’s aims to nurture confident, articulate and happy young people with strong self-belief, a global outlook and a clear moral compass. Through its core values of Integrity, Compassion, Curiosity, Resilience, Responsibility and Independence pupils develop into thoughtful, well-rounded individuals with a lifelong love of learning.
For more information, please visit reeds.surrey.sch.uk or contact admissions@reeds. surrey.sch.uk 01932 869001
REED’S AIMS TO NURTURE
CONFIDENT, ARTICULATE AND HAPPY YOUNG PEOPLE
When was the last time your child climbed a tree, built a shelter or spent an afternoon simply exploring outdoors? For many children in London, school life is shaped by increasing academic pressure. Tests, assessments and preparation for exams can begin early, leaving little time to pause, reset or simply be a child.
At the same time, hours spent on screens continue to rise. The vital opportunities to explore outdoors, take risks and engage with the natural world are becoming harder to find.
At ISL, we take a di erent approach. Our Forest School (in Primary) and Natural Pathways (in Secondary) programmes in Gunnersbury Park are one of the most powerful ways to support student wellbeing, complementing academic learning.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF LEARNING
Forest School o ers something that can feel missing from many children’s routines: time, space and freedom. Instead of a traditional classroom,
GREAT outdoors
What happens when children swap screens — and pressure — for trees?
students learn outdoors through handson experiences. They build shelters, observe wildlife and work together to solve practical challenges. The weekly sessions are child-led, encouraging curiosity and independence rather than focusing on outcomes or assessment.
There are no tests here. Instead, children are given the chance to explore, make decisions and discover things for themselves.
SUPPORTING WELLBEING IN A PRESSURED WORLD
Time in nature plays an important role in helping children manage stress and build resilience. Fresh air, movement and open space allow children to slow down and reflect. In this environment, they can take manageable risks, collaborate with others and develop confidence at their own pace.
For children who are used to structured, outcome-driven environments, this shift can be significant. Many become calmer, more focused and more engaged in their learning overall. Forest School is not separate from education — it strengthens it by supporting the whole child.
LEARNING FROM THE WORLD AROUND THEM
Spending regular time outdoors also helps children develop a deeper understanding of sustainability. By observing how the woodland changes through the seasons, they begin to see the connections between plants, animals and the wider environment. This first-hand experience fosters a sense of responsibility, going beyond what can be taught in a classroom.
COME AND FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF
If you would like to see this approach in action, we warmly invite families from the West London area to visit us on Saturday 9 May for our next Open Morning. During the visit, you will have the chance to discover the diverse and outstanding education ISL o ers; explore the school, meet our teachers and join our students in Gunnersbury Park to experience a Forest School session first-hand. An ISL education helps children grow in confidence, curiosity and connection with the world around them.
isllondon.org
THERE ARE MULTIPLE PAY-IT-FORWARD INITIATIVES AT ELTHAM COLLEGE – INCLUDING THE REGULAR CAREERS NETWORKING EVENTS
PAYING IT
FORWARD
School community is at its best, says Eltham College, when it remains active and dedicated to helping generations to come
Community is at the heart of every school.
Sta and students come together daily, united in their purpose of developing the skills and educational foundation which underpin a thriving society. A wider community – parents, carers, governors and more – lends support. For those within, that community becomes a source of identity. Your school, your form, your house, your team, your friendship group – all, for a time, play a role in defining who you are. And then you leave. Your community becomes your university, your college, your industry, your family and friends. For many of us, that once all-important school community fades to insignificance – a distant memory of days when summers were longer and hairstyles, in retrospect, questionable. Unless that school community has shaped
your life so positively and profoundly that you feel a longing to pay the benefit forward by sharing the experience, knowledge and networks you have garnered since.
So it is at south-east London day school, Eltham College, where an extremely active and engaged online network of over 2,500 Old Elthamians in the widest range of professions provide support to current pupils and each other, especially those starting out in their career. No fewer than one third have o ered to help current and former students across areas such as work experience, mentorship and delivering talks as part of the Career Learning and Excellence programmes.
Within this group is a network of 'Elthamentors' – a dedicated team of volunteers who give their time to help pupils prepare for their applications to the most competitive universities, and to whom all sixth formers have access. Representing
a broad spectrum of academic interests, these volunteers provide invaluable help with university and college choices – from suggestions for wider reading and admissionstest preparation to feedback on personal statements and hosting mock interviews.
The Elthamian Network also helps enable the week of meaningful work experience undertaken by all Year 12 students. Recent placements have been in areas such as as law, finance, engineering and medicine. Work experience has included stints with barristers’ chambers, Guy's and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Williams Racing and EY.
Meanwhile, the school’s annual ‘Speed Networking’ event sees some 50 former students, representing many di erent industry pathways and at varying stages in their career journey, return to the College to spend an afternoon advising pupils in Year 12.
Alumni support is a cornerstone of Eltham school life – not just in Sixth Form. Year 8 students, currently exploring architecture in their art lessons, were recently visited by two architectural practitioners at di erent career stages.
The first, who left Eltham College in 1990 and now has his own established and highly successful firm, has acted as mentor since Sixth Form days to the second, who is currently in training.
As Ramon Baker, Head of Legal at a major bank and a highly active and supportive member of the Elthamian Network wrote, after speaking as Guest of Honour at the College Prize Giving last year: 'The values that Eltham College instilled in me –confidence, resilience, and ambition – have shaped every step of my journey so far'.
He added: 'To be invited back to share my story – and, I hope, inspire others to believe in their own potential – was deeply humbling. Thank you, Eltham College, for the opportunity, and for the foundation you gave me all those years ago. Here’s to continuing to build impact – and passing it forward'.
MAGIC BOOKS ARE
Tom Carter, Head of St Christopher’s The Hall, on instilling a love of reading in children
Books are magic. And at St Christopher’s The Hall, that magic is everywhere. Step into our library and you feel it instantly. It is calm, inviting and full of possibility, a space where imaginations take flight and curiosity quietly comes alive. This is not simply a room filled with books; it is the beating heart of our school. Because here, reading is everything. It underpins every lesson, every subject and every success. A child who reads confidently can think more deeply, write more creatively and engage more fully with the world around them. That is why we are unapologetically ambitious. We do not just teach children to read; we ensure they love it.
“ENID BLYTON WAS ONCE HEAD GIRL HERE, AND WENT ON TO BECOME ONE OF THE MOST WIDELY READ CHILDREN’S AUTHORS”
Our library is central to this. It is a beautiful, purposeful space where pupils can lose themselves in a story, whether during dedicated library lessons or in those precious free moments when they choose a book over the playground. It is here that reluctant readers become curious, curious readers become confident, and confident readers become lifelong learners. And, indubitably, there is something rather special about our story. Enid Blyton, once Head Girl here, went on to become one of the most widely read children’s authors in the world. Her legacy today is more complex, but her ability to capture the imagination of young readers is undeniable.
At St Christopher’s, we carry that legacy forward with intent. We champion rich, diverse and inclusive literature that reflects the world our pupils are growing up in today, while holding fast to a simple belief. Give a child a love of reading, and you give them the world.’
JOIN US FOR AN OPEN MORNING
Discover St Christopher’s The Hall at one of their upcoming open events:
Discovery Morning – Saturday 25th April, 08.45am
Open Morning – Tuesday 19th May at 10.15am
Find more information and book your place via www. stchristophersthehall.org.uk
Or contact us on 020 8650 2200 / admisssions@ stchristophersthehall.org.uk
