The Kensington Magazine

Kensington
MAGAZINE
THE
September 2015
ISSN 2058-2226
HORNETS
ROMANOS
LOCANDA OTTEOMEZZO
ARCADIA
KENSINGTON DENTIST
MILLERS OF KENSINGTON
CHEZ PATRICK
MARCELA’S
FOUBERTS
ART EAST
CHURCHILL PUB
MUSA
VALENTINO HAIR SALON
THE BLUE LAGOON
THAI TERRACE
PAERE DANSK
GALLERY 19
PRISTINE DRY CLEANERS
GARNET
VY NAILES
SEED SALON
STITCH
KENSINGTON WINE ROOMS
MOSTAFA HAIR FASHION
THE MUFFIN MAN
REPAIR SHOP SHOES KEN CHURCH ST
CHATOO EYE SPECIALISTS
HEARTCORE FITNESS PILATES
MANGUETTE
YACCO MARICARD
MENOO ECLECTIC FOODS
SOPRANOS
EF MEDI SPA
BURLINGTONS
BLANCHE EATERY
FAIT MAISON
JAUKO
LA CAFFETTIERA
KENSINGTON NAILS
LEONIDAS
IMENIO
TRANQUILITY
KENSINGTON DESIGN
EXCELLENCE
PURE STITCH
THE CLIENT
JIMMIE MARTIN
VELLOS DESIGN
HEIRLOOMS
MIN JIANG
MALABAR
DIDIER
ELI SINAI ANTIQUES
ALADINOS
MOIRA WONG COSMETIC DENTISTRY
JAPANESE GALLERY
JORGE WELSH
NASSIRZADEH ANTIQUES
CLAUDE ANTIQUE JEWELLERY
AMIR MOHTASHEMI
MAZI
TEM TEP
UK BARBER SHOP
ANGES DE SUCRE
YASKIK
SEBASTIEN HAIR SALON
MONTPARNASSE
IL PORTICO
CAFE PHILLIES
CAFE TARTE
HAIRSPACE
DANIEL GALVIN
ANGY’S
HORNEMAN
SIMA FE
WELLBEING
H&W DEUTSCHE
JORGE WELSH
THE COUTURE GALLERY
LE PETIT CAFE
VAN HALM & VAN HALM
NOUVELLE DELICATESSSEN
MULTICULTURALISM IN KENSINGTON
2
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KnightFrank.co.uk/kensington
The Kensington Magazine - school
24/08/2015 09:45:01
3
Kensington
THE
MAGAZINE
Front Cover:
An example of the eclecticism of privately
owned, independent multicultural businesses
in Kensington
With the question of immigration on every politician’s lips, we
decided to consider this - multiculturalism, within our own
community in Kensington. I am sure many of you will be
surprised by the sheer number of businesses owned by non-Brits.
Their contribution to Kensington life has been huge, part of the
reason why people continue to buy here - the variety on offer and
their own culture they bring to ours. They have become part of
the fabric of our community. It would indeed be a very bland
Kensington without the colour and characters of these well-loved
individuals.
Lucy Elliott, Editor
(Hair by Toby of Hairspace)
In this edition Sarah considers the impact of embassies in the area,
Jenny takes us on a Round the World Eating Tour of Kensington
- all without the need for an airline ticket, and Ffiona visits
Lebanese restaurant, Randa. This summer we have seen many
new businesses open and we wish all of them every success for
their future.
Lucy
CONTENTS
The History of Embassies in Kensington:
6
Eating around the World:
8
Editor’s Review: Draycott Nursing & Care
10
Editor’s Review: Marcela’s Boutique Beauty Salon
12
Kensington News:
14/15 & 18/19
Maria Perry: “Breetish of course!”
20
Book Review: The Matriarch by G B Stern
22
Restaurant Review: Randa by Maroush
24
Get Well Spoon: Avocado Chocolate Pear
25
Landscape & Horticulture: Mixed Borders
26
What’s On in and around Kensington:
28/29
Small Box Ads:
30
GET IN TOUCH
editor@thekensingtonmagazine.com
Editor & Photography: Lucy M Elliott
0203 667 8762 07921 558520
PUBLISHER: The Kensington Magazine Ltd
WEBSITE: www.thekensingtonmagazine.com | www.lucyelliottphotography.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Jenny Davis-Peccoud, Sarah Goldsmith, Ben Benedict, Aletta Richie, Victoria O Neil,
Elizabeth Reid, Ffiona, Maria Perry and Charles Yorke
t: KensingtonMag
Read by 34,500 residents and businesses each month. The magazine is also available
at WholeFoods, Sainsbury’s Local, RBKC Library, Waitrose, Waterstones, Virgin, Marks
& Spencers, St Mary Abbots, St George’s Church, The Royal Garden Hotel, The
Milestone Hotel, Peter Jones in Sloane Square and many other smaller outlets in W8.
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor the editor, not its editorial contributors can
accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party for omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. All artwork is accepted on the strict
condition that permission has been given for us in this publication. The Kensington Magazine Ltd does not officially endorse any advertising material included
within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, without prior permission of The Kensington Magazine Ltd.
4
THE
KENSINGTON
DENTIST
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117 Kensington Church Street, W8 7LN, London
tel. 0207 221 1680
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www.thekensingtondentist.com
TKD_A5 ad_FINAL.indd 1
21/08/2015 07:46
5
The History of Embassies in Kensington
(in a multicultural context)
by Sarah Goldsmith
Kensington has become a central place for
embassies, housed in imposing Victorian and
Edwardian former private homes. Most of
these houses have similar histories, with the
backdrop of the British Empire giving way to the
modern multicultural experience. Of course,
it is hard to define exactly what that experience
is. The definition of “multiculturalism” in the
Oxford Dictionaries is “the policy or process
whereby distinctive identities of the cultural
groups within such society are maintained or
supported.” Commentators differ as to whether
multiculturalism is about inclusion or exclusion:
separate cultures integrating together to form a
society, or diverse cultures living alongside each
other without much interaction.
Most, if not all, of the embassies, high
commissions, and ambassadorial residences
were built as imposing mansions to house newly
wealth middle / upper middle classes during the
height of the British Empire. These houses were
built during brief economic booms causing a
surge in development, usually in the 1840s and
again in the 1880s/1890s and early 20th century.
Clustered in and around Palace Gate, Kensington
Palace Gardens, and Kensington Court, some of
these houses went through more than one boomand-bust cycle before they were completed. In
Kensington Palace Gardens (including Palace
Green), another reason why there was a more
than 50-year building gap is due to Queen
Victoria’s wish that no new buildings be built
6
(Image: www.jaypl.com)
opposite Kensington Palace. After her death in
1901, her son approved the idea of development
in order to fund garden improvements at
Windsor Castle. Speculators and developers
often went bankrupt building these large houses
that by and large went unoccupied for years
before the leases went to countries to house their
embassies. Other houses have storied histories
of wealthy or famous inhabitants, like William
Makepeace Thackeray as the original occupant
of the Israeli embassy on Palace Gardens or, on
Palace Gate, the Zambian High Commission’s
original owner, Sir John Everett Millais.
Perhaps atypical is the Nepalese embassy, at 12A
Kensington Palace Gardens, which was given to
Nepal to thank them for the Gurkhas’ service.
However, the house does have a history typical
of Kensington, with its original owner being
financially ruined within a year of possession.
The official residence of the Norwegian
ambassador also has a more heroic story; in
1940, King Haakon of Norway was given refuge
in London after the Nazis invaded Norway. A
government in exile was established at 10 Palace
Green, and it has been an official residence of
Norway since.
Behind the high walls, CCTV cameras and
imposing facades of most of the embassies
housed in Kensington, using the term
“multiculturalism” would underscore the latter
meaning. The embassy’s sole purpose is to
serve their populations living in London, and
they are not necessarily required to form a
cohesive society with the other cultures around
them. However, some embassies and High
Commissions do offer cultural events open to the
public, allowing a certain amount of inclusion.
The Royal Norweigan Embassy
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Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.
The Roof Gardens, 99 Kensington High Street, London W8 5SA
www.roofgardensclub.com |
@theroofgardens
7
Hidden Kensington:
Eating around the world in Kensington
On the surface Kensington may seem the epitome of ‘white British’, but our neighbourhood is surprisingly diverse.
Nowhere is this more evident than in our restaurants, as local resident Jenny Davis-Peccoud sets out to discover...
According to the census, Kensington is about 80%
white. This compares to 91% in England as a whole.
And interestingly we have the highest percentage of
'other white', as opposed to 'white British', anywhere
in England. 'Central' K&C also has the highest
percentage of Asians (6.0%) anywhere in the Borough
(4.9% on average).
This diversity is reflected in our restaurants. Take the
Italians, for example. Il Portico on Kensington High
Street bills itself as "London's oldest family restaurant".
Opened in the 1960s by Pino Chiavarini from northern
Italy, this welcoming establishment is run even today
by family members James and Francesca. Foubert's
is run by another Italian, Luciano Lo Dico, whose
homemade ice creams and gelatos are worthy of their
Italian heritage. And then we have Romano's, opened
by Romano Silva in 1998 who still imports food and
wine from his native country. More Italien restaurants
can be found in Kensington Court with Arcadia run by
Vincent Quiros and in Thackeray St. there is Locanda
Ottoemezzo run by brothers Francesco and Emidio.
Perhaps a less expected contribution to our dining
diversity is the Kensington Wine Rooms, founded by
Thor Gudmunsson, who's Icelandic. He and business
partner Richard Okroj ('white British') launched
their novel concept of high-quality wines by the glass
plus great food, using the innovative Enomatic wine
machines. They've now expanded their concept to
Fulham. For something Francophile, Patrick Taco
has been delighting residents with traditional french
cuisine, with an emphasis on fish, for the past ten years
in Stratford Road.
Probably the group of 'other whites' with the longest
history in the UK is the Irish, and Kensington's
Churchill Arms has been run by one for 30 years. But
for our purposes, Gerry O'Brien is interesting for
more than his quirky décor and bountiful flowers, as it
was he who almost 30 years ago started the first 'Thai
restaurant in a pub' in the UK. He was looking for
something beyond traditional pies and chips to serve
at night when a friend introduced him to a Thai chef
named Ben. After a successful trial, the pair were soon
renovating the kitchen and expanding the eating area.
8
Other Asian residents have added variety to
Top: Romano Silva, owner of Romano’s
Below: Patrick Taco, owner of Chez Patrick, with his
god-daughter, Louise (Images: Lucy Elliott)
Kensington's culinary culture. Anil Bist launched
Malabar in 1983 in Hillgate Village. Vineet Bhati
brought Michelin-starred Zaika to Kensington in 2004
(it's been through ups and downs and is now owned
by the Tamarind Collection, whose Mayfair restaurant
won a Michelin-star in the same year as Zaika but
managed to hang onto it.) In 2007 Marouf Abouzaki's
latest Lebanese venture Randa opened on Kensington
Church Street, as did Aladinos in 2015. This is the first
London venture for Aladin Barakat, whose Alexandria
restaurant attracted dignitaries and stars alike. Tem
Tep is the latest addition, bringing fresh Vietnamese
cooking to our area since early this year.
We may not be the most diverse corner of London, but
our restaurants do attest to the multi-culturalism that's
alive and well across the capital.
HOUSE PORTRAITS
By Gordon French
Acrylic & Ink on Board
Looking for that something special!
Anna
Mazzotta
Gallery 19 provide
House and Building
Paintings
and
Drawings
Portraiture that have
proved
popular with
people who want a memory of their London
home when they move on,
also with local residents who love their homes
and the area they live in.
House & Building portraits make a highly
original and personal gift … a church to
remember a wedding; school or university or
where a 21st was held.
Clients are involved in every step
of the process from concept to creation.
MORE THAN YOUR LOCAL
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9
Editor’s Review: Draycott Nursing and Care
‘Always there to care’
by Lucy Elliott
Inevitably the day will come when either ourselves or
a relative needs a carer. The question of where to turn,
who to trust and how to go about this, can quite simply
be incredibly daunting. However, since 1996 many
in London, across Britain and abroad, have turned to
Draycott Nursing & Care: a privately owned agency
(rare nowadays) specialising in providing nursing and
care to people in their own homes.
Draycott, originally based in Chelsea, is now located
in Kensington High St and comprises 14 management
staff and over 100 carers and qualified nurses (across
the UK.) It is run by Angela Hamlin who has a passion
for providing the highest level of care possible within
a home. Her excellent background experience of
12 years as Deputy Matron at the King Edward VII
Hospital, a former military hospital where she was
in charge of overseeing the wards, from staffing to
standards of care, and generally overseeing the running
of the hospital has stood her in good stead. She is
nationally recognised as an authority on care provision
and is the only non-doctor ever to have been awarded
the Silver Medal from the Independent Doctor’s
Federation (IDF) – given to individuals who are
considered to have made a significant contribution to
private medicine. In addition, in 2013, she was invited
to form and Chair the Medical Advisory Board for the
prestigious Grayshott Spa, and is an Ambassador for
National Westminster’s ‘everywomen’ programme - as
part of a Government Business Initiative to promote
women in business.
So what kind of care might you or your relative
require? Draycott offer a solution to suit most needs:
ranging from live in care, daily care, a ‘Support for
Relatives’ service to a ‘Homeshare’ service. The
requirements of their clients might range from: help
with dementia, post operative assistance, rehabilitation,
respite/accident care and assistance with chronic or
medical conditions (i.e. Parkinsons). The provision
of injections and medicines, increasingly necessary,
cannot be given by carers but are provided by specialist
clinical staff.
‘Homeshare’ is an introductory service whereby
someone moves into a client’s house to provide
company and general assistance for them, in lieu of
10
rent. This is particularly useful if one has a parent
who lives at home on their own but for peace of mind,
someone is there to keep an eye on them. Draycott
spend a substantial amount of time and care in
matching suitable individuals and a small monthly fee
is paid by both parties. Draycott, like other Agencies
is regulated by the industry Care Quality Commission.
As part of this, staff have to be trained to a certain
standard: however, Angela insists that her staff are
trained to an even higher standard than required – and
provides regular training days throughout the year for
all her staff. The latest CQC Inspection Report (August
2013) quoted from those interviewed stated: “The staff
at Draycott are excellent and provide fabulous support”
and “The staff help me when I want help but they
always encourage me to be independent as well”.
Most of the staff have been at Draycott for many years
– when one member of staff left, she handed Angela
a small silver box on which was inscribed ‘Beyond
the Best, there is Better’. How lovely that not only
the medical profession and clients, but staff too hold
Angela in such high esteem.
For the long-term, Draycott hope to roll out daily
care around outside London; to increase the number
of clinical staff and to widen the already-proven
successful Homeshare Service. They continue to grow
and offer more and more services.
If you are interested in receiving help for Draycott,
from 1 hour of care or nursing to 24 hours please
contact: Rachel Benedict, their Client liaison or email
rachelbenedict@draycottnursing.co.uk
If you are interested in learning more about becoming
a carer or clinical member of staff or attending a
Training Day please contact: Rene Ritter, HR Manager
or reneritter@draycottnursing.co.uk
If you are interested in learning more about the
Homeshare service please contact: Paula Dagger,
Homeshare Co-ordinator on pauladagger@
draycottnursing.co.uk
Or telephone 020 7351 7171
www.draycottnursing.co.uk
House Histories
Unlock the history of your home
The story of your house,
presented in a beautiful,
bespoke book
LONDON SHOWROOM
The Plaza, 535 Kings Road, London SW10 0SZ
0207 3511955
Contact Fiona Rule on 020 8959 7610
Or visit www.househistories.co.uk
www.obc-uk.net
6381_KensingtonMagazine_Jan.indd 1
01/12/2014 10:46
I N T E R I O R S
B Y
Joanne Mills
We provide a bespoke service comprising:
• Full Interior Design Service
• Hand Made Curtains
• Restoration Projects
• Soft Furnishings
• Furniture
• Upholstery
• Elegant fabric and wallpaper choices by stunning
designer brands
Please feel free to pop round and visit our new
www.interiorsbyjoannemills.co.uk
showroom at 132 Kensington Church St.
11
Editor’s Review: Marcela’s Boutique Beauty Salon
‘Manicure Pedicure Perfectionist’
by Lucy Elliott
As we have illustrated in this edition, Kensington is
made up of a wonderful conglomerate of individuals
from all over the world. Few businesses provide
such a good example of this as Marcela’s, a boutique
beauty salon in the heart of Kensington. Marcela, a
Colombian, employes staff who could readily represent
the United Nations – Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela,
Bolivia, Brazil, India, Spain and England.
Marcela arrived in England in 1985. She worked as
assistant to royal hairdresser, Richard Dalton, who ran
his salon from Claridges and was personal hairdresser
to Princess Diana. After a few years she moved to
Harrods and then finally to Kensington where she has
been for 22 years. Originally she worked under her
name, as freelance, but 15 years ago Marcela took the
plunge and opened her beauty salon in Holland St.
Her loyal clients, most of who have been with her for
many years love “… the personal service, the high level
of care and the discrete but friendly disposition of the
staff.” Another long-term client says: “I have followed
Marcella for the last 22 years, maybe longer and visit
every three weeks. The nails look natural and I have
received numerous compliments. They last well and
I’ve never had a suspicion of infection. A trail well
worth following!”
Marcela and her team outside the salon in Holland St
(Image provided by Marcela)
A testament to Marcela is that her 12 staff have been
with her for so long. The atmosphere is relaxed but
highly professional: Marcela genuinely treats each
client as her “… Queen or Princess” and celebrity or
not, everyone is treated with equal care.
12
Marcela
(Image provided by Marcela)
The salon is open seven days a week and in addition
to her famous Manicure and Pedicures with the South
American technique “Just One Touch”, one can also
have facials, eyelash extensions one by one by Emma.
Experienced beauty therapists Emma and Shenez
also provide the Parisian painless hot Brazilian wax,
threading, facials, Caci microdermabrasion and
non-surgical face-lift. In the interests of this review,
I had my unruly eyebrows shaped by Shenez, who
by her own admission treats this task as though she
is performing a work of art. The result, beautifully
shaped eyebrows which still look very natural.
Marcela’s warmth and joie de vivre obviously attracts
clients, but for herself she is probably proudest of
recruiting one member of staff from Bolivia who could
speak no English, but on showing great determination
and potential, learnt English and went to Beauty
School. Nine years later Josefa is on Marcela’s team of
therapists providing manicures and pedicures to her
clients.
So for a United Nations, top-to-toe beauty experience,
head to Marcela’s.
7 Holland St. W8
www.marcelas.co.uk
020 7938 1555
REMOVALS &
STORAGE
London Man with Van services
IN LONDON & EUROPE
WEEKLY
Tel 020 8 500 2088
www.franceremovals.com
Do you or a relative need private nursing or care at home?
We are always here to care
Live-in daily care
Established in 1996
This enables our clients to remain in their own home
while being cared for by professional and highly trained
Registered Nurses and Carers.
We are recognised by doctors, consultants and clients
for our commitment to exceptionally high standards
and 24/7 support.
Live-in & Daily Care | Post Operative Care | Accident Care | Specialist Care
+44 (0) 20 7351 7171
www.draycottnursing.co.uk | Email enquiries@draycottnursing.co.uk
13
Kensington News I
NEW BUSINESSES IN THE AREA
The Kensington Dentist is a brand new, private
dental practice at 117 Kensington Church
Street. The principal dentist, Eleni Kavouridi,
has postgraduate qualifications from New York
and London and has many years experience in
cosmetic and restorative procedures as well as
general dentistry. The welcoming staff offer you
a lifetime of smiles in stylish premises with a
full range of treatments available including teeth
whitening, orthodontics and implants. Children
and nervous patients are especially welcome;
early morning and evening appointments are
available to fit with your schedule. New patients
are offered a 15% discount on examination
and hygiene appointments. (Editor’s Note:
The Kensington Dentist was recently awarded
‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission.)
Interiors by Joanne Mills: Joanne has worked across
Europe and the UK for the last 4 years, and now has
a beautiful showroom in Kensington Church St. She
provides a full interior design service as well as all
aspects of soft furnishings: all hand made - curtains,
bolsters, cusions, footstools, ottomans and headboards
etc. She also restores much loved old furniture dating
back to the early 1900’s and beyond. She has restored
pieces in the showroom and can provide any advice
necessary with respect to fabric choice and finishes
for an upholstered project. Joanne looks forward to
meeting all her new neighbours. 132 Kensington
Church St. www.interiorsbyjoannemills.co.uk
In Kensington, there is a little corner of Vietnam
appearing - with Art East, Tranquility and now Tem
Tep a Vietnamese Restaurant. Served by charming
staff, in a light and airy restaurant with hand painted
murals on the wall, the cuisine is authentic North and
South Vietnamese. Using fresh produce and minimum
oils, they provide healthy dishes. As Tem Tep say, they
serve “sophisticated Asian cuisine within the heart of
Kensington”. 135 Kensington Church St.
www.temtep.co.uk or call 0207 792 7816
Daniel Galvin: The next generation
Brother and sister James and Louise Galvin are
proud to announce a new addition to the Daniel
14
Galvin flagship salon in Mayfair. Based at 67
Abingdon Road, this period property provides
the perfect salon for clients to experience a
personal ‘home from home’ bespoke service in a
luxurious but relaxed setting. Their team of staff,
all experts who have trained and worked at the
Mayfair salon are able to offer a sophisticated and
unique brand of colour and hairdressing. James,
Louise and their staff look forward to welcoming
you at their new salon. 020 3 544 6535 www.
danielgalvin.com
Flight Centre has opened its first Travel Clinic
at the launch of its new flagship store on High
Street Kensington. The Travel Clinic will be the
first of 20 clinics to open across Flight Centre
stores throughout the UK this year. Consultations
with the travel health experts will cover tailored
advice for travellers, including recommendations
on vaccination requirements, anti-malarials
and preventative measures. With appointments
available seven days a week and prices starting
from £20 per consultation, the Travel Clinic
provides local customers with an affordable and
convenient health service to ensure their trip is
safe and enjoyable.
Founded by Andre Benis, a young entrepreneur
with a passion for textiles, he launches Shogun
Designs, selling japanese textile screen prints.
Exquisite traditional designs made in Japan
from organic materials, handfinished in the UK
prices from £95 to £295. Japanese design has
long been admired in Europe, influencing art,
furniture, fashion and even food, for its precision,
refinement and attention to detail. From pale
and delicate to strong and vibrant, these versatile
prints will add elegance to any room in the house,
modern or traditional, making ideal Christmas
presents. Shogun Designs 34 Hesper Mews
London SW5 OHH www.shogun-designs.com
Bharat Thakur Artistic Yoga
Founded by Himalayan Yogi, Bharat Thakur, Artistic
Yoga is an innovative, dynamic and powerful system of
yoga that combines ancient yogic techniques (asanas,
pranayam, bandhas, kriyas & mudras), with modern
cardiovascular-training and partner-stretches that
Kensington News II
works on the individual at every level. The physical,
where flexibility, strength and endurance are the
primary goal, to the mental and spiritual levels where
awareness of the body, alertness and meditation bring
about a complete transformation. Artistic Yoga classes
are now available at Oxford Street and Kentish Town.
Private classes are available for those who need or wish
to have one-to-one learning. For details visit
www.artisticyoga.com, www.bharatthakur.com or call
07858 104762.
SUPPER, the first ever Michelin – starred
delivery service has already attracted the
attention of 19 restaurants throughout London.
Their clientele consists of Michelin-Starred
Indian restaurants, Tamarind and Benares in
Mayfair, with an aim to have five Michelinstarred restaurants on their books by autumn.
Their priority is to ensure that the restaurants’
gourmet dishes arrives in exactly the same state
as when they left the kitchen. High-tech, state
of the art Japanese bikes will weave their way
through traffic, ensuring fast delivery service and
will be delivered to customers by drivers who are
smartly dressed in SUPPER branded uniforms in
stylish branded SUPPER bags.
www.supper.london @SupperLondon
“The long and windy road that is Kensington Church
St. harbours a little golden nugget, The Client: a
parallel universe, a Mr Ben’s shop where you will be
greeted by the white rabbit himself, aka Dietrich. The
moment you walk in you are transported, seduced and
betwiched by the concopia of artifacts ... your eye still
ajusting as you are handed a glass of wine. Dietrich,
the mad hatter is dashing, handsome and debonair.
He exudes allure, charm and knowledge. The Client
delivers, you are treated like the client. No hard
selling here, nor indeed the need for it. Something
for everyone from £10 to £50,000. The proverbial old
curiosity shop but in 3D. A magnet for collectors and
characters it is the new UN headquarters.” (by Mati
Pierre White)
GENERAL NEWS
Seraphine’s new flagship store is now on 179 High
Street Kensington. More luxurious than before,
the store oozes French chic and sophistication.
Seraphine offers the widest range of maternity
available in Britain, ranging from casual wear all
the way to red carpet gowns. With international
celebrity clientele, Seraphine is renowned for
dressing Royalties and Rock stars alike including
of course the brands most renowned client The
Duchess of Cambridge, who’s been a fan of the
brand for both her pregnancies.
SALON RELAUNCH
Kensington’s longest established hair salon at
55 Kensington Church St. has reopened this
month following a total refurbishment. Local
resident Toby Botha, owner of HAIRSPACE
(formerly Anthony Fletcher), has reopened the
salon’s doors, along with talented stylists Tiziana
and Cristina. New to the salon is an exclusive
hair extensions service, using the finest quality
human hair. In addition, there is a new, exclusive
HAIRSPACE range of first class retail products
from shampoos and conditioners to styling
formulas. A brand new, user-friendly website at
www.hairspacelondon.com has been designed.
Relaxing in the fresh, new and contemporary
surroundings, the skilled team at HAIRSPACE
provide a soothing head massage as part of the
service. Beauty services are also available.
Serena Morton, is one of London’s longstanding
Art Curator’s. On 30th September Serena Morton
opens Serena Morton II, a new gallery space in
West London, dedicated to showing the best 20th
century and contemporary photography from
around the world. Building on the success of
her 2014-launched gallery on Ladbroke Grove,
Serena has recently expanded into adjacent
premises where she and co-curator David Hill
will show work from both well-established
names and lesser known photographers. The
first exhibition will be the work of Billy Name,
the legendary photographer at Warhol’s Factory
through the mid-60s. www.serenamorton.com
After 12 years on Kensington Church Street,
which saw many famous clients through its door,
15
MAXIMS WHISKY
LOUNGE BAR
Maxims has long been established as one of
London’s finest and friendliest international
private gaming club destinations. Set in
a Grade I listed 19th century building it is
discretely located in the heart of the Royal
Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Following an extensive refurbishment of
the entire club, the new Whisky Lounge Bar
opened its doors to an appreciative clientele
late last year.
Situated on the lower floor away from the
gaming rooms, it’s intimate and lavishly
styled bar oozes style and decadence; and
boasts a collection of over 110 of the world’s
finest whiskies. You’ll be sure to find your
favourites as well as something a little more
special should you wish.
Adjacent to the Whisky Lounge Bar is
The Restaurant at Maxims, a comfortable
haven in which to enjoy some of the finest
European, Chinese and Middle Eastern
cuisines to be found in London.
Dishes are prepared by specialist
international chefs under the direction
of new Head Chef Roberto Bullio. A true
gastronomic experience awaits!
The
Restaurant
and Whisky
Lounge Bar is open
to non-members from 7pm until
late. For reservations please email
maximsreception@gentingcasinos.co.uk.
For membership enquiries please contact
Oriane.Teysseire@gentingcasinos.co.uk.
Whisky Galore
Thursday 17th September
Join us for a tasting evening
and explore the best Scottish
whiskies from our extensive
Single Malt collection.
For reservations to this event please email
Oriane.Teysseire@gentingcasinos.co.uk
Maxims Casino Club, Palace Gate House,
1a Palace Gate, London W8 5LS
+44 (0)20 7581 0337 | www.maximsclub.com
16
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17
Kensington News III
Richmond, The American International University in
London was founded in 1971 on the top of Richmond
Hill and opened its Kensington campus situated in
St Alban’s Grove and Ansdell Street in 1978. In 1988
Princess Diana opened the new classroom facilities in
Young Street on the site of the Spencer family London
home. Richmond has 1,200 full time degree students
from 100 countries of which 500 study in Kensington.
The University awards both British and American
degrees. They are currently looking for homes for their
international students. If you are interested in hosting
a student in your home please contact Allison Cole
Stutz, Dean of Students at COLESTA@richmond.ac.uk
for further information.
Nestled at the south end of Kensington High Street is
the elegant Milestone Hotel which comprises 56 wellappointed bedrooms and six two-bedroom apartments.
A traditional Grade II listed building directly across
from Kensington Palace, which promises sumptuous
surroundings, fine dining and perfect five-star service.
With their motto of ‘No request too large, no detail
too small’, this is the ideal location for an intimate
family celebration, Christmas Cocktail Reception or
somewhere to indulge your visiting relatives over the
festive period! To arrange a bespoke event or make a
bedroom reservation, contact the Milestone team on
020 7917 1000. (And don’t forget 20% discount for
readers of The Kensington Magazine).
Maxims Casino Club at 1a Palace Gate has just
undergone a million pound refurbishment in this
beautiful listed 19th Century building. Offering one
of the best gaming destinations in the UK and in
unsurpassed luxury, one can find intimate poker and
gaming rooms. Maxims also offer members and nonmembers the opportunity to dine in their international
dining room, where Arabic, Chinese and European
cuisine in served. Private dining is also available. In
the light and airy bar, you can find up to 126 different
types of Whiskey, and Maxims offer special events
each month. In September they are offering residents
of Kensington the chance to learn more about these
whiskeys. For more information please see page 28
www.maximsclub.com or 020 7581 0337
The flatmates of 68 Notting Hill Gate (aka The Little
Yellow Door) not exactly known for doing things by
18
the book, refuse to wave summer good bye, as they
transform their humble abode into a not so secret,
secret indoor garden. A summer escape out of the
ordinary, TLYD will play host to the only English
garden where British skin won’t turn pink, and the
sun never sets. Guests will be invited to take part in
interactive dinner and drink parties, building on the
already unmissable Little Yellow Door experience in a
fun and original recreation of a non-existing outdoor
space where cocktails will be served in watering cans
and aquariums, and guests can enjoy their own tree
house without a wasp in sight.
www.thelittleyellowdoor.co.uk
Step back in time with historian Fiona Rule and
experience Notting Hill like never before as she
delves into the murky past shedding new light on its
eclectic cast of bygone residents and historic incidents.
From the horrifying murders at Rillington Place, the
nefarious career of slum landlord Peter Rachman, the
Profumo affair and London’s first race riots she reveals
what life was like in - Daily Mirror dubbed - ‘Rotting
Hill’. Lifting the current veil of luxury, Rule exposes
with relish - and in-depth research - the sordid dark
years when violence, extortion and disorder were
everyday occurrences, and explores the price its
residents have had to pay to climb up out of the ghetto.
Streets of Sin: A Dark Biography of Notting Hill is
available to purchase online and at all good book
retailers. For more information please see
www.fionarule.com or follow her @Fiona_Rule
Knightsbridge Village, the by-invitation network
created exclusively for mothers living in Knightsbridge,
Kensington and Chelsea is offering Kensington
Magazine readers 50% off annual membership until 30
September 2015. Join online at knightsbridge-village.
com with this code: kenmag (£60 pa; usual fee £120).
To celebrate the end of the academic year for
Kensington Prep School, Monaco VW, the UK’s oldest
VW car garage, and London Morgan, the official
London dealership for the Morgan Motor Company,
were delighted to take part in the ‘Around the World’
themed Summer Carnival in June. Both companies
joined in with the fun by hosting a popular quiz stall,
offering the chance to win a free weekend’s hire of a
Morgan Car. To top it all off, Monaco VW and London
Kensington News IV
Morgan donated £2000 to support the school and local
charities. www.londonmorgan.co.uk
www.monacovw.co.uk
In Kensington Place, Fox Primary School Children
helped local Artist Shirine Osseiran execute “Hula
hope” Mural, a 13m by 2.4 m (43ft in by 7ft 10
in) painting on the grey hoarding of the school’s
playground. “Hula Hope” was inspired by the Hulahoop, an activity which the children love to do during
their play time. The Mural incorporates circles of a
charming variety in sizes and colours. Year 1 and Year
2 Children enjoyed painting the smallest circles with
their own Hula hoops while their classmates were
showing their greatest skills of twirling hoops around
their waist, limbs and necks. At the end of July the
mural was celebrated with a private opening attended
by the artist, parents and children. www.shiroshiro.net
Many have asked about the closure of the restauarant
at Pavilion at 96 Kensington High St. Due to re-open
in the Autumn, this will form part of Richard Caring’s
Ivy restaurants. Following on from the famed ‘The Ivy’
and the new ‘The Ivy Chelsea Garden’, will Kensington
have its own - ‘The Pavilion Ivy’?! Watch this space.
CHARITY AND CHURCH
Dads House is a W8 based charity founded by
William McGranaghan. In the past few years
the charity has made great in-roads in helping
the 2000 single fathers in the Borough cope
with fatherhood and potential isolation from
mainstream society. Dads House are delighted
to announce collaboration with BPP Law
School whose students will be providing a Pro
Bono service to single fathers who need legal
assistance/advice. On Oct 2nd Dads House
will be launching a Food Bank providing food
to single fathers once a week at the United
Reformed Church in Allen St. For this service
they desperately need tined food and are also
looking for volunteers to help run this event 6.00
– 7.30pm. Lastly, should you have any business
suits/smart shoes you no longer need, these can
be put to good use for single fathers to wear for
job interviews. If you are able to help on either
the Food Bank (food or volunteering) or with
providing a suit/shoes, please contact William on
07765 183504. www.dadshouse.org.uk
Kensington Friends of the Holy Land held their
annual summer garden party in a beautiful
“Italian Garden”, constructed for the day, on
the forecourt of Our Lady of Victories Church,
High Street Kensington. The event, sponsored by
Rickman Estate Agents, raised £4,000. Auxiliary
Bishop of Westminster, Nicholas Hudson,
encouraged everyone present to continue their
efforts to support Christians in the Holy Land.
Returning recently from Gaza, Fr Mark Madden
gave a speech about the plight of Christians
there and also spoke about difficulties faced
by Christians in Bethlehem. Everyone can
help, he said, advocating “ the four P’s - prayer,
pilgrimage, pay and pressure”. FHL supports
Christians in the Holy Land. The charity is
entirely non-political and carried out with the
backing of the Anglican and Catholic Bishops in
England and Wales.
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Gerry of The Churchill Pub who celebrated his 30
years as Landlord, with a summer party in Peel Street.
Gerry continues to win acoladeds and admiration for
his world-famous floral displays inside and outside,
the pub.
Budding young dancers from the Royal Borough
of Kensington and Chelsea shimmied their way to
success during Dance Showdown, one of London’s
biggest youth dance events. The annual event, which
is organised each year by Epic CIC, saw more than
210 young people compete and perform alongside
established youth dance companies and guest artists
such as PDK, Crew 42 and Perspectrum at Cadogan
Hall. Those taking part had the opportunity to further
develop their skills with leading dance companies
through scholarships and awards. The winners on the
night were Bousfield Primary School (Junior Category
Award), St Charles Sixth Form College (SCDC) (Senior
Category Award) and Portobello Dance (Community
Category Award). For more info: www.epiccic.org.uk
19
“Breetish of course!”
By Maria Perry and Charles Yorke
“Breetish of course!” It is about twelve years since
I first heard those words (uttered in a thickly Polish
accent) in reply to a query about someone's nationality.
At the time I thought it hilarious. Nowadays it would
be unremarkable. Multi-Culturalism, having taken
root is undoubtedly here to stay, due to the ability of
the inhabitants of these tiny islands to absorb newcomers and fill them with enthusiasm for 'the English
way of life.' In Suffolk last weekend someone even
said, 'Maria, you are lucky to live in Kensington. It is
so quintessentially English.' On return I felt challenged
to find out if that is still the case!
Let us consider that colourful segment of W8,
extending from St Mary Abbotts Church to the bend
in Kensington Church Street, where boutiques and
restaurants compete to clothe and feed us. The two
shops which qualify best are of course Hornets,
the gentlemen's outfitters in Church Walk, with its
windows full of boaters and bowlers, Ascot gear and
blazers and at time of writing a signed photograph of
Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes in a deerstalker. People flock there from all parts of the world
to be fitted out like English gentlemen.
Then round the corner we have Pickwicks with its
20
tantalizing array of household accessories, ranging
from table mats with hunting scenes to flower spattered
tea towels and bells to be rung for summoning guests
to lunch, when they have wandered too far down the
garden. My favourite item at the moment is a draught
excluder printed with the words 'SHUT THAT DOOR.'
Of the rest what is fascinating is that the staff of
establishments, which proudly promote their national
produce are often from other countries. Take Menoo,
the Greek delicatessen, owned by Panos, where Eva
the pretty fair-haired waitress, dispensing baklavas
is Hungarian, while Faye (an abbreviation of Fatima)
looks Greek, but comes from Iran. Then there is
Romano's the trattoria, where the proprietor is Italian,
the aubergines are grown in Kensington Church St
and the Head-Waiter, Joao, is from Madiera, so speaks
Portuguese.
The Japanese Knife Company, meanwhile, exhorts us to
'Cut it sharp' and sells steak knives for slicing up British
beef. Finally Cologne and Cotton, festooned with
crisp, white bed-linen and founded in Leamington Spa
stocks, besides parfums de Maison, some of the finest
ranges of fragrances, which come from nearly every
country in Europe. That’s Kensington for you!
DESIGN & PRINT
TO HELP YOUR
BUSINESS GROW
Kall Kwik Kensington W8, 17 Kensington Court Place, London W8 5BJ
COLOUR DIGITAL PRINTING
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BUSINESS STATIONERY
020 7937 6688
info@kallkwikw8.co.uk
www.kallkwik.co.uk/kensington
21
Elizabeth Owen - Book Review
The Matriarch
by G B Stern (Daunt Books £9.99)
If Gladys Stern (1890-1973) had decided to paint,
she would no doubt have been a fan of the pointillist
style by which tiny dots of colour are used to build
up a picture that literally shimmers, as though bathed
in light. Its disciples created a feeling of realism and
movement, giving the impression that their subjects
might at any moment come to life. This impression
of luminosity and dynamism applies equally to The
Matriarch.
The author applies innumerable dabs of information
to construct a tableau of the Rakonitz family. Yet
unlike pointillist paintings that are still admired all
over the world, Stern's work (she published over 40
novels, plays, short stories, memoirs, autobiography
and biographies) quickly fell out of favour and out
of print. When she died in 1973, the Times obituary
observed that her style was “too studiously light and
amusing” for modern taste, an observation that fails to
pay homage to her ability to read human nature and
create characters that are as intriguing today as they
were over 90 years ago.
Published in 1924 as Tents of Israel: A Chronicle,
(The Matriarch was used for the US version), this is
the first of the “Rakonitz” novels which she based on
her own family. Here, Stern introduces us to the clan.
From modest beginnings it eventually established
itself and, through marriage and commerce, grew and
fanned out all over Europe. Successful in business,
the family enjoyed considerable wealth and the social
acceptance that went with it. With each generation,
their confidence in themselves grew and religious
observance waned, they become secular Jews with
cosmopolitan flair, at home anywhere in the world.
As with any great organisation, a leader is required
to represent it as the embodiment of its ideals. Each
generation duly produced a woman of exceptional
ability as its figurehead. In fact, it can be said that the
“Matriarch” of the title refers not to one, but to three
Rakonitz women: Anastasia, Babette and Antoinette
(“Toni”). Although the emphasis is an Anastasia, the
other two are the bookends who give substance to
Anastasia's life and thereby, to the family as a whole.
22
Stern concentrates on the Rakonitz fortunes
after a portion of the clan settles in London. She
describes their life blessed by immense riches and its
deconstruction when financial disaster strikes. In
essence, it is a study of assimilation and resonates
in the current political climate where the issue of
immigration is so important. It is easy to imagine
that this is no more than a drawing room comedy of
no particular interest, but Stern's joyful rendition of
their daily existence is infectious. This vibrancy was
recognised in her lifetime when the book transferred
to the London stage. It is a celebration of life itself, full
of humour and the will to survive no matter what. It
is a novel I didn't want to finish, a rare gem that Daunt
Books has thankfully revived.
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23
Restaurant Review
RANDA by MAROUSH
By Ffiona (www.ffionas.com)
Lebanese cuisine on offer at Randa
(Image: www.maroush.com)
Sometimes you just need to sit and watch the world
go by ... sometimes you just don’t want to face a heavy
meal ... sometimes you just want an accompaniment
to your conversation. This is, after all, the snacking
season, the dips and salad season, but whatever the
reason there is only one destination ... head for Randa.
Here the food comes in lighter dishes, all skilfully
prepared, artfully presented and brought to your table
with a smile and a huge basket of fresh salad. And no
... this is not a hymn to humous and pitta ... this is a
celebration of the versatility of Lebanese cuisine.
Their menu is huge, the choice can be bewildering and
there is often much debate over what we will order.
However being creatures of habit we normally stick
steadfastly to our favourites. My sister is a huge fan of
the chicken livers sautéed with lemon and butter whilst
my favourite is the Moutabal Baba Ghanouj, aubergine
pureed with lemon and tahini - so delicious. These are
our two staples which must be included. Also there
is no dispute about the next two dishes, The Fatoush
Salad (lettuce, tomato, mint, radish, onions and sumac
with toasted Lebanese bread) and the Moujadddara
(lentils pureed with rice and topped with crispy fried
onions).
24
However sometimes we simply cannot resist and the
salad is replaced with Taboulleh (finely chopped fresh
parsley with onion and herbs and lemon) refreshing
and so tasty, a true summer staple. Of course pickles
are a must and we allow ourselves a “wild card” which
could be literally anything, but I have to confess
normally comes from the charcoal section. Favourites
being: Kafta Kosh-Kash ( skewers of minced lamb
on a bed of spicy tomato sauce) and of course the
lamb cutlets. The bakery section too holds many
temptations and is really worth leaving some room for.
We try hard not to over order as it is just too easy to do
and we love to end the meal with a fresh fruit platter
and some fragrant Lebanese coffee.
Good food and good service combined with great
conversation add up to a memorable evening. This
really is the epitome of summer in the city.
Randa by Maroush
23 Kensington Church St.
London W8
Tel: 020 7937 5363
www.randa-restaurant.com
25
Horticulture and Landscape
MIXED BORDERS
By Benedict Bull
‘One of the main faults of agapanthus is imposed
on them by mindless admirers, who tend to mass
them. The overall effect is monotonous.’ This is the
wonderfully incisive and acerbic sentence that marks
little favour for the genus by the late maestro of
mixed planting under his entry for agapanthus in his
engagingly personal compendium ‘Christopher Lloyd’s
Garden Flowers’.
I have been slow to follow suit myself with respect
to agapanthus because I have seen them in a long
border in a large garden of many borders, where the
summer mass of green is acceptable, but I find his logic
irresistible in the confines of the borough. This coupled
with the persuasive power of the planting
combinations at Great Dixter has led to a profound
attraction to the depth of colour and height and texture
that creates such interest, and the merits of mixed
planting, a dedication to constantly dynamic array of
plants.
Indeed I was recently gardening and the client
expressed frustration at the large bed of agapanthus
that fell over and only flowered for a few weeks. So
when considering alternatives, I was very keen to see
what thrived there. This I suppose is the gardener’s
eye doing its homework. I note with a wry smile
that under the entry to Dryopteris in the same
compendium this is written: ‘It can be a weed in many
gardens, but its self-sown presence is a useful indicator
of where a more interesting replacement fern might be
planted and thrived.’
And this is exactly the logic I pursue in mixed planting:
it is about finding out what works in a particular place,
and then finessing it. This is a hot front garden and
I am suggesting a diversification in terms of South
African bulbs, with some drought tolerant ferns and
some succulents. Fortunately, as a student scholar
to a botanic garden on the Franco Italian Riviera I
have encountered first-hand the very wonderful array
of South African bulbs, and Aloe, Agave, and know
them a little but I have not fully tried them out here in
numbers. These mixed plantings are exciting and if I
add to this some of the rich incredibly Labiatae family
a solution is taking shape for this sunny front garden
which will not require too much watering either, the
26
Mixed planting at Morton Hall Gardens
(Image: www.mortonhallgardens.co.uk)
front garden is the dry one and the back garden is a
completely different microclimate and much wetter. In
fact it is waterlogged in the winter as there is a spring
line in the square.
I want to end on a final note of thrift and the exquisite
pleasure of allowing the plants and materials to find
their natural place in a garden, and how to intensify
this natural process in a mixed border through
dynamic associations, compressing and opening up the
same space many times, in the words of its supreme
champion: ‘... at this point the fronds should be cut as
low as possible as they are useful for the protection of
doubtfully hardy garden plants’ and ‘... make use of the
spaces this revealed between the fern’s multiple crowns
to grow early flowering bulbs’.
As a caveat to all who enter here, another entry from
Cardiocrinum: ‘Growing cardiocrinum well becomes
a way of life, occupying a major slice of your gardening
hours. All your efforts may easily be thwarted by slugs
devouring the young shoots as they appear in spring’.
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27
Whats On in and around W8
THE CRAFT OF DRAWING & PAINTING:
CELEBRATING TRADITION TODAY
1 September – 4 October
The exhibition showcases the methods used by a long
line of Masters as they are applied today by a new
generation of figurative artists, many of them trained
at Lavender Hill Studios, the first atelier founded in the
UK. Venue Leighton House Museum
www.leightonhouse.co.uk
ANOTHER PLACE TO BE
8th – 25th September
“Another Place to Be”, Ralph Freeman
A superb collection of work, created from his new
London studio, of rhythm, line & curve culminating in
a symphony of colour, light & abstract form.
THACKERAY GALLERY Est 1968
Tel: 020 7937 5883 www.thackeraygallery.com
DIA BATAL: TRACING LANDSCAPES
9th - 27th September Tues-Sat, 11am-6pm FREE
See new work by designer Dia Batal as part of London
Design Festival. Batal uses the art of Arabic calligraphy
to transform text into beautiful contemporary objects
- from embroidered wall hangings to silk screen prints
and sculptures. Venue The Mosaic Rooms,
(Earl’s Court) www.mosaicrooms.org
PAINTING FLOWERS AND FRUITS OF LATE
SUMMER with Lucy T Smith
Thursday 10 September 9.30 - 16.00 hrs £105
Spend quality time capturing the charming detail of
seasonal plants in watercolour. Advice on technique
and individual assistance will be offered. Venue:
Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3
www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk or Tel: 020 7 352 5646
THE GREAT RIVER RACE
12th September at 10.45 – 16.00
London’s River Marathon to find the UK’s
Traditional Boat Champions
Millwall Slipway, Westferry Road E14 3QS to
riverside below Ham House, Ham, Richmond
TW10 7RS. Please call 0208 398 8141 or email
to / login at info@greatriverrace.co.uk
www.greatriverrace.co.uk for further
information.
28
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Sunday 13 September 10:00 to 15:00 £48
Facilitated by expert wildlife photographer Cameron
Pearce, this workshop will provide you with the
knowledge needed to unlock the full potential of
your camera. With unique access to the wildlife and
heritage of the Parks, you will be able to get up close
to nature, allowing you to snap that perfect shot.
From the stunning white swans, ducks and variety of
bird species found on the Serpentine to the cheeky
squirrels scampering around the Parks - there is plenty
to pick from. To book: www.supporttheroyalparks.
org/shop/experiences or call 020 7036 8056 for more
information.
WHISKY GALORE!
Thursday 17th September
Maxims will be hosting a tasting evening, to explore
the best Scottish whiskies from their extensive Single
Malt collection in their Whisky Lounge Bar.
Discover and savour this noble spirit whilst learning
the differences between an Islay, Speyside or Lowlands
whisky, under the expert guidance of Charles
Montanaro, Group Bar Manager of 5cc and columnist
from The Whisky Magazine. After the tasting, you
will be able to enjoy the clubs facilities until the end
of the night. For further information, or to make a
reservation please contact Oriane at Oriane.Teysseire@
gentingcasinos.co.uk Maxims Casino Club, Palace
Gate House, 1a Palace Gate, Kensington, London W8
5LS 020 7581 0337 www.maximsclub.com
A RIGHT ROYAL RAMBLE
Friday 18 September 12.00 – 13.30 £5
Who can we thank for the very existence of London’s
magical Royal Parks? Which king felt threatened by
highwaymen as his carriage sped between Kensington
Palace and St James’s Palace? What was the original
meaning of the Italian Gardens? Over the last 500
years monarchs have influenced the design and use of
both Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Join them
on this guided walk around Hyde Park and Kensington
Gardens as they discover some of the most important
moments in the Parks fascinating history. To book see
www.supporttheroyalparks.org/shop/experiences or
call 020 7036 8056
Whats On in and around W8
PUBLIC EXHIBITION: KENSINGTON PALACE
Monday 21st September 15.00 - 19.00 hrs
Independent charity Historic Royal Palaces, which
operates the State Apartments and education facilities
at Kensington Palace, are proposing to provide new,
improved accommodation on site to maintain their
roles and responsibilities within the Palace and its
grounds. A public exhibition of the proposals will be
held at the Kensington Palace Orangery. Members of
the public are welcome to attend to view the proposals,
with the team on hand to discuss and respond to any
queries.
LAPADA ART & ANTIQUES FAIR
22 – 27 September 2015 £20 each
Must-visit event for sourcing and buying art, antiques,
design and decorative arts from 105 distinguished
exhibitors. An expert committee of 70 specialists prevet every piece, ensuring the quality and authenticity of
every item on sale. Berkeley Square, Mayfair, W1J 6EB
www.lapadalondon.com 020 7823 3511
THE LONDON HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING
SHOW
25-27 September 2015 £12 in advance/door price £18
The event, sponsored by Anglian Home Improvements,
is set to attract thousands more visitors at its new
contemporary venue. Those unsure of how to
undertake a project from inception to fruition will
have access to expert guidance. Venue: Excel, London
08712301086 www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/London
AN EVENING WITH THE TIPPETT QUARTET &
THE FRIENDS OF CHELSEA AND WESTMINSTER
HOSPITAL
Thursday 24 September, 6.45pm
(including reception with drinks an canapés), £35
The Friends are organising this fantastic event in aid
of the Patient Support Project. Venue St Mary The
Boltons Church SW10 9TB
www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-the-tippettquartet-the-friends-tickets-17351680343
GARDEN SQUARE COMMITTEE SEMINARS 2015
Monday 28 September at 6.30pm for 7.00pm
Legal Implications for Garden Square Committees
The first of free 6-seminars to support Garden Square
Committees. Please call for more information 020
7370 0400 gardensquares@tlclondon.com
www.welovethecourt.com/seminars
NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM LUNCHTIME
LECTURES
From September-December Mondays 12.30pm
This autumn the National Army Museum’s free
lunchtime lectures explore the often forgotten stories
of service men and women from the Commonwealth,
Empire and Dominions who fought alongside British
troops during the First World War. Venue The Army &
Navy Club, 36-39 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5JN
nam.ac.uk/whats-on/lunchtime-lectures
Eaton Square Concerts
JANINA FIALKOWSKA
Thursday 1 October, 7.30pm
Tickets £18 / £12 concessions
Janina Fialkowska has been charming audiences
for over forty years and Eaton Square Concerts
are delighted to celebrate with her during her
65th birthday season. Janina’s programme
embraces her love of Chopin alongside the other
romantic greats of Schumann and Beethoven.
Venue: St Peter’s Church, Eaton Square
SW1W 9AL
www.eatonsquareconcerts.org.uk
DAD’S HOUSE:
LAUNCH OF FOOD BANK FOR SINGLE FATHERS
Friday 2nd October 18.00 - 19.30
A new initiative by Dad’s House to provide food for
single fathers in the Borough. Venue: United Reform
Church, Allen Street, W8 www.dadshouse.co.uk
CHAMPANGE SABRAGE EVENT
Thursday, 29th October 6.30pm – 9.30pm
£50 per person
The Milestone Hotel invites readers of the
Kensington Magazine the chance to experience
the time-honoured tradition of Sabrage! Sabrage
is a technique for opening a bottle of champagne
with a saber, used for ceremonial occasions.
Sabrage your own bottle of champagne and enjoy
our Chefs selection of canapés in their beautiful
Windsor Suite. To book please email Belinda
Brett on bbrett@rchmail.com
29
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Reach 34,500 people each month with our small box advertisements
costing £298.00 plus VAT for a three month period
Call us to find out more on 020 3 667 8762
Professional Russian and English lessons
with Native and experienced Russian Tutor
Service with a difference
All level and boards. Translation.
Preparation for ‘Life in the UK test’ and any
examinations. GCSE, A-levels, etc
WATCH, CLOCK AND JEWELLERY REPAIR
No charge for quotation
Collection and Delivery Service
By appointment only
Tel: 07809 749147 or tanb2@hotmail.co.uk
Please contact Daphne Vaughan-Williams 07721 330700
FRENCH WITH A PURPOSE
Teacher specialising in language learning plans
and objectives. Specific targets defined and
successfully met at the end of the learning
plan. Exceed you expectations in a friendly and
dynamic teaching environment! Discounts for
groups. Excellent references available.
Call 077 46 16 63 74
Frenchwithapurpose@gmail.com
Holland Park Computers
Home and small business IT support
On-site services for PCs, Laptops and Macs
Virus and spyware removal ‡ Backup ‡ Data recovery ‡ Printer setup
Hardware and software upgrades ‡Email configuration
Wireless networking ‡Remote assistance ‡ Phone support
020 8811 8812
www.hollandparkcomputers.com
PERSONAL TRAINING FOR
WEIGHT LOSS, MOVING AND
FEELING BETTER
patrick@leaner-uk.com www.leaner-uk.com 07786 213369
FREELANCE PRIVATE PA
Do your work/home/business commitments
leave you little spare time to deal with various
personal/domestic challenges?
Experienced PA available for part-time work to
do this on your behalf.
Contact: privatepa2014@gmail.com or call
07770 294793
SEED SALON
020 7937 6651
1st Floor, 84 Kensington High St.
www.seedsalon.co.uk
Ladies, Gents, Children’s cut/style/
finish/ blow dry
Highlights, lowlights, flamboyage,
colour and treatments
30
Professional eye care
Contact lens centre
Frames and sunglasses
Same day service
Open seven days a week
218 Kensington High Street
London W8 7RG
T 020 7937 8790
www.davidfaulder.com
BOUTIQUE BEAUTY SALON
NATURAL MANICURE
(South American Technique)
Shellac 3 weeks lasting gel nail
colour non-chipping
Artistic 3 weeks lasting gel nail
dramatic & neons colours
Vinilux 7 Days lasting colour
THREADING:
Eye Brow & face with the ancient Indian
traditional way of hair removal
Eye lash tint - eye brow tint
ARTIFICIAL NAILS
CND Acrylic Old tradition tips & sculpture
Hard & Rock California gel & Sculptures
MASSAGES:
Aromatherapy, Swedish, Indian Ayurverdic,
hot stone & Limbphatic drainage
Distress Head, Shoulder and
Back massages
PEDICURES
Natural Whirlpool spa pedicure
(South American Technique )
Removal of hard skin and in-growing nails,
home-made exfoliating, clean cuticles
plus callous
FOOT MASSAGE: Our best seller!
Strongly recommended
BEAUTY BODY TREATMENTS
WAXING: Strip wax & Hot Parisian wax
(Painless)
FACIALS: Environ Skin Care;
Rich in vitamin A,B, D
CACI: Micro current non surgical lift, plus
Microdermabrision
CRISTAl CLEAR: Oxigent Facial
EYE LASH EXTENSIONS
Eye lash one by one (2 hours treatment)
SELF TANNING
Environ self taning cream
(one hour treatment)
JANE IREDALE MINERAL MAKE UP
(By Appointment only)
Marcela's
7 Holland Street Kensington
London W8 4NA
Tel: 020 7 938 1555
www.marcelas.co.uk
31
ards 2015
Aw
Which? Awards 2015
The results are in…
TRAILFINDERS
is honoured to once again be awarded
Best Travel Company
Which? – the entirely independent & not-for-profit consumer group said:
“Loved by its customers, Trailfinders has blazed a trail all the way to this award.
A specialist in tailormade holidays, spanning the globe, it has been a
Which? Recommended Provider for the past three years. It is consistently
awarded incredibly high customer scores – hitting 93% in our 2014 survey of
travel companies. It’s one of only two companies to be awarded the maximum
five stars for customer service, and also manages four stars for value for money.”
For award-winning holidays speak to the travel experts at 194 Kensington High Street
Tailormade Travel Worldwide
Cruise Trailfinders
First & Business Class Travel
32
020 7368 1200
020 7368 1300
020 7368 1400