Absolutely Surrey November 2026 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

SURREY

Surrey

NOVEMBER 2026 / £3.95

PLUS

SPEC I AL Stylish decorations and gifts galore

MOOMIN MANIA

A new look at Tove Jansson's characters

• SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR NOVEMBER 2026

Why pyjamas aren't just for bedtime

• HIT THE SLOPES

Ski season is here

Wild at

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THE FESTIVE SEASON BEGINS

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents NOVEMBER 2026

88 134 16

C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES

10 things we’re coveting this month

20 WHAT'S ON

Your diary for November

23 ON STAGE

Some Woman at the Dorfman Theatre

CHRISTMAS 148 GIFT GUIDE

Festive treats all round

FOOD & DRINK KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL News from the industry

80 RECIPES

Tim Spector's Good Mood Food

FA S H I O N 88 THE SHOOT

Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Their Nibs

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 101 BEAUTY NOTES New looks for winter

INTERIORS 112 INTERIOR INSPIRATION

Design news and views

116 HOUSE TOUR

Chic looks from Studio Duggan

121 ON TREND New metallics

T R AV E L 134 MOUNTAIN HIGH Eating and skiing in Tyrol

WEDDINGS 146 RUNWAY LOOKS

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

New styles for brides

153 VENUES GUIDE

A room-by-room guide to flooring

O N T H E C OV E R monsoon.co.uk

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

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

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Editor’s

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S November issue highlights

Baubles

How many hanging ornaments is too many?

2 Bake off

Inspired by cakes? We have all the essentials.

ome people believe that November is too early for Christmas. Well, let them. At Absolutely – just like in supermarkets – Christmas starts immediately after Halloween, as soon as pumpkins make way for advent calendars and pannettone. We are embracing the Christmas spirit in full this month, compiling gift guides and sampling champagne, baking cakes and choosing decorations. Even if it's not quite time to put the tree up yet, preparations are well under way, the turkey is ordered and mentally we are almost there. In this issue, we're also thinking about everything from weddings and skiing to cocktails and art in the usual eclectic mix that makes up each issue. Enjoy November.

Decorations

The best thing about Christmas? The decorations. Especially this year.

In a ﬁzz

We round up all the best champagnes.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

Advent countdown Have you got a calendar yet?

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

EDITOR’S PICK

GET FRUITY Black Opium Pink Glaze is the new strawberry craze by YSL Beauty, continuing the coffee ﬂoral trend with its burst of energy twisted with black coffee. This is the scent of the future. yslbeauty.com

HUNG UP Among our favourite brands at Liberty's new first ﬂoor contemporary jewellery destination is NYC-based Lizzie Fortunato. These Sun and Sea earrings were inspired by Alexander Calder's mobiles. lizziefortunato.com

A DOG'S LIFE Some of the most creative brains in British entertainment have come together to collaborate on a charity T-shirt with the slogan 'God Save the Beagles'. It has been cut by the celebrity tailor Gresham Blake and shot by Rankin, and every one sold will help get more dogs out of testing laboratories and into rehabilitation. greshamblake.com

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

S TA R R Y E Y E D Aspiga's new block print eye mask is both chic and essential. This B-Corp fashion brand has a commitment to sustainability. aspiga.com

CARRY ON Mulberry's new Stevie bag is lightweight and softly structured, with a detachable top handle and shoulder strap. We love the amethyst colour for its polished shine. mulberry.com

I L AVA Y O U The new Telstar Rocket Lava Lamp from original lava lamp brand Mathmos is an impressive piece – at 60cm tall it's unmissable and the molten movement is hypnotic. Everyone needs one. mathmos.com

S W E E T T R E AT Forget macarons. Laduree's new object of desire is the Eugénie, a combination of crisp sablé biscuit, a soft , melting centre and an indulgent crunchy chocolate shell. And they're ridiculously pretty too. laduree.com

WO R D U P It might sound unlikely, but Bella Freud's newest collaboration is with Boots, where she has curated a selection of beauty and lifestyle products. The best thing? Everything comes in a keepsake box – or in this case, a soap dish. boots.com

R E D H OT

PINK L A DY

South London's largest selection of everything lingerie-related can be found at Amelie's Follies. Get your red stockings before they sell out. ameliesfollies.co.uk

Tatty Devine and Zandra Rhodes have teamed up to launch a jewellry collection that perfectly combines all of their trademark styles. Expect lots of bold shapes, quirky detail, and of course lots of pink. tattydevine.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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C U LT U R E

SEQUINOLOGY, AN EXHIBITION DEDICATED TO THE SEQUIN, IS AT FASHIONTEXTILEMUSEUM.ORG UNTIL APRIL 2027

What's On 20 • Some Woman, Dorfman Theatre 23 • Beyond the Streets 30 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Agenda

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

Kensington Dollshouse Festival 28-29 November K E N S I N GTO N TOW N H A L L Alongside the incredible array of beautiful handmade miniatures, exhibitors bring along everything you could possibly need to decorate your dolls house for Christmas. KDF recruits the very best miniaturists from around the globe and are proud to have customers travel to London from Asia, USA, Australia & Europe to visit the Festival every year. dollshouseshowcase.com

PA N TO

Sleeping Beauty

A RT

Keith Ashley

5 December - 10 January 2027 Y VO N N E A R N A U D T H E AT R E , G U I L D F O R D This enchanting tale is packed with dazzling costumes, side-splitting comedy, spectacular song and dance numbers, and plenty of audience participation. Join their colourful characters as they take you on a spellbinding adventure. yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

U NTI L F E B RUA RY 2027, PAU L SMITH SPACE

For his first solo exhibition at Paul Smith, Out of Season, Ashley draws on themes of displacement, artificiality, and belonging in the modern urban landscape. Imported, out-of-season flowers wither and decay in the studio, against a backdrop of a high-rise cityscape, highlighting the juxtaposition between the artificial and the natural. paulsmith.co.uk

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CULTURE • DIARY

TA K E

E XH I BI T I O N

The Nu Black Aesthetic 20 September DESIGN MUSEUM One of the most extensive exhibitions on contemporary Black design ever held in the UK, featuring 16 designers who are reshaping the design industry. At the core of the exhibition is the question: “What does it mean to be a Black designer working today?” Expect to see innovative practices spanning fashion, furniture, architecture, product design and sculpture. designmuseum.org

T H E AT R E

AFFLUENZA

This Month’s Must See

U N T I L 2 8 N OV E M B E R , RIVERSIDE STUDIOS When a teen’s drunken car ride ends in devastation, the verdict comes down to one question – is it possible to be too affluent to know the difference between right and wrong? Inspired by true events surrounding a shocking legal defence, Affluenza explores the ripple effects of power and privilege. Stranger Things star Noah Schnapp makes his stage debut. mainstageseason.com

SKATE

11 NOV E MB E R - 10 JAN UARY 2027, SOMERSET HOUSE

omerset House’s spectacular courtyard located in the heart of London will be transformed into a dazzling seasonal destination, with skating for all ages, warming winter treats and gift shopping. At the centre of it all is the magniﬁcent Christmas tree, decorated in Virgin Atlantic Holidays’ signature style. Skate Lates with Aperol Spritz bring the party to the ice, with DJs spinning vibrant soundtracks under the stars until 11pm every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night. somersethouse.org.uk

TWO

MEANWHILE, 2025,[ANTHONY DALEY

wo London exhibitions explore how paintings capture a fleeting figure, a half-remembered story or the emotional weight of an everyday object. At Varvara Roza Galleries, Jamaican-born British artist Anthony Daley presents Resonance, paintings in which figures hover on the edge of disappearance. His fascination with the Old Masters began with reproductions encountered during childhood in Jamaica, later inspiring Son of Rubens at Dulwich Picture Gallery. Here, that conversation takes a more abstract turn. Daley layers, drags and scrapes back oil paint, creating canvases alive with colour and movement. Bodies emerge, then dissolve; what looks recognisable at first can slip away on a second look. 10–28 November, Varvara Roza Galleries, SW1. In Hackney Wick, About Paint and Words brings together friends and fellow Irish artists Shóna Slemon and Shauna Jane Harris at UNLOCK, in collaboration with Wilton Way Gallery. Slemon draws on Catholic devotional imagery, Celtic paganism and contemporary ritual, considering the sacred, sentimental and sometimes absurd objects we turn to for comfort. Harris combines painting and text to explore Ireland’s storytelling traditions, identity and the unreliability of memory. This pairing offers two distinct perspectives on the things we keep and the stories we tell. Until 30 November, UNLOCK, Monkwood Way, Hackney Wick.

SHAUNA JANE HARRIS

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CULTURE • THEATRE

s o m e wo m a n

Helen Edmundson's gripping new play at the Dorfman Theatre

ANNE-MARIE DUFF (LEFT) AND GRACE DOHERTY

iddle-aged women are famously overlooked, and Julie, Anne-Marie Duff's character in this new play, is everywoman. Most people in her world can't or won't see life from her perspective, but in the confines of the Dorfman Theatre, an entire audience is drawn in, gripped and captivated by her experience. It's a naturalistic play, set mostly in Julie's kitchen, all fridge magnets, domestic mess and daily ephemera. But that's not to say it's tame. The scene opens with her returning from work and her life reveals itself: divorced with two grown-up daughters, an ex-husband pressing her to sell the house, an elder daughter who treats her with disdain and a younger daughter with mental health problems. And now a random young boy has hurled abuse at her on the train platform. She's horrified at his language, his anger and his youth, believing that he should be made to understand why his behaviour is wrong. She

recognises his school unfrom and contacts his head teacher to report the incident. From there, events escalate and the play becomes a thriller, a harrowing drama of injustice, misogyny and institutional dogma. The boy in return accuses her of battery, and she is plunged into a system that's rigged against her, while none of her family is engaged enough to support her. Except, that is, for her younger daughter, Ginny, in an impressive performance by Grace Doherty. She's nervy and damaged, living at home and volunteering sometimes in a charity shop; there are references to online school and an eating disorder. It's a common enough story: Julie is left to be her carer, for which she receives a mix of criticism and lack of recognition from her ex-husband and her elder daughter. Everyone's self-obsession is hideously believable: her ex's casual belief that he's a great father, her elder daughter accusing her of lacking interest in her – even her solicitor has a self-congratulatory tone. The language is devastatingly accurate, capturing precisely the patronising and dismissive way that people speak to Julie – some woman –, and Duff's expressive face shows us that she notices, but is beyond pointing it out. The play becomes genuinely terrifying, and nothing is predictable; to say any more here would be a spoiler. At just under two hours with no interval, this is genuinely exciting theatre.

A harrowing drama of injustice, misogyny and institutional dogma

Until 21 November, nationaltheatre.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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A new look at the work of Tove Jansson comes to the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration

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CULTURE • EXHIBITION

he Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is hosting the UK’s first ever exhibition to focus on illustrations by Finnish authorillustrator Tove Jansson, best known for the iconic Moomin world. Uncovering the personal relationships of the celebrated artist, Tove Jansson and her Families will look at the people who shaped the Finnish author-illustrator’s life and work On display will be previously unseen drawings and over 100 rarely-seen sketches, paintings, illustrations and photographs made by Tove Jansson (1914–2001) and those closest to her. London had a special resonance for Tove Jansson. At a time when it was rare for women cartoonists to have their own daily newspaper strip, Tove defied convention. In September 1954, her Moomin series debuted in London’s Evening News (now The London Standard). The comic strip ran for 21 years, taken over by her brother Lars from 1960 when her joy of drawing the Moomins waned with the pressure of their popularity, although Tove still responded to every fan who wrote to her. London’s comic strip represented Tove’s most extensive period of Moomin production, launching the characters to millions worldwide through international syndication. Co-curator Paul Gravett said, “Tove’s extended Moomin cast are intimately inspired by her family, friends and lovers in Helsinki’s cultural circles and lesbian community. Brilliant across so many literary and artistic

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expressions, her lifelong celebration of inclusivity and individuality has never been more inspiring and necessary.” The exhibition begins by exploring the influences of Tove’s creative family. Her mother Signe Hammarsten Jansson (known as “Ham”) was the family breadwinner, a graphic designer and Finland’s first professional stamp designer, pioneering the design of all Finnish stamps from 1940s until 1962. Ham drew daily and gave young Tove an inherent love for illustration whilst her father, Viktor, was a sculptor. Tove’s childhood drawings will be on public display for the first time in the UK including her handmade bookPrinsessan Glittergull (1922).

This page Tove Jansson and the Moomins © Moomin Characters™ Facing page, clockwise from top left: 1 Moominpappa at Sea cover sketch, Tove Jansson ©Moomin Characters™ 2 Shell, Moominpappa at Sea, Tove Jansson ©Moomin Characters™ 3 Moomintroll_and_Snorkmaiden © Moomin Characters™

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This page clockwise from top: 1 Tove Jansson's birthday © Per Olov Jansson 2 A self portrait by Tove Jansson entitled Smoking Girl (1940) © Tove Jansson Estate 3 Trollvinter cover sketch, Tove Jansson ©Moomin Characters™ Facing page, clockwise from top: 1 Boat on Klovharun_Tove and Tuulikki © Per Olov Jansson 2 Princessan Glittergull, Tove Jansson (1922) ©Tove Jansson Estate 3 Tove Jansson_ swimming near her house on the tiny island of Klovharun © Per Olov Jansson

Tove’s work for the satirical magazine Garm – for which she started illustrating aged just 15 – will be featured, highlighting her open criticism of fascism during the Second World War. Tove’s flourishing as an artist and the origins of the beloved Moomins began in the 1940s, when she was working from her atelier home as part of a vibrant creative community in Helsinki, under the ever-present threat of war. Original art from the first published Moomin book, Småtrollen och den stora översvåmningen (The Moomins and the Great Flood, 1945), will be displayed as part of the exhibition. By creating large-scale public murals, Tove contributed to the effort to rebuild Finland after the Second World War. On show in the UK for the first time will be a charcoal study for the vast Bird Blue (1953) mural, measuring 3.5m by 2m. Commissioned for a school, Tove depicted subjects that fascinated her as a child: a cat, a horse, birds, a tower, the sea and a waterfall. A shy hidden Moomin figure peeks out of vegetation close to a boy who has fallen asleep whilst reading. Tove was drawn to British fantasy and nonsense literature. In original illustrations for a Swedish edition of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland (1966), now rarely seen in the UK, visitors will see Tove’s beautiful drawings of surreal worlds and her unique, whimsical approach. Concluding the exhibition will be images from Tove’s family holidays on Finnish islands in the Pellinge archipelago. The natural world inspired Tove’s work throughout her life, particularly Klovharun: the tiny barren island no bigger than a football pitch where she and her life partner Tuulikki Pietilä spent every summer for nearly 30 years. Together they built a oneroom cottage and worked on the island, despite a lack of electricity and running water. The freedom of simple island living motivated Tove to write The Summer Book (1972), a touching tale of a grandmother and granddaughter exploring a small Finnish island over one summer, based on her niece Sophia’s relationship with Ham. Visitors will see how the close communities that surrounded Tove influenced her work, including her most famous and enduring family, the Moomins. Family and chosen family recur in Tove’s work, particularly in Moomin books and comic strips, in the classic literature she chose to illustrate, and in how care of the Moomins remains a family business today. Tove Jansson and her Families 21 November – 9 May 2027 qbcentre.org.uk

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CULTURE • EXHIBITION

HER MOOMIN COMIC STRIP RAN IN LONDON’S EVENING NEWS FOR 21 YEARS

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CULTURE • FOCUS

TAKE A STAND London artist Jemima Burrill is on a mission to combat women’s underrepresentation in public spaces

rtist Jemima Burrill's bold work examines what it means to occupy, shift and transform a presence within space. Through film, photography and drawing, she explores the monumental not as a fixed form, but as an experience in constant flux. For her photographic series On A Pedestal, the artist considers the limited visibility and voice of women in public spaces. Starting from this underrepresentation, she chooses to occupy urban plinths across London: symbols of power that enable those who are entitled to stand upon them to project their voices further. Photographed by Charles Emerson, the artist becomes a temporary monument: a body that claims a place without fixing it, revealing the veryconstruction of public memory. The Domestic Monument is a series of performative drawings rooted in repetition. It is an ongoing practice of returning, time and again, to the same kitchen objects. The

shapes of the objects themselves, perforated, grated and punctuated, carry a physical language of repetition and erosion. They echo the cyclical nature of domestic labour, which is often invisible and undervalued. By repeatedly tracing their forms across every available surface in the studio, using whatever pen or material happens to be at hand, Burrill makes the moment and the object unique within repetition and everyday life. Each drawing asserts the domestic sphere as a place of great significance. Through this act of reiteration, the everyday is transformed. What is routine becomes monumental. With her film The Present, she shifts this exploration towards the intimate. Accompanied by an inflatable unicorn, the protagonist moves through a landscape of encounters and loss, transforming grief into a shared experience. The fragmented narrative echoes Walter Benjamin’s constellations, in which meaning and memory emerge through fragments. Her “lo-fi” impressions, made from everyday objects, extend this reflection by proposing an economy of value based on relationships, close to the ideas of Robert Filliou. Burrill’s work thus proposes a practice of passage: between the public and the intimate, the visible and the invisible, where the monumental becomes transitory, a space to inhabit rather than to fix. Monument is currently on show at Galerie Houg in Lyon. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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LIFE

Beyond the Streets is back with new, historic and previously unseen works by leading ﬁgures in international street culture 28

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CULTURE • EXHIBITION

he Saatchi Gallery’s landmark exhibition traces six decades of the extraordinary influence of street culture on contemporary art, photography, fashion, music and activism. The story is told through innovators and legends from graffiti, street art, hip-hop, 2Tone and a wider ecosystem of people willing to challenge boundaries and take risks, reshaping theworld around them. These movements may take different forms, but they share the same core impulse to create, disrupt, and be heard on their own terms. This is an immersive journey through the history of street culture and its ongoing influence. Spanning more than ten rooms and bringing together over 100 international creators, the exhibition features paintings, sculptures, fashion, ephemera, large-scale installations, site-specific interventions, immersive environments, historic works, new commissions, rare archives, and interactive experiences. Together, these works – many of which have been created specifically for the show – create a multilayered portrait of street culture: one that can be explored, experienced, and felt rather than simply viewed. This expansive exhibition features UK drum ‘n’ bass pioneer Goldie; internationally renowned artist Kaws; notorious feminist artists the Guerrilla Girls; a tribute to one of the most stolen books in the world Subway Art; a spray paint infinity room; the artists behind

AN IMMERSIVE JOURNEY THROUGH THE HISTORY OF STREET CULTURE AND ITS ONGOING INFLUENCE

FACING PAGE: Drift - Dont Fear the Reaper 2023. Photo by Drift. THIS PAGE Above: The first ever The Big Issue. September 1991. Courtesy of The Big Issue; Left: INVADER. London. Photo courtesy of INVADER.

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CULTURE • EXHIBITION

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT 1. IZ THE WIZ. Various NYC subway transit artworks. 19821983. Photos by IZ THE WIZ. 2. Normski, MC Duke. Riverside Hammersith. 1980s. Photo by Normski. 3. The Specials posing in the rain at the seafront. Southend. 1980. Photo by Janette Beckman.

the legendary icons of 2Tone - Beat Girl and Walt Jabsco; a short film from Pussy Riot founder Nadya Tolokonnikova; an animated puppet shop; and Damien Hirst. A room dedicated to activism features work from the Black Panthers’ official photographer Neil Kenlock, a video piece from Pussy Riot founder Nadya Tolokonnikova, who spent two years in Russian prison for her 2012 protest performance Punk Prayer, works by emerging artist GG the Illustrator; the archive of the See Red Women's Workshop, a London screen printing studio which produced some of the Women's Liberation Movement's most significant imagery from 1974 – 1990, and Shepard Fairey,the artist behind the 2008 HOPE portrait

associated with Barack Obama’s successful 2008 campaign to become president. The Big Issue – which has campaigned for opportunities for homeless, lowincome and marginalised people across the UK for three decades – will mark its anniversary in the exhibition with 35 of its most influential covers. Other highlights include a recreation of part of a New York City subway train inside the Gallery, works by graffiti pioneers FUTURA 2000, LADY PINK and ZEPHYR, notorious anonymous feminist artists the Guerrilla Girls, paintings by American artist Kenny Scharf, a comprehensive archive of English football firms calling cards, some of the earliest polaroids of US hip-hop stars dating back to 1971, photographer

Jill Posner s archive of radical 1970s feminist graffiti, works by neo-conceptual artist Jenny Holzer, seminal UK music photographer Normski, a retrospective of New York City subway art, a history of graffiti on the London underground, the archive of trailblazing UK magazine Hip-Hop Connection, and a history of the aerosol spray can, from its wartime use protecting soldiers from malaria to its defining role in global street art. Elsewhere, there will be a room dedicated to the 2Tone movement – including photographs by Janette Beckman. BEYOND THE STREETS is at Saatchi Gallery from 11 November 2026 – 5 May 2027 saatchigallery.com

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CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP

PINK

Panther Olga Lomaka's work is making a splash at the Exhibitionist Hotel

T “The exhibition reﬂects Lomaka's distinctive pop aesthetic”

he Return of the Pink Panther marks the first in a series of exhibitions celebrating the legacy artists behind the Exhibitionist Hotel's celebrated art corridors. Running until February 2027, the exhibition showcases Lomaka's playful Pink Panther series, inspired by her immersive second-floor corridor, where a bright neon sign and a three-dimensional Pink Panther tail weave through the space. Featuring vibrant sculptures, limited edition prints produced with Jealous Gallery and new works by the artist, the exhibition reflects Lomaka's distinctive pop aesthetic, bold use of colour and playful exploration of contemporary culture. The exhibition also launches a wider programme celebrating the hotel's iconic art corridors and will spotlight Mr. Doodle, with huge international following for his unmistakable hand-drawn doodles, recent BBC coverage and a global following of millions; LUAP, whose monumental Pink Bear sculptures have become instantly recognisable landmarks of contemporary public art; and Endless, one of Britain's leading contemporary street artists, whose long-standing creative relationship with the legendary East End duo Gilbert & George.

The Exhibitionist Hotel, 8-10 Queensberry Place, South Kensington, SW7 2EA @exhibitionist_hotel @lomakaart

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COLLEGE

DAYS University College London is celebrating 200 years of research and education

wo Centuries Here is a new multi-space exhibition in the heart of central London, celebrating 200 years of ground-breaking scientific research, historical discoveries, artistic innovation and educational impact at the capital’s first university, University College London (UCL). Through photography, objects, paintings, artefacts, and storytelling, the exhibition invites visitors to explore and discuss UCL’s rich history, influence and role in society, and collectively imagine what the future could look like. This includes curious and fascinating objects from two of London’s most important museums, The Petrie Museum of Egyptian and Sudanese Archaeology and UCL Grant Museum of Zoology, alongside artworks from the UCL Art Museum and rare items from UCL’s historic and scientific collections, not usually open to the public.

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CULTURE • SPOTLIGHT

The exhibition features an eclectic range of objects, illustrating two centuries of curiosity, creativity and discovery. See The Grant Museum’s iconic Jar of Moles, the Crookes tube that led to the UK’s first clinical X-ray, a rocket nose cone linked to UCL’s Mullard Space Science Laboratory, the original test tubes used by Britains’ first Nobel Prize winner William Ramsay in his discovery of the noble gases, paintings and sketches from some of London’s first contemporary female artists including Winifred Knights and Amy Nimir, and the Shabti of King Taharqa, one of hundreds of important Egyptian and Sudanese funerary figurines at the Petrie Museum, one of the most important collections of Ancient Egyptian artefacts in the UK. The exhibition also includes more challenging objects such as the Rudolf Martin Eye Colour Scale, that was used to categorise the eye-colour and

assumed racial origins of Jewish migrant children in 1920s London, which now helps students to confront the legacy of eugenics. Other objects demonstrate the birth of electronics, advances in medical surgery and revelations from Nobel Prize winning thinkers – of which UCL has 33. Visitors are also invited to explore both The Grant Museum of Zoology founded in 1826 as the first university museum in London and The Petrie Museum of Egyptian and Sudanese Archaeology founded in 1892. The UCL Grant Museum is home to 100,000 specimens from every continent, every ocean, and every animal group. The collection has been used in teaching and research since 1828 and continues to have huge impact on how we understand and learn from the natural world. In 1828, Professor Robert Edmond Grant founded an influential teaching collection that reflected his expertise in comparative anatomy – the similarities and differences between animals. Grant gave his first lecture using zoological specimens, many of which were donated by another iconic London institution who also turned 200 this year – the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). These collections formed the core of the UCL Grant Museum of Zoology. Inspired by Grant’s views and knowledge, UCL was the first English university to teach evolutionary biology via Professor Robert E Grant - who had also taught Darwin (how to study marine invertebrates) while at Edinburgh. Specimens like this are still used to teach comparative anatomy and evolution today. University College London was established on a radical idea: education for all regardless of religion or social background. Since 1826, it has grown from a small community of visionaries on the city’s edge to a global force for learning, research, creativity and innovation. Founded as the London University in 1826, it was originally constituted as a joint stock company, an unusual financing model for a university. Following a year of public and private meetings among university

supporters, the Deed of Settlement was signed in February 1826, setting forth the university’s constitution and placing ultimate authority with proprietors. Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) was an eminent philosopher who championed legal, political, and educational reform. His arguments and beliefs shaped the central values of the London University: religious tolerance, educational opportunity, useful knowledge’, and freedom of speech. Jeremy Bentham’s 1832 Will set out two remarkable wishes: to dissect his body for medical instruction, and to transform it into an auto-icon (‘self-image’). Created by Thomas Southwood Smith, the seated figure is Bentham’s articulated skeleton, dressed in his clothes and topped with a wax head. Today, it sits at the heart of the UCL Student Centre. Initially, the university struggled to secure the necessary Royal Charter to award degrees. Instead, students received Certificates of Honour, or a General Certificate, for completing their studies. In 1836, a new government established a degree-awarding body, the University of London, which awarded charters to the institution and its rival, King’s College. The university was then reconstituted as ‘University College London’. UCL was pivotal in advancing women’s access to higher education, a movement which gained further momentum following the founding of the London Ladies’ Education Association in 1868. This independent body offered women off-campus classes taught by UCL professors in English Literature, Physics, Geometry, Chemistry, French and Latin. While progress was gradual, by October 1878, women could attend most classes, and UCL became the first institution in the UK to allow women to study for degrees alongside men. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/about/events/2026/ feb/two-centuries-here-ucl200-exhibition

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CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP

Panto SEASON Jack and the Beanstalk comes to Richmond Theatre

fter selling his trusty cow for a few measly beans, Jack sets off on an adventure to outwit the evil giant and win riches beyond his wildest dreams… Follow Jack and climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to Cloudland, in the spectacular family panto, Jack and the Beanstalk. This year's pantomime features a sensational cast led by actress, singer, dancer and television personality Bonnie Langford as Mrs Blunderbore, alongside much-loved doctor and TV presenter Dr Ranj as The Spirit of the Beans. They’re joined by returning Richmond panto favourite Basil Brush as Farmer Basil, comedian Lloyd Hollett as Silly Simon, and musical theatre’s James Hume making his panto dame debut as Dame Trot.w Promising laughter, music, magical effects and bundles of audience participation, this is the panto Richmond has BEAN waiting for! Fee-fi-fo-fum, book tickets early so you don’t miss the fun!

“Follow Jack and climb a beanstalk to Cloudland” A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Christmas S

In this sect ion DECK THE HALLS 42 THE BEST BAUBLES 45 ADVENT CALENDARS 47 THE GIFT GUIDES 48 FESTIVE FIZZ 67

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STAR LIGHT GRAHAM AND GREEN

For a dramatic and maximalist Christmas, it's important to have as many lights as possible. And not just fairy lights. These oversize paper shades Part decoration, part light feature, these Starburst Paper Flower Shades create striking focal points with their sculptural layers of folded white paper. Illuminated from within, the intricate starburst form casts a soft, warm glow, bringing an elegant sense of occasion to Christmas decorating. grahamandgreen.co.uk

The Christmas

HOME ALL THE ESSENTIALS FOR C E L E B R AT I N G AT H O M E

CRYSTAL BALL FERM LIVING

The Flurry Glass Baubles are mouth-blown and rolled in fragments of glass before being reheated, creating a crystalline, textured surface that catches and refracts light as they hang. Each piece is unique. fermliving.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS • HOME

TA K E F I V E Paper decorations

ON DISPLAY BERGS POTTER

The stackable Hoff Series by graphic designer Anne Hoff is made with solid artisanship and first-class materials in a stringently stripped back modular structure. Playful combinations of contrasts and colours invite a variety of uses, and the dishes look inviting when piled high with festive treats. bergspotter.com

MERI MERI Toile de Jouy Christms garland, £25 merimeri.co.uk

COX & COX Six candy striped paper sweets, £35 coxandcox.co.uk

Cracking up JOHN LEWIS

CURATED LIVING

All John Lewis crackers are recyclable, including the paper hats and mottos. And the contents are plastic-free too, with a wonderful selection of cracker prizes. Pack of 10, £23. johnlewis.com

Equinox Mint paper star, £66 curatedliving.co.uk

FESTIVE CHIC

TOAST Paper stars, £23 toa.st

BIRDIE FORTESCUE

Birdie Fortescue’s homeware collection ranges lamps and woven trays to embroidered cushions, placemats and luxurious throws. Each piece celebrates craftsmanship and timeless style, designed to be enjoyed long after the festive season. birdiefortescue.co.uk

FOLKSY Vintage book paper snowflake, £20 folksy.com

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CHRISTMAS • DECORATIONS

PETERSHAM NURSERIES Lucky black cat decoration, £12 petershamnurseries. com

ROCKETT ST GEORGE Vintage arcade game decoration, £24 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

anthropologie.com

GRAHAM & GREEN Cinnamon bun bauble, £10.95 grahamandgreen.co.uk

CLARIDGE'S

STUDIO THIE

Claridge's Fpyer bauble, £50 claridges.co.uk

Chilli Oil Glass Decoration, £16 studiothie.com

BAUBLE

FEVER Decorations for all tastes

REBECCA UDALL Trio of Dala Horse Christmas Decorations, £78 rebeccaudall.com

SELFRIDGES Glass lemon decoration, £12 selfridges.com

By PENDLE HARTE

PIGLET TOM MARTIN Father Christmas in London inside-painted glass bauble, £40 tommartin.co.uk

Mouse felt bauble, £14 pigletinbed.com

GRAHAM & GREEN Glass sardines decoration, £14.95 grahamandgreen.co.uk

FLORALSILK

EDITOR’S PICK

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PIGLET Paper bauble, £14 pigletinbed.com

Glass ski boots bauble, £8.99 floralsilk.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS • COUNTDOWN

LA PERLA DI TORINO Chocolate Truffle Advent Calendar, £39.99 souschef.co.uk

DIPTYQUE The 2026 Advent Calendar, £420 diptyqueparis.com

JOHN LEWIS Scented Candle Advent Calendar, £99 johnlewis.com

VOLUSPA 12-Day Alpice Advent Calendar, £250 voluspa.com

EDITOR’S PICK

NEUHAUS Sharing Advent Calendar, £159.50 selfridges.com

LEONE Confectionary Advent Calendar, £25 souschef.co.uk

BABBI

D AY B Y

Luxury Wafer Advent Calendar, £32.99 souschef.co.uk

DAY All our favourite advent calendars By PENDLE HARTE

MILL & MORTAR The Ultmate Spice Advent Calendar in Wooden Chest, £250 souschef.co.uk

LAKRIDS BY BULOW Liquorice Advent Calendar, £45 lakridsbybulow.co.uk

BISCUITEERS X GRAHAM AND GREEN Limited Edition Advent Calendar, £75 biscuiteers.com

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BELLA FREUD Oh Wow mirror, £20 boots.com

LAURA BAILEY X MADELEINE THOMPSON Cashmere knit, £poa madeleine-thompson.com

TATTY DEVINE X ZANDRA RHODES Hand and flowers small necklace, £85 tattydevine.com

GIFTS FOR

HER

JOLENE Love is Pain au Chocolat cap, £35 jolenebakery.com

All she wants for Christmas

HADES

By PENDLE HARTE

Fleetwood Mac knit, £240 hades-shop.co.uk

PIGLET Linen blend gingham wash bag, £35 pigletinbed.com

AMELIES FOLLIES This Christmas, why not give her the gift of beautifully fitted lingerie? Maybe this is your first Christmas together or she’s just had her second child? A luxurious bra fitting experience can do wonders for her confidence as well as bring out her sexy side. Book her fitting with a gift voucher from Amélie’s Follies. ameliesfollies.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS

BARDOT Alerie Sequin Lace Mini Dress £159 anthropologie.com

ANTHROPOLOGIE X PAPIER Watercolour paint set, £28 anthropologie.com

KAPTEN & SON Quilted light puffer jacket, £109.90 kapten-son.com

LAS NERIDES Blue Pansy & Faceted Crystal Sleeper Earrings, £160 libertylondon.com

OTIUMBERG Midnight diamond disc pendant, £1,200 otiumberg.com

ALLY CAPELLINO Lloyd Large Ebor Leather Bucket Bag, £550 allycapellino.co.uk

HANRO Quietly luxurious, unmistakably HANRO. Wonderfully soft 100% mercerised cotton interlock meets silkwoven binding in this long-sleeved pyjama set, crafted in Austria. With its classic shawl collar, button-through front and relaxed straight-leg trousers, it’s tailored, timeless and effortlessly comfortable. A lightweight wardrobe essential for cooler nights, and a gift to treasure season after season. Available in deep navy and boulevard grey. hanro.co.uk

C.ATHERLEY No. 4 Hand Care set, £54 c-atherley.com

L'OCCITANE Neroli Orchidee shower gel, £19 loccitane.com

MULBERRY Small Stevie bag, £1,295 mulberry.com

ANTHROPOLOGIE Faux fur coat, £160 anthropologie.com

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CHRISTMAS • GIFT GUIDE

SENSSE Perfect Smile Lip LED Duo, £99.99 senssebeauty.com

EDITOR’S PICK

SENSSE Timeless LED Face Mask gift set, £319.99 senssebeauty.com

SENSSE Aura Pro Laser Hair device, £129.99 senssebeauty.com

BEAUTY

T3 Aire 360 dual voltage, £299.99 t3micro.co.uk

GIFTS All the best beauty tech By PENDLE HARTE

DYSON

Airsmooth hot brush in ceramic pink, £199.99 dyson.co.uk

Airsstraight dryer and straightener in plum/copper, £349.99 dyson.co.uk

DERMALUX LED Face Mask, £449 dermalux.com

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CHRISTMAS • GIFT GUIDE ROSEMAUND FARM DISTILLERY The Director's Cut, £126 rosemaund.com

CDG HOMME Fingerless gloves, £130 doverstreetmarket.com

OLIVER SPENCER Miura socks, £32 oliverspemcer.co.uk

THE PERFECT WHITE EVENING SHIRT A timeless white evening shirt, made to your exact preferences in England. Choose a refined white twill, or add texture with Oxford or Dobby. Select a pleated, Marcella or concealed placket, with the option of traditional studs. Made-to-measure for an impeccable fit, it is perfect for weddings, Christmas Eve and black-tie occasions. mayfairandlegacy.co.uk

dunhill.com

GIFTS FOR

HIM

EDITOR’S PICK PIGLET Pembroke stripe cotton robe, £79 pigletinbed.com

CDG HOMME Champion ring, £695 doverstreetmarket.com

For the men in your life By PENDLE HARTE

ALLY CAPELLINO Frank backpack, £370 allycapellino.co.uk

HAY Regn striped umbrella, £45 selfridges.com

LOEWE Neo bluetooth speaker, £400 loewe.tv

MR CIGAR SHOP For cigar aficionados, Mr Cigar Shop offers an impressive selection of premium cigars from some of the world's most renowned brands. From the unmistakable character of Cuban classics to exceptional blends from beyond the Caribbean, discover a collection that celebrates craftsmanship, tradition and the pleasure of a perfectly chosen cigar. A thoughtful gift for those who appreciate the finer things in life. mrcigarshop.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS • GIFT GUIDE ALLY CAPELLINO Kevin Key Lanyard, £60 allycapellino.co.uk

LOMO APPARAT STANLEY

21 mm Wide-angle Camera Chiyoda Edition £99 lomography.com

The Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler, £50 stanley1913.com

AKT The Haze deodorising body mist, £29.95 aktlondon.com

DAISY Zip jewellery case, £85 daisyjewellery.com

MOTHER MADE Mushroom mini tee, £45 mothermade.uk

MATHMOS Rocket lava lamp, £100 mathmos.com

GIFTS FOR

TEENS Getting it right for the teenagers in the house By PENDLE HARTE

JENKI Matcha At Home set, £50 jenki.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

KAPTEN & SON Bergen Cloud Quilted Backpack, £109.90 kapten-son.com

REX LONDON Puncture repair kit, £4.95 rexlondon.com

ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS Omvria caramel, £130 ancent-greek-sandals.com

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CHRISTMAS • GIFT GUIDE

DJECO Skater music jewellery box, £21.59 smallkins.com

EDITOR’S PICK

NHM SHOP Grey wolf soft toy, £15 nhmshop.co.uk

K-WAY NHM SHOP Pocket microscope, £15 nhmshop.co.uk

Kids' half-zip jacket, £140 k-way.co.uk

GOLA Elan Glitz trainers, £55 gola.co.uk

GIFTS FOR THE LITTLE SOCK CO Little socks. Big matching moments. Give them a Christmas gift to share with Mini Me matching sock sets from The Little Sock Co. Gift boxed, with optional personalisation for an extra special touch. Clever stay-on design and grip soles on children’s sizes make these matching pairs as practical as adorable. thelittlesockcompany. com

KIDS

JOJO MAMAN BEBE Henley Camden wooden play kitchen, £160 jojomamanbebe.co.uk

IT LUGGAGE Daxie kids' underseat suitcase, £20 itluggage.com

Treats for tots and tinies By PENDLE HARTE

AIRHEADS The hairdryer for kids, £68 airheadshair.com

CLARIDGES Bell Boy Teddy Bear with Suitcase, £50 claridges.co.uk

FRECKLE

BANWOOD Balance bike, £149 banwood.co.uk

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Freckle Label specialises in luxury newborn cashmere, crafted in small batches using Grade A Inner Mongolian fibres. Our award-winning collections focus on softness, longevity and thoughtful gifting, with every piece designed to be cherished. Thoughtful design, timeless style and exceptional quality for the earliest days. First winter heirloom set, £460 frecklelabel.com

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CHRISTMAS • GIFT GUIDE HABITAT Chequered resin tray, £18 habitat.co.uk

HK LIVING Ceramic bowl on base, £39.95 foxandfeather.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

OCTAEVO Salad servers, £40 octaevo.com

BITOSSI HOME Lemon pitcher, £105 bitossihome.it

MADE X BARBICAN Barbican Tier Cushion, £40 made.com

GIFTS FOR

HOMES Decorative accessories for stylish abodes

TOM DIXON

BLOOMSBURY REVISITED Small Swallow lampshade, £95 and Julian base, £130 bloomsburyrevisited.co.uk

By PENDLE HARTE

Splash Coupe Glass Set of 2, £30 tomdixon.net

LT MUSEUM SHOP EDIE PARKER Crystal cut ashtray, £190 koibird.com

Bring a touch of London design heritage home with this luxuriously soft lambswool throw, featuring the distinctive Elizabeth line moquette pattern. Crafted in Britain by Bronte, one of the country’s last remaining vertical wool mills, it blends contemporary style with traditional craftsmanship. ltmuseum.co.uk

HAY HABITAT

Tube candleholder, £16 goodhoodstore.com

Mustard Striped Electric Diffuser, £30 habitat.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTGUIDE

EDITOR’S PICK ROBERTS RADIO Revival iStream 3L, £199.99 robertsradio.com

LOEWE Leo headphones, £1,500 selfridges.com

WIIM

GIFTS FOR

BANG & OLUFSEN Beosound A5 speaker in Century Weave, £1,250 bang-olufsen.com

TECHIES Gadgets galore for the tech-minded By PENDLE HARTE

The WiiM Sound Lite is a minimalist, compact hi-res smart speaker available in black or white. It supports open-platform streaming, stereo pairing, multi-room expandability, and 5.1 home cinema integration, delivering exceptional sound whether you are listening to your favourite playlist, catching up on a podcast, or enjoying a festive movie. £229. wiimhome.com

MARSHALL Bromley 150 speaker, £399.99 marshall.com

BIG GREEN EGG Limited edition Onyx egg, from £1,495 biggreenegg.co.uk

LOEWE DYSON CameraJet electric toothbrush, £419.99 dyson.co.uk

Aura.matic espresso machine, £5,000 loewe.tv

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS

THE CHILLI TRAIL

OTTOLENGHI

Brighton couple Theo and Harriet's small-batch Sri Lankan-style chilli pastes are rich and punchy, handmade in Sussex with no preservatives, and both won 1-star Great Taste Awards in 2026. They're also incredibly versatile: stir them through noodles, spoon them onto eggs, add them to a cheese toastie or use them as a marinade. The Double the Heat bundle brings the Original and Vegan pastes together, making it the perfect stocking filler for any foodie who loves a bit of spice. £12.50. thechillitrail.com

Seasonal sweet treats hamper, £57 ottolenghi.co.uk

NORDIC WARE Nutcracker cakelet pan, £54.40 hartsofstur.com

WÜSTHOF Classic steak knife set, £299 wusthof.co.uk

CLARIDGES Honeypot & drifzzler, £145 claridges.co.uk

GIFTS FOR

FOODIES Bring joy to chefs and gourmands By PENDLE HARTE

THE OXTON LIQUEUR COMPANY Personalised liqueurs, £55 oxtonliqueurs.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

ALEMANNA Salt and pepper shakers, £14 bigmammagroup.com

KITCHEN AID Artisan Plus mixer, £699 kitchenaid.co.uk

TRACKLEMENTS Jolliest Festive Favourites, £11.65 tracklements.co.uk

GIFTS FOR FOODIES.indd 61

BUNDT BOOK Recipes by Melanie Johnson, £28 melathome.com

23/10/2026 14:54:22

MAS T S I R H C E FARM TRE Establ

ished

in 195

Your Christmas begins at .....

HURLEY’S CHRISTMAS TREE FARM Real Christmas Trees from the Real Christmas Tree Farm, Essex

FROM LATE NOVEMBER AND THROUGHOUT DECEMBER DAILY 9AM TO 5PM Real fresh Christmas Trees Direct to the Public

Family fun with thousands of the finest, freshly grown Real Christmas Trees to choose from, including needle retaining, ‘non-drop’ & traditional varieties. Get your Christmas trees DIRECT FROM THE GROWER at Hurleys Farm. Choose your fabulous Family Tree from over 10 freshly cut varieties on display or choose directly from our fields and we will cut it for you Christmas Trees at the best prices around from 3/4ft up to 15ft for this year at our Hurleys Christmas Tree Farm, Battlesbridge.

hurleysfarm.co.uk

hurleyschristmastreefarm hurleysfarm

Hurley’s Christmas Tree Farm Woodham Road, Battlesbridge, Wickford, Essex SS11 7QL

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CHRISTMAS • GIFT GUIDE HAMPERS.COM Spanish tapas food & wine hamper, £84 hampers.com

WOLSELEY X CHAMPAGNE BOLLINGER Christmas hamper, £375 the wolseley.co.uk

OTTOLENGHI Ottolenghi and Friends hamper, £215 ottolenghi.co.uk

HAMPER

HAUL Baskets of festive treats

BLOOM & WILD

By PENDLE HARTE

The Family Favourites Christmas hamper, £62 bloomandwild.com

PETERSHAM NURSERIES Haye Farm Charcuterie & Craft Beer Hamper, £120 petershamnurseries.com

EDITOR’S PICK M&S The M&S Collection Ultimate Hamper, £155 marksandspencer.com

BOLD BEAN CO The Food Lovers' Hamper, £130 boldbeanco.com

CLARIDGES Brook Hamper, £345 claridges.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS • GIFT GUIDE

VEUVE CLICQUOT X YINKA ILORI

EDITOR’S PICK

Sun Totem bottle chiller and bottle, £75.99 selfridges.com

RUINART Rosé second skin, £95.55 selfridges.com

CHAMPAGNE BRUNO PAILLARD Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Fond Transparent, £72 wanderlustwine.co.uk

VEUVE CLICQUOT X YINKA ILORI Personalised arrow, £79.99 selfridges.com

FESTIVE

FIZZ The ﬁnest champagnes for gifting or sipping

BILLECARTSALMON Le Réserve, £50 claridges.co.uk

By PENDLE HARTE

MOËT & CHANDON Brut Impérial Green Bow, £50 libertylondon.com

VEUVE CLICQUOT La Grande Dame 2018 rosé personalised gift box, £210 selfridges.com

DOM PÉRIGNON X DAMIEN HIRST Rosé Vintage 2010 limited edition gift box, £405 selfridges.com

BILLECARTSALMON Le Sous Bois, £69 bbr.com

tomdixon.net

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTGUIDE

EDITOR’S PICK

FRENCH BEDROOM Ma Petite Love Story Pet Bed, £395 frenchbedroom.co.uk

PETS ROCK Celebrity pets tea towels, £12.99 welovecushions.co.uk

SOPHIE ALLPORT PETIQUETTE Classic leather dog collar, £40 charleychau.com

Bubbles & Fizz dog toy, £16 johnlewis.com

PETIQUETTE Leather dog lead, £60 charleychau.com

GIFTS FOR

PETS

EBERJEY Pet PJ, £63 eberjey.com

SOPHIE ALLPORT Chicken dog toy, £16 johnlewis.com

Because animals love Christmas too By PENDLE HARTE

THE GINGER JAR LAMP CO

100% RAINPROOF Equafleece® combines lightweight, stretchy Polartec® fabric with exceptional warmth, breathability and rainproof protection. The comfortable pull-on design avoids fiddly fastenings, while five width fittings ensure a great fit for every shape. Available in 16 colours, machine washable and proudly made in Devon. Built for the job! £22–£56, depending on size equafleece.co.uk

Ceramic pet bowl, £38 gingerjarlampco.com

SCRUFFS Alpine Pyrenees Cat Tree, £159.99 petslovescruffs.com

HOLLY & LIL Brightside dog lead, £85 charleychau.com

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CHRISTMAS • PARTNERSHIP

and the instantly recognisable TfL roundel. Inspired by the identity and creativity of the capital, the line brings a unique twist to festive fashion. Matching scarves, hats and socks complete the look, while a children's version ensures younger London enthusiasts can join in the festive spirit too.

A LONDON

Christmas Discover festive gifts inspired by the capital's iconic design heritage at London Transport Museum Shop

his Christmas, celebrate the transport heritage, creativity and iconic design that make London one of the world's most distinctive cities. From limited-edition festive knitwear to collectible decorations and thoughtfully designed gifts, London Transport Museum Shop offers a curated selection that captures the spirit and essence of the capital. FESTIVE KNITWEAR At the heart of this year's Christmas collection is London Transport Museum's limited-edition festive knitwear range. Created exclusively for 2026, the design brings together seven iconic modes of London transport in a playful winter bauble motif, complete with snowflakes

DECORATIONS WITH CHARACTER Bring a touch of London to the Christmas tree with a charming collection of transportthemed decorations. Discover hand-knitted buses and Underground trains, classic roundels and colourful hand-painted papier-mâché baubles, each inspired by the capital's distinctive design identity. Sourced from Fair Trade suppliers who are members of the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO), the decorations support fair wages and safe working conditions for artisans and makers. New for 2026 is the beautifully crafted Met No. 1 steam locomotive decoration, inspired by the historic locomotive in the Museum's collection. GIFTS INSPIRED BY LONDON Beyond the festive season, the Museum Shop offers an extensive range of gifts inspired by London's enduring design legacy. From collectible die-cast models and exclusive games and puzzles to accessories featuring the distinctive moquette patterns found across the transport network, each piece reflects the creativity, craftsmanship and innovation that have helped shape the capital for generations. Whether you are shopping for a design enthusiast, a London lover or someone who simply appreciates a thoughtful gift, there is something to discover. GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK Every purchase helps support London Transport Museum's work preserving and sharing the city's transport heritage for future generations. Visit London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden or explore the full collection online at shop.ltmuseum.co.uk. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CHRISTMAS • PARTNERSHIP

Choosing your

PERFECT Christmas tree

A real tree with its unmistakable scent, sparkling lights and ornate decorations is a brilliant centrepiece

OUR DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHRISTMAS TREES At Capital Gardens we have trees to suit all needs and budgets. Coming in all shapes and sizes, our reduced- drop trees include the UK’s most popular Christmas tree, the Nordmann Fir, along with Fraser Firs and Noble Fir trees.

“The Nordmann ﬁr is the UK's most popular Christmas tree”

POT-GROWN TREES Secure in the knowledge that we are supporting our British Christmas Tree producers, Capital Gardens is proud to stock the best quality and varieties of Pot Grown Trees. Grown in Scotland and sold in the pot they are grown in so as not to disturb the roots; the specially designed ‘grow pot’ has small holes to help the tree to thrive and form a full root system, so it may be planted again after Christmas. The grow-pot is then encased in a cover pot, to complete the festive finishing touch. CUT CHRISTMAS TREES Nordmann Fir: This is the most popular Christmas Tree in the UK. Filling the home with a wonderful pine tree aroma, its strong, lush, glossy green foliage is on tiered branches forming a symmetrical shape. The soft family-friendly needles for easy decorating make it a favourite family choice. This year we have added a 6-foot slim cut Nordmann Fir to our range. This spacesaving silhouette fits well into tight corners and narrower rooms, while maintaining the sturdy ornament-holding strength and striking colour to make it really stand out. Fraser Fir: The slim conical profile makes it perfect for compact spaces and the zesty smell will fill the room throughout the festive season. Dense, rich blue-toned branches are sturdy and slightly upturned. With its excellent needle retention, it is perfect

for holding all baubles and decorations. Noble Fir: Upswept branches, superior needle retention, an almost frosted look comes from the distinctive silvery-blue to deep blue-green colour with lighter undersides. Combine this with the gentle pine aroma and a dense, layered, symmetrical shape and this is an outstanding tree. HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR PERFECT CHRISTMAS TREE 1. Decide where your tree will be placed. 2. Avoid siting it close to a heat source, or where people may run past. 3. Ensure it is placed close to a plug socket if you are using mains powered tree lights. 4. Choose a tree that fits the available height and space. 5. Leave about 40 cm between the top of the tree and the ceiling and remember to account for a stand and topper. For more information, hints and tips go to capitalgardens.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FOOD & DRINK

Sound EFFECTS THE BLOOMSBURY CLUB

The Bloomsbury Club has reopened with The Listeners Club, a new cocktail experience that takes guests on a journey through five defining eras of music, pairing original drinks with specially curated soundtracks. Cocktail highlights include Monroe Glow, combining butter-washed bourbon, Cognac and sherry; Super Freak, a vibrant mix of grapefruit, basil, coriander and jalapeño; and Midnight City, which brings together Cognac, apple pie, chamomile, verjus and toasted sesame. thebloomsburyclub.com

Food News 74 • Eating out 77 • Recipes 78 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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WHAT TO DRINK

TASTING NOTES

GRAPE news

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

Wine recommendations for the month By THE WINE SOCIETY

Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh, Lou Blanc 2022  £9.95 A full-ﬂavoured, rich dry white from southwest France displaying notes of lemon, honey and beeswax. Full-bodied but fresh, this is perfect with trout, rillettes and most spicy food.

Côtes-du-Rhône Sablières, Domaine des Escaravailles 2022  £11.95 This is a grenachedominated blend from the village of Rasteau. Full-bodied but well balanced and with plenty of ﬂavours happening in the glass. Expect ripe brambles, tapenade and wild herbs.

The Society's Exhibition Cap Classique 2024  £12.95 This is a rich, toasty, apple-forward sparkling wine with a ﬁne, wellintegrated mousse and crisp, bready ﬁnish. Ideal served as an aperitif this has the added weight and richness thanks to South Africa's warm climate to pair beautifully will all manner of foods. 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

Feast days M A / N A M AY FA I R

MA/NA is now open for weekend lunches, offering an elevated Japanese dining experience in an ingredient-led tasting menu. Highlights include O-Toro Tartare with avocado, truffle soy and fresh wasabi, Hamachi Carpaccio with citrus ponzu and yuzukosho, Gindara Saikyo Yaki with yuzu miso, and Gyu Wasabi, featuring grilled rib eye with ginger, garlic and wasabi. manarestaurants.com

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FOOD NOTES.indd 74

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

TREAT TAKE YOURSELF THREE Indulge Cupboard in these delicious essentials desserts

F R E N C H

FA R E BISTRO SABLÉ

Curry night T H O M A S ST R A K E R X F I E L D G O O D S

Artisan ready meal company Field Goods has teamed up with Thomas Straker to create The Ultimate Butter Chicken, with the depth of flavour you’d expect from a restaurant kitchen. At the heart of the curry is Straker's double-churned British butter, which gives it all a rich, silky flavour. fieldgoods.co.uk

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Following the success of its debut, Bistro Sablé has opened at The Princess of Shoreditch, taking over the pub's ﬁrst ﬂoor for a limitedtime residency running until the end of the year with a menu rooted in traditional French cuisine. theprincessofshoreditch.com

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R O M A N

H O L I D AY STEFANIA

Award winner C O PA S

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Of course we have been fans of Copas for many years but now Copas has been recognised as Regional Champion in the Great British Food Awards and scored a silver award for its Copas Free Range Whole Turkey. Its small batch gin won an award too. There's really no better place to get your turkey, and the time to order is now. copasfarmshop.co.uk

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Westbourne Grove's new Italian is a chic eaterie with four generations of Roman cooking behind it. Highlights of the pork-free menu include juicy prawns in lobster bisque, excellent tomato salads and a spaghetti vongole to die for. stefania.london.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“THIS 28 DAY DRY-AGED RIBEYE IS EVERYTHING: PINK, JUICY, PERFECTLY COOKED”

FRAME New tapas in Westbourne Grove

FOOD High class tapas

B y PENDLE HARTE

here does it leave tapas when almost every restaurant in London has adopted the small plates concept? Tapas restaurants might be feeling a bit put out at everyone having stolen their idea. But newcomer Frame, in foodie Hereford Road off Westbourne Grove, has no need to feel threatened. This is a small space that does a lot, and does it well. It’s a long, slim room, deesigned cleverly to feature a stylish bar with

stolls for dining, and a line of small marble tables for two opposite it. The style is distressed grandeur, with gleaming blue tiles, mirrors, foliage and brushed gold – while downstairs there’s another dining room, with tables for bigger groups. Staff are confident and chatty; the atmosphere is fun yet professional. We order greedily. The menu is billed as Spanish fusion food, and each dish is prettily arranged and carefully constructed. First there’s tuna tartare with watermelon and jalapeno dressing, which is deliciously sweet, sharp and silky. Next is cauliflower with

DECOR Distressed grandeur

PRICE Tapas plates £7.50- £34

VERDICT High class food, stylish surroundings

confit garlic and carrot puree and roast tomato, which is a successful mix of textures and umami. Then there’s gilled octopus with celeriac puree and mojo verde, which is juicy and flavourful, and then comes the steak, which my partner insisted on ordering despite my protestations. How boring to have a steak, I thought, when we could have duck breast. But this 28 day dry-aged ribeye is everything: pink, juicy, perfectly cooked and full of all the flavour. For pudding there’s a Basque cheesecake with a cute scoop of lemon ice cream in the shape of an actual lemon. It’s an excellent cheesecake, if slightly on the small side. We should have ordered two. This is an appealing place with excellent food, charismatic staff and a lively atmosphere. I only slightly wish it had a different name: Frame just isn’t memorable enough. Still, I’ll be back. 39 Hereford Road, W2 frame-restaurant.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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food GOOD MOOD

New recipes from Tim Spector

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Courgette, Lentil and Halloumi Fritters Prep : 1 0 Mi nutes Cook : 1 5 Mi nutes Makes: 8 Fri tters For me these fritters easily beat traditional pancakes. They are easy to make, delightfully light and airy, and sustain my energy levels for longer. Halloumi provides fantastic texture and has a high melting point, although sadly it is not fermented with microbes. You could serve the fritters with a poached or fried egg, some kimchi or hummus on the side, or with Chilli Pickle Sauce swirled through yoghurt.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 courgette, coarsely grated • 125g halloumi, coarsely grated • 20g parsley, ﬁnely chopped • ½ x 400g tin lentils, drained and rinsed • 2 tsps Garam masala or baharat • 30g chickpea ﬂour • 1 tsp baking powder • 2 eggs • 2–3 tsp extra virgin olive oil • Salt and black pepper • Yoghurt Chilli Pickle Sauce Prep: 5 minutes Makes: 180–200ml • 70g cornichons • 28g dill or parsley • 2–3 green chillies, deseeded if you want less heat • Juice of ½ lime • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar • 2–3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • Salt and black pepper

METHOD

1 Put all the ingredients except the oil into a bowl, season with salt and pepper, and mix to combine. 2 Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large nonstick frying pan over a low heat. When warm, add 2 tablespoons of mixture per fritter to the pan (you should be able to fit three or four in the pan). Flatten them down with the back of the spoon so they are as compact as possible. Fry for 2–3 minutes. 3 Carefully but confidently flip each fritter and fry for 2 more minutes on the other side. Continue until you have used all the mixture. 4 Serve each fritter with yoghurt swirled with Chilli Pickle Sauce. Chilli Pickle Sauce 1 Put all ingredients in a jug or deep bowl, starting with just 1 or 2 chillies if you want to check the heat levels. Use a hand-held blender to blitz until completely smooth. 2 Taste and adjust the seasoning, and add another chilli if you think it needs it. Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate until needed.

Stuffed Aubergine Traybake

Toppings (optional) • 4 tbsp Greek or plant-based yoghurt • 4 tbsp tahini • 40g pomegranate seeds • 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses • 60g pistachios, roughly chopped • 10g coriander, roughly chopped

P rep : 1 0 Mi nu tes Cook : 50 Mi nu te s Makes : 4 Fr i t ters

METHOD

This is a delicious way to make the most of aubergines, one of my favourite vegetables. You can even use white aubergine varieties if you can find them. The toppings are very much optional; spoonful of yoghurt on the side is all it really needs, with some nuts or seeds for extra crunch.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 aubergines • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 1 onion, finely chopped • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 2 tbsp Baharat or garam masala • 2 tbsp harissa • 1 x 400g tin lentils, drained and rinsed • 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes • 30g sultanas (optional) • 40g dill, finely chopped • Salt and black pepper

1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/400°F/gas 6 and line a baking tray with baking parchment. 2 Halve the aubergines lengthways, score the ﬂesh in a criss-cross pattern and scoop out as much of it as possible. Finely chop the aubergine ﬂesh and set aside. 3 Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick frying over a medium heat and sauté the onion for 3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. 4 Stir in the chopped aubergine and fry for 3–4 minutes, stirring continually, until the aubergines are soft. 5 Add the spice mix, harissa, lentils, chopped tomatoes, sultanas (if using), dill and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Heat through, then spoon into the hollowed-out aubergines. 6 Arrange on the prepared baking tray and bake for 40 minutes. Serve topped with the yoghurt, tahini, pomegranate seeds, pomegranate molasses, pistachios and coriander.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Juno’s Pavlova Pre p: 30 Mi nutes Co ok: 2 hours, plus coolin g ti me Se r ve s: 8–1 0

Inspired by my mother’s pavlova, here’s a higher-fibre recipe, which makes great use of any leftover aquafaba from a tin of chickpeas. Don’t skip the time needed to whisk the aquafaba and sugar – it’s essential for creating a robust meringue. Make sure you use a baking tray large enough for the pavlova to expand when cooking – it almost doubles in size! You can also make individual meringues – follow the same process but cook for just 1 1/2hours. You could make the meringue the day before you intend to serve it (it doesn’t keep as long as traditional meringue) – just be sure to assemble the pavlova as close to serving as possible.

INGREDIENTS

• ½ tsp extra virgin olive oil • Aquafaba from 1 x 400g tin chickpeas (roughly 150ml) • 1 tsp cream of tartar • 200g caster sugar • 1 tbsp lemon juice • 2 pears, sliced • 250g Jam • 300g Greek yoghurt • 200g blackberries • 100g pistachios, • roughly chopped Top-up • Extra berries, cherries or pomegranate seeds • Flaked almonds, toasted in a dry frying pan Swaps • 4 egg whites for aquafaba • 400g strawberries for pears and blackberries • Seeds for nuts

METHOD

1 Preheat the oven to 140°C/120°C fan/280°F/gas 1 and line a large baking tray with baking parchment. Using a pastry brush, brush the parchment with the oil (this will help you to lift the pavlova from the paper once cooked). 2 Put the aquafaba and cream of tartar into the bowl of an electric stand mixer and whisk for 15 minutes on a high speed until stiff peaks form. 3 Add the caster sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, waiting 30–45 seconds between each addition. Once added, whisk for 10 minutes. Test it by rubbing a small amount of the mixture

between the tip of your thumb and index ﬁnger. If it feels grainy, carry on whisking until smooth. 4 Scoop the mixture onto the prepared baking tray and spread it out to form a 20cm-wide circle. Use a spatula or spoon to create a dip in the centre to hold the jam and yoghurt once baked. 5 Bake for 2 hours, then turn off the oven but do not remove the pavlova – it needs to be left in the oven until cool. 6 Brush the pear slices with a little lemon juice to prevent them turning brown. When ready to serve, spoon the chia jam into the centre of the pavlova, followed by the yoghurt, fruit and nuts. Serve immediately.

Tim Spector Good Mood Food with Dr Federica Amati Recipes by Kathryn Bruton Published by Jonathan Cape £30 hbk

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

DRINKS CABINET

What and where to drink this month By PENDLE HARTE

GAME ON Kamara in Soho has introduced backgammon boards alongside a new cocktail list. Pair a game with mezze for sharing and cocktails from the new list, including the Greek Salad Martini, a Kitron Margarita and the Yosmo (Kamara’s take on a Cosmopolitan), alongside a wide selection of wine and beer. Boards are free to use, and there’s always a reason to stay for one more round.

brothermarcus.co.uk

Art world

Absolut Vodka has teamed up with contemporary artist KAWS for their latest Artist Edition bottle featuring his instantly recognisable CHUM character and XX motif. KAWS is following in the footsteps of legendary artists Keith Haring and Andy Warhol for this third release. KAWS work is designed to be seen, shared and encountered in unexpected places, which makes an Absolut bottle an unlikely but ﬁtting canvas. absolut.com

Sip smart Wintery Botanical Aperitivo is a limitededition release from the British botanical aperitivo brand, created to capture the warmth, abundance and spirit of the festive season in a glass. Handcrafted on Lannock Farm, the Wintery Botanical Aperitivo brings together warming date molasses with clove, allspice and vanilla, ﬁnished with a wisp of smoky saffron. These are infused into Botivo’s bittersweet base of British apple cider vinegar, gentian and wildﬂower honey, creating something rich, warming and unmistakably Botivo.

botivodrinks.com

SPOTLIGHT

Spiritland at the Barbican A new outpost for the listening bar

eloved King’s Cross listening bar Siritland has just opened a site at the Barbican. Created by Paul Noble and Sophie Uddin, Spiritland is a pioneer of the listening bar scene outside of its spiritual home in Japan, creating a space for music lovers, cocktail aﬁcionados and the culturally curious, with its elegant blend of music, culture and hospitality. The venue offers a daily musical programme of artists and record collectors playing a broad mix of genres. With a music policy ranging from Jazz and Soul to Classical, Ambient and Electronica, the programme will often mirror and complement the Barbican’s wider cultural programming. With space for 100 guests and lakeside views overlooking the fountains, the nightly listening sessions will also be accompanied by regular talks, tastings, supper clubs and album playbacks. As a cornerstone of the programming, every day at 5pm an album will be played in its entirety - from classic albums to lesser-known releases alongside whole weeks dedicated to a wide range of artists, from Bach to Beck, and Steve Reich to Suzanne Ciani. Central to the experience is the one-off, bespoke Living Voice soundsystem, built around a pair of stunning Living Voice 'R252' loudspeakers and a selection of esoteric, high-end audio equipment, commissioned to present music at the highest possible quality. spiritland.com

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FA S H I O N

Perfect fit HANRO

Take a moment this Christmas, just for you. HANRO has been crafting the finest underwear since 1884, and the bestselling Moments range in soft French lace is a true heritage icon. Quietly luxurious and beautiful to wear, it’s now available in rich mocha and stormy rose shades. Discover the Moments collection from £34. hanro.co.uk

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FASHION OPENER.indd 85

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PYJAMA

party

Sleepwear, but make it glamorous with Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Their Nibs THEIRNIB S.COM

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FASHION • TREND

EDITOR’S PICK

SHEBARA X OLIVIA VON HALLE Signature silk pyjamas, £poa oliviavonhalle.com

EMMA J SHIPLEY Lynx cotton pyjama set, £225 emmajshipley.com

PLUSH Soft stripe bamboo cotton pyjamas, £80 plushclo.com

CLARIDGE'S X ANDERSON & SHEPPARD Jade Pyjama Set, £475 shop.claridges.co.uk

BANANA Lolipop stripe pyjama set, £130 bananalondon.com

TOP SETS

Pyjama season is here

THEIR NIBS X SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR Murder On The Forest Floor Cotton Boxy Pyjama Set, £60 theirnibs.com

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

ENNA MODA Salmon pink striped pyjama set, £82.99 ennamoda.com

IT'S 9PM Vogue silk pyjama set, £375 its9pm.co.uk

ASPIGA PIGLET Berry gingham linen blend pyjama set, £125 pigletinbed.com

EBERJEY X ELSA HOSK

Organic cotton pyjama set, £90 aspiga.com

Gisele printed PJ top, £poa eberjey.com

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INNERSENSE BEAUTY.indd 94

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Jewel box C HA NT ECA I L L E

This festive season, Chantecaille brings together a curated edit of luxurious skincare, glowenhancing complexion favourites, statement makeup and thoughtful gifts. The new limited-edition Bijoux d’Or Collection brings jewel-inspired shimmer and festive luminosity to the season, chantecaille.co.uk

Beauty notes 99 • Gift ideas 101 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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ZENTAL.indd 96 ZENTAL_DPS_ABS_MAY2024_V3 copy.indd All Pages

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Calm pays attention to detail.

Our spaces are designed to ensure you are as relaxed as possible.

zental.uk 020 3982 8602

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y PENDLE HARTE

SIMPLE Elegance

REVIEW

LA BONNE BROSSE

EDITOR’S PICK

The bespoke French hairbrush

JIL SANDER

Jil Sander has added to their newly Olfactory Series with six new fragrances: Shiso, Salt, Lily, Sesame, Mahogany and Vanille. Each is built around just three ingredients, and they are minimalist and unisex. jilsander.com

O DAILY RITUAL T3

T3’s popular Aire 360 has launched a dual voltage version, because once you are using this you won’t be able to travel without it. The new model has lightweight, compact design and a shorter handle for effortless, travel-friendly styling.

t3micro.co.uk

M A R I NE P OW E R POW C H I TO CA R E B E AT Y

This Icelandic wellness brand has launched a Revive Shampoo and Conditioner, powered by an oceanderived ingredient sourced from Icelandic waters alongside marine collagen and geothermal silica to help support overall hair health. It leaves hair soft and luxurious-feeling. chitocare.co.uk

f course there are lots of hairbrushes out there, making lots of different claims. Using the wrong one might keep the tangles at bay, but it won’t bring the best out of your locks, so it’s worth ﬁnding The One. French brand La Bonne Brosse launched two years ago with a mission of delivering real haircare using high class natural materials, and making each brush an object of desire in itself. Now these brushes are top of Christmas wishlists at Selfridges – and a series of simple questions leads to a diagnosis determining which of the eight models is for you. Mine is the number 2 (“care and detangling”) for its combination of nylon and boar bristle brushes that moisturise and strengthen my long, ﬁne hair. The brand advises lengthy brushing before bed (the fabled 100 strokes) which cleans away the day’s dirt, as well as morning brushing for style and stimulating hair growth. Other models address detangling, massaging, hydration and other hair issues; there’s a baby version and a round blowdry one, and each one comes in a wide array of bright and appealing colours, including the newly launched aubergine. Need a new hairbrush? Add this to your Christmas list, because at £146 each, these are special occasion purchases. LA BONNE BROSSE Stocked at Selfridges

labonnebrosse.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

“From effortless styling essentials to reparative treatments”

Give Better C E L E B R AT E W H AT ’ S I N S I D E Don't give more; give better, says Innersense

he most thoughtful gifts are the ones that become part of someone’s everyday life: an act of self-care, a favourite ceremony, a moment that feels entirely their own. This holiday season, Innersense invites us to rethink gifting with a simple idea: Don’t give more. Give better. For the salon-born haircare brand, better begins inside the bottle. Founded by stylists Greg and Joanne Starkman, Innersense brings together clean chemistry and professional performance, creating formulas designed for hair, people and planet. Its holiday collection translates that philosophy into purposeful pairings, from effortless styling essentials to reparative treatments that make staying in feel like an occasion. There is something personal about giving someone a reason to slow down.

A shower becomes a hair ceremony. An evening routine becomes a chance to reset. Rather than adding another object to the holiday rush, these gifts offer care moments that last beyond December. For the friend who prefers an uncomplicated routine, the Effortless Style Duo pairs full-size Sweet Spirit Leave-In Conditioner with Air Dry Cream. Together, they hydrate, detangle and enhance natural texture, bringing ease to the days when the best styling plan is to let hair do its thing. It is a thoughtful match for leisurely mornings, relaxed weekends and anyone embracing their own texture. For those who enjoy the art of styling, Shape & Shine brings together full-size Hair Love Prep Spray, a travel-size I Create Volume and I Create Finish. With thermal protection, volume and hold, the trio equips its recipient to create endless styles. Everyday styling becomes a moment of expression that feels just right. The Healthy Hair Treatment Trio takes a more tailored approach. Featuring mini Detox Hair Mask, Repair Mask and Hydrating Hair Mask, it offers three targeted treatments to clarify buildup, strengthen damaged strands and replenish moisture. For the haircare enthusiast, it is an invitation to discover what their hair needs, with a little room for experimentation along the way. Then there is Replenish & Restore, a pairing made for evenings without an agenda. Full-size Overnight Repair Serum and Blissful Body Butter intentionally bring hair and body care together, helping repair hair overnight while replenishing skin with lasting moisture. Wrapped up for someone else, or reserved for yourself, it makes a compelling case for an earlier night. Underpinning every set is an intentional approach to formulation. Innersense actively avoids more than 3,000 ingredients that do not meet its standards, and its formulas are free from parabens, silicones, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and phthalates. Born in the salon and tested there, too, performance remains central to the brand’s promise. This is gifting with consideration: for the person receiving it, the hair they have and the routines they enjoy. There is no suggestion that beautiful hair must become something entirely different. Instead, the call is to nourish, honour and celebrate each strand, exactly as it grows. Because the best gifts do more than look good beneath the tree. They make the everyday feel a little more special. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

PROACTIVE

HEALTH Health checks for the modern woman - musthave or money wasted?

W In Riga, private clinics offer coordinated health assessments

e make time for everything except the one thing that keeps us going. But what if understanding your health didn’t mean months of appointments and waiting lists? How many times have you promised yourself: “Once work settles down, I’ll get some proper sleep and finally book those tests”? But after work comes more work, morning coffee replaces breakfast, and stress becomes the norm. Until suddenly our hair is thinner, our skin looks grey, our eyes seem duller, our cycle is irregular and wrinkles are more noticeable. It isn’t age. These are signals our body is sending: I need your attention. A comprehensive health check can be exactly that kind of attention. It’s not another routine appointment, but a place to understand how our bodies are doing and what deserves attention before it starts to shout at us. And it doesn’t have to take weeks. In Riga, a short flight of up to three hours from the UK, private clinics offer coordinated health assessments without long waits between specialists and checkup programmes for maintaining general health and preventing diseases. At Health Centre 4, a women’s health check combines 22 blood markers, heart examinations, abdominal and thyroid ultrasounds, dermatological assessment, gynaecological screening and vision diagnostics, with consultations at start and end. It takes one day and costs around £655. EXPRESS PREVENTIVE HEALTH CHECK-UP PROGRAM The same clinic brings together blood tests, ECG, ultrasound, vascular screening and specialist consultations, including a dermatologist, nutritionist and ophthalmologist. It takes around five hours (9:00-14:00) and costs around £575.

FOR WOMEN IN CASE OF INFERTILITY Dr. Vasaraudze Private Clinic offers hormonal testing, uterine and ovarian ultrasounds and investigations into potential reproductive health issues. It takes 3-4 days and costs around £965. Flights from London take about 2.5 hours, direct with airBaltic or Ryanair with return fares from around £80-150. A budget hotel costs about £35-60 a night, a four-star in the Old Town £70-120. Keeping track of your health doesn’t mean searching for illnesses you don’t even have. It means being proactive and giving yourself the chance of a healthier, fuller quality of life for years to come. So one of the most valuable things you bring home from a trip to Riga isn’t just souvenirs and memories, but a clear understanding of your body’s health, because early detection is the foundation of good health. Discover health check programmes at healthtravellatvia.lv A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEA;TH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

STRAIGHT

TALK

Dr. Graeme Glass PhD MBA FRCS (Plast) on the rise of secondary rhinoplasty

nose job is now one of the most sought-after aesthetic procedures in the world. It's popular everywhere, with every kind of patient – and in some cultures, it's practically a rite of passage. Everyone seems to want a rhinoplasty and every aesthetic surgeon thinks they can do one - so what could possibly go wrong? Well, quite a lot, as it happens. These days, I rarely see patients coming to me for a first-time ("primary") rhinoplasty. That's partly down to competition: unlike facelifts, most rhinoplasty patients are price-conscious and happy to travel to find a cheaper option, often abroad. Unfortunately, many learn the hard way that cheaper doesn't mean better. Over the last decade, I now see far more patients needing revision surgery to correct a previous nose job. The rise of secondary, corrective rhinoplasty is, undoubtedly, down to medical tourism. Many patients are choosing the budget option for primary rhinoplasty surgery with Turkey, Thailand, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica popular destinations. The issues I see consistently range from uneven nasal bones, a warped septum, bumps or irregularities along the bridge, a crooked tip, and long-term breathing problems (often on one side, sometimes

both). One common concern I see is an uneven highlight running down the bridge of the nose - what's known as the 'light reflex.' Any slight asymmetry in the nose shows up here first, and it's becoming more noticeable simply because of how we're lit today. Phone cameras, ring lights and overhead lighting are far harsher and more direct than natural daylight, so they expose these small imperfections in a way that soft, ambient light never used to. As a craniofacial surgeon, I don't just perform aesthetic rhinoplasty, I also carry out reconstructive rhinoplasty, septorhinoplasty, and complex partial or total nasal reconstruction. That gives me a full toolkit for managing even the most complicated nasal problems, so no case needs to go unaddressed simply because it falls outside a narrower set of skills. I have spent my working life reconstructing children born with severe facial differences, and rebuilding the faces of adults after trauma, cancer and congenital deformity. I currently work at Great Ormond Street Hospital and I am also Director of Aesthetics at LYMA. In my view, craniofacial surgery and any kind of aesthetic surgery are two sides of the same coin. CASE STUDY Carole’s new nose and the ability to breath through it properly for the first time, allowed the 62-year-old to cross the finish line of her first 10k run. Explaining the techniques used to achieve the perfect nose for Carole, Dr. Graeme Glass said: “When Carole came to see me she had had a nose job (rhinoplasty) about 18 months earlier. In the time that had passed, the wall inside her nose (the septum) had collapsed. I carried out corrective surgery (septorhinoplasty) to fix this, first undoing the previous work to reach the septum. I took a small piece of cartilage

Unfortunately, many learn the hard way that cheaper doesn't mean better from Carole’s rib, using the same discreet incision used in breast augmentation, and used it to rebuild the septum, which I then covered with the existing lining. I carved additional pieces of rib cartilage into grafts to strengthen the internal nasal valves (improving her breathing) and to refine the shape of the new nose. Her nose is now straight and she can breathe freely.” drgraemeglass.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

E X C E L L E N T

CARE

CHD Living is widely recognised for its human and respectful approach

ater life is being redefined. Families still seek professional assurance and safety, but increasingly they are looking for something less easily measured and far more important: a sense of ease. A home that feels calm rather than clinical. Support that is present without being intrusive. Care that protects dignity while preserving the rhythms, preferences and personality that make someone who they are. This is where CHD Living has built its reputation. CHD Living is an award-winning, family-owned provider of health and social care services with more than 40 years of experience across Surrey and South London. Its ethos, Creating Happiness Daily, is a practical philosophy that shapes how care is delivered, how environments are designed, and how teams support people through the everyday moments that define quality of life. Across its care homes, rehabilitation services and care at home offering, CHD Living supports people with a wide range of needs, from residential and nursing care to

specialist dementia support, complex care and neurorehabilitation. What links every service is a belief that excellent care is both clinically strong and deeply personal. It should feel consistent, well led and quietly competent, while remaining human, tailored and respectful. Recognition has followed in ways that matter. In 2025, CHD Living was named Residential Elderly Care Provider of the Year, Medium Group, at the HealthInvestor Awards, a reflection of its leadership, quality and commitment to residents and families. In 2026, Brownscombe Care Residences in Haslemere, one of CHD Living’s flagship homes, has also been featured in the Knight Frank Luxury Care Home Guide for the fifth consecutive year, recognising a standard of care and environment that continues to stand out. CHD Living was also included in the carehome.co.uk Top 20 Mid-Size Large Care Home Groups Awards 2026, a respected national benchmark of quality based on independent feedback from residents and their families. Yet “luxury” in later life is not simply about finish or form. It is about the confidence that care will be delivered with discretion

and continuity. It is knowing that small changes will be noticed early and addressed thoughtfully. It is the assurance that meals are unhurried, routines are respected, and families are met with warmth and transparency. It is the feeling that someone can still enjoy privacy and independence, with expert support close by whenever it is needed. CHD Living’s approach is deliberately understated. It is not about grand statements. It is about getting the details right, day after day. A culture where team members are supported to lead with compassion and professionalism. Environments designed to feel uplifting, not institutional. Care that is responsive, accountable and centred on the individual. For families making one of life’s most important decisions, those details are everything. They create trust. They create reassurance. And ultimately, they create a home where people can live with dignity and comfort, supported by care that is both expertly delivered and genuinely felt. To find out more visit chdliving.co.uk or call 01428 772 469 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Pushing the boundaries with

PREMIUM TILE & FLOORING DESIGN

Carefully curated collections of more than 15,000 exceptional quality tiles for floors & walls inside & out, engineered wood flooring & luxury vinyl tiles & planks at affordable prices Explore every design possibility online or visit our dedicated Ascot showroom

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INTERIORS

I TA L I A N F L A I R B I TO S S I H O M E

Founded in 2007 but based on family traditions dating back to the 16th century, Bitossi Home celebrates Italian ceramics with a focus on bold colour and humour. The new collection is full of stylish pieces that include glasses, candlestics, plates and decorative objects. You'll find the collection at Liberty.

bitossihome.it

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INTERIORS N OT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home By PENDLE HARTE

G O L D E N B R O W N LITTLE GREENE

Little Greene has announced Marle as its Colour of the Year for 2027. A warm, complex and characterful midtone brown, Marle reﬂects the growing desire for balanced, nuanced neutrals that bring warmth, personality and a sense of comfort to interiors. littlegreene.com

XXXX XXX CORO CORA

Each of Coro Cora's placemats is handmade in Usiacurí, Colombia, by artisans who have been weaving iraca palm for generations. Every strand is dyed, woven, and finished by hand, carrying the spirit of the markets that inspired it - vibrant, human, and full of story. No two are exactly alike. corocora.com

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INTERIORS • NOTES

TA K E F I V E Scented candles

CDG PARFUM Monocle Scented Candle Four: Yoyogi, £75 doverstreetmarket.com

COLOUR WAYS BOW GLASSWORKS

CLARIDGES

NEW SHADES

Petite candle, £45 claridges.co.uk

ADDISON ROSS

Colourful hand-blown glassware by New Yorker Pierre Bowring is now available at Koibird. These pieces are unmistakably colourful, with a signature tutti frutti pattern. The collection spans glasses, pitchers and light shades. koibird.com

Addison Ross's new Ikat lampshade collection has been designed to feel both familiar and elevated. Two new colourways, Cappuccino & Chocolate and Sage & Green, brings warmth and depth, and sach piece has been created to layer seamlessly together. addisonross.com DIPTYQUE Citrouille candle, £63 diptyqueparis.com

ACQUA DI PARMA Panettone candle, £75 acquadiparma.com

ON THE TILES CA'PIETRA

VOLUSPA X FENDER Strawberry rush candle, £65 voluspa.com

Ca'Pietra's Studio Sanderson tile collection draws directly from the Sanderson wallpaper archive to create classic delft-inspired motifs, structured patterns with coordinating borders and corners and offering a more artisanal interpretation of the brand's design legacy. capietra.com

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INTERIORS • TREND

BERGS POTTER Hoff glazed candle holder, £19.95 growurban.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

BITOSSI HOME Lifna candlestick, £343 Bruna candle holder, £305 Ilvo candle holder, £305 bitossihome.it

GRAHAM & GREEN Nutcracker candle holders, £poa grahamandgreen.co.uk

MELODY MAISON

HK LIVING Glass candleholder, £19.95 cultfurniture.com

Large pillar candle holder, £29 melodymaison.co.uk

ROCKETT ST GEORGE Tall pillar candle holder, £32 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

SLOW BURN

FERM LIVING Damo candle holder, £59 fermliving.co.uk

Welcoming winter with candles and candle holders By P E N D L E H A R T E

MELONI Candle holder, £295 koibird.com

HAPPY ORGANICS Honey Bear candle, £25 koibird.com

ALICE BECKETT CERAMICS Donut ceramic candle holder, £60 notjustashop.arts. ac.uk

HAY column wax candle, £49 selfridges.com

BUNGALOW OF DENMARK Twin Birds Ruby candle holder, £93.25 curatedliving.co.uk

TCS STUDIO Wardour candlesticks, from £26 theconranshop.com

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INTERIORS • HOUSE TOUR

For Tiffany Duggan, reimagining this Islington house was a dream project – and the results are impressive

GR AND

design

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INTERIORS • HOUSE TOUR

XXX IMAGE CAPTION XXX

or an interior designer, some briefs feel like winning the lottery: a house with great bones and its original details intact, and clients with a 'why not?' spirit. Studio Duggan got exactly that when a couple with two young daughters asked it to breathe new life into their Georgian townhouse in Islington. 'Normally you have to graft to give a house character, but this one already had it,' says studio founder Tiffany Duggan. 'Everything was supersized, from the windows to the reception rooms to the skirting boards, yet it all felt balanced.' Even so, a house this grand could easily overwhelm. Tiffany's answer is a reliable process that starts with what her clients love and want from their home. 'It's tricky to describe your taste in words, so we traded inspiration images, and they were very certain about their likes and dislikes,' she says. 'They host a lot, so the house needed to handle a big party and a relaxed family evening equally well.' Contrast is the thread that links Studio Duggan's projects, which is a slightly ironic kind of consistency. 'I'm interested in the clash, whether it's vintage against contemporary or rough against polished,' Tiffany says. 'I never want a room to read as a single note, in texture, material, colour

or objects.' Certain colour pairings keep resurfacing, too. 'Pale blue with deep red is a winner. Chocolate brown and a brooding baby pink appear often in my work as well. I'm drawn to slightly grubby colours because they unsettle a scheme in a good way.' The double reception room illustrates the point. Most people would treat the two spaces as one, but Tiffany used colour to separate a dressier room for entertaining from a snugger one for family film nights. Blue walls team up with a bright pink rug, which adds warmth and a bit of playfulness. A bronze-painted architrave ties in with the palette of both rooms and frames the view between them, stopping the scheme from becoming 'too pretty'. On the lower-ground floor, in the kitchen and dining room, Tiffany embraced the low ceilings and scarce daylight by wrapping the dining room in Josephine Munsey wallpaper. 'There are iguanas lurking in the leaves, and the pink ground keeps the bold pattern from feeling heavy,' she says. The kitchen calms things down with creamy walls, green-marble counters and warm natural wood. The laundry room next door is the livelier space, but here too Tiffany set playful touches, such as the checkerboard floor, against quieter finishes. Behind each seemingly whimsical decision lies a practical logic. The humbug-striped nook in the children's bathroom is a perfect

example, a neat fix for a tight footprint. 'A bath and a separate shower wouldn't fit, so we made an alcove and hung a shower curtain inside it,' Tiffany says. Then there are the floors, which tell their own story. A committed believer that 'leopard is a neutral', Tiffany says the study carpet stays elegant if you choose a small-scale print and avoid anything glossy. In the bedroom, the 'Snake and Pomegranate' rug by Studio Shamshiri for Christopher Farr catches the eye without disturbing the peaceful scheme. 'It's louder than the leopard carpet, but it's still pretty restrained (for a giant snake!),' she says. Combining her understated confidence with colour, her clients' love of animals and a steady respect for the house's dignity, Tiffany has created a warm, versatile backdrop for family life. It's elegant without being stuffy, and no doubt that's thanks in part to clients who 'were up for a touch of madness'. Previous page The walls are in Zoffany's 'Double Pebble', the rug is Jennifer Manners' 'Blenheim' and the linen curtains are Claremont Milano. Overhead hangs a Swedish alabaster pendant from Vinterior, with a 1950s French brass floor lamp from Nick Jones Antiques . Facing page Farrow & Ball's 'Castle Gray' on the walls plays against the vivid raspberry-pink rug from Jacaranda Carpets. Top left Handmade ceramic pendants by Baradax Ceramics hang over the bespoke island, which is wrapped in a dark-oak veneer with a green-granite top. The bar stool is the ’Rey’ by Bruno Rey for Hay. Top right CP Hart’s ‘Jazz Solo’ bath sits in a nook clad in stripes of ‘Fellini Pianta Matt’ and ‘Fellini Bianco Matt’ tiles from Claybrook. The bath fixtures and the basin are from Water Monopoly’s ‘Rockwell’ collection.Nickolas Muray Collection of Mexican Art.

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INTERIORS • TREND

DAR LIGHTING Mikara table lamp, £75 decor-lighting.co.uk

MELODY MAISON Gold wavy mirror, £219.95 melodymaison.co.uk

ROCKETT ST GEORGE Desert palm table lamp, £90 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

CULT FURNITURE Carson armchair, £449 cultfurniture.com

DANETTI

EDITOR’S PICK

SIX THE RESIDENCE Chrome and cane dining chair, £270 sixtheresidence.co.uk

Louis table lamp, £75 danetti.com

MIXED METALS Shiny accents for your winter interior By P E N D L E H A R T E

ROCKETT ST GEORGE Gold distressed mirrored side table, £60 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

ROCKETT ST GEORGE Gold disco ball, £45 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

MINDTHEGAP Peregrine chair, £2,100 mindtheg.uk

JYSK Remmels armchair, £169.99 jysk.co.uk

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INTERIORS • TOP 5

B A K E O F F

IS IT CAKE SEASON YET? HERE'S ALL THE BEST KIT

TA K E A S TA N D DIBOR

Bakes are all about presentation. To deliver a real showstopper, you'll need a stand, and this Bella Perle glass one from Dibor will add a touch of chic to any cake. £27 dibor.co.uk

1 2

MIX UP

KITCHENAID

KitchenAid's new Luminaire mixer comes with a fluted hardened glass bowl. Designed to catch and diffuse the integrated LED bowl light, its sculptural texture creates shifting patterns of light across the worktop, bringing an element of theatre to baking. £899 kitchenaid.co.uk

3 4

PA N O U T M A SON CA SH

Mason Cash's classic stoneware collection includes this decorative and durable In The Meadow loaf pan, designed for bread, cakes and bakes and pretty enough to serve at the table. £10.99 potterscookshop.co.uk

ON THE TILES

MARLBOROUGH TILES

The English Garden Delft Collection includes a hand-painted tiered cake stand and a Victoria sponge among its whimsical tiles. For the truly commited baker. £34.66 per tile. marlboroughtiles.com

TO P F O R M N O R D I C WA R E

Have no fear: Nordic Ware's bundt tins ensure that your bake will come out intact. Elaborate forms include this impressive festive house, which makes a fantastic Christmas showstopper. £49.60 hartsofstur.com

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INTERIORS • FOCUS

Colour WHEEL If choosing what colour Le Creuset you prefer has ever been on your list of problems, the solution is here…

oing your colours’ used to be a thing. Are you a pink person, or more green? Now the theory has been applied to kitchenware, with an added dose of tech. Thanks to a new interactive display at Harrods, we can all discover the Le Creuset colour of our destinies as the iconic French cookware brand brings its free, first-of-its-kind immersive. ‘Made to Be Yours’ is a world-first retail experience designed to reveal your Le Creuset cookware colour based on what naturally catches your eye and how you respond. Using AI-powered camera technology, the experience reads which way your gaze is drawn and how you react as Le Creuset's iconic colours unfold in front of you. The technology then reveals the shade you’re instinctively drawn to, alongside an interpretation of why that particular

colour is Made to Be Yours. The final reveal immerses visitors in your matched colour and concludes with a piece of digital artwork inspired by the colour discovery. From the brand’s iconic Volcanic to its vibrant and ever-expanding palette of shades, colour has been at the heart of Le Creuset for more than a century. And now the Harrods Linley Kitchen is an immersive Le Creuset destination, bringing together the brand’s legendary colour palette, craftsmanship and innovative technology to create a completely personalised experience. And it’s certainly engaging. Standing in front of the full-size screen, I’m not sure where to look until I notice a circle instructing me to “look here”. Suddenly the screen is awash with a psychedelic swirl of colours, and I”m instructed to follow them with my eyes. Specfically, to follow the colour that appeals to my mood the most. It’s a fast-moving whirl, almost dizzying… until suddenly it’s over and my true shade is revealed. Bamboo Green, says the oracle, is my colour. Who knew. lecreuset.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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C O M E F O R T H E K I TC H E N S ,

STAY FOR SUPPER Kitchen Architecture has opened a second London studio across the river, on four ﬂoors of Primrose Hill's Whittlebury Mews. Managing director Paul Brivati shows us round, from the front door to the basement table 124 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

ailway House doesn't announce itself. There's no window display on Whittlebury Mews East, no sale sign, nothing much to suggest that behind the door sit eight kitchens across four floors and 3,800 sq ft. That's deliberate. "We didn't want a shop," says Paul Brivati, managing director of Kitchen Architecture. "Nobody chooses a kitchen like this in a lunch hour. It takes several long conversations, usually with an architect or designer in the room, so we built somewhere you can actually have them." The studio was founded in Oxford in 2002 and has had a London home in Putney for more than 20 years. That isn't going anywhere. But north London clients, it turns out, have been making a journey they shouldn't have had to. "Our Putney design centre ticks so many boxes, but for many clients in London, there is a river in the way," says Paul. "Primrose Hill means the people we work with in north London can walk in on a Tuesday morning and put their hands on the materials." A whole building, no shopfront Having an entire building to itself is unusual for a London kitchen studio, and it changes how a visit works. There's no need to book. Walk in, look round all four floors at your own pace, and if you want to take it further, book a design consultation. A consultation usually runs to a few hours with a Design Manager, and it starts with you rather than the cabinetry: who lives in the house and how you use it, whether there are children, family to stay or friends to feed. Only then does it move on to your plans and the property, likes and dislikes, layouts, finishes and colours. Expect a few rounds of amends; it typically takes several meetings to arrive at a finished design that feels made for the household. "Passing footfall was never the point," Paul says. "What matters is being close to the architects and interior designers we work with across north-west London. They can bring a client here and stay all afternoon." Rooms, not display bays Each of the eight kitchens is laid out as a finished room rather than a run of sample doors, and the range is deliberately wide. One pairs a natural oak breakfast bar and louvred oak wall units with a Caesarstone Topus Concrete worktop, beside a painted walk-in pantry colour-matched to the fronts and topped in natural slate.

Another sets oak veneer base units against a natural Taj Mahal quartzite worktop. Behind a graphite cabinet run, a fully working kitchen is tucked out of sight. Four of the eight are plumbed in and live, so you can run a tap, switch on a hob or open the fridge. "People want to know how a drawer closes and how a worktop feels under their hand," explains Paul. "A brochure can't tell you that. Neither can a sample door on a wall." It doesn't stop at the kitchen. The dressing room has a stained oak dressing table with bespoke leather upholstery and Rimadesio raffia wardrobes, and the meeting room is lined in slatted oak, all made by the same people to the same standard. Mind the stairs Four floors means a lot of stairs, so Kitchen Architecture made them worth the climb. Local artist Dominika Karc, who works as Karc, has painted the connecting flights with a geometric mural in blue, red, yellow and pink against the building's raw concrete soffits. It takes its cues from the Bauhaus, so nothing in it is random. Pop into the cloakroom, too: the tiles were chosen to match those at Chalk Farm station. "We wanted the building to feel as if it belongs on the street, not as if it landed on it," says Paul. "Asking someone local to paint the stairs, and borrowing from the station round the corner, felt like the right way to say hello."

Supper downstairs The basement is laid out as a dining room. An olive-green island runs the length of it under a pale veined stone worktop, with induction cooking and downdraft extraction set flush so nothing breaks the line. A solid oak counter carries on off the end into a communal table for 12, so whoever is cooking stays in the conversation. There's a backlit drinks cabinet, a leather banquette and a black-framed glazed screen, with the building's original concrete column and exposed ductwork left as they were. This is where the studio hosts its supper clubs, cooking for an invited table of clients and interior designers on the same appliances they would go on to install at home. "You can stand in a kitchen for an hour and still not know it. But sit at the island while somebody cooks and you know within 10 minutes whether it suits you," says Paul. "That is why we built a room downstairs we could cook, eat and spend time in." Which may be the most Primrose Hill idea of all: you don't buy the kitchen until you've been to dinner in it. Kitchen Architecture Primrose Hill, Railway House, Whittlebury Mews East, NW1 8EQ. Walk-ins welcome; design consultations by appointment: 020 3443 8843, primrosehill-showroom@ kitchenarchitecture.co.uk, kitchenarchitecture.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

T H E

A R T

O F

HOSTING How to make your home the place everyone wants to be this Christmas

rom beautifully considered tablescapes to cosy corners and ambient lighting, discover how to create a festive gathering that's effortlessly stylish, wonderfully welcoming and entirely your own. There's something magical about a home filled with friends, laughter and the familiar clinking of glasses. As the festive season approaches, everyday spaces transform into the backdrop for memorable moments. But the secret to being a brilliant host isn't an elaborate menu or a perfectly polished home. It's creating an atmosphere where guests feel instantly at ease. SET THE SCENE Every memorable gathering begins around the table. This season, embrace a more expressive approach to festive dining, swapping traditional matching sets for a tablescape full of personality. Think layered linens, sculptural candleholders, playful ceramics and unexpected colour combinations. Rich

burgundy, chocolate brown and moss green offer a sophisticated alternative to classic Christmas palettes, while natural materials bring warmth and texture. London-born furniture brand Cult champions an individual approach to interiors, encouraging hosts to mix styles, experiment with colour and create spaces that feel distinctly their own. The finishing touch? Keep arrangements low enough for conversation to flow. After all, the best centrepiece is the company. LET THERE BE (SOFT) LIGHT Never underestimate the power of good lighting. As winter evenings draw in, creating a warm, inviting glow can completely transform the atmosphere. Rather than relying on overhead lighting, layer sculptural table lamps, statement floor lights and flickering candles to create pockets of warmth throughout the room. Cult's collection of characterful lighting, from rich marble bases to retro-inspired silhouettes, proves that practical pieces can be decorative statements in their own right.

MAKE ROOM FOR MORE Great hosting isn't confined to the dining table. The most memorable evenings often unfold elsewhere, with guests gathering over drinks, settling into armchairs or continuing conversations long after dessert. Create inviting spaces with comfortable accent chairs and conveniently placed side tables. A beautifully styled corner can become an intimate spot for conversation, while flexible seating helps everyone feel included. Don't worry about everything matching. Mixing textures, silhouettes and finishes gives a room the relaxed, collected character that makes a house feel like a home. PERFECTLY IMPERFECT The best festive gatherings aren't remembered for immaculate place settings or perfectly coordinated decorations. They're remembered for how they made people feel. So light the candles, pour another glass and embrace a little festive spontaneity. Because the real art of hosting isn't creating the perfect home. It's creating a home people never want to leave. cultfurniture.com. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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ENTIRELY

YOURS Create a spa bathroom with C.P. Hart

W Bathrooms become places of comfort, restoration, and escape

hat does wellness mean to you? For some, it’s a long soak at the end of a busy day. For others, an energising morning shower, a moment of calm whilst getting ready, or simply an environment that helps you reconnect with yourself. At C.P. Hart, wellness is about creating unique, bespoke spaces that reflect the individual. By bringing together thoughtful design, beautiful materials and the rituals that matter most, bathrooms become places of comfort, restoration, and escape. As the UK's leading luxury bathroom specialist, C.P. Hart has spent decades helping homeowners create bathrooms that have as much thought, care, and character as any other room in the home. "For nearly 90 years, C.P. Hart has been at the forefront of luxury bathroom design, sourcing the world's finest collections, many exclusive to us, and collaborating with artisans to create distinctive ranges of our own," says Richard Baylis, Managing Director at C.P. Hart. "Combined with our awardwinning design and installation services, these collections bring beautifully tailored bathroom projects to life across the UK." Across 15 UK showrooms, each carefully curated to inspire, C.P. Hart showcases exceptional products for every aspect of the bathroom – from tiles, furniture, and fixtures to the ever-growing world of wellness. C.P. HART OPENS NEW CHISWICK SHOWROOM Having long been established as Chiswick's destination for premium bathrooms, C.P. Hart has relocated to a brand-new showroom at 2 Chiswick High Road. "The former bank building immediately stood out to us," explains Martin Guest, Sales Director at C.P. Hart. "It's a muchloved local landmark, with beautiful

architectural features that provide the perfect backdrop for our curated displays." "We've transformed the entire space into a showcase of inspiring bathroom room sets, all designed by our in-house team. We've even repurposed the original bank vault into a dedicated wellness area, featuring the latest home sauna and steam room innovations. We can’t wait to welcome you." C.P. Hart Chiswick is now open and welcomes both walk-in visitors and appointment bookings. To arrange a private showroom tour and ensure the availability of a sales consultant, appointments can be booked online, by phone or email. 2 Chiswick High Road London, W4 1TH cphart.co.uk/showrooms/chiswick chiswick@cphart.co.uk 020 3617 0780 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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TRAVEL

MOUNTAIN HIGH ICE Q, SÖLDEN

Probably the world's most exciting spot for lunch is Ice Q, a restaurant at 3,000 metres in the Tyrol. Wine tastes extra good at this altitude, and the food is fabulous – but best of all are the spectacular views from all sides of this glass cube. iceq.at

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MAGIC

Mountain There's more to Sölden than skiing, though the snow is a huge draw. Pendle Harte visits for the food, the views and the vibes

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s this the world’s most beautiful lunch spot? It certainly could be. We are drinking local wine at about 3,000 metres in a glass-walled cube in the Austrian Alps, wearing our ski gear and enjoying 360 degree views across the mountain. The sky is blue, the sun is dazzling and life has taken on a magical sheen. This is Ice Q, a restaurant so impressive that it features as a James Bond location, and even has a special high altitude wine cellar. We are in Sölden, in Tyrol, home to the most powerful cable car in the world. The 10-seater Giggijoch gondola is a feat of engineering, with a transport capacity of 4,500 people per hour that makes Sölden into a ski resort that’s virtually free of queuing. Austrian efficiency is something you notice immediately, especially at Das Central, a hotel at the heart of the area’s ski attractions. It’s a family-run business that keeps growing. This isn’t my first visit, and I hope it won’t be my last, because every time I come there are new additions

and upgrades. Happily, some things don’t change: hotel staff continue to wear dirndls, the hotel's wine cellar remains well-stocked and the lobby features a dedicated indoor smoking area. It’s a popular region all year round, with lots to do in summer as well, but we’re here to ski this time. Known as a paradise for experienced skiers, Solden is also a great place to learn. Once we're fitted with our kit (efficiency again: they scan our feet to ensure perfect boot fitting) our mixedability group sets out on different paths. The snowboarders go straight up to 3,000 metres, while those of us who are less experienced start off on the magic carpet to reconnect us with our skis. One of the things that makes this such a popular ski area is its snow – because there's no shortage of it. We are high enough, and the snow machines are efficient enough, to pretty much ensure great snow throughout the season. Wide slopes and breathtaking vistas dazzle us as we cruise down the freshly groomed morning covering. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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“Austria's ﬁrst Michelin star to be awarded outside Vienna was given to Das Central” DAS CENTRAL'S ROOFTOP POOL

ICE Q RESTAURANT

After a morning's skiing we are hungy. Food is a huge part of any trip to Sölden and Wirtshaus am Giggijoch is everything you could want from a mountain lunch (aside from dining in a glass cube). This is a busy and rustic spot, with wooden tables and lots of space for big groups. There's an extensive menu, but we're all here for the schnitzel, which is large, thinly cut and, of course, veal, served with parsley potatoes and ligonberries on a giant plate. There's probably nothing better than a huge schnitzel on the slopes, accompanied by Austrian wine. Emerging happily from the Wirtshaus, we discover that a huge rave is underway outside: a DJ on a stage, hundreds of people dancing in ski boots, lots of magnums of champagne and a mountain landscape setting of dreams. Solden certainly knows how to party. Every April it hosts a Wein am Berg festival, which by all accounts is a huge celebration, and judging by the scale of this weekend shindig, I can imagine that all reports are true.

Another development at Das Central is the Michelin star awarded to its Ötztaler Stube restaurant, Austria's first Michelin star to be awarded outside Vienna. Dinner here is a piece of performance art: delicious morsels are disguised as seemingly nonedible items; a candle is lit and melts into a sauce, impossibly pretty arrangements are presented in a sequence of tiny plates. It's more immersive theatre than dinner, a contemporary experience that contrasts with the traditional surroundings and proves that there's much more to Austrian cuisine than schnitzel. The hotel's rooftop spa is a real draw. A steaming heated pool is lit from within, and swimming here in the dark you are quite literally on top of the world. Inside the spa is a new cryocabin, an extraordinary chamber where the temperature reaches -100 degrees. Standing inside it for three minutes is said to boost blood circulation, reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, accelerate recovery, and generally

strengthen the immune system. Would I be brave enough to go in? I was unsure. It doesn't sound appealing, but enthusiastic reports were convincing and I found myself signing up, wearing a swimsuit (it has to be dry) and donning the obligatory socks, crocs, mittens and hat before stepping carfuly inside the glass-fronted cubicle. A kind member of staff stands outside watching to make sure nothing terrible happens, and I choose music to listen to during the endurance test. The three minutes are not as bad as I fear, though I'm not sure that I'd do it again. Returning to my room with my own private sauna made it all worth it. Lunch at 3,000 metres in Ice Q's glass cube might be my favourite Sölden experience, but there's a long list of them. I'm planning my next trip already. Das Central Hotel, Sölden, Austria offers double rooms from €250 per person per night, based on two people sharing on a half board basis. central-soelden.com/en

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O C E A N R O M A N C E With its sociable spirit and idyllic setting, Nova Maldives offers a relaxed escape for couples with something to celebrate

ome Maldivian islands invite honeymooners to disappear from the world; others promise days filled with diving, dining and discovery. Nova Maldives brings these pleasures together. Set in the South Ari Atoll, a scenic 25-minute seaplane journey from Malé, this natural island pairs soft luxury with a sociable spirit, creating an escape where romance feels spontaneous and guests can settle into their own rhythm. The first impression is of greenery, soft sand and an extraordinary expanse of blue. Established vegetation gives the island character, while a generous sweep of beach and a house reef bring the Indian Ocean into almost every aspect of a stay. There is a sense of being somewhere wonderfully remote, but the atmosphere is welcoming, with little of the ceremony sometimes associated with luxury resorts. That balance is central to Nova’s appeal. Its all-inclusive community concept encourages guests to connect with one another, the island and the surrounding ocean. A morning exploring the reef might lead to a leisurely lunch, an afternoon beside the pool and cocktails before dinner. Equally, there is nothing to stop the entire day passing beneath a palm tree. For couples considering a honeymoon, anniversary, vow renewals or wedding celebration, this flexibility is particularly attractive. The scenery supplies the romance, while the island’s restaurants, activities and gathering places give friends and family reasons to turn a special occasion into a shared holiday.

ROOM TO UNWIND

Nova’s 76 villas are divided between beach and water, with interiors designed to complement their surroundings. Neutral colours, natural materials and custom-made furniture create a calm backdrop, while generous natural light allows the landscape to take centre stage. The effect is contemporary and inviting, with comfort taking precedence over extravagant decoration. King-size beds and rainfall showers sit alongside Apple TV and high-speed internet, offering familiar conveniences even somewhere that encourages a slower pace. Refillable, plastic-free organic bath amenities bring a thoughtful touch to the bathrooms. Beach Villas start at 80 square metres and place guests close to the sand and island greenery. Larger interconnected options provide flexibility for families or groups, while sunset-facing villas and private-pool categories offer couples greater seclusion. Overwater villas create a different relationship with the surroundings. Here, private terraces become places for lingering over the first coffee of the day or watching the light change across the lagoon. The pleasure lies in having the ocean as a constant presence. For a celebration involving several generations or a group of friends, that choice of accommodation matters. Some guests will favour the convenience of the beach; others will want the experience of staying above the water. Beyond the villas, Nova offers an easy transition between privacy and company. Guests can spend hours enjoying their own space, then join the island’s social life when the mood changes. A swim before breakfast,

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a conversation over drinks or an evening watching the last light fade can become as memorable as any planned excursion.

A TASTE OF ISLAND LIFE

Food gives the days their own gentle structure. Nova centres its dining on three restaurants, Soul Kitchen, Flames and Mizu, each offering a different atmosphere. Two bars, Solis and Wink, complete the picture, taking guests from daytime refreshments to evenings of cocktails and music. Soul Kitchen is the all-day dining restaurant, serving international flavours in a buffet setting with Indian Ocean views. It is an easy starting point for the day, whether breakfast comes before an excursion or follows a deliberately leisurely morning. Its variety makes it a useful meeting place for groups with different tastes and schedules. At Flames, the mood becomes more intimate. The grill restaurant serves local fish and seafood alongside meat and plant-based dishes, offering a setting for an evening when there is no reason to hurry. For honeymooners or couples marking an anniversary, it provides a change of pace from the main dining room. Mizu adds theatre. Perched above the water, Nova’s signature restaurant centres on teppanyaki and live cooking, with chefs preparing dishes in front of their guests. Tropical flavours and seafood suit the setting, while the performance makes dinner feel like an occasion in itself.

Together, the restaurants provide variety without making every meal a complicated decision. Soul Kitchen keeps things relaxed, Flames lends itself to a longer dinner and Mizu brings entertainment to the table. Guests can establish a favourite or change the mood from one evening to the next. By day, Solis Pool Bar offers freshly squeezed juices, cocktails and a welcome pause from the sunshine. It fits neatly

The attraction of a Maldivian celebration needs little explanation into the relaxed rhythm of moving between pool, lounger and shade. Wink, the main bar, becomes a natural gathering point as evening approaches. Beer, wine and handcrafted cocktails sit alongside pizza and snacks, with live music and DJ sets adding to the sociable atmosphere. For guests travelling together, it offers somewhere to meet without organising a formal occasion. That combination is useful when a wedding or anniversary brings a group to the island. A celebratory dinner can sit alongside casual lunches and spontaneous drinks, allowing the holiday to retain a sense of freedom.

ROMANCE COMES NATURALLY

The attraction of a Maldivian celebration needs little explanation. White sand, luminous water and the changing colours of the evening sky provide a remarkable setting. At Nova, however, the possibilities extend beyond a beautiful backdrop. The resort highlights romantic dinners on the beach beneath the stars, candlelit meals at the overwater Nava Pavilion and private dining on a sandbank surrounded by ocean. Sunset cruises offer another way to enjoy the landscape, with the island gradually receding as the evening light settles across the water. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Nova's strongest quality is the balance it strikes between intimacy and company

These experiences suggest a celebration shaped around time together. A private dinner might mark the beginning of a honeymoon, while a sunset outing could bring friends and family together during a longer stay. The surroundings lend themselves to occasions that feel personal without requiring elaborate decoration. Making a wedding part of a holiday also changes its pace. Instead of concentrating every conversation and reunion into a single day, guests have time to reconnect over breakfast, swim together or share an evening drink. The ceremony becomes the centre of a collection of memories. Nova’s relaxed atmosphere suits that approach. There is enough happening to keep a group entertained, alongside space for anyone who prefers a quieter afternoon. Couples can enjoy moments alone without feeling removed from the people who have travelled to celebrate with them.

BEYOND THE BEACH

The ocean is more than scenery here. Nova’s Aquaholics water-sports and dive centre organises activities ranging from kayaking and windsurfing to jet skiing and parasailing, giving energetic guests plenty of ways to explore.

The South Ari Atoll’s marine life is another draw. Nova highlights excursions offering opportunities to encounter whale sharks, manta rays, turtles and dolphins, alongside guided reef snorkelling. Wildlife encounters are part of the attraction, although sightings can never be guaranteed. For divers, the resort lists more than 30 dive sites within roughly 40 minutes of the island. For those who prefer to stay closer to shore, the house reef brings underwater exploration into the everyday rhythm of a holiday. These activities can add another dimension to a group celebration. A shared snorkelling trip creates something to talk about over dinner, while kayaking offers a quieter way to spend time together. Guests can choose their own level of adventure. A gentler pace awaits at EsKape Spa, where treatments take place in an overwater setting. Yoga and meditation sessions use the pavilion or sand, and private wellness sessions offer couples another opportunity to pause. Other experiences include sunset dolphin cruises with champagne and canapés, sandbank picnics and private cinema evenings beneath the stars. Coral gardening with a marine biologist adds an opportunity

to engage with the underwater environment that makes the island so compelling.

PLANNING THE OCCASION

Couples considering a wedding should speak directly with Nova about ceremony arrangements, available spaces, guest numbers and costs. It is also sensible to confirm which private meals, excursions and special arrangements are covered by the chosen all-inclusive plan. Establishing these details early allows the celebration to take shape with confidence. Nova’s strongest quality is the balance it strikes between intimacy and company. Couples can retreat to their villa, explore the reef or linger over dinner, while friends and family have plenty of freedom to enjoy the island in their own way. Whether the occasion is a honeymoon, anniversary or a gathering centred on a wedding, the appeal lies in having time to savour it. Nova provides the sand, sea and sociable warmth; the most memorable moments come from the people sharing them. For further information and prices, visit nova-maldives.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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SPECIAL ISSUE a b s o l u te l y - w e d d i n g s .c o . u k

Picture PERFECT LEEDS CASTLE

Set amid beautiful, eye-catching countryside, Leeds Castle brings centuries of romance to your wedding day. From grand castle celebrations to intimate gatherings in historic surroundings, its picturesque grounds create an enchanting backdrop for exchanging vows and celebrating. leeds-castle.com

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Runway looks

WE LOVE From the best wedding coats to sharp separates and classic ballroom ﬁnery, here are six runway looks we love for the season ahead Photography B A R C E LO N A B R I DA L FA S H I O N W E E K ( B B F W )

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3 4 1

TOP DRESSING

F LO R A L DA N C E

While designer Demetrios may be best known for high-glamour ballgowns, his new collection includes smart tailoring to help you ace the style stakes. This fabulous long-length bridal coat is beautifully cut with smart lapels, a single button at the waist and flowing skirt. We love the simplicity – perfect over a simple short dress or elegant separates – and so wearable after the wedding day. demetrios.com

Ballet length dresses are making a welcome return to collections for the season ahead. One of our favourites is this gown by Marco & Maria. Created in a bold floral lace, the bandeau bodice is paired to a full skirt with gauzy underlayer. The skirt ends just above the ankle, which is all the excuse you need to splash out on a glamorous pair of bridal heels. marcoymaria.com

Dem etrios

Ma rco & Ma ria

NEW ROMANTIC

SCULPTURE CLASS

Liverpool bridal label Unbridled Studio is a name to watch, appearing for the first time on the BBFW runway. Its contemporary take on wedding-day dressing ticks all boxes for modern brides, with a focus on customisable separates in luxurious fabrics and textures. In organza and floral jacquard, this gloriously romantic Hallie puff-sleeve top and Lisianthus statement skirt is finished with a lavish bow at the waist. unbridledstudio.co.uk

The Milan-based couturier showcased a fabulous selection of elegant formal looks on the Barcelona runway. Pleets opened the show and caught our eye for its sculptural lines. This sleek fitted design is topped with a bolero, curved at the front and tailored to reveal the gown's low button back. A metallic silk tulle train at the waist adds movement, and contrasts beautifully with the pure white silk mikado. peterlangner.com

Unb ridled Studio

Pe te r La n gn e r

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PURE DRAMA

C U T A B OV E

Sleek and form fitting, this Datura strapless column gown with side split is from the designer's Les Fleurs du Mal couture collection. The gown's flower motif adds bold texture, while the wraparound wide-sleeved bridal coat worn over it adds extra drama. Mariano Moreno splits his time between Barcelona and Paris and is a go-to name for both couture and ready-to-wear bridal. marianomoreno.es

In the season to come there are lots of chic choices – from palazzos to skinnies – for brides who want to wear the trousers. Cut is all important and we love these tailored silk pants with high waistband, side pockets, sharp pleats and turn-ups. Designed by Italian label Helena Bride, the Barcelona runway saw them paired with the collection's fabulous feather-trimmed coat and a matching crop top. helenabride.com

Mariano Moreno

He l e n a Brid e

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WEDDINGS • HOW TO WORK IT Enchant bow bag with chunky gold chain, £149 from Dune London. dunelondon.com

Gold

rush

From shimmering gowns to bold trims, new season bridal collections are going for gold – and to dazzling effect

A RUNWAY IMAGES: BARCELONA BRIDAL FASHION WEEK

n enduring favourite for bridal jewellery, gold is a key trend in new season bridal attire – the perfect excuse to dazzle on your wedding day. It makes a fabulous foil to pure white, or you can choose a metallic hued gown to shine at a glamorous evening celebration. However you choose to display your metal, this is a hue that symbolises love, luck and permanence – and that, surely, is the Midas touch.

Embellished halter neck bodice with a sumptuous frothy skirt in blush-to-gold hues. marcoymaria.com

Chic bridal separates – an angled top with train and wide pants – are accessorised with chunky chain belt and mini metallic bag. isabelsanchis.com Maison Lazaro's scenestealing ballgown features a shimmering gold bodice and overlayer lazarobridal.com

A classic Hollywoodstyle gown with bootlace straps and soft train studded with gold sequins. demetrios.com

Isabel Sanchez' slimline white gown is topped with a capelet fringed with long gold tassels isabelsanchis.com

Esska chunky heeled platforms in gold, £170 from Oliver Bonas. oliverbonas.com

Erika lab-grown diamond ring in 14ct gold, £690 from Aurum. aurumiceland.com

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WEDDINGS • VENUE GUIDE

WELCOME YOUR GUESTS BENEATH THE DOMED CEILING OF THE MOSAIC TERRACE

FOR THE ART OF SAYING

“I do”

The National Gallery is a wedding

venue to remember

t the National Gallery, worldfamous masterpieces, extraordinary architecture and the energy of Trafalgar Square come together to create a wedding setting unlike any other. For couples looking for a wedding venue to remember, the National Gallery offers something beyond the expected. Overlooking Trafalgar Square, in the heart of London, this iconic 19th-century landmark brings together centuries of artistic achievement, magnificent architecture and a sense of occasion that makes every celebration feel special. Imagine making your entrance up the grand Portico steps, with Nelson’s Column and the London skyline providing a spectacular backdrop. Welcome your guests beneath the domed ceiling of the Mosaic Terrace, where marble pillars and intricate mosaics set the scene for an evening to remember.

For celebrations on a grand scale, the magnificent Barry Rooms offer a feast for the eyes. With elegant marble columns, intricate architectural details and a breathtaking glass dome, the space provides a spectacular setting for champagne receptions and beautifully dressed tables. Home to celebrated Italian Baroque masterpieces by Caravaggio and Artemisia Gentileschi, Room 32 offers a distinctive setting for a wedding dinner. Make the space your own with flowers, lighting and a tablescape tailored to your vision, creating an occasion nobody will forget. Room 34 is home to the British Collection, pairing soft blue walls with works by Turner, Constable and Stubbs. Elegant yet full of character, it offers a sophisticated backdrop for a celebration that’s anything but ordinary. After dinner, keep the party going in Annenberg Court, a contemporary setting for your first dance and beyond. From the first arrival to the final song, every moment can have its own place in the story. Of course, every great creation takes a little planning. The dedicated Venue

Hire team is on hand to help bring your vision to life, with a handpicked selection of trusted suppliers covering everything from catering and flowers to lighting, entertainment and audiovisual production. Exclusive use of your chosen event spaces, a dedicated event manager, security and cleaning are included in the venue hire fee, leaving you free to enjoy the moments that matter most. With Leicester Square and Charing Cross stations nearby, the Gallery is ideally placed for a celebration in the heart of the capital. With some of London’s most recognisable landmarks just moments away, there are also plenty of opportunities for photographs to treasure for years to come. The best creations are remembered not simply for how they look, but for how they make us feel. A wedding should be no different. Make the National Gallery part of your story. To discover the possibilities, contact the Venue Hire team on +44 (0)20 7747 5931 or visit nationalgallery.org.uk/venue-hire A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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WEDDINGS • VENUE GUIDE

House style

Country house romance in the heart of the Surrey Hills at Hartsﬁeld Manor

ome wedding venues are beautiful. Others have a character all of their own. Set in the heart of the Surrey Hills, Hartsfield Manor combines the romance of a charming Grade II listed country house with 12 acres of rolling private gardens, creating a wedding setting that feels both grand and wonderfully intimate. The beauty of Hartsfield Manor lies in its variety of spaces, each offering something different for your special day. The Brockham Suite is ideal for intimate weddings of up to 40 guests, creating a welcoming setting for a more personal ceremony or wedding breakfast, while also providing a private breakout space for larger celebrations. The lounge offers a cosy yet spacious setting for up to 90 guests, with high ceilings and sweeping views across the gardens. Ideal for larger ceremonies and evening receptions, it provides a wonderful space for guests

to celebrate, socialise and dance the night away. Together, these distinctive spaces allow your celebration to flow naturally from one moment to the next. Beyond the house, the extensive private grounds bring a sense of space and countryside tranquillity. For couples dreaming of an outdoor ceremony, the pavilion offers a romantic place to exchange vows, surrounded by the gardens and manicured lawns. The grounds also provide a beautiful backdrop for wedding photography, with plenty of opportunities to capture memories against the natural beauty of the Surrey Hills. And Hartsfield Manor is not just a summer wedding destination. Winter brings its own special appeal, with the historic interiors creating an inviting setting for a seasonal celebration. Imagine roaring fireplaces, cosy surroundings and loved ones gathering together in the warmth of a traditional country house. It is a wonderfully romantic alternative to a summer

wedding, with an atmosphere that feels intimate, relaxed and full of character. For couples considering a date outside the peak wedding season, the Winter Wedding Package makes this an especially appealing time to celebrate. Available for weddings in January to March and November 2027, the package starts from £100 per head, subject to minimum numbers. It is an opportunity to enjoy the romance of a country house wedding while embracing the distinctive atmosphere of the winter months. Whether your vision is an open-air ceremony in the pavilion, an elegant celebration in the Brockham Suite or an evening spent celebrating in the lounge, Hartsfield Manor brings together countryside surroundings, historic charm and versatile spaces in one distinctive setting. For couples seeking more than a beautiful backdrop, Hartsfield Manor offers a wedding with a real sense of place, personality and occasion. hartsfieldmanor.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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WEDDINGS • VENUES GUIDE

A Royal Romance With historic settings and countryside charm, Leeds Castle offers couples an enchanting backdrop for a wedding to remember

hoosing a wedding venue is about more than finding a beautiful setting. It is about imagining the moments that will unfold there: arriving for the ceremony, gathering loved ones together and sharing those first celebrations as a married couple. Set within 550 acres of Kent countryside, Leeds Castle offers a backdrop that makes those possibilities particularly easy to picture, combining over 900 years of history with a choice of distinctive venues and accommodation. The appeal begins with the surroundings. A castle wedding carries a sense of occasion all of its own, but the estate’s variety gives couples the freedom to find a setting that reflects their personalities. Whether they envisage an elegant celebration within historic walls or an occasion that embraces the outdoors, there are different ways to

make Leeds Castle part of their story. Within the Castle, the magnificent Ceremony Room provides a memorable setting for exchanging vows. The elegant Maiden’s Tower offers another distinctive option, while characterful Battel Hall adds to the estate’s collection of wedding venues. Each brings its own atmosphere, allowing the choice of location to shape the feel of the day. For couples drawn to an outdoor celebration, the Pavilion Lawn and Castle Island provide picturesque surroundings for ceremonies and receptions, placing the estate’s landscape at the heart of proceedings. Just as important is the opportunity to spend time together beyond the ceremony itself. On-site accommodation allows couples and guests to extend their celebrations, turning a wedding day into a longer shared experience. Beautifully appointed bedrooms within the Castle and Maiden’s Tower sit alongside the Stable Courtyard, charming cottages and distinctive Lakeside Lodges. With several accommodation styles available,

staying on the estate becomes another part of the occasion, giving loved ones more time to enjoy the setting and each other’s company. Behind the romance, thoughtful planning helps bring everything together. Bespoke wedding packages, including exclusiveuse options, offer flexibility for couples looking to create a celebration tailored to them. Experienced wedding coordinators and trusted specialist suppliers provide support throughout the process, helping each element form part of a cohesive day. Ultimately, the attraction of Leeds Castle lies in the combination: remarkable history, countryside surroundings and the scope to create something personal. The setting provides the grandeur, while the couple’s choices give the celebration its character. From exchanging vows to enjoying time with family and friends, it offers the space and support to begin married life with a truly memorable occasion. leeds-castle.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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minthairlondon.com

THE COLOUR SPECIALISTS LET US FIND YOUR PERFECT HAIR COLOUR

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WEDDINGS • BEAUTY XXXXXXXXXXXXX

B I G

Impression Wedding skin without the lastminute panic: how to plan with conﬁdence

he venue is booked, dress fittings are in the diary – now attention turns to skin. It’s tempting to add new products and elaborate routines, but the best wedding skin plans are rarely the busiest. The best kept secret is that the consultation should be booked early on. For most brides, the goal is fresh, even looking skin that does not need more foundation than usual on the day. Makeup should enhance, not conceal the skin.

12 MONTHS TO GO

A year out is the ideal time for your skin to be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional. A consultation covers your medical history, current skincare and previous treatments. Advanced skin imaging can provide a useful baseline and reveal underlying pigmentation or redness. This doesn’t mean a year of constant treatments. It allows time to establish a suitable home routine, introduce active ingredients gradually and build a plan around your skin instead of a standard bridal package.

6 MONTHS TO GO

By now, your routine should be set and it’s time to work on concerns that affect how make-up sits. Uneven pigmentation and persistent redness can make the complexion look patchy. Rough texture

or enlarged pores tend to push people towards heavier foundations. Starting professional treatments now, if appropriate, allows time for a course, with recovery time and a review at the end. The aim is clearer, more even skin that needs less covering up.

3 MONTHS TO GO

Time to review progress and fine-tune the plan you have, not start a new one. Stick to products your skin tolerates and keep to your treatment schedule, allowing enough recovery time before the wedding. Your make-up trial will show how foundation sits on your skin and whether lighter coverage could work. This is your chance to say how much make-up feels comfortable.

THE FINAL MONTH

This is not the month for anything new. No new products or stronger actives. During the final week, keep products familiar and resist vigorous exfoliation. Don’t let nerves tempt you to book the new trendy facial on the menu either. This is the home stretch and with this plan in place, your skin should be looking its very best. Starting with less than a year? Don’t panic. A shorter plan is still worth doing as long as you use the time wisely and know when to stop. Written by Iki Rhode, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, and Dr Chris Vary, founders of Noaem Skin in Hove. Discover more at noaemskin.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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E D U C AT I O N

S PA C E TO THRIVE B R O O M WO O D S C H O O L

At Broomwood in Clapham, extensive outdoor areas and specialist facilities help bring a broad, ambitious education to life. Page 166 broomwood.com

What unoversities want 162 • Reframing GCSEs 169 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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WHAT UNIVERSITIES WANT Universities have told us what they value in applicants, says ACS Egham Head Mark Wilson – and this should change the questions parents ask when choosing a sixth form

he question I’m asked most often by parents thinking about university is a simple one: ‘what grades will they need?’. It is a reasonable question. But after reading what 50 university admissions teams told us when we asked them directly what they look for in applicants, I think it may not be the most useful one. Last autumn, we commissioned FieldworkHub to survey admissions officers from UK universities – Cambridge, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and many others – asking what they look for in applicants and how qualification systems compare. The results gave me pause. They were clear enough to make me really reconsider the conversation we typically have with families before their children start their sixth-form journey. The headline number that has attracted most attention is that just 5% of admissions officers identify A levels as the best overall preparation for university. But that figure, taken in isolation, misses what the research actually shows. The more telling

finding is in the detail of how admissions officers rate different competencies – and where they expect priorities to shift over the next five years. When we asked officers to rate the importance of three broad areas – knowledge, skills and attitudes – skills came out on top, rated 4.49 out of 5, and projected to rise further. Attitudes – intellectual curiosity, resilience, motivation – were rated 4.17 and also rising. Knowledge, rated 3.66, was the lowest of the three and expected to fall. A decade ago, this ordering would have looked very different. This is not universities saying that subject knowledge doesn’t matter. It does. Grades at sixth form remain the gatekeeper to admission, and no admissions officer we spoke to was suggesting otherwise. The point – and they were explicit about this – is that knowledge is increasingly seen as necessary

rather than sufficient. In a world where AI can retrieve facts and structure information instantly, what universities care about is what a student can do with what they know. Here is the part that often surprises parents when I share it. When admissions officers were asked to rate A levels and the IB Diploma specifically on developing in-depth subject knowledge, the two qualifications scored virtually identically – 3.97 and 3.98 respectively. Both are seen as rigorous, academically demanding routes to specialist degree study. The perceived gap in academic substance isn’t there. The differences, in my view, show up in the broader competencies – precisely the areas universities say are rising in importance. On independent enquiry, the IB scored 4.2 against A levels’ 3.52. On communication skills, 4.0 against 3.29. On global awareness, 4.24 against 3.17. Across

“KNOWLEDGE IS INCREASINGLY SEEN AS NECESSARY RATHER THAN SUFFICIENT – WHAT UNIVERSITIES CARE ABOUT IS WHAT A STUDENT CAN DO WITH WHAT THEY KNOW”

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EDUCATION • PERSPECTIVE

PHOTOS: CHARLOTTE LEVY

ABOVE & BELOW A VARIED SKILLSET AND INDEPENDENT WORKING ARE INCREASINGLY VALUED

all eleven competencies measured, the IB Diploma scored on average 23% higher, and highest on nine of the eleven measures. Admissions officers were consistent in explaining why. The Extended Essay – a 4,000-word independent research project that all IB students complete – came up repeatedly. One university put it plainly: the programme invites students to work on projects that develop independent thinking and research skills that match what UK higher education actually expects. Another noted that IB students arrive already used to managing a heavier and more varied workload, meaning the transition to degree study is less of a shock. None of this means that students following A levels aren’t succeeding at university – clearly many are, and the subject depth data confirms why that route commands respect. But it does suggest that the questions families ask when choosing a sixth form might benefit from a different frame. The question, ‘what grades will they need?’, is really asking about the threshold. What this latest research

points toward is a different question: ‘what kind of student does this qualification produce?’. Does it develop the ability to work independently, to synthesise ideas across disciplines, to sustain motivation through a complex and varied workload? These are the qualities universities tell us they are depending on – not just to fill places, but to hold on to the students they admit. So what should parents ask at open evenings? I’d suggest something along these lines: ‘How does sixth form here prepare students to work independently?’;

‘What opportunities are there for research or project work beyond the examined syllabus?’; ‘How broad is the curriculum and where does it push students to connect ideas across subjects and disciplines?’. These questions don’t have a neat numerical answer. But they are closer to what the people who read the applications and shape university cohorts say they are actually looking for. Grades open the door. What happens after that depends on the habits of mind a student brings with them. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

Progress is carefully monitored, with targeted support available for children who need it and enrichment opportunities for those ready for greater challenge. Reading and maths intervention programmes sit alongside philosophy clubs, extension activities and wider intellectual enrichment. This approach ensures that academic ambition is not reserved for a select few; it is part of every child's educational experience. WHY WELLBEING MATTERS Academic success does not exist in isolation from wellbeing.

Progress MATTERS Academic excellence without academic selection – rethinking success in independent education

By D EVO N S H I R E H O U S E S C H O O L

n independent education, academic excellence is often measured by results, scholarships and senior school destinations. These outcomes matter, but they raise an important question: how much of a school's success comes from what it adds, and how much is determined before a child even walks through its doors? At Devonshire House School, we believe academic excellence should be judged by the progress a child makes, not simply by their starting point. Unlike many academically focused prep schools, Devonshire House does not assess children before admission at 3+ or 4+. Instead, we welcome pupils with a broad range of abilities and backgrounds, creating a diverse and inclusive learning community. Some may see this as a challenge. We see it as an opportunity. DEVELOPING POTENTIAL, NOT SIMPLY IDENTIFYING IT Children develop at different rates.

Confidence, communication skills and academic readiness at age four are not reliable predictors of future success. For schools committed to nurturing potential, academic excellence becomes a long-term endeavour. It is built on personalised teaching, expert guidance and a deep understanding of each child as an individual. Success is not about selecting the most academically advanced pupils. It is about helping every child achieve more than they thought possible. CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE CHILDREN THRIVE The foundation of academic achievement is engagement. From the earliest years, Devonshire House combines structured learning with opportunities for exploration, creativity and independent thinking. Specialist teaching begins in Year 4, helping pupils develop subjectspecific knowledge while preparing for the demands of senior school.

Leading senior schools increasingly value pupils who can think independently, communicate confidently and demonstrate resilience, curiosity and emotional intelligence. These qualities are developed not through exam preparation alone, but through meaningful, engaging experiences. At Devonshire House, initiatives such as Forest School help children build confidence, perseverance and problem-solving skills while encouraging collaboration and appropriate risk-taking. These experiences support both personal development and academic growth. THE TRUE MEASURE OF EXCELLENCE Devonshire House pupils regularly secure places at highly competitive senior schools, including St Paul's School, City of London School, University College School (UCS) and South Hampstead High School. Yet destinations alone do not define success. The true measure of excellence lies in transformation: the child who finds confidence, the pupil who overcomes challenges and the learner who develops the skills to think critically, adapt and embrace new opportunities. As expectations of independent education continue to evolve, perhaps the most important question is not who a school admits, but what it enables children to become. That is where true academic excellence is found. devonshirehouseschool.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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ROOM TO grow, S PAC E TO l e a r n With generous outdoor space, specialist facilities and record scholarship success, Broomwood gives children the room and encouragement to ﬂourish

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

n London, space matters. For children, having room to explore, make things, play sport and follow an unexpected interest can shape their experience of school. At Broomwood in Clapham, extensive outdoor areas and specialist facilities help bring a broad, ambitious education to life. Behind these distinctive buildings lies a world of discovery. Science laboratories, art studios, music rooms, a cookery school and design and technology suites give pupils opportunities to develop their interests through practical experience. These are spaces in which children can ask questions, test ideas and see what happens when they put their learning into practice. That sense of possibility begins in Broomwood Pre-Prep years. Here, outdoor spaces are carefully designed around the needs of younger children, with a maze, climbing equipment and a mud kitchen. Classrooms in the Pre-School open directly onto outdoor areas, allowing children to move between different learning environments as part of their day.

FROM OUTDOOR DISCOVERY TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS, SPACE TO EXPLORE HELPS CHILDREN THRIVE AT BROOMWOOD Lessons regularly venture outside. Counting objects found in the playground brings mathematics into a familiar setting, while mixing a mud-kitchen creation requires conversation, cooperation and a little negotiation. Outdoor storytelling and performance spaces, including an amphitheatre, provide opportunities for children to find their voices and share their ideas. ‘We have seen first-hand how outdoor learning strengthens focus, independence, confidence and social skills,’ explains Caron Mackay, Head of Broomwood Pre-Prep. As pupils progress into Prep, specialist spaces open up further possibilities. Practical science encourages careful observation and questioning; art and design and technology give imagination a tangible form. Cookery offers opportunities to follow instructions, measure accurately and work independently, while music and drama bring the shared satisfaction of rehearsing and performing together. Across the school, outdoor play areas

and astroturf pitches make sport and movement part of everyday life. Underpinning this breadth is a clear academic ambition. In 2026, Broomwood pupils celebrated record scholarship success, with nearly half of the awards recognising academic excellence. Scholarships also recognised achievement in sport, music, drama and art. Pupils secured places at Alleyn’s, JAGS, Whitgift and Brighton College. Principal Michael Hodge says: ‘Over the last five years, scholarship offers at Broomwood have increased by more than 50 per cent, reflecting the strength of teaching, pastoral support and individual encouragement across the school.’ For families considering the next stage of their child’s education, a visit offers the chance to see how these spaces are used and meet the people who bring them to life. . Broomwood operates a bus service across London. For more information, please visit broomwood.com

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EDUCATION • OPINION

“EMPLOYERS AND UNIVERSITIES ARE SIGNALLING THAT EXAM PERFORMANCE ALONE IS NO LONGER THE GOLDEN TICKET”

JAGS STUDENTS

Reframing GCSEs

The Deputy Head Academic at James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS) on reframing GCSE provision to prioritise depth, rigour and student wellbeing.

or decades, approaches to Key Stage 4 (ages 14-16) in schools across the UK rested on the assumption that academic rigour is best demonstrated through the accumulation of GCSEs – the logic being that more qualifications naturally lead to better outcomes. Nationally, however, the grip of this thinking is loosening. The average number of GCSEs taken has declined steadily over the last decade – today, around 85 per cent of students sit nine GCSEs or fewer. Across the education sector, there is growing recognition that acquiring the greatest number of qualifications does not necessarily translate into deeper understanding, transferable skills or happier and healthier young people in our classrooms. As educators, we are increasingly asking a different question: what kind of education best prepares students for the world they are

about to step into? This kind of purposeful questioning is not new. In 1741, when JAGS took the radical decision to teach girls to read, it was driven by a belief that education should respond to the realities of the world beyond the classroom and our students should not remain bystanders, but active leaders shaping it. That same ethos continues to guide us today, prompting a deliberate rethinking of curriculum design at Key Stage 4. The result is JAGS Pathways – a new model that allows students to replace one GCSE with an internally assessed programme which broadens intellectual horizons and develops future-ready skills. Students are able to demonstrate their intelligence, analytic skill, and creativity outside the narrow confines of the GCSE exam series. The case for change is increasingly clear. Concerns about over-assessment of young people, excessive workload, and the

narrowing of the curriculum are shared by students, parents and teachers alike. Employers and universities are also signalling that exam performance alone is no longer the golden ticket it once appeared to be. International frameworks reinforce this direction of travel. Both the OECD and the World Economic Forum point towards a future where success depends less on the accumulation of qualifications and more on the ability to apply knowledge, communicate and collaborate with others, and adapt to uncertainty. These are attributes that traditional assessment models are not equipped to capture. The Pathways programme grew directly out of this thinking and was shaped by extensive discussions with both students and staff. The three courses – covering Psychology, Politics and Economics – introduce disciplines that often sit beyond GCSE specifications, despite being among the most popular degree choices nationally. Crucially, these courses are assessed differently. Instead of a single terminal exam, students encounter continual, multi-modal assessment via portfolios, presentations, research projects, collaborative tasks, reflective writing and structured discussion. For many students, this variety allows strengths to surface that traditional exams obscure, while maintaining a high level of academic challenge. With this approach, we are not diluting ambition, but redefining rigour. Pathways also reflects a broader commitment to the OECD’s concept of human flourishing. By retaining a strong GCSE core while creating space for curiosity, ethical reasoning and real-world problem-solving, the curriculum actively supports motivation, wellbeing and intellectual confidence. Reducing assessment volume in this way does not lower expectations, it sharpens them. If education is to prepare young people for an uncertain and complex future, then rigour must be measured not by how much we assess, but by how meaningfully students are asked to think. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

COURSE RATING

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

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

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

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

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EDUCATION • INSIDER

INCLUSIVE CLASSROOMS

Annie Crerar of Burlington House School on the positive impact for student outcomes of creating dyslexia-friendly classrooms “CLASSROOMS CAN BE ADAPTED TO SUPPORT DYSLEXIC STUDENTS – CREATING A SPACE WHERE ALL YOUNG PEOPLE CAN SUCCEED”

STUDENTS AT BURLINGTON HOUSE SCHOOL

rainmcblg the ltteers in tihs snetecne mkaes it vrey hrad to raed at frsit. Yuor biran siltl fnids a wya, btu it tkaes a lto of effrot. Nwo iamgine rdenaig lkie tihs eevry day. In our daily lives, we read thousands of words almost automatically. Our brains instantly decode symbols, blend sounds, and comprehend meanings. However, for dyslexic individuals, this automated process can be a challenge. While many people associate dyslexia purely with reading difficulties, the British Dyslexia Association defines it as a complex set of processing challenges, specifically impacting working memory, phonological processing, processing speed and orthographic processing. Despite the challenges dyslexia can create, one key thing to remember is that dyslexia is not connected to intelligence. Many children with dyslexia exhibit a ‘spiky profile’. This means they might score exceptionally high in areas like comprehension, non-verbal reasoning and out -of-the-box problem solving, while scoring much lower in spelling and verbal recall. Because traditional classroom environments can demand rapid information processing and quick note-taking, dyslexic students frequently experience cognitive fatigue. This constant

exhaustion can lead to a loss of motivation, low self-esteem and school-related anxiety. Dyslexia affects every individual differently, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to creating a dyslexia-friendly learning environment. However, there are ways classrooms can be adapted to support dyslexic students – creating a space where all young people can succeed and celebrate their strengths. The transformation begins with the physical classroom. A calm, uncluttered environment directly benefits the focus of all students. Teachers can create a more welcoming space by opting for well-spaced information on pastel or neutral display backgrounds, rather than bright, colourful designs that cause visual overstimulation. Clear daily routines with visual timetables and timers reduce anxiety, allowing students to focus on learning rather than organisation. Integrating subtle resources as a universal – such as cream paper, dualcoded keyword sheets and tiered activities – helps dyslexic learners seamlessly access the curriculum alongside their peers without feeling singled out or ‘different’. Beyond the physical space, effective instruction relies on multi-sensory engagement. Relying entirely on small-print text quickly exhausts a dyslexic brain. By the time a

student decodes the words, there may be little energy left to comprehend the concept. By breaking up lessons with practical activities, like mini-whiteboards, physical movement and educational games, teachers provide low-stakes opportunities for students to showcase their understanding. Incorporating dual coding – the practice of pairing written text with explanatory images or icons – further builds the cognitive connections necessary to anchor knowledge into long-term memory. Structured scaffolding is vital to keep the class learning together. Breaking complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps reduces the heavy demand on working memory. Using universal scaffolds like sentence starters, model answers and collaborative discussion groups provides a clear path toward independence. Dyslexic students may need these scaffolds in place longer than their peers to build their confidence. Common use of assistive technologies – such as text -to-speech software, spellcheckers, and coloured overlays – ensures students embrace these tools as standard learning aids. Teachers and specialist support staff must collaborate to make these adaptations the norm while building strong relationships and deep understanding of individual student needs. Parents play a vital role, too, in advocating for their child, in reinforcing school learning at home, and in celebrating their unique, creative strengths. It takes a village to build an inclusive classroom.

ANNIE CRERAR Dyslexia Intervention Lead Burlington House School Sixth Form A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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