THE

RIVERLAMBETH &

GRIMM TALES Interactive fairy-tales for the young and old at The Bargehouse

INTERNATIONAL FEASTS World-wide seasonal WOMEN flavours and fizz

INSPIRED CLAPHAM Fashion, design NORTH and educating our A view from the ‘village by the next generation short hill’

FOOD & DRINK • STYLE • CULTURE • FOR THE SOUL • PROPERTY

THE CONTACT US

Editor A Webb [email protected]

Sub Editor LAMBETH & SOUTHWARK Owen Rice [email protected]

Contributors Joe Campbell Jessica Cusack Grace McCloud Lauren Marriner Simon Lyons

Designers Alison Cutler Milana Veselinovic

Photography Rosaline Shahnavaz

Publisher Chris Richmond

Assistant Publisher Joe Campbell

EDITORS WORDS called ‘Women Fashion Power’ Commercial Sales for those looking for something Lee Hayes Dear Readers thought-provoking too. We also have [email protected] The change of season is here and included a few January offers from we need a little more motivation to local eating and drinking venues so FREEPHONE leave the comfort of our homes - there is something special for the fortunately there’s a wealth of great New Year that won’t break the bank. 0800 021 1484 things going on locally. Whether Lastly, we have profiled nearby you’re heading out for a bite to eat Clapham North, spanning from the THE RIVER or an evening’s entertainment, we’ve independent Picturehouse near the The RIVER Magazine is published by had a peek at some of the best of the common, up along the High Street River Publishing House Limited. best in . and discovered vegetable growing Company number: 8307961. underground. The eerie tales from the Brothers River Publishing House cannot accept Grimm are given an interactive twist Otherwise, if you feel like staying responsibility for unsolicited articles at the OXO Wharf’s Bargehouse at home, then curl up on the sofa and images. We reserve the right theatre, a venue that is sometimes with a fabulous Cava or fine wine to publish and edit any letters and over-looked, and Treasure Island and read all about emails. The material in The RIVER is running at the National Theatre it instead. Magazine is subject to copyright. All rights reserved. for Christmas. So the Southbank Cheers! really is packed with things to do. Along the riverside, the Design A Webb The paper in this magazine originates from timber that is sourced from Museum has an engaging exhibit Angela Webb, Editor sustainable forests, responsibly managed to strict environmental, social and economic standards. The Follow us on twitter @rivermagazine and Like us on facebook manufacturing mills have both FSC & PEFC certification and also ISO9001 www.facebook.com/TheRiverMagazine and ISO14001 accreditation. All of our content is now online at www.therivermagazine.co.uk

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04 • THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15 • EDITORS WORDS Fine Foods Deli

LAUNCH

RISTORANTELocanda ITALIANO OPENING TIMES 218 Long Lane London SE1 4QB Monday-Friday 7.30am-10.30pm Saturday 8.30am-10.30pm del Melo Sunday 10am-4pm* 020 7403 7513 *The kitchen is closed but the Deli is open

AND FROM THE DELI...

Wide selection of hampers and gift baskets plus shipping available.

For Bookings and Orders www.finefoodse1.co.uk - [email protected] ADVERTISE WITH US Established in 2012 WINTER DEAL FOR 4 EDITIONS/1 YEAR ADVERTISING*

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www.therivermagazine.co.uk In The River WINTER 2014/15

35

FOOD AND DRINK FOR THE SOUL 08 Prego 31 A True Inspiration 10 A World of Feasting 33 Writing Competition: 12 Locanda del Melo Winning Story 14 A Bit of Sparkle PROPERTY 17 Winter Specials 35 Dream Homes STYLE 37 Visiting 18 Not a Multiple Choice Clapham North 20 Share the Secrets 42 Spotlight Property 22 Winter in Bloom 28

CULTURE 24 Glad Again 26 Cover Story: Fairytales for Young and Old 28 Entertainments Listings

31

37 18

THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15 • CONTENTS• 07 Prego An irresistible attitude to food and hospitality at Olivelli by Joe Campbell

Rosario (second from left) and his team

e be reminded of my holidays to Sicily. had gone into it. Typical Italian arrived “Grazie” I then said, calling upon my delicacies were nestled neatly at Olivelli limited Italian. Just as I suspected, beside slightly more uncommon during the I was then met with my most Sicilian treats such as the panella busy lunch favourite of Italian words: “Prego.” (chickpea fritters), the caponata rush on a In its simplest form Prego means (stewed aubergine salad) and the chilly autumn “you’re welcome”, but to a native most sumptuous of Sicilian comfort day. When we Italian, its meanings are almost foods: the arancini. Translating to peered inside I noticed only one free endless. It can mean anything “little orange”, an arancini is a small table. “The staff will be rushed off from “can I help you?” to “please, ball of rice stuffed traditionally with their feet,” I thought, “it will take an enjoy yourself”, depending on a ragu sauce, which is then fried age for my lunch to arrive.” Then I the context, and it is certainly in breadcrumbs to give it a golden- noticed something curious; the staff not limited to culinary scenarios. were not rushing from table to table, The word is a term of endearment they were looking calm and relaxed between strangers, friends and whilst they were chatting to their family, and is a way to signify that customers, and everybody had a the other person has your attention smile on their face. My waiter then, and respect. If a smile could be directing me to my seat, took my expressed as a word, it would be coat and welcomed me to Olivelli. Prego. In this particular context, it Within moments my concern of a told me that what I was about to eat rushed lunch had been put to rest. would be thoroughly authentic. The demeanour and attitude of the The meal started with a glass staff had told me I shouldn’t worry, of Valpolicella; a sweet and light- that I should take a deep breath and bodied red wine that pleasantly soak up the alleviative atmosphere. complimented the first course. We were all too keen to get on board Italian food’s homely style gives it a with that, so instead of choosing tendency to look delicious however what we wanted to eat, we let it is presented, but I could tell from Rosario and his team take care of us. the antipasti that we were served I only had one request – I wanted to how much care and attention

08 • THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15 • FOOD & DRINK Arancini and Panella

If a smile could be expressed as a word, it would ‘‘be ‘Prego’ orange colour. All of the antipasti at Christmas when we were served which everybody enjoys themselves components were, quite simply, my favourite flavour: nocciola and everybody is made to feel delicious. (hazelnut). As an extra treat, the welcome. We felt so at home, in The next course was just as staff presented us with a mini fact, that we lost track of time after delicious, and had a flair that dessert platter that included a panna talking to Rosario and his staff complimented its traditional style. cotta, a tiramisu and a cannoli – about everything from wine to the The Linguine con Sarde was a regarded as the definitive Sicilian weekend’s football. perfectly cooked pasta with the pastry. Each dessert tasted different, Thanks to the food and the but all felt part of the same concept, seaside saltiness of sardines and the friendliness of the staff, I spent the delectable yet simple. earthy kick of wild fennel pesto. This entire time in Olivelli remembering was accompanied by a glass of the This was reflective of my whole what it felt like to be in the warm distinctively Sicilian Nero d’Avola. experience at Olivelli, where the air of Palermo and Catania. It was This wine tasted smooth and sweet food was impressive enough to finally time to leave, and my request like the Valpolicella, but had a more make my taste-buds take note, but to be taken back to Sicily had been robust flavour that matched the rich simple and homely enough that thoroughly granted. taste of the pesto perfectly. it never got in the way of good I was almost ready to call it a day, conversation. I realised that this having been filled to the brim with is the essence of Italian food and OLIVELLI delicious food, but when offered culture; good ingredients and great 61 The Cut a dessert I realised that one does food is a given, and without the SE1 8LL not think of Sicilian food without spectacle of say, French cuisine, the w: www.ristoranteolivelli.co.uk thinking of gelato. I felt like a kid dishes compliment an atmosphere in t: 020 7261 1221

THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15•FOOD & DRINK•09 A WORLD OF Food for the season at home and abroad Feasting by Grace McCloud

Pickled herrings

uletide fever is beginning to butter. This is followed by stollen – a sugary, almond- take hold. Cakes, mince pies based fruitcake. Just a mouthful of this and there’s no and ordering a turkey to Grandpa’s pretending that the Advent fast isn’t over. satisfaction are starting to creep up In Poland, Christmas Eve (or Wigilia, meaning vigil) is the ‘to do’ list. marked by a twelve-course meatless dinner, the food of As with any feast day in the calendar, which must be gathered from the four corners of God’s Christmas has always been associated earth – forest, sea, field and orchard. There’s carp and with an indulgence of food. Across barszcz – a type of beetroot soup – pierogi dumplings, Europe, Christmas Eve was traditionally a makowiec (a bittersweet poppy-seed pastry), coulibiac day of abstinence followed by a spectacular feast come nightfall. (a leek and mushroom pie) and, naturally, lots and lots of vodka. It all ends with Pasterka – the Polish Historically, the whole of advent was a fasting period but now it is largely kept to Christmas Eve alone. In Italy, the Feast of the Seven Fishes, or Fiesta Dei Sette Pesce, marks the night of the 24th, breaking that day’s fast. Fish is a common theme across continental Europe. In German and Scandinavian culture, traditions vary from house to house and from family to family, but fish plays a near-constant part. Some families snack on pickled herrings, others on ‘blue’ carp. Traditionally, a scale taken from the carp and put in one’s wallet would bring fortune for the year to come. A typical German family meal may consist of white fish and new potatoes, Roasted chestnuts slathered in horseradish cream and soaked in melted

10 • THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15 • FOOD & DRINK Christmas Eve was traditionally a day of abstinence followed by a ‘‘spectacular feast Pierogi dumplings come nightfall Poppy seed cake equivalent of midnight mass. feast was restored - along with the monarchy. The Christmas vigil is the anticipation of the first Pigs and turkeys have for ages been slaughtered star, and so the Wigilia feast begins the moment when in early November, when they were at their fattest Gwiazdka (“little star”) appears. Gwiazdka is also and would be too costly to keep over the cold winter. the name of the female counterpart of Santa Claus, Christmas pudding, mincemeat and Christmas cake, meaning the feast heralds the present-opening frenzy laced with liquor and spiked with sugar, were sensible for children. ways to keep expensive luxuries like fruits and nuts At the same, almost on the other side of the planet from spoiling. in South America, something else is happening. In Bolivia Midnight Mass is followed by a suckling pig or Regardless of whether Christmas still holds the roast beef, though many will wait until Christmas Day. religious significance that it once did for the majority They drink cola de mono, a South American version of this country, it is fair to say that the principle of of eggnog, and they eat the Italian Christmas cake, celebration – family, stability, happiness – remains, and ‘Panettone’. The other main difference is that the sun what better way to celebrate than with a juicy roast shines and tables are full of fresh flowers, as December dinner and a slice of pudding swimming in cream? is summertime in the Southern hemisphere. Where are our Holy Night traditions on Christmas Eve in Britain? It appears they were lost sometime in the 17th century, outlawed by Oliver Cromwell and the Puritan Parliament. The result? No more mince pies, no more Christmas cake, and certainly no more lavish feasting. Christmas became a time for moderation, reflection and Located in the heart of London, prayer. Presbyterian ministers would do the rounds to Tentazioni is one of the finest Italian make sure no houses were harbouring spiced fruitcakes, restaurants around, offering distinctive plum puddings or were busy roasting chestnuts. In 1660, Italian dishes with a twist, featuring seasonal fresh ingredients. though the Christmas Eve customs were left behind, the EVENTS | CATERING | DELIVERY | WEDDINGS LIVE MUSIC | SPECIAL OCCASIONS Coulibiac, leek and mushroom pie

2 Mill Street, London SE1 2BD | 0207 237 1100 | 0207 394 5248

Opening Times: Mon - Fri 12.00 - 14.45 Mon - Sat 18.00 - 22.45 Sun 12.00 - 21.00

MENTION ‘RIVER’ AND GET 2 GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE LOCANDA del Melo Fine Foods Deli on Long Lane opens its doors for restaurant dining too

he rather fine and old fashioned delicatessen As well as a fine delicatessen counter for takeaway on Long Lane, Fine Foods, supplies treats, patrons can now take the weight off and sit in handpicked specialities from Italy. The the cosy atmosphere throughout the day whilst enjoying team are all Italian; a charming and some home cooking, Italian-style. relaxed bunch, offering as a matter of On the menu are traditional favourites including course great coffees but also a lovely range Pappardelle al ragu Bolognese (no translation required), of pasta, cheese, meats, sauces and wines as Salsiccia luganega con polenta (roasted sausages well as sandwiches to eat on the go. and polenta with salad), Carpaccio di bresaola con Since 2006, this quality little deli rucola e parmigiano (slices of bresaola with rocket and has successfully fed the people parmesan), Moscardini alla luciana (fish and octopus working and living nearby, as well as those just passing through. As the streets all around have become populated by new businesses, restaurants have popped up and the Hampers by Fine Foods demand for seating often out-strips supply at 6pm. It was only a matter of time that this intimate corner shop would look to take its fair share and offer an alternative to the bigger, hectic places on the main drag, which are so often packed full of diners at the peak times. Carmelo, the proprietor of Fine Foods had always nurtured a dream of having his own restaurant and as he approached a decade of successfully feeding the locals it was a natural evolution to refurbish his quaint premises to make room for a 20-seat restaurant. The work was completed in August 2014 and the new space was named ‘Locanda del Melo’.

12 • THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15 • FOOD & DRINK All of these are cooked ‘following the tips of our ‘‘grandmothers’ Salsiccia luganega con polenta

Quaint and cosy interior of Locanda del Melo

stew with tomato sauce and black Taggiasche olives) and lots more. All of these are cooked to traditional recipes, with seasonal ingredients and as they say, ‘following the tips of our grandmothers’! The deli side of things is still there and packed with their usual little gems like the White Truffle Cream – just great when added to a bowl of fresh warm pasta, and the Baitock formaggella di montagna, a semi-hard “mountain” cheese with a mild but distinctive after taste. It’s not too late to think about some culinary ideas for Christmas presents too as the customisable Christmas Hampers allow you to hand pick favourite charcuterie, wines, cheeses and jams and get them shipped all over the world. Everything is on their comprehensive website so if you are interested take a look there to see what they have and when you pop along you can be ready with ideas or questions. The Fine Foods Deli online has almost everything you need, except a taste option! For that, you should just wander down and chat with Carmelo and his team, eat something wonderful and relax with a glass of wine or a coffee.

FINE FOODS DELI & LOCANDA DEL MELO 218 Long Lane London SE1 4QB t: 020 7403 7513 w: www.finefoodse1.co.uk A look inside the methods and qualities of our favourite glasses of fizz by Lauren Marriner

14• THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15 • FOOD & DRINK hat makes bottle is turned upright the yeast Champagne, doesn’t fall into the wine all at once. Champagne? Lastly, the crown cap is removed Well, the wine can and the winemaker can top up the only come from wine with either the same wine, a the hilly French different blend or more sugar. region of the same The UK is the biggest market name and traditionally 3 local grapes for Champagne - according to the are used; Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier Champagne Bureau - 30.8 million and Chardonnay blended together bottles were shipped last year, or used in isolation. It must also be followed by the US at 17.8 million. made using the traditional method There was a time that the only of fermentation to be crowned as quality sparkling wine with any ‘Champagne’. international reputation was The process of making Champagne Champagne, but times have allows the fermenting to take place changed. Now other European inside the bottle for a long period variations, the pride of their of time - either for months or even respective countries, have a number of years. This is called begun reaching the shelves of Méthode Champenoise. During supermarkets, bars and restaurants. this time, the bottles are topped Sparkling wine (or Champagne), with crown caps, like those used once the preserve of the upper on beer which help withstand the classes, is now available to almost pressure that builds up inside the everyone. Though Champagne bottle during the process. Bottles maintains its higher value status are then placed slanting downwards and remains the drink of choice for so the yeast settles at the neck. toasting and celebrating, the lower Following this, the neck of the bottle end of the market now offers some is frozen so the yeast inside freezes. fabulous alternatives. The ice forms a plug, so when the Cava uses different, local Spanish There are a few local grapes, such as the Viura (also manufacturers of gin in known as Macabeu), Xarel-lo, the area. In and Parellada. They use the same there is the company fermentation method as Champagne Jensen Gin founded in but because the process does not 2001 and run by Christian take place in the French region they Jensen, producing ‘Bermondsey call it instead, ‘Metodo Tradicional’ Dry’ gin amongst others.They are (Traditional Method). Unlike open to the public on Saturdays for Champagne, Cava comes from a tasting sessions and you can even number of different regions in Spain; arrange a distillery tour or take the most productive area being the some friends for group tasting! north east of the country. It seems that the area has some From Italy, Prosecco is another pedigree in gin-making; The sparkling wine rapidly growing in Beefeater Distillery has been in popularity. It gets its name from the Kennington since 1958. They grape used to make it, but it can be produce another well-known blended with other grapes such as ‘London Dry Gin’ - the recipe for Bianchetta Trevigiana. Its bubbles which hasn’t changed since the come from being fermented in huge 1800s. stainless steel pressurized tanks Whatever your choice of tipple is rather than in individual bottles this season and wherever it’s from making it less expensive to produce. – enjoy! However, it looks like spirits will be the drink of choice over the Christmas period this year with gin and tonic being the most popular combination.

214 Bermondsey gin & cocktail bar Sunday Social Every Sunday 4pm - 10.30pm

Weekly Changing Menu: Cocktails £5 Double G&T’s £4 Plus Sharing Drinks

Reservations recommended: 020 7403 6875 [email protected]

214 Bermondsey St, SE1 3TQ WINTERspecials January deals to enjoy when the Christmas party is over

hen the hype of Christmas rounding the day off with a great value bite to eat. is over, and the decorations Steak lovers can enjoy a Chateaubriand at the No. are down, it’s tough to get 1 Sports Bar near Station, whereas excited about going out and pub-goers can grab a pie and a pint at The Rose Pub on having fun. Everywhere seems Weston Street. You can start your day off well with a quiet and cold, and everyone is breakfast at The Brigade on Tooley Street or dive into a nursing that big winter hangover. sumptuous Italian feast at Tentazioni in Shad Thames. It’s hard to drag yourself out when your pocket is a little emptier than usual, but if restaurants and bars are There... something to look forward to – at any time of making offers so good they can’t be refused, it might just day – in January after all! persuade us to venture out to enjoy a cocktail, a special lunch or even a scrumptious evening meal. Don’t forget these deals are only available in Here are a few rather special treats to think about January, and you must quote ‘The RIVER’ when you’re out braving the January sales and fancy when booking or visiting.

Chateaubriand BRIGADE BAR & BISTRO & a glass of wine 2 for 1 on all Breakfasts (7:30AM-10:30AM - 2 TO 8 PEOPLE) for 2 - £30 Book online 1 Duke Street Hill or by phone SE1 2SW 0844 346 1225 020 3291 3251 WWW.THEBRIGADE.CO.UK www.n1bar.com 139 TOOLEY STREET, SE1 2HZ

Pie & a Pint

Located in the heart of London, Tentazioni is one of the finest Italian for £10 restaurants around, offering distinctive Italian dishes with a twist, featuring (Mon-Thurs, 12pm-3pm only) seasonal fresh ingredients. EVENTS | CATERING | DELIVERY | WEDDINGS THE ROSE PUB LIVE MUSIC | SPECIAL OCCASIONS 2 Mill Street, London SE1 2BD | 0207 237 1100 | 0207 394 5248 020 7403 0168 Opening Times: Mon - Fri 12.00 - 14.45 Mon - Sat 18.00 - 22.45 123 Snowsfields, SE1 3ST Sun 12.00 - 21.00 THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15•FOOD & DRINK•17 www.therosepublichouse.co.uk MENTION ‘RIVER’ AND GET 2 GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE the world. These include Princess Charlene of Monaco, Mariam Clegg, Shami Chakrabarti, Noami Campbell and Skin, to name a few. Alongside NOT A each outfit is a brief bio of each woman and their comments on what they wear and why they wear it. Some cite their desire to stand out in a sea of black suits, others reflect their job and some, like Skin’s multiple choice corsetry was that more women is powerful in itself. The subtitle feathered and be-jeweled stage started playing sport. The clothes to the exhibition boldly proclaims piece, just bring the wow-factor. The ‘Women Fashion Power’ exhibition showcases at the Design Museum become truly political when we that ‘Women Fashion Power’ is by Jessica Cusack reach the ‘women in WWI’ section. Pointedly, at no point in the ‘Not a Multiple Choice’, telling us The transformative role of women in exhibition are the words ‘power that these three adjectives are the war is well documented, but the dressing’ mentioned. Instead, not mutually exclusive: as women s a society we can has a futuristic feel, contrasting the clothes they had to wear also played Loveday wanted to explore the way we can be both fashionable and often be obsessed portraits of Victorian women and the a part. Women who went to work on in which women’s clothing and style powerful. with what women corsetry to which they were once farms and in factories, for instance, Fashion is an identity-defining wear. Co-curator bound. had to adopt practical clothing. decision we all make every time of the ‘Women The exhibit begins with a timeline When moving through the space we get dressed. This wonderful Fashion Power’ charting female fashion from the you really get a sense of the fun of exhibition empowers women and exhibition Victorian period to the present day, fashion, but also of how important demonstrates how the potency of Donna Loveday looking at how clothes reflect the it has been throughout history. female fashion stands the test of and fashion legend Colin McDowell, social issues of their time, but also Reaching the second ‘explosion’ time. however, wanted to shift the balance the way in which the changing styles reveals several lines of mannequins of power: away from judging eyes reflected progress for women’s guiding the way. The mannequins Women Fashion Power is at and back to the women themselves. rights. We start with the tiniest of are dressed in outfits donated by the Design Museum until 26th Out of this notion came the Design corsets, measuring just 18 inches – important women from a variety of April 2015. Museum’s latest exhibit, which the perfect Victorian silhouette but industries and professions across focuses on a diverse range of stomach churning to behold. Then powerful and successful women who come the more liberating fashions of choose what they wear, who use the Edwardian period – a time when fashion to project their identity and the Suffragettes dominated the who manipulate it for their own gain. headlines. Loveday explains that the From start to finish it’s a Suffragettes consciously dressed in fascinating concept, even the space the feminine trends of the time so as in which it’s presented is in keeping to counter the common perception with the theme. Zaha Hadid, one Some cite their of them as masculine and unnatural. of the most successful architects Revelations like these alongside in the world and a subject of the desire to stand out physical examples make this exhibition, designed the layout. She in a sea of black exhibition fascinating. The curators chose to represent the different show that clothes are not just used areas as ‘explosions’ marked by strip suits, others just to cover up or make us look nice, but lighting and mirrors that hang from bring the wow- are also tools in social and political the ceiling, allowing you to view the life. For example, the reason for garments from all angles. The space ‘‘factor the relaxation of the strict Victorian

18• THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15 • STYLE the world. These include Princess Charlene of Monaco, Mariam Clegg, Shami Chakrabarti, Noami Campbell and Skin, to name a few. Alongside each outfit is a brief bio of each woman and their comments on what they wear and why they wear it. Some cite their desire to stand out in a sea of black suits, others reflect their job and some, like Skin’s corsetry was that more women is powerful in itself. The subtitle feathered and be-jeweled stage started playing sport. The clothes to the exhibition boldly proclaims piece, just bring the wow-factor. become truly political when we that ‘Women Fashion Power’ is reach the ‘women in WWI’ section. Pointedly, at no point in the ‘Not a Multiple Choice’, telling us The transformative role of women in exhibition are the words ‘power that these three adjectives are the war is well documented, but the dressing’ mentioned. Instead, not mutually exclusive: as women clothes they had to wear also played Loveday wanted to explore the way we can be both fashionable and a part. Women who went to work on in which women’s clothing and style powerful. farms and in factories, for instance, Fashion is an identity-defining had to adopt practical clothing. decision we all make every time When moving through the space we get dressed. This wonderful you really get a sense of the fun of exhibition empowers women and fashion, but also of how important demonstrates how the potency of it has been throughout history. female fashion stands the test of Reaching the second ‘explosion’ time. reveals several lines of mannequins guiding the way. The mannequins Women Fashion Power is at are dressed in outfits donated by the Design Museum until 26th important women from a variety of April 2015. industries and professions across The Lounge Hair Salon is a great place to discover the secrets of good hair-care by Jessica Cusack

t is sometimes said that one can leave us looking dry and of the closest relationships damaged. The solutions? Moisture we form is with our packs, masks and protein treatments hairdresser. This unique for winter, the – Onay recommends the Pureology bond, which incorporates tendency is to go and Redken ranges, which add both both business and pleasure, hydration and strength. is where gossip and advice for a softer ombré Requests for copycat looks remain is exchanged in hushed look fixated on celebrities like Cheryl tones when the roar of Cole and Nicole Scherzinger; not the hairdryer doesn’t only for their colour but for their red mask the chatter. I have a feeling the style. He emphasizes the need carpet styles too, such as hair up, that the warm and friendly Onay, to look after hair with the correct party do’s, all of which can be done owner of The Lounge Hair Salon, has shampoo, conditioner, products and in the salon. Despite the trend for many close relationships like these. treatments to ensure the colour and long, brunette locks, the salon has The sheer range of clientèle at shape work for longer than your first also had a request or two for Miley The Lounge Hair Salon speaks to wash after the salon. Cyrus’ short and punky peroxide its popularity and professionalism – To focus on the aesthetic side crop, while the men are still after they are rated 5 Stars in The Good of hair for a moment, Onay tells the retro 1940s look complete with Salon Guide. From city workers me that, for winter, the tendency beard grooming, of course. and locals, to people who don’t is to go for a “softer ombré look – Like most hairdressers, the even live in London, the salon is more caramels and golds”, to avoid salon has seen their fair share immensely popular and it’s easy looking too brassy in the coming of disasters walk in through the to see why. Onay and his team cold months. He also highlights the door. These mainly come from DIY care a lot about the health of their need to maintain certain standards home colouring, using chemist client’s hair, as opposed to just of hair-care, given the frosty weather or supermarket-bought products

20• THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15 • STYLE that go horribly wrong, causing the hair to become over processed and breakable. “Nine times out of ten we can fix it,” Onay tells me, “we’ll concentrate on improving the condition, strength and moisture of the hair before we undertake any services”. This involves doing a strand test on the client’s hair to demonstrate just how damaged it is – a step which is often enough to make them reconsider their desires for a full head of bleach. “Strand tests speak a thousand words,” Onay reveals. Sometimes, a celebrity copycat colour is simply impossible: clients don’t realise that stars such as Rita Ora, Beyoncé and Rihanna rarely use their real hair, hence why they are able to change style so often. “It’s all an illusion – people come THE LOUNGE HAIR SALON and say ‘she’s changed her hair so 200 Jamaica Road many times, why can’t I?’ but they Bermondsey SE16 4RT don’t realise that they’ve got a stylist t: 020 7237 2624 twenty-four-seven and they wear w: www.loungehairbeauty.co.uk hair pieces and wigs!” Instead, Onay and his team focus on the idea that if you nourish and care for your hair, it will repay you.

Amanda Thompson

couture

Pret a porter collection and one off couture garments for every occasion

A quintessentially British brand celebrating the female form with simple elegant cuts that accentuate the body

90 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3UB www.amandathompsoncouture.com 020 7407 3024 WINTER in bloom From beautiful Lillies to Valentines Roses, the sweet scent of flowers can last all year long by Lauren Marriner

oses – the February was originally the month been executed, was made the day to modern of the ancient Roman fertility commemorate Saint Valentine. day icon festival called ‘Lupercalia’, but Giving flowers to symbolise a for romance was later adopted by Christianity deeper meaning could date back and love. They are to celebrate Saint Valentine’s to the early 18th Century. King given to celebrate Day (although this explanation is Charles II of Sweden returned from special occasions still debated). A popular idea is a visit to Persia with the Language such as birthdays, that Saint Valentinus was a priest of Flowers, the idea that every anniversaries and sentenced to death for performing flower had a meaning. It was very Valentines day, of course, or marriage ceremonies in secret; popular throughout Europe and sometimes just as a sign of affection. during the Roman era, under giving flowers eventually became But where did this tradition stem Emperor Claudius II, soldiers could a way of expressing yourself to from – no pun intended – and why not get married as he believed single others without being explicit. The do we give flowers on Valentines men made better fighters. February Victorians would go on to coin the day? 14, the day he was said to have term ‘Floriography’ for associating IGLOO Sharp Design Personal Touch Professional Service www.iglooflowers.com flowers with different knife in a diagonal line but don’t meanings. cut them too short. You can use the Legend has it Roses have flower food that comes with most that the Rose long been bouquets, but it is not essential was the favourite the flowers according to Igloo; the important of passion thing is that the water remains flower of Venus, and love. fresh. You want to make sure to goddess of love Legend has change it every two days to increase it that the Rose the lifespan of your flowers. Roses was the favourite do not like excessive heat either, ‘‘ unsurprisingly, quite hardy. They so be sure to keep them away from flower of Venus, tend to be much more tolerant of radiators. the Roman the shade and are more adaptable goddess of One thing you need to look for to changing containers. The biggest love, which if buying a Rose is the quality of draw of Winter flowers, however, is gave the flower it’s ancient the flower. It should be tight and their ability to bring colour and life meaning. not fully opened, this way you’ll to a living room when the weather Igloo Flowers at London guarantee that it will be fresh for as outside is dull and grey. If you Bridge Station told us that of long as possible while in your care. are treated to a big bouquet this all the flowers sold during the The bloom should not have any Christmas, try placing them by a month of February, 75% are Roses. marks, either. doorway to give off a sweet scent as It is not only the red Rose that is Although Roses are the most you enter the room. popular, however, their second significant flower of February, Considering flowers over most popular seller is a pink Rose the other Winter months see the the Winter are often given as called ‘sweet avalanche’. To ensure popularity of other plants rising. affectionate gifts, the most popular that they have enough of the flower Of course we always see a sharp colours tend to be romantic reds, stocked during the big turnover of spike in Holly and Mistletoe over of course, but also rich purples, the Valentines holiday, and to ensure Christmas, but there are many other hot pinks and crisp, silvery whites. that what they sell is fresh and more colourful options available These colours signify, among other healthy, Igloo’s Roses are delivered over the colder seasons. During things, passion, romance, luxury every two days. December and January, Igloo’s red and royalty – the perfect If you are lucky enough to receive Tulips are very popular, as are their message to send to a dozen Roses, or even just one from ‘hot pink’ Anemones. Winter flowers someone special. that special someone, here are some tend to have sweet smells, such as tips for looking after them. Roses the beautiful Lillies or the highly have a lifespan of about ten days scented Tuberose. after being cut from their source. Flowers that Remove the lower-level leaves from bloom at this time the stems as you do not want them of year are also, to fall into the water. If they do, they will release harmful bacteria as they rot, contaminating the water ruining the blooms. Cut the stems with a sharp

“flowers are ourpassion”

Sharp Design Weddings Personal Touch Corporate Professional Service Design Studio Adjacent to The Shard 020 7403 7774 Revisiting an old haunt, and an old style of music by Owen Rice couple of years back evening is not only dark but cold as lyrics are layered over the top and I scribbled my details well. It’s moody. the organic process of creation is in the book on the bar Come rain or shine, The Glad’s skipped. Heading towards The Glad for The Gladstone stage is prepped for performance tonight I realised it was rare for this pub’s e-newsletter, and the local audience thirsty for kind of music to be getting a look and it seemed another display of talent. Tonight in of late. The blues, the heart and improbable they was no different, and on the menu soul of twentieth century music, is would actually send something out. were a couple of sets from The becoming irrelevant to listeners in The bar is a real old boozer, not a Howlin’ Boys serving up some old the twenty-first century. How glad I laptop nor a flashy gastro-pub effect time jazz and blues. Not so long ago was to be heading back to it. in sight. Even if they did send out the blues was the staple skill in the The power of the blues is in its emails, would I tire of them? Would repertoire of all budding musicians simplicity and that it’s ‘real’. Real I tut as they busily worked their way and an essential part in any vinyl people, real stories, tragedies, into my inbox with so many other collection. If you were going to write injustices, loves and laughs relayed emails, requested or not? music, the blues were what onions, over 8-bars. Whether it is Howlin’ But the news from The Glad is garlic and seasoning are to a chef. Wolf, BB King or Nina Simone, these always good tidings; interesting Without them, at the heart of what artists bared their life and soul insights into local creatives, you are making, there is no depth, through their music. It’s more than musicians, minstrels, rockers and no soul. X Factor entertainment, it’s art with honkytonkers as well as the line up Over the last ten or twenty years roots in social truths. It felt good to of gigs for the weeks ahead. ‘modern music’, pop music that be heading out for a night of blues, It’s winter now, the clocks have is, seems to be written without for old times sake. gone back and the night starts any idea or flavour of the blues in I’ve heard it quipped that ‘Nostalgia so much earlier, but it’s always a it. Synthesised pre-set rhythms isn’t what it used to be..’ and I shock that at the same time of year are activated with a click, self wondered if tripping back again to the weather switches too and the indulgent, vain and humourless the music of seven or eight decades

24• THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15 • CULTURE ago would be a let down. But at 8:30pm, when the double The Howlin’ Boys bass got picked up served up some old and and the first Revisiting an old haunt, and an old style of music tinkles were played time jazz and blues on the stride piano I by Owen Rice knew I had come to couple of years back evening is not only dark but cold as lyrics are layered over the top and the right place. I scribbled my details well. It’s moody. the organic process of creation is Honkytonk Wednesdays at The Gladstone is a weekly in the book on the bar Come rain or shine, The Glad’s skipped. Heading towards The Glad feast of early twentieth century American music including for The Gladstone stage is prepped for performance tonight I realised it was rare for this ragtime, speakeasy, blues and boogie-woogie. The pub is pub’s e-newsletter, and the local audience thirsty for kind of music to be getting a look tucked round the back of Borough tube station on Lant and it seemed another display of talent. Tonight in of late. The blues, the heart and Street and puts on live music several times a week. The improbable they was no different, and on the menu soul of twentieth century music, is atmosphere is intimate, warm and charming and the would actually send something out. were a couple of sets from The becoming irrelevant to listeners in clientele are refreshingly old-school music lovers of all The bar is a real old boozer, not a Howlin’ Boys serving up some old the twenty-first century. How glad I ages. Whether you are heading out with a few friends for laptop nor a flashy gastro-pub effect time jazz and blues. Not so long ago was to be heading back to it. drinks or with a partner for some good live entertainment, in sight. Even if they did send out the blues was the staple skill in the The power of the blues is in its you would need to go a long way to beat an evening at emails, would I tire of them? Would repertoire of all budding musicians simplicity and that it’s ‘real’. Real this place. I tut as they busily worked their way and an essential part in any vinyl people, real stories, tragedies, The band on were The Howlin’ Boys and with an easy into my inbox with so many other collection. If you were going to write injustices, loves and laughs relayed grace they recreated the atmosphere of New Orleans, emails, requested or not? music, the blues were what onions, over 8-bars. Whether it is Howlin’ playing blues standards from Sister Rosetta Tharpe to But the news from The Glad is garlic and seasoning are to a chef. Wolf, BB King or Nina Simone, these Ella Fitzgerald, Fats Waller and Bessie Smith. They are always good tidings; interesting Without them, at the heart of what artists bared their life and soul normally seen playing with Ruby Theodore at various insights into local creatives, you are making, there is no depth, through their music. It’s more than venues around south London with their own blend of musicians, minstrels, rockers and no soul. X Factor entertainment, it’s art with 1920s to 1940s Jazz and Blues. Find them on Facebook honkytonkers as well as the line up Over the last ten or twenty years roots in social truths. It felt good to and SoundCloud. of gigs for the weeks ahead. ‘modern music’, pop music that be heading out for a night of blues, It’s winter now, the clocks have is, seems to be written without for old times sake. THE GLADSTONE gone back and the night starts any idea or flavour of the blues in I’ve heard it quipped that ‘Nostalgia 64 Lant Street so much earlier, but it’s always a it. Synthesised pre-set rhythms isn’t what it used to be..’ and I Borough shock that at the same time of year are activated with a click, self wondered if tripping back again to SE1 1QN the weather switches too and the indulgent, vain and humourless the music of seven or eight decades w: www.thegladpub.com and don’t forget to sign up for their newsletter!

24• THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15 • CULTURE FAIRYTALES for young and old

Philip Pullman’s Grimm Tales return in an immersive storyfelling experience

shadow is author Pullman put his own spin Town Hall, I was thrilled with the descending on on the classics two years ago. This vividness and fidelity with which the . theatrical adaptation of his book, they’d carried the tales from the This Winter, however, will breathe a new life into page to the performance space. the tales as they are reproduced as I’m sure the Brothers Grimm Oxo Tower an interactive performance. themselves, if they could see it, Wharf’s Grimm Tales promises to offer would be as delighted as I was.” Bargehouse something truly different; audiences The tales presented contain a will host will be led through an immersive mixture of stories we are all familiar what looks experience over five different floors with, as well as some lesser known to be one of the highlights of the and will be taken on a journey fables, great for those of us whose season, as Phillip Pullman’s Grimm through the combined imaginations knowledge of Grimm doesn’t extend Tales for Young and Old scare of the Brothers Grimm, Phillip much farther than Little Red Riding and delight its audience in equal Pullman and director Phillip Wilson. Hood (or Little Red Cap as she was measure. Originally based on Jacob Speaking of the production, the originally named). The stories that and Wilhelm Grimm’s 19th Century author said: “When I saw the audiences will get to see include children’s stories, renowned British previous production at Shoreditch ‘The Frog King or Iron Heinrich’, or

26 • THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15 • CULTURE If the Brothers Grimm could see it, they would be as delighted ‘‘as I was as some may know it, The Princess performance, the horror of witches stage and screen experience to the and the Frog; ‘Thousandfurs’, which kidnapping children and princes production. Among them is John tells the story of a young girl who being decapitated will certainly Seaward, known for his role in disguises herself in a coat of many be suggested, so don’t expect a television’s ‘The Inbetweeners’, as furs to escape her father; and a pleasant walk in the woods. well as Morag Cross, who appeared story we all know well: ‘Hansel and The show also captures the spirit in the National Theatre’s ‘Romeo Gretel’. The tales shown are not of the Grimm Tales in a different and Juliet’. limited to these three, and all have way, making the experience as Grimm Tales’ northern European been re-imagined and presented in a immersive as possible. It is not hard influences are a perfect match for way that feels fresh and innovative. to imagine that when the Brothers the colder Winter months, so don’t Whilst the production is suitable Grimm first wrote their ‘Kinder miss out on what promises to be the for children aged 8 and above, it und Hausmärchen’ (Children’s and adventure of the season. certainly cannot be said that Grimm Household Tales), the little ones Tales is a play for children. The would have been gathered around GRIMM TALES haunting atmosphere and twisted a fire, ready to hear another tale FOR YOUNG AND OLD reality will give adults of all ages of wonder. In the Bargehouse’s 21 November 2014 something to get joyfully lost version, spectators will be similarly to 15 February 2015 in. According to The Telegraph, ‘gathered around’, with no division The Bargehouse Grimm Tales “is a treat for adults’ between the story-tellers and their Oxo Tower Wharf rusty imaginations.” Whilst there audience. Southbank, SE1 9PH won’t be any gore during the The cast of sixteen bring ample w: www.grimm-tales.co.uk

THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15•CULTURE•27 NATIONAL THEATRE 3 Winters JOHN SOUTHBANK 26 November - 3 February 30 October – 13 January SE1 9PX Against a country in turmoil, Tena JOHN authentically depicts real- 020 7452 3000 Štivičić’s 3 Winters creates the life stories, where movement and portrait of an eclectic family held spoken word combine to create Treasure Island together by the courage to survive an intense and poignant theatrical From 3 December experience Robert Louis Stevenson’s story Here Lies Love of murder, money and mutiny is 30 September – 8 January Behind the Beautiful Forevers brought to life on the Olivier stage A revolutionary musical experience From 10 November in a thrilling new adaptation by from David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, A new play by David Hare based on Bryony Lavery where audience participation and Katherine Boo’s uncompromising dancing is encouraged book about the lives of people living in the slums of Mumbai

3 Winters at The National Robert Louis Stevensons classic Treasure Island

28 • THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15 • CULTURE Dara SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE THE YOUNG VIC 20 January – 4 April 56 PARK STREET 66 THE CUT The story of two brothers’ fight for SE1 9AR SE1 8LZ control of the Muslim empire in the 020 7261 9565 020 7922 2922 year 1659 The Knight of the Burning Pestle Golem 11 December – 11 January 9 December – 17 January THE BARGEHOUSE Running two plays within-the-play Blending stunningly original OXO TOWER WHARF simultaneously, this festive treat animation with entrancing music SOUTH BANK starring Phil Daniels and Pauline and live performance, Golem asks SE1 9PH McLynn combines wicked humour, us what happens when mankind 020 7021 1600 charming songs and a cast of and machines become inextricably hilarious London characters intertwined? Phillip Pullman’s Grimm Tales for Young and Old The Changeling Bull 21 November – 15 February 15 January – 1 March 8 January – 7 February This immersive experience will Charged with ferocious dramatic A razor-sharp play about the fine plunge adults and children alike irony and a wild comic sub-plot, this line between office politics and into the subversive world of the tale of a liaison based on repulsion playground bullying, Bull offers Brothers Grimm and fascination brings Jacobean ringside seats as three employees theatre to the Globe fight to keep their jobs

GIELGUD THEATRE A View from the Bridge 35 SHAFTESBURY AVENUE THE OLD VIC 11 February – 11 April W1D 6AR 103 THE CUT The great Arthur Miller confronts 0844 482 5130 SE1 8NB the American dream in this dark 020 7928 2651 and passionate tale The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Electra 24 June – 14 February 22 September – 20 December This acclaimed production of Mark Frank McGuinness delivers a Haddon’s award-winning novel, charged adaptation of this classic adapted by Simon Stephens and tale of power and revenge directed by Marianne Elliott, has won 7 Olivier Awards – including Best Play in 2013

Mark Strong in A View from the Bridge, Arthur Miller’s dark tale Dara at The National showing at The Young Vic’

THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15 • CULTURE • 29 MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY Here Lies Love, an exciting dance show by David 53 Byrne and Fatboy Slim’ SE1 1RU 020 7378 1713

Assassins 21 November – 7 March This multi Tony award-winning musical tells the secret story of assassins

WATERLOO EAST THEATRE BRAD STREET SE1 8TN 020 7378 1713

The Eight Reindeer Monologues 15 – 20 December In this adult comedy the eight Reindeer don’t hold back when speaking up about what Santa’s really like

UNICORN THEATRE 147 TOOLEY STREET SE1 2HZ 020 7645 0560 WHITE CUBE 144 – 152 BERMONDSEY STREET The Nutcracker and the Mouse King SE1 3TQ 21 November – 4 January 020 7930 5373 For ages 8 and up, this adaptation of a festive classic is The Unicorn’s biggest Christmas show yet Liza Lou – Solid/Divide 26 November – 18 January For this exhibition, Lou explores the emotive potential of pure colour and the beauty of imperfection

DESIGN MUSEUM 28 SHAD THAMES SE1 2YD 020 7403 6933

Women Fashion Power 29 October – 26 April This exhibition looks at how influential women have used fashion to define and enhance their position in the world

TATE MODERN SE1 9TG 020 7887 8888

Conflict, Time, Photography 26 November – 15 March From the seconds after a bomb is detonated to a former scene of battle years after a war has ended, this moving exhibition focuses on the passing of time through over 150 years of conflict around the world A TRUE inspiration

The ‘Inspiring Women’ Campaign stopped off in SE1 to talk to girls about their career potential

St. Saviours & St. Olaves School for Girls

t Saviour’s Prime Minister Nick Clegg, took the ‘Inspiring Women’ campaign, & St Olave’s, part in what was called a ‘Speed was to demystify the ever popular an inner Networking Event’. Nineteen other fashion industry and show the wide city Church successful women and 100 girls also range of roles to which young girls of England took part in the event, held at St today can aspire – from design, to school for Saviour’s & St Olave’s Girls School, manufacturing, to marketing, to girls aged on the New Kent Road. retail. It was an opportunity for the 11-18, has The aim of the event, part of girls to look behind the glitz and an excellent track record of academic success and of preparing students for top universities and careers. Headteacher Catherine May recently recognised the opportunity to give her students a day that they wouldn’t soon forget. On 12th November the Editor of British Vogue magazine, Alexandra Shulman and Miriam González Durántez, Partner at law firm Dechert LLP and wife of the Deputy

THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15•FOR THE SOUL•31 This is the perfect opportunity to tell the girls about jobs they ‘‘might not know existed glamour to see the real jobs that to really drive home the message ‘Inspiring Women’ is a perfect match were available – and achievable that the industry isn’t restricted to for our school. We have students – to those who were enterprising those with special privileges, and is who are ambitious and teachers enough. one that anyone can be a part of, so who help them achieve their In October in 2013, the Education long as they are motivated to put in potential. This event is a unique and Employers Task Force launched the dedication that it requires. experience, one that I’m sure will their ‘Inspiring Women’ campaign, Shulman, one of the career speed last long in our memories and may which aimed to get a number of networkers said: “The opportunities well change some lives!” high profile female role models to for working in the fashion industry encourage a younger generation of are huge but it’s often hard to find If you are or know a woman out about them. This is the perfect girls to aim for as prolific a career that would like to dedicate opportunity for people who work as they can. Since then, over 11,500 an hour of her time to speak women have volunteered, and they not only in the high profile side to young girls about their are close to reaching their target of the business but in some of the profession, then visit: of 15,000 women from a range of lesser known spheres to tell the www.inspiringthefuture.org occupations and backgrounds. girls about jobs they might not know The Education and Employers existed or how they would pursue Task Force is a registered charity them. The industry has a relatively that was founded in October 2009 high proportion of female talent and ST. SAVIOURS & with the aim of ‘ensuring that every hopefully this event will be inspiring ST. OLAVES SCHOOL school and college has an effective for the pupils who are wondering New Kent Road partnership with employers to what career they might have, and SE1 4AN provide its young people with the how to take the first steps.” t: 020 7407 1843 inspiration, motivation, knowledge, Catherine added: “Working with w: www.ssso.southwark.sch.uk skills and opportunities they need to help them achieve their potential and so to secure the UK’s Vogue Editor Alexandra Shulman (far right) led an inspiring day future prosperity’. A bold mission for the students indeed, but one that is still growing ever stronger, especially with the Inspiring Women campaign. Although it is a nationwide campaign, Inspiring Women has recently hit a little closer to home after their journey brought them to SE1. The event was also an opportunity for the campaign to encourage many other women to join and pledge ‘one hour a year to talk to girls’ at a nearby school or workplace about their life experience, job and career route. Women’s fashion is truly being seen as a force for good (don’t forget about the Design Museum’s ‘Women Fashion Power’ exhibition), and so it seems that the time is right

32 • THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15 • FOR THE SOUL COMPETITION Winner: a short story

by Chris Underwood

angled in briars, as unforgiving as razor wire, lies with some regularity. a mobile phone; there at the top of One Tree Sometimes, when he had a meeting he particularly Hill. Black, glass, incongruous, right where feared, he would make his excuses and instead take it landed, twenty feet or so from the stone the train to Honor Oak, walking up the flagstone steps pedestal with its etched guide to the London to the top of One Tree Hill, puffing and panting as he skyline. A skyline, which, through gaps in went, always with a nagging fear that he may suddenly the ancient trees, shimmers in the distance. be gripped by heart failure and drop down dead, his It first rang cheerfully at midday, mocking body laid there to rest, cushioned in the wet bracken. the local birds with its piezoelectric Mozart ‘Would that really be so bad?’ he would think to himself, symphony. It rang again half an hour later, and ‘I like it up here, it’s so near to all the madness and yet then again fifteen minutes after that. For a short while so peaceful and removed from it, I’d rather end my days it fell silent, and then it rang again at irregular intervals here than lassoed to some drip in a bed,’ it was this before falling silent again. Now, as the colour of the sky thought that usually helped calm his palpitations. starts changing to a more luxuriant hue, and the gaps Maria Edwards, his wife, was to meet him at between the trees turn inky black, it is ringing again. Paddington at two o’clock, for the two fifteen train Aside from the crack of twigs, and the ghost voices in to Swansea. There they would change for a train to the leaves, it is the only sound. It makes too brash a Pembroke. She had loved James very much for very noise for an October dusk on a deserted hillside. many years, but his increasingly erratic behaviour Darren Brooks hates his damned job, and frankly he had made it hard for her to rely on him as she used to doesn’t care who knows it, well, apart from Lynne, his do; she was getting tired of being let down, she never line manager, he puts on his ‘work face’ for her only. seemed to know where he was, or what he was up to Given that his entire day is spent fielding verbal abuse these days: late at the office, trips out of London, those from total strangers, this attitude is not unreasonable; endless walks of his; he just couldn’t be relied upon he badly needs the money though, and his idiot friend, anymore and she found that emotionally draining. Steve, told him that it would probably be ‘pretty cushy’. On the advice of a friend, she had confronted him James Edwards hates his job too, but for entirely about her concerns, and suggested that they go away different reasons. together for the weekend. Fearing her affections were He’d always been waning, he had wanted to please her and had booked able to channel the afternoon off work to demonstrate his commitment his default state to the idea. They would go to Pembrokeshire, where he’d been handed of high anxiety they first spent time alone together, all those years ago; into a force for they would walk along the coast, laugh, hold hands, what whisperers in good, at least and he would point out the different types of seabird, the office had been when at work, as they sat with her head on his shoulder, gazing out but now, as Head towards the container ships, floating out on the horizon. calling a ‘poisoned of Strategy, he’d Darren Brooks, meanwhile, was having a particularly chalice’ been handed bad day. Darren was entirely used to getting shouted what whisperers at down the line, but there was something particularly in the office had been calling a ‘poisoned chalice’, which aggressive about some of the expletives with which he’d he‘‘ thought was a rather theatrical way of saying ‘a been greeted that morning. He badly needed to find crappy job that no one else wanted to do’ - how could another job. So far, he had seen just the one, advertised he turn it down though, especially on that kind of in the local paper - an office assistant to take and make money. It didn’t help that his relationship with Maria calls for someone fairly senior in a company he’d never was on the rocks, to put it mildly, although he’d agreed heard of - he had a lot of experience dealing with people that a reconciliation weekend away was a good idea. over the telephone and he reasoned with himself that As James Edward’s new role had progressed, with he’d almost certainly get the job. new responsibilities foisted upon him almost daily, So, on that one October morning, as Darren Brooks sat it had become increasingly apparent that what was at his desk thinking about how he was going to change being asked of him was an almost impossible task. This his life for the better, James Edwards sat at the top of realisation made him stressed, gave him eczema, and of One Tree Hill, surveying the city below him. He couldn’t late, caused him to miss key meetings and appointments actually see it, but he could work out exactly where his

THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15 • FOR THE SOUL • 33 office must be. Looking down on it said a dispassionate, disembodied said a plaintive voice: “we like this, he thought, with the gentle voice, which didn’t sound very understand from our records that tones of nature and the clear autumn sorry at all: I am very sorry for the you may be due up to five thousand sunshine, was the perfect antidote cancellation of this service and for pounds in unclaimed payment to the stresses of work. Or at least any inconvenience this will cause protection insurance...” it should be; except that he’d taken to your journey. Please listen for “Piss off!” Maria barked, the lovers three calls that morning that had further announcements. turned to look at her, surprised, she particularly riled him and that he Maria called again, but again, no smiled back, and then a tear began couldn’t seem to put aside so as to reply. Darren Brooks made his way to make its way down her cheek. enjoy the view - unreasonable people methodically and unhappily down his She didn’t know that James Edwards making unreasonable demands on list of names. James Edwards wished was at the bottom of the escalators his time - he wanted to leave all on his life that he’d remembered on the Bakerloo line at Paddington that anger back at the office but Maria’s mobile number or at least railway station and that in front of inadvertently he had brought it with written it down. Orange dots swept him was a man with a holdall and him to the top of his hill, and that busily across the departure board a surfboard and an issue with his angered him more than anything. to reassemble into letters one rung Oyster card. Just at that moment his phone rang, up, another train was due in fifteen Maria knew what she had to shattering the calm - he stared at minutes, and it appeared to be on do. She would board that train it angrily, but didn’t recognise the time. James Edwards would have to to Swansea and she would go to number and so curiosity led him to run between stops, but he’d always the boutique hotel in Pembroke answer: been a fast mover through the that they had chosen together, “Good morning Mr Edwards,” said city’s public transport network, he and when she got there she would a plaintive voice, “we understand reckoned he could still make it. phone James at home and leave from our records that you may be him a message telling him that their due up to five thousand pounds relationship was over. in unclaimed payment protection James Edwards surfaced just as insurance...” I like it up here, the 14:15 Great Western Service ‘Leave me alone!’ screamed James to Swansea was pulling away from Edwards, the words boiling up inside it’s so near to all the platform. A string of expletives him and then shooting up and out of the madness and poured from his mouth, but he now his mouth, a scream so profound he also knew what he must do; he scared himself a little, and then in yet so peaceful and would go home, find Maria’s number, his rage he’d taken his telephone and removed from it apologise profusely and then take a thrown it as far as he could. later train. Almost immediately a calm fell As Maria’s train picked its way upon him, he felt peaceful, at one Maria rang again, three times, through unnamed suburbs, her mind ‘‘increasingly agitated, still getting with the nature around him. He darted between concern for her took several deep breaths, sat down no reply. She stood and watched husband’s well-being and furious slowly with his hands on his knees, two young lovers embrace on the annoyance that he had been ignoring and then just stayed there, watching platform, carefree, over by the her calls all day and had now missed the madness broil away in the streets franchise with the over-priced their train and ruined their weekend. of the city below. He sat like this baguettes, all torn denim and A short, bald man pushed a trolley for a long time and then, noting the carelessly packed rucksacks; she stacked with confectionary along a hour, he slowly made his way back looked at her own neatly arranged narrow and crowded aisle, rattling down the steps. He had a date to bag and she felt a pang of sadness. as he went. Maria bought a Twix, keep, a promise, a weekend away, She tried James again. Even if he which slipped from her grasp, the which now held more allure for him, hadn’t thrown away his phone he man seated opposite her picked it up in this happier state of being, than it wouldn’t have answered her, he was and handed it to her, smiling warmly had before. Maria called him to make tearing up the escalators at Baker as he did so, she smiled warmly in sure everything was on schedule: Street, bobbing his way around the return. Things had already moved a phone rang in the undergrowth, tourists, throwing snappy ‘excuse on. there was no reply. me’s’ at the people hovering on the As for Darren Brooks, well he also James Edwards was cutting things left-hand-side. knew what he had to do. He left fine, he had been sitting there for Platform seven for the 14:15 First work early that evening and light of longer than he realised. He looked Great Western service to Swansea, step, and as soon as he got home he at his watch again, ‘forty minutes, this train is now ready for sat down and phoned the number should be okay’, he thought. boarding. Maria looked fearfully at from the advertisement, and at that I am sorry to announce that the her watch, it was ten past. Her phone very moment, at the top of One Tree 13:25 London Bridge service has rang. She answered it immediately: Hill, a mobile phone, tangled in briars been cancelled due to signalling “James?” as unforgiving as razor wire, rang problems in the New Cross area - “Good afternoon Mrs Edwards,” cheerfully to itself in the half-light.

34• THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15 • FOR THE SOUL homesDREAM

A new feature, looking at homes for lottery-winners and oligarchs

very so often million, so 3) may suit someone property offers the ultimate retreat we get sent with a belief in the stars as well as for those seeking privacy, scenic details of being one. beauty and serenity. properties Set deep within the rolling Carefully planned over the from all over meadows and mature forests just course of several years, the the world that 12 minutes from the historic resort home offers exceptional design stand out town of Telluride, Colorado, this and meticulous craftsmanship from ‘normal’ houses, in fact, they stand out from normal life. Whether they are Barack Obama’s luxury Hawaiian beach house or a thousand year old Celtic Castle, until now we did not have a place to include them. Yet we all enjoy reading the details and browsing through the photos of these stunning homes, the homes of the rich and often the famous too and so we have made space for our own Through the Keyhole challenge. Here are few clues to its owner 1) the owner is famous and in show business, 2) the budget is astronomical at almost £40

THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15•PROPERTY•35 throughout. Intimate spaces frame views of the surrounding mountains while bleached cedar timbers, dove-tail joinery and native stone showcase the finest materials and uncompromising attention to detail assembled by the region’s top builder. A warm and inviting main house and a story-book guest house are situated upon a rise overlooking the region’s towering 14,000-foot peaks. The property’s vast acreage is threaded by a private trail system providing gated access into tens of thousands of acres of surrounding National Forest. Ease of access for private and commercial aircraft is less than 10 minutes from the property’s front gate via the Telluride Regional airport, whose recent $53m in renovations further accommodate long-range private aircraft. Telluride is home to the world-renowned Telluride Film see if you can guess Festival and Telluride Ski Resort, ‘Who lives in a house like this?’ recognized by Conde Nast readers as the #1 ski resort in North America. Valued at £37,295,700, the detached house comprises of 7 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms and offers ‘‘ exceptional design and meticulous craftsmanship throughout. Have you guessed yet which Top Gun would want to see the Colour of your Money - or did you find it simply a Mission Impossible?

LUXURY ESTATE www.luxuryestate.com

For qualified parties to register and receive more detailed information please visit www. TellurideLuxuryProperties. com/PrivateOfferings

36 • THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15 • PROPERTY VISITING clapham north

Taking a walk through South London’s ‘village by the short hill’ by Grace McCloud

oor old Clapham In reality though, everything is that, actually, Clapham North isn’t North. so close to Clapham Common it’s too shabby. In fact, it’s actually Stretching hard to distinguish, and all the rather nice. away from better for it. Indeed, historically, Clapham village was noted in the famous Clapham was just one town (with the Domesday Book as Clopeham, common, nothing to do with the modern-day part of the Brixton Hundred, one it’s always Clapham Junction, which, as any of the ancient divisions of Surrey been seen as a true Claphamite knows, is actually that stretched all the way from bit of a poor relation. in Battersea). Southwark to Richmond. Its name But it’s hard to talk And yet the average house in is Saxon, meaning ‘village by the of Clapham North as a separate Clapham North now goes for more short hill’. But although there’s little entity. Theoretically, it’s a blurry- than a million. Flat prices have shot ancient evidence underground, edged area that stretches up from up to £550,000. It seems Clapham there’s some rather more recent Clapham Common station towards North’s reputation hasn’t quite history being made under Clapham’s Stockwell and west out to Brixton. caught up with the reality; the fact pavements. Thirty-three metres

THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15•PROPERTY•37 beneath Clapham North tube is one of eight deep- member of the evangelical Clapham Sect and the leader level bomb shelters dating from the Second World of the movement to abolish slavery in Britain. Other War. Deep inside this naturally insulated tunnel, two notable names include Samuel Pepys and Graham British entrepreneurs are hoping to kickstart a local Greene. There are many more (albeit towards the food revolution, growing micro-herbs and vegetables Common end). It’s unsurprising really, when you look to supply to top London restaurants with the produce at the architecture. Bar a few pockets of social housing, they’d normally ship in from abroad. Michel Roux Jr and the streets of Clapham North are largely made up of Ottolenghi are just two who are behind the project. three-storey Queen Anne and Georgian terraces with It seems radicalism might be in the blood; among huge windows and high ceilings. Clapham’s famous residents is William Wilberforce, a Location-wise, Clapham North couldn’t be better.

Inside La Rueda Clapham Common’s north end, with its iconic features

Just as Clapham Common was the top spot for fat cat For cheaper eats, try The Fish Club, a sustainable, merchants in the 17th and 18th centuries who built the no-booking joint. Don’t let the somewhat garish aqua enormous villas that now circle the common’s 200 acres, walls and harsh lighting put you off; their daily specials Clapham North (thanks to its lower prices, excellent never fail to disappoint and their potted crab is one of transport and villagey-feel) is the destination for up- the best around. Further up the road is Eco (who’ve and-coming young professionals looking for a property been perfecting their pizzas for more than 20 years) investment. Clapham High Street overground trainline and Bodean’s, the southern sister of Soho’s original goes all the way to Canary Wharf and Shepherd’s lip-smacking BBQ Smokehouse. For gourmet gastro, Bush and a bus will take you virtually anywhere. As a visit The Dairy, an unassuming-looking establishment consequence, Clapham High Street is buzzing. around the corner of Clapham Common station on

Italia Conti, world famous stage school established in 1911 The Pavement. But do not be deceived; The Dairy, and swiftly becoming London’s leading music festival. with its chic plates of mince-cuisine (think It’s not only a jolly old knees-up in Clapham, bubbles, purees and foam), may not but the area’s vibrancy means that people be groundbreaking, but it is utterly who move here often end up staying. delicious. Its cocktail bar – open to the Lettice Grumbar, 47, lives here with small hours – is fantastic too. her three young children. She moved If there’s one thing Clapham does a jolly old here with her husband in 1996. ‘I adore well, it’s partying. The pubs are Clapham. It’s safe, it’s fun and the fantastic – The Falcon is particularly knees-up schools are excellent. Best of all is that charming, serves some great ales and in Clapham the common is just ten minutes’ walk has a wonderful garden. The area’s away. It’s like a huge green garden for my annual festival, South West Four, is fast boys! We feel so removed from the hustle picking up, taking over a large section of the and bustle of the city, but we’re only twenty common every August Bank Holiday weekend‘‘ minutes away from the thick of it.’

40 • THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15 • PROPERTY

SPOTLIGHT Properties

estling just to the north of the New Kent Road is the – until recently – undiscovered County Street. The Bankside Group recognised the convenience and character of a location that is bounded to the north by a solid prefer two wheels, County Street stone wall, beyond which is green also has ample bicycle storage. open space. Backed by a great Advised by leading architects Alan reputation for developing stylish Camp, The Bankside Group have lofts, The Bankside Group have used their skill and experience to continued the regeneration of the produce an exceptional suite of Bermondsey area with these new seven tastefully designed bright and builds. spacious two bedroom apartments. Located a little over a mile from Each apartment is unique, but all the transport hubs of Waterloo and have giant bi-fold doors that open its convenient location and you have , County onto generous south facing terraces a great place to live for young (and Street is also in close proximity to – ideal for patio gardens. The huge the young at heart) professionals one of London’s most fashionable open plan living rooms blend into seeking a contemporary urban quarters Bermondsey, and is a the kitchen/dining areas and the lifestyle within a spacious, well- short walk from attractions such as high quality bathrooms are fitted designed apartment. , Southbank and the with large showers and baths, and new shopping facilities emerging are finished with full height Italian at the foot of The Shard. The tiles. COUNTY STREET, SE1 developments are also very near to This development is the first PRICE ON APPLICATION the ten different bus routes that run phase of The Bankside Group’s along the New Kent Road, providing regeneration of County Street, KALMARS simple access to many parts of which will result in an attractive t: 020 7403 0600 Central London. For those who mews-style road. Combine this with w: www.kalmars.com

42 • THE RIVER WINTER 2014/15 • PROPERTY KALMARS Logos - Main

Colours Blue - CMYK Split - (100,83,46,13) Yellow - CMYK Split - (0,0,90,0)

PAINTERS MEWS, MACKS ROAD, SE16 , SE1 Built c.1860 this former warehouse offers all the best in ‘Loft’ Studio apartment in a new high quality building, due to be style living but in a large four storey house, full of character and completed early 2015. The design has been carefully considered interesting references retained from it’s industrial heritage. The to suit its location with finishes ideal for professionals seeking work has been done by award winning architects Dransfield quality and convenience with minimal maintenance. This first Owen De Silva - perhaps the leading architects in converting floor 346 sqft studio has been neatly designed to maximise former industrial buildings into fashionable modern uses. space, with a high quality fit out including integrated designer £1,000,000 appliances, fully tiled bathroom, underfloor heating and hardwood flooring. £325,000

EXPORT HOUSE, ROAD, SE1 VIRGO’S, OLD KENT ROAD, SE1 Set in the heart of SE1, between the central hubs of Bermondsey Nine new two bedroom, two bathroom apartments within Street and the popular Maltby Street market. This well finished a new development available early 2015. Offering modern two bedroom, two bathroom modern apartment provides an living in a central location, Virgo’s has been designed to meet open plan living area and kitchen, perfect for investment or all the needs of young professionals, from cycle storage to low young professional City workers. energy lighting and an open plan kitchen/living room. Located £550,000 between transport hubs London Bridge and the , the property is ideal for those working in central London. £460 PER WEEK

2 Shad Thames, SE1 2YU 020 7403 0600 www.kalmars.com make IT flexible

with our 12 Month Business Plans or build your own package to include Website Internet £62.50 per month • Social media • Web banner adverts • Email newsletters • Technical fixes • Website design 5 pages • Hosting and email set up • Domain registration • Regular page updates Design Up front cost of £500 • Logos • Print literature • Business cards • Print advertising E-commerce & SEO Website £163.00 per month Programming for 12 months, £100 per month thereafter • Database design • Bespoke business software • Apps and online applications • PHP, C++ and more... • Website design 5 pages • Domain registration • E-commerce • Hosting and email set up • SEO monthly services • Regular page updates Up front cost of £1,500

For a free consultation call 020 7403 8105 or visit www.onclouds.com onclouds Onclouds Limited is an Digital Solutions Agency serving the business community of south London since 2009. Monthly packages are available with any combination of our services listed and include a single set up fee plus monthly payments. You can change provider at any time as long as the balance for the 12 month period is paid in full. Onclouds Limited is a registered company in England and Wales 06748127.