High Society Will Have the RIVER Magazine Is Published by Little South

THE

RIVERLAMBETH & SOUTHWARK

POP UPS The impertinence of spontaneous art

FEAST From the HIGH Camberwell Arts Festival SOCIETY to sunny BBQs Top class comedy at the Old Vic and SUMMER National Theatre SHOPPING Sloane Square style

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

Editor A Webb [email protected]

Sub Editor LAMBETH & SOUTHWARK Owen Rice

Contributors Joe Campbell Jessica Cusack Owen Rice George Swinton

Designers Alison Cutler Milana Veselinovic

Publisher Chris Richmond

Assistant Publisher Joe Campbell

Commercial Sales Lee Hayes [email protected] EDITORS WORDS a very tempting offer for £17.50 worth of points when you join the Dear Readers Tentazioni Privilege Club – just use FREEPHONE the magic word RIVER when signing 0800 021 1484 up. This season we are embracing the sunshine and taking our world We must tip our hats to Kevin THE RIVER outside, looking a little west and a Spacey and his last production at the Old Vic. High Society will have The RIVER Magazine is published by little south. We have been indulging River Publishing House Limited. you swinging to the tunes of Cole in some retail therapy in Sloane Company number: 8307961. Square and have profiled our Porter and leaving you with a taste We reserve the right to publish and neighbours Battersea and Chelsea. for the high life, a great way to round off any day! edit any letters and emails. The We also have some exceptional art material in The RIVER Magazine and crafts to see here in Lambeth This summer is bound to be a is subject to copyright. All rights and Southwark, including the beautiful one, I hope you enjoy it reserved. Camberwell Arts Festival celebrating too. 21 years this July and a selection of Yours The paper in this magazine originates pop-up galleries and events. from timber that is sourced from For a comprehensive round-up A Webb sustainable forests, responsibly of our favourite summer culinary managed to strict environmental, past-time, do read our feature about social and economic standards. The grills and BBQ’s, as well as the manufacturing mills have both FSC & PEFC certification and also ISO9001 new addition to the Tower Bridge Angela Webb, and ISO14001 accreditation. restaurant scene. There is also Editor

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04 • THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • EDITORS WORDS Valentina-TheRiverMagazine-May2015-A4#2.pdf 1 26/05/2015 17:23

DELICATESSEN, RESTAURANT, CAFFÈ, WINE & GIFTS

C Inspired by three generations of culinary tradition M and Italian pride, Valentina caters to the Italian

Y and the Italian at heart!

CM From a morning espresso and pastry, a quick lunch

MY or a relaxed evening meal, our restaurants serve authentic Italian food throughout the day. CY

CMY Our delicatessens are stocked full with hard-to-ﬁnd Italian meats and cheeses, antipasti, home-made K sauces and pasta dishes to take away. Be sure to try our award-winning own label range of pastas, sauces, antipasti, jams, honey and olive oils.

We also stock more than 200 Italian wines which have been hand selected by our sommelier, alongside a wide range of fantastic Italian gifts and treats.

E G D I R B R E W O T SHAD THAMES E N A L N W O D Y L E S R O H

T E E R T S W E L R U C 31 SHAD THAMES LONDON SE1 2YR

T E E R T S E N O F A L towerbridge@valentinaﬁnefoods.com 020 7036 6028

D A O R

Visit any Valentina store to pick up a Loyalty Card. Activate the card online to get exclusive offers and to start earning points.

FOOD & DRINK 08 Via Italia 11 Summer of Sizzle 15 Privilege: Reader Offer

STYLE 16 To Be a Sloaney Pony

CULTURE 19 Pop Stars 22 Cover Story: High Society 26 24 Feast... In Camberwell 26 Entertainments Listings 08 33

FOR THE SOUL 31 Sport in the City

BUSINESS 33 Business Know How 35

PROPERTY 35 Born of Battersea 39 Spotlight Property 40 Modern & Classic

06• THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • CONTENTS finalArt_Constancia_210x297mm_outlines.pdf 1 20/5/15 13:26

CMY

K verlooking the river at Tower Bridge is Shad Thames, a secluded set of streets, converted warehouses, riverside bars and restaurants. Tucked in amongst the French and British establishments are new arrivals, often modestly referring to themselves simply as ‘The Italians’, this distinctly family-run affair is called Valentina. Generations together launching Shad Thames On their launch day in May, Shad Thames’ locals and visitors were treated to opera singing in the street, balloons, jugglers and enthusiastically shared it with samples from an exquisite collection everyone passing through. There of foods. Inside, complimentary was even space inside for a small, Prosecco was generously distributed vintage delivery van, a motorcycle This is a very and an enormous mortadella (a and other deli-related equipment; big moment putting their origins on show in a delicious Italian sausage made with for Valentina pistachios), a basket of breads and distinctly modern setting. What was focaccias as well as a huge wheel of most authentic was the table of a Parmesan cheese were carved up to dozen or so family members behind taste. This was a real celebration of this Valentina venture. Several a family business introducing itself generations of all ages, sitting together having lunch, really did set ‘‘ to a new community and it was a great pleasure to be a part of it. the ambience of a true Italian feast. The all-Italian staff were This family have been in the food passionate about their homeland, business for a long time; originating their produce, classic foods and, from Sant’Elia Fiumerapido, a with typical Italian confidence, small village near Monte Cassino

The Deli Counter

VIA

Shad Thames’ newest arrival is Valentina italia by Owen Rice

08• THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • FOOD & DRINK THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • FOOD & DRINK • 09 verlooking the river at Tower Bridge is Shad Thames, a secluded set of streets, converted warehouses, riverside bars and restaurants. Tucked in amongst the French and British establishments are new arrivals, often modestly referring to themselves simply as ‘The Italians’, this distinctly family-run affair is called Valentina. Generations together launching Shad Thames On their launch day in May, Shad Thames’ locals and visitors were treated to opera singing in the street, balloons, jugglers and enthusiastically shared it with samples from an exquisite collection everyone passing through. There of foods. Inside, complimentary was even space inside for a small, Prosecco was generously distributed vintage delivery van, a motorcycle This is a very and an enormous mortadella (a and other deli-related equipment; big moment putting their origins on show in a delicious Italian sausage made with for Valentina pistachios), a basket of breads and distinctly modern setting. What was focaccias as well as a huge wheel of most authentic was the table of a Parmesan cheese were carved up to dozen or so family members behind taste. This was a real celebration of this Valentina venture. Several a family business introducing itself generations of all ages, sitting together having lunch, really did set ‘‘ to a new community and it was a great pleasure to be a part of it. the ambience of a true Italian feast. The all-Italian staff were This family have been in the food passionate about their homeland, business for a long time; originating their produce, classic foods and, from Sant’Elia Fiumerapido, a with typical Italian confidence, small village near Monte Cassino

The Deli Counter

VIA

Shad Thames’ newest arrival is Valentina italia by Owen Rice

08• THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • FOOD & DRINK THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • FOOD & DRINK • 09 SUMMER southeast of Rome, who made their an authentic Italian delicatessen, Bruno Zoccola said, “This is a very home in south east London. It has restaurant, caffé, and enoteca (wine big moment for Valentina. All of OF taken just three generations to shop). As soon as you step inside our other sites have been where build up a food import (and now you realise how well they do it. the local Italians eat and shop. We restaurant) business and make their The deli houses over 200 Italian are hoping that at Tower Bridge prime flagship site right at the heart wines and 1,500 products including guests will feel as though they are of London. The Valentina chain fresh hams/salami, cheeses and experiencing Italy when they walk sizzle began with their first delicatessen at traditional antipasti as well as in.” East Sheen in 1991 near Richmond, Valentina’s own branded pasta, This is not a regular rustic Italian which steadily grew in reputation olives and oils. All of these are shop, it is a splendid, elegant and and in number to include additions imported from Italy by Valentina’s tasteful upper-end experience. It is at Putney, Sevenoaks, Notting Hill, sister company, Guidetti Fine Food all the more delightful as the prices Weybridge, Reigate and Chiswick. and Wine. in the delicatessen and restaurant Valentina’s proposition is simple: One of the founders of Valentina, are a luxury one can afford every day. Located in the Cardamom building this 6,200 sq. ft. site boasts a £1 million refurbishment and can cater for 100 covers. The Tower Bridge location will also be the home of the Valentina online business.

VALENTINA FINE FOODS 31 Shad Thames Your guide to grills London SE1 2YR by Joe Campbell t: 020 7036 6028 w: www.valentinafinefoods.com The BBQ will never go out of fashion as a social event

Valentina-style Ravioli Vongole, the classic Clams and Pasta dish hen cooking a barbecue when the rain kitchen. But there are some places the starts you will know why it really is you can go that will happily, and sun a summer ‘sport’ - and barbecuing expertly, do it for you. comes indoors is even less fun! Whatever your preference; out we But when the sun is out and the barbecued meats, kebabs or like to take sky is clear, it really is a great time burgers, cooked outdoors by our worlds to stoke up those coals, fire-up that outside, from ‘barbie’ and get cooking. Grilled yourself or in the hands of a lunching on the grass in the local meats over smoking wood have a professional we have taken a look park or drinking out by the river in flavour that just cannot be achieved at some of the best options in and the evening. If you have ever tried in the modern spatially-challenged around the area.

The restaurant space of Valentina DO IT YOURSELF

Where to get your BBQ Tips for cooking During the summer almost every supermarket has • Don’t think about doing it indoors or even on stacks of disposable barbecue trays which are fine your balcony, it never ends well! for spur of the moment or park-based cooking. But • The small disposable BBQs can be tricky and not for a longer lasting free standing barbecue then you especially hot so don’t overload them, and do stand will need to look online and either get one delivered them on their foldout legs if they have them – it or find the nearest supplier as the usual garden helps the coal tray drop from the grill and prevents centres are not so easily found in central London. the meat tasting of petroleum. • Marinade or not to marinade? Personally I Where to get your produce prefer a classic flavour of good quality meat and veg Borough Market or a great local butcher is always just well-seasoned with salt and pepper and let the preferred and they often have grilling packs of food coals add the rest of flavour. If you do go for some ready made up with a mix of burgers, kebabs and additional flavours remember that too much will drip ribs. into the coals and smoke like a joke.

10 • THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • FOOD & DRINK THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • FOOD & DRINK• 11 SUMMER southeast of Rome, who made their an authentic Italian delicatessen, Bruno Zoccola said, “This is a very home in south east London. It has restaurant, caffé, and enoteca (wine big moment for Valentina. All of OF taken just three generations to shop). As soon as you step inside our other sites have been where build up a food import (and now you realise how well they do it. the local Italians eat and shop. We restaurant) business and make their The deli houses over 200 Italian are hoping that at Tower Bridge prime flagship site right at the heart wines and 1,500 products including guests will feel as though they are of London. The Valentina chain fresh hams/salami, cheeses and experiencing Italy when they walk sizzle began with their first delicatessen at traditional antipasti as well as in.” East Sheen in 1991 near Richmond, Valentina’s own branded pasta, This is not a regular rustic Italian which steadily grew in reputation olives and oils. All of these are shop, it is a splendid, elegant and and in number to include additions imported from Italy by Valentina’s tasteful upper-end experience. It is at Putney, Sevenoaks, Notting Hill, sister company, Guidetti Fine Food all the more delightful as the prices Weybridge, Reigate and Chiswick. and Wine. in the delicatessen and restaurant Valentina’s proposition is simple: One of the founders of Valentina, are a luxury one can afford every day. Located in the Cardamom building this 6,200 sq. ft. site boasts a £1 million refurbishment and can cater for 100 covers. The Tower Bridge location will also be the home of the Valentina online business.

VALENTINA FINE FOODS 31 Shad Thames Your guide to grills London SE1 2YR by Joe Campbell t: 020 7036 6028 w: www.valentinafinefoods.com The BBQ will never go out of fashion as a social event

The restaurant space of Valentina DO IT YOURSELF

10 • THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • FOOD & DRINK THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • FOOD & DRINK• 11 STEAKS

How to cook your perfect steak (on a grill or barbecue) As with most cooking, you’ll find that the more ingredients you use the more complicated it gets and can confuse the taste of good simple foods. Pay the right price for a cut of meat, and remember to get a thick cut if you like anything more rare than ‘well-done’. If you are cooking it ‘medium’ or under, don’t get one with too much fat as it won’t have time to When cooked well, a steak break down in the pan but that some slivers of fat, or is a beautiful thing to eat A classic Argentine grill ‘marbling’, throughout will cook and add flavour to the meat. Really, there are only two ingredients you need when A HANDY GUIDE TO AROUND THE WORLD IN ‘EATY’ DAYS Brazil, and especially Argentina, are both renowned preparing your steak: salt & pepper, but lots of it! FAVOURITE CUTS OF STEAK worldwide for the quality of their beef, as well as their The Americas barbecue-style meat, Churrasco. Rib-Eye The US has plenty of regional differences in their LOCAL STEAK HOUSES & BBQ RESTAURANTS Asia One of the most popular steaks, the rib-eye, BBQ. The Carolinas, for example, are said to specialise comes from the cow’s rib section, this tender and Japan’s BBQ cuisine tends to contain more vegetables CONSTANCIA in pork, whereas the West-Texas ‘cowboy style’ will flavoursome cut is best cooked for slightly longer and seafood than their western counterparts, with 52 Tanner Street, SE1 3PH specialise in beef, goat and mutton. Competitive BBQ than other types (medium-medium rare) to teriyaki and soy based sauces being the popular glaze. www.constancia.co.uk ‘cook-offs’ are commonplace in America, and can be allow the meat to absorb the infused fat. Due to Marinated ribs, or galbi, are very popular in Korea, small local affairs or huge festivals. Independent Argentine steak house serving beautiful the flavour and fat content it is best served with and it is becoming more common to find Korean BBQ meat, full bodied wine and delectable deserts in an something light and fresh. Jerk chicken and pork are popular BBQ styles in restaurants popping up around London. intimate atmosphere. Typical price per head £45. Jamaica; the meat is dry-rubbed with a mixture of In China, small pieces of meat on skewers, or chuanr, Sirloin spices, including the infamous Scotch Bonnet peppers. are popular street dishes. In tourist heavy areas, GILLRAYS A leaner cut, located between the rib and fillet, In Spanish speaking Caribbean countries, a whole grilled chuanr can sometimes consist of insects or other exotic London Marriott County Hall, SE1 7PB the sirloin is better for the health-conscious as pig, or Lechon, is a common delicacy. animals. As in the Latin-Caribbean, Lechon is a staple in www.gillrays.com there is less fat marbling in the meat, instead, British steak restaurant serving 11 different cuts of 35- the fat can be trimmed off. The amount of day aged Aberdeen Angus beef including the 1kg ‘Bull’s flavour suffers slightly as a result, so be slightly A South American grill, or Asado, in an open pit Head’ double rib steak. Typical price per head £70. more adventurous with your accompaniments.

BODEAN’S (TOWER HILL) Rump 16 Byward Street, EC3R 5BA The rump is one of the best ‘everyday’ cuts, due www.bodeansbbq.com to its relatively modest price and high quality. American themed BBQ restaurant serving favourites Being located on the cow’s backside means the such as burgers, ribs, steaks and their famous Burnt rump is where a lot of the animal’s exercise Ends. Typical price per head £40. happens, although this can make the meat slightly tougher, it gives it a much more intense BIG EASY (CHELSEA) flavour. 332-334 Kings Road, SW3 5UR www.bigeasy.co.uk Porterhouse & T-bone BBQ and lobster shack with delicious food and fun The porterhouse and T-bone cuts are very atmosphere. Regular live music captures the soul of similar in terms of appearance and taste, and are southern USA. Typical price per head £45. the biggest and heaviest cuts you are likely to find. These cuts are in fact part sirloin, part fillet, PORKY’S (BANKSIDE) so you are likely to find one side is rarer than the 18 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DR other when cooked. The attached bone ensures www.porkys.co.uk a great deal of flavour in the meat, which is great BBQ diner serving wholesome food and refreshing for grilling. cocktails. For some added fun why not try out a game of Beer Pong or take on their ‘Man vs. Ribs’ challenge! Fillet & Chateaubriand Typical price per head £30. Often regarded as the most pricey of all cuts, the fillet and chateaubriand are the leanest types BARBECOA of steak available. Because of this, they can 20 New Change Passage, EC4M 9AG dry out quickly if they are over-cooked, and so www.barbecoa.com are best served rare. Their reduced fat content Jamie Oliver’s ‘cathedral to fire and food’ serves a also means they are aged for a shorter time and range of fantastic flame grilled meats with a spectacular served best with a simple yet rich sauce. view of St. Paul’s. Typical price per head £52.

12• THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • FOOD & DRINK THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • FOOD & DRINK• 13 STEAKS

12• THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • FOOD & DRINK THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • FOOD & DRINK• 13 Jerk chicken grilling at Notting Hill

the Phillipines (the country was named in honour of King Phillip Middle East II of Spain, after all). The staple of the Arabic BBQ is the kebab – mostly made from lamb but also from beef and chicken. You will also find that your Europe grilled meats are served with pita breads, hummus and tabbouleh. European BBQ is very diverse, thanks to the huge regional In places like Iran, the meat will be accompanied by a delicious variety of the continent. In the north of Europe, you will find that saffron rice. pork is the most common BBQ meat (think German bratwurst), and in Scandinavia you will also find barbecued venison. Africa In the Mediterranean countries you will tend to find less pork Barbecuing, or braai in Afrikaans, is a hugely popular way and more chicken, all cooked with olive oil, of course. Grilled of preparing food as well as a social custom in many parts of halloumi cheese originates from the Mediterranean, too. Africa. In fact, 24 September is Braai Day in South Africa, a day that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the country over beautifully flame grilled meats. As well as beef, chicken, lamb and pork, Rock Lobster is a common barbecued delicacy in the coastal areas of southern Africa.

Oceania In the South Pacific Islands and Hawaii, grilled meats are often accompanied by refreshing tropical fruits, cooked on an Umu, or earth oven. In New Zealand, lamb is the most common grilled meat, but there is also plenty of fresh fish, crayfish and other seafood. The BBQ in Australia is a huge cultural pastime, so much so that it is common in some city parks to have coin-operated public use barbecues. Barbecues are even enjoyed by some families on the beach on Christmas day, with various poultry thrown on the flames. Putting shrimp on the barbie was actually not very popular when the phrase was first coined in 1984, but has become more so as US influences have reached Australia.

Grilled halloumi cheese The RIVER & Tentazioni Loyalty Scheme: 250 Points (worth £17.50) by Owen Rice

very business these of rewards for every pound spent days is innovating, at their restaurant - that’s 15% off even if their some very fine food, which can only The Privilege Card products and be good news to the people who live service is already or work nearby! Get 250 points second-to-none, Tempting? That’s what Tentazioni (£17.50) for FREE but there are always is all about. The Privilege Card offers some exceptionally other extra treats like Prosecco forward-thinking businesses that on arrival too, so if you do like the enjoy finding new ways to engage finer things in life and want a little with clients. encouragement to get out and TENTAZIONI Shad Thames’ Tentazioni has appreciate them, we can highly 2 Mill Street been providing exceptional Italian recommend you start here. London lunches and dinners since 1997 and How to sign up for the Tentazioni SE1 2BD t: 020 7237 1100 their approach to the ‘fine-dining’ Privilege Club card: experience of food, service and e: [email protected] 1. Go to www.tentazioni.co.uk w: www.tentazioni.co.uk setting has always been artistic and 2. Click ‘Club’ link inventive. 3. Enter details required They have now introduced their 4. In the field Promo code enter privilege ‘Club’ and have invited The ‘RIVER’ RIVER’s readers to sign up online at www.tentazioni.co.uk to get 5. Click button ‘SIGN UP’ their card loaded instantly with 250 The next time you visit Tentazioni points (worth £17.50). Diners can the team there will give you your return for seconds and even thirds card loaded with your 250 free in the knowledge that every time points. Enjoy! they do, they are adding points to their account that can be redeemed to eat and drink later for free. When the Tesco Clubcard replaced previous loyalty schemes in 1993 the retail market was changed forever as the benefits of offering customers accumulative rewards took high street shops by storm. Typical of Tentazioni they have taken the idea further by offering up to 15 pence The incredible food at Tentazioni

THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • FOOD & DRINK • 15 TO BE A sloaney Poco Café, Italian specialities Cartier specialise in fine jewellery

a beautiful area of London to call well worth a visit. Standing on their home. Forming the boundary the same Sloaney site since 1877, pony between the luxury retail of Sloane it’s difficult to find a brand which Street and the more low-key high isn’t stocked there, although it’s street shopping on the King’s Road, more known for its homeware and Sloane Square is a one-stop-shop electrical goods than its fashion. for all your consumer, culinary and Sloane Street is Indeed, Chelsea as a whole is known cultural needs. where those with for its amazing home-interior shops, The area marks the border an eye for luxury but if you need a new outfit for an between the largest aristocratic event, or just feel like splashing estates in London, the Grosvenor come to play some cash, there are plenty of and the Cadogan, and is named after sartorial establishments to satiate. Sir Hans Sloane, the seventeenth The aforementioned Sloane century Royal physician who Street is where to go if you’re in bequeathed his huge collection of ‘‘ the market for a show-stopping art and natural history to the United purchase straight off the catwalk. Kingdom, forming the foundations From Anya Hindmarch to Zadig & for the British Museum and the Voltaire, via Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Natural History Museum. One could Miu Miu et al, Sloane Street is where be forgiven for thinking that Sloane London’s wealthy tourists and those Square and its parameters was all with an eye for luxury come to play. champagne and Chihuahuas, but For a slightly more subdued but Sir Hans’ story proves otherwise. nevertheless stylish experience, Don’t forget that Sloane Square also the King’s Road is the better slice boasts some of the most beautiful of Sloaney life. Ad Hoc (153 King’s Victorian architecture in London. Road) is a quirky shop selling fun, For some retail therapy, one could unique pieces – a great place to find simply go to Peter Jones (Sloane gifts for the young woman in your Square) and emerge several hours life. For small and up-and-coming Indulge yourself in Sloane Square & Chelsea, later and several paycheques designer brands head to The Shop lighter, but that would almost be too at Bluebird (350 King’s Road) London’s most luxurious retail hubs predictable. Peter Jones is, however, and stop for lunch afterwards in its by Jessica Cusack a veritable British institution and Sir Hans Sloane beautiful and highly commended

The Saatchi Gallery

here’s no doubt that Gone are the jolly-hockey-sticks men seem largely similar to their Sloane Square has girls of the 1980s, clad in Hermes 1980s ancestors, still rocking the undergone a revival headscarves, pearls and a twinset. navy-blazer-and-garishly-bright- in recent times. It Their replacements are the ultra- corduroy-trouser combination is undoubtedly still the chic types with perfectly tousled that their fathers, and presumably stomping ground of the hair and a ubiquitous designer grandfathers, wore. Sloane Ranger, bag hanging on the crook of Say what you want about this but the look has their arm, which may or may not sub-set of upper middle class British notably changed. contain a bafflingly tiny dog. The society, but they sure have picked Ellis Street The Royal Court Theatre

16• THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • STYLE THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • STYLE • 17 TO BE A sloaney Poco Café, Italian specialities Cartier specialise in fine jewellery

The Saatchi Gallery

16• THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • STYLE THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • STYLE • 17 restaurant. Duke of York Square (19 Duke of York Sq.) is another shopping/ dining destination, playing host to chic high street stores such as Cos, Joseph and Whistles, as well as some delicious dining spots, including the award-winning Polpo. Every Saturday there’s a fine food market serving delicious artisan creations from local producers which you can nibble on before a leisurely wander around the Saatchi gallery to view some incredible contemporary art (Duke of York’s HQ). And as if the area didn’t already have enough fashion credentials, this year London Fashion Weekend – the biannual Anya Hindmarch fashion and accessories luxury fashion event – will be held at the Saatchi gallery from 24-27 a light French snack before heading After all that excitement you’re September. to the Royal Court Theatre just bound to be knackered but luckily For a perfect day round the next door to catch a show (Sloane the tube station is stumbling- Square, spend the afternoon Square). The Royal Court is known distance away. Unless you’re lucky shopping on the King’s Road, for putting on gritty and daring enough to be made in Chelsea, in stopping for tea and cake at Poco productions, and BAFTA award- Café when you start to lag (83-95 winning writer/director Debbie which case you can saunter home Duke of York Sq.). When you’re all Tucker Green’s Hang promises to all the while gloating about residing retailed-out, alight at Colbert (50-52 live up to these expectations (11 in one of London’s crown jewels. Sloane Square) for an aperitif and June-18 July 2015). Lucky you.

Amanda Thompson

couture

High-end French café Colbert

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 Chic French fashion at Zadig & Voltaire

90 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3UB www.amandathompsoncouture.com 020 7407 3024 restaurant. Duke of York Square (19 Duke of York Sq.) is another shopping/ dining destination, playing host to chic high street stores such as Cos, Joseph and Whistles, as well as some delicious dining spots, including the award-winning Polpo. Every Saturday there’s a fine food market serving delicious artisan creations from local producers which you can nibble on before a leisurely wander around the Saatchi gallery to view some incredible contemporary art (Duke of York’s HQ). And as if the area Exploring the ultra-transitory world of art didn’t already have enough fashion by Jessica Cusack credentials, this year London Fashion Weekend – the biannual Anya Hindmarch fashion and accessories n the wake of the world’s Butterfly Theatre presents As invited to sing, dance, play or just luxury fashion event – will be held most expensive piece of art You Like It be witness to the hilarity of our very – Picasso’s ‘Women of Algiers confused twenty something’s as they at the Saatchi gallery from 24-27 a light French snack before heading After all that excitement you’re COMING SOON: August 8th & (Version 0)’ – being sold at 9th seek love. September. to the Royal Court Theatre just bound to be knackered but luckily Christie’s in May for a cool For a perfect day round the next door to catch a show (Sloane Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’ but Butterfly inspire their audiences the tube station is stumbling- £115 million, viewing and Square, spend the afternoon Square). The Royal Court is known as you’ve never seen it! Set at a to open their ears, eyes and hearts distance away. Unless you’re lucky buying art seems out of shopping on the King’s Road, for putting on gritty and daring music festival, the Forest of Arden. differently. To experience things enough to be made in Chelsea, in reach for many of us mere mortals. stopping for tea and cake at Poco productions, and BAFTA award- This is a promenade piece where they see, smell, touch, taste and But it doesn’t have to be that way. hear in new and unexpected ways. Café when you start to lag (83-95 winning writer/director Debbie which case you can saunter home the audience walk around following All over London, pop-up art galleries Butterfly perform in extraordinary Duke of York Sq.). When you’re all Tucker Green’s Hang promises to all the while gloating about residing the action. The audience will be are, well, popping up, breaking retailed-out, alight at Colbert live up to these expectations (11 in one of London’s crown jewels. (50-52 down the barriers between artist Sloane Square) for an aperitif and June-18 July 2015). Lucky you. and viewer and making art more accessible for everyone.

UGLY DUCK Amanda Thompson www.uglyduck.org.uk Ugly Duck take over vacant couture buildings in London and re-use them for creative purposes. Based in Bermondsey but with spaces across the city, Ugly Duck (formally known as 47/49 after their Tanner Street location) is a social enterprise which allows artists to create in a new context and reach out to previously High-end French café Colbert untapped audiences. They firmly believe in art as a vehicle for social change through its unique ability to bring people from across the social spectrum together in one space. Ranging from The Factory, with its exposed brickwork and multi-coloured rooms to The Testing Works, a small museum filled with original Victorian engineering machinery, it’s little wonder that the Pret a porter collection folk at Ugly Duck felt compelled to and one off couture garments re-inhabit these incredible disused for every occasion buildings. Some of their past and near future A quintessentially British brand celebrating the female form

events and exploits include: Photographs courtesy of Ugly Duck with simple elegant cuts that accentuate the body Chic French fashion at Zadig & Voltaire

90 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3UB www.amandathompsoncouture.com 020 7407 3024 THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • CULTURE • 19 Plastic Lunch the public to visit the studios of April-June 2014 artists and craftspeople every June A pop-up arts project which – this year’s event runs from the 5th- aimed to draw attention to the vast 21st. The benefits are reciprocal for quantities of plastic waste which both the artist and the public. The pollute our oceans. This project public get the chance to actually took place on the rooftop of 47/49 meet and talk to artists whose work Tanner Street, which overlooks the they admire or are interested in eastward bound train lines going in purchasing – a luxury not afforded and out of London Bridge. by many galleries in London in which the creators remain faceless. City Hunt The artists all get the chance to really sell their pieces in their September 2014 own words, providing interesting The game was played by around backstories of inspiration which 1,000 people over the course of may seal the deal. A break from the a week. The project was a part of solitary life of an ‘artiste’ is no bad Southwark Council’s Blackfriars thing either. Stories programme, celebrating life along the Blackfriars Mile, a stretch of road which is currently underused WHITECHAPEL GALLERY and in need of a bit of creative www.whitechapelgallery.org/first- revitalisation! thursdays/ Enjoying art as a collective SOUTH EAST OPEN STUDIOS seems to be a theme throughout www.seos-art.org these innovative art experiences, The notions of collaboration and and Whitechapel Gallery’s First locations and respond to the entire accessibility, which Ugly Duck Thursdays contributes to this venue whether it’s an underground hold so dear, are also the founding endeavour. On the first Thursday cave, crumbling castle, historic principals of South East Open of every month, over 150 galleries forest or an original warehouse in Studios. Based just outside of in London put on free exhibitions, London. London, SEOS allows members of events and workshops during a

20 • THE RIVER SUMMER 2015• CULTURE special late opening. Participants can either follow the online map or join one of the free bus or walking tours on the day, and gain a new insight into London through these lesser-known creative spaces. Upcoming highlights include a Modigliani exhibition, which is on at the Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art until 28th June. What better way to spend a balmy summer evening than by discovering little known galleries housing incredible art, or listening to a curator speak exclusively about the creative process of the exhibition in which you stand? If you fancy making a holiday of it, the Venice Art Crawl www.veniceartcrawl.com, which holds events throughout the year in California, serves a similar purpose to First Thursdays. Fundamentally, it’s the impermanence of these pop- ups which make them so exciting. And their ephemeral nature can’t be bad for business either, encouraging potential buyers to snap up their wares before it all disappears and through the presence of the artists themselves, which fosters more of a connection between the consumer and the artwork. More simply, however, these events just make for a great day or evening out. London in particular is caught in a pop-up craze. From cinemas to restaurants to beauty salons, there is something so much more exciting about going somewhere which might not exist by the morning. One could argue that in this digital age, where you’re only as good as your last Instagram post, it’s nice to go somewhere a little different. And variety is the spice of life. What a swell party this is... by Owen Rice

he opening of High Society was or more to a place when thoughts buzzing with excitement, of austerity and reality were a not only because of the thousand miles and more than half society faces scattered a century away! Picture summer around the auditorium, but days with Katherine Hepburn, Cary also because the Old Vic Grant and James Stewart (the lead had created a fabulous retro actors in the 1940 film version of atmosphere reminiscent of mid- ‘The Philadelphia Story’) or the first twentieth century, monied America. filmed ‘High Society’, set in 1950’s It was packed out with snappy, New York with Grace Kelly, Bing whimsical dialogue, great musical Crosby and Frank Sinatra. talent, champagne cocktails and the On stage, as everyone began easy sophistication of Cole Porter’s settling more into place, Joe Stilgoe music and lyrics. was tinkling the ivories and asking As the spectators began filling the the audience for requests as though theatre, the whole place twinkled in the middle of a live performance with glitz and glamour and it beeped at a club in Philadelphia. His and booped with trumpets and inventive merge of soundtracks and trombones. There was a relaxed air old favourites was hilarious and, of fun; fabulous, frivolous fun. Set hey presto... the show had begun in-the-round, the audience and the without anyone realising! stewards mixed with the performers High Society is a tale of modern who were dressed in tuxedos as families, mixed loyalties, second waiting staff, scooting about with wives and husbands; layers and silver trays of champagne. Sprinkled levels of affection - strangely throughout the stalls were period common and relevant now. Tracy aficionados, themselves clad in Lord is a spoilt, rich divorcee who brilliant blue suits and coiffed hair. is not entirely out of love with her A party was about to begin and the ex, but is about to get married to a Rupert Young as CK audience was invited, prepared to social climber in a society wedding Dexter Haven be transported back sixty years that promises to be the spectacle

22• THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • CULTURE of the year. There are several there was a standing ovation of Kate Fleetwood as Tracy Lord unwelcome and unexpected guests appreciation and gratitude. and twists that lead to relationships In Kevin Spacey’s first year as unravelling, all reaching a crescendo Artistic Director at the Old Vic he the night before the wedding chose a revival of Philip Barry’s ‘The in a feast of music, dance and Philadelphia Story’ - the original, spontaneous party. non-musical version of the same tale Kate Fleetwood as Tracy, Ellie and it was a splendid choice to come Bamber as little Dinah Lord, Rupert full circle this year, fully rounded. Young as C.K. Dexter and Jamie Spacey’s replacement at the Old Parker as Mike Connor all make Vic will be Matthew Warchus who exceptional Old Vic debuts. Each previously directed Spacey (and HIGH SOCIETY delivering their own versions of Jeff Goldblum) at the Old Vic in the From 30 April to 22 August favourites including ‘True Love’, 2008 production of Speed-the-Plow. The Old Vic ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’, Warchus, who has since directed The Cut ‘You’re Sensational’ and ‘Well, shows such as Ghost and Matilda in London SE1 8NB Did You Evah?’ with super-sized the West End, will take up the post t: 0844 871 7628 (Box Office) panache. At the end, naturally, in the autumn. w: www.oldvictheatre.com

Ellie Bamber as Dinah Lord & Jamie Parker as Mike Connor

Joe Stilgoe’s jaunty tunes set the tone

THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • CULTURE • 23 Painting by Mark Mclaughlin of Clockwork Studios

A stunning celebration of South London talent by Owen Rice

amberwell Arts are studios, public art commissions, hosting their 21st exhibitions and fringe performances annual festival in all surrounded with international June, an incredible foodie delights. achievement and a tribute to the PUBLIC ART – ‘PICNIC strength of the creative BENCHES’ movement in south London. Nine local artists have designed FEAST promises to be an picnic benches to adorn indulgence of fine art, food and Camberwell’s parks and public inspiration running from 20th to 28th spaces with colour, imagination and June, a week packed full of open something to sit on!

24• THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • CULTURE ART COMMISSIONS Five artists have created new work specifically for FEAST including Tom Leighton who’s photographs ‘The A to Z of Sweets: A Hansel and Gretel Trail through Camberwell’ explores nostalgia through a pop culture lens. Follow the clues on a sweetie trail and find your own favourite childhood treats.

THE CAMBERWELL OPEN An open exhibition for local artists at all levels at the Camberwell Leisure Centre, Artichoke Place from 5th to 28th June.

‘Comedy in the Sun’ Fringe event

OPEN STUDIOS Mixed media by Paul A hundred local artists, designers and galleries open Draper of Empress their doors to share their craft (including jewellery, Mews sculpture, print and other media) to the general public. Works will also be on sale too.

#MADEINCAMBERWELL: ARTS & FOOD MARKET 20 JUNE 2015 On Camberwell Green the craft-fair, streetfood market and a regular Farmers Market all unite to feed the stomach, the head and the heart on the same day. Let’s hope the sun shines and the opening day is a feast - in every sense of the word.

Trombone Jerome from Brooklyn will be playing at the Communion Bar

CAMBERWELL ARTS FESTIVAL 20th - 28th June Multiple sites including Camberwell Green and Camberwell Leisure Centre w: www.camberwellarts.org.uk NATIONAL THEATRE Rules for Living The Beaux’ Stratagem SOUTHBANK Until 8 July 19 May – 20 September SE1 9PX Everyone creates their own rules Two charming, dissolute young men 020 7452 3000 for living. But what happens when have blown their fortunes in giddy an extended family gathers in the London. Shamed and debt-ridden, Everyman kitchen for a traditional Christmas they flee to provincial Lichfield. Until 30 August and they each follow those rules, Their ‘Stratagem’: to marry for When Death comes calling rigidly? money Everyman is forced to abandon the life he has built and embark on a Light Shining in Buckinghamshire The Red Lion frantic search to recruit a friend to Until 22 June 3 June – 30 September speak in his defence. But time is In the aftermath of a bloody and A haunting and humorous new play running out brutal civil war, a corrupt political about the dying romance of the great system threatens to plunge the English game – football – and the country into darkness and despair tender, savage love that powers it

Chiwetel Ejiofor in Everyman Stephen Mangan in Rules for Living

26 • THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • CULTURE Three Days in the Country SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE THE OLD VIC 21 July – 21 October 56 PARK STREET 103 THE CUT A handsome new tutor brings SE1 9AR SE1 8NB reckless, romantic desire to an 020 7261 9565 020 7928 2651 eccentric household. Over three days one summer the young and the As You Like It High Society old will learn lessons in love 15 May – 5 September 30 April – 22 August A firm favourite of Shakespeare’s Cole Porter’s classic feel-good comedies, one that is rich in musical, High Society, comes to GIELGUD THEATRE romance and satire The Old Vic in a glittering new 35 SHAFTESBURY AVENUE production staged in the round W1D 6AR Measure for Measure 0844 482 5130 20 June – 17 October Injustice, hypocrisy and the THE YOUNG VIC The Curious Incident of the Dog in challenge of inflexible virtue 66 THE CUT the Night-Time combine in Shakespeare’s most SE1 8LZ Until 24 October searching exploration of sexual 020 7922 2922 This acclaimed production of Mark politics and social justice Haddon’s award-winning novel, The Trial adapted by Simon Stephens and King John 19 June – 22 August directed by Marianne Elliott, has 1 June – 27 June Rory Kinnear stars in this classic, won 7 Olivier Awards – including The remotest in time of all timeless tale of ordinary terror by Best Play in 2013 Shakespeare’s English history plays, Franz Kafka with its cynical allegiances and ruthless politicking, now feels his most abrasively modern

The EY Exhibition: Sonia Delaunay at the Tate Modern

THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • CULTURE • 27 Rory Kinnear in Kafka’s The Trial Light Shining in Buckinghamshire

A Number WHITE CUBE TATE MODERN 4 July – 8 August 144 – 152 BERMONDSEY STREET BANKSIDE Bernard and his father both SE1 3TQ SE1 9TG confront epic questions of identity, 020 7930 5373 020 7887 8888 intimacy and belonging. Played by real-life father and son John and Theaster Gates – Freedom of The EY Exhibition: Sonia Delaunay Lex Shrapnel. Assembly 15 April – 9 August 29 April – 5 July Groundbreaking paintings, textiles Gates explores the theme of and clothes by Sonia Delaunay, a MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY assembly in its widest sense, key figure in the Parisian avant- 53 SOUTHWARK STREET enmeshing ideas of an autonomous garde and the European doyenne of SE1 1RU art object with notions of individual abstract art 020 7378 1713 freedom and the empowerment of place Communicating Doors Until 27 June The Beaux’ Stratagem at the A hired dominatrix flees for her DESIGN MUSEUM National Theatre life through a hotel communicating 28 SHAD THAMES door only to find herself 20 years SE1 2YD in the past. A comedy thriller by 020 7403 6933 Olivier and Tony award winner Alan Ayckbourn Life on Foot: Camper at the Design Museum 13 May – 1 November UNICORN THEATRE Embark on a creative journey into 147 TOOLEY STREET how traditional shoemaking has SE1 2HZ been shaped by contemporary 020 7645 0560 design and new technologies

Ancient Mechanicals Designs of the Year 2015 29 June – 4 July 25 March – 23 August This hands-on exhibition that fuses The museum’s annual Designs of the science, history and invention will Year awards are a great snapshot of delight, inform and entertain in creative innovation from across the equal measure world

28• THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • CULTURE breakfast meetings and afternoon teas

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For more information Freephone 0800 021 1484 · [email protected] www.therivermagazine.co.uk Go with the flow by Joe Campbell

t’s 2015 and by now even suggested that the intensity we all know just how and range of movements involved in important regular a game of 5-a-side football is better exercise is for our for your health than going for a run the empowered physical and mental or lifting weights. The logic behind feeling you get health. We are also this is that the sustained, stop-start starting to get a better nature of a game is fantastic for when fully focused, idea of how to spend burning fat and building fitness and motivated and our time in the gym is itself a form of that high intensity more effectively (with interval training (HIIT) that you’ve content the treadmill looking been hearing so much about. more and more lonely It is not just physical benefits that compared to the high we get from playing sport either, ‘‘motivated and content with the intensity areas). If current research suggests that we activity you are doing. People who you are like me, also get a significant mental boost, play sport regularly are shown to despite the rush too. have a generally high level of flow of endorphins that According to 5-a-side.com, some when they are playing. come after a good session at the psychologists believe that the key Of course, that’s all well and good gym, sometimes motivation can be a to living a happy life is to get as if you are young male who is into struggle. Here’s my best, albeit not much ‘flow’ experience as possible. football, but what about everyone so groundbreaking tip: play sports! ‘Flow’ is the term used to describe else? Well, our capital has no Whilst working out regularly is the optimal mental state that one shortage of options for all genders, a great way to stay in shape, the experiences when fully immersed in ages, abilities and interests. Below benefits of playing regular sport can a challenging task, that empowered is a selection of local sports centres help even more. In fact, research has feeling you get when fully focused, and the facilities they offer:

THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • FOR THE SOUL • 31 FUSION LIFESTYLE COLOMBO CENTRE POWERLEAGUE VAUXHALL Various locations Colombo Street, Southwark Black Prince Road, Vauxhall www.fusion-lifestyle.com www.jubileehalltrust.org/ www.powerleague.co.uk • Activities and sports for colombo-centre • High quality 5/7-a-side pitches disabled people • Badminton & Tennis courts, • Corporate events & function • Activities and sports for the plus tennis coaching room elderly • Netball & Basketball courts • Zorb Football – a fun new form • 5-a-side pitches & leagues of football GERALDINE MARY HARMSWORTH CENTRE LSBU SPORTS CENTRE Of course, these are not the only St. George’s Road, Elephant & London Road, Elephant & Castle local places where one can work up Castle www1.lsbu.ac.uk/sports a sweat, but if you are looking for www.fusion-lifestyle.com • Sports hall & gym a place to train, play and compete, • 5-a-side pitches either as a group or as an individual, • Dance studio • Floodlit courts why not pay a visit to one of the • Outdoor basketball courts MILLENIUM ARENA above centres for a full run down of Battersea Park, Battersea the activities and courses they offer. SURREY DOCKS www.wandsworth.gov.uk Get active, have fun and increase WATERSPORTS CENTRE • Floodlit, multipurpose, all your flow! Rope Street, Rotherhithe weather playing surfaces www.fusion-lifestyle.com • Running track • Watersports activities and • Fitness centre with gym courses facilities

Former England defender Tony Adams at the opening of Powerleague Vauxhall

32• THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • FOR THE SOUL Getting on top of your business with a database BUSINESS by George Swinton know how

or many of us born before 1990 that With a database information is not just being stored in remember the world turning well the memories of the top, most valued people in a team, enough before the Internet, the but is backed up in a central place for everyone to share. question has to be asked, ‘Why use a They say ‘knowledge is power’ and with a database, this database?’ knowledge is back in the hands of the organisation, safe Deep down though we know why; we have and versatile. all experienced the frustrations of working Customers increasingly want to be able to do as much with Luddites (people devoutly against on the Internet as possible, on phones or desktops and technology) and we have often been the ones a database can easily be plugged into online. A business driving demand for, and delivery of, new that fails to offer these conveniences is likely to fall technology. Work is so much easier and behind while organisations that provide more than time-saving when our client lists, product their competition will find it easier to secure clients and information and sales histories are organised. attract a more forward-thinking team.

WHAT IS…

a database? an App? A collection of any stored data that can be An app, short for application, is a type of software accessed by approved users and software. Data or program that is designed to run on the platform it can be uploaded to a server and retrieved from the is installed on, and not through a browser. An app is database for a variety of uses. designed to perform predetermined and coordinated functions. Business Software? Business software is any application, website or Cloud Computing? computer system, the use of which assists in the Cloud computing is a system that allows running of a particular business. It can be central applications and software to communicate and store to the way the business is run, such as an online data through a third-party-run server, allowing retailer, or a useful supplement to make certain users to save money on storage media and other tasks easier, such as a stock management system. maintenance related costs.

THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • BUSINESS• 33 BUSINESS TYPE MAIN FUNCTION EXTRA USES Restaurant Book tables • Store customer preferences • Store customer birthdays • Export customer contacts for emailing or postal mail outs • Create sales analysis reports Salon Book appointments • Product ordering and management Estate Agent Book appointments • Manage property information Travel Agent Book holiday packages • Create supplier Purchase Orders and customer invoices Retailer Online sales • Create Picking Lists • Manage stock levels • Manage delivery/distribution Recruitment Match CV’s to Jobs • Store Job and Company data • Store Candidate and CV data • Search mixed/complex variables • Export customer contacts for emailing or postal mail outs • Create sales analysis reports Project Managing tasks • Store client data • Store supplier data • Create estimates of time Managers and cost • Add sub tasks for each contributor • Store additional info/ files • Export customer contacts for emailing or postal mail outs • Create production analysis and sales analysis reports

OFF-THE-SHELF PACKAGES BESPOKE SOFTWARE Every sector has a bunch of available software that A reasonable developer/team can sit with you and can be bought/leased or used online. A quick search find what key processes you want to carry out and on Google will bring up a list of them for you to take what data you want to manage. The best features in a look at and even try. other industry software can be cherry-picked and only those developed to work the way you want. Pros • Quick to get up and running Pros • Small set-up costs • Tailored features to fit how you and your • Pay as you go running costs (typical £100 per customers really behave month/per user) • Designed for the skill levels and devices you want • Proven, tested software with reduced bugs/errors • You own/part own the software; reduced ongoing • Good customer support costs • Personal, direct contact with your developers Cons • One-off fees, so if you are still using it in 3 years • Lots of features you don’t want are included in the you are likely to be saving money costs • Lots of features are in the way of the ones you Cons actually want • Slower delivery, probably 6 months of consultation, • Some features you want aren’t included development and testing • Little opportunity to modify or tailor it to fit the • Bigger up-front cost, to cover planning and way you work development fees, for example • Paying per user per month in the long term can be • Retailer database linked to a website from £5,000* quite expensive, for example • Restaurant or simple Booking System database • 5 users @ £100 per month is £6,000 per year, from £5,000* (£18,000 after 3 years) • Recruitment database from £10,000* • Project Manager database from £10,000* *Development cost estimates provided by Onclouds Limited.

Local companies like Onclouds have been developing So, if you are thinking it might be time to take your these kinds of tailored solutions to fit in with other business processes online or if you have an idea for an existing software for years and offer a free consultation App that could change the world, there is someone local to discuss any application, database or software system. at hand to talk it over. According to Gabriel, the Services Manager at For a free consultation (and a coffee!) contact Onclouds, “Bespoke solutions are the best option for businesses who know what they want, can articulate it ONCLOUDS in simple terms and have realistic expectations. It will Bespoke Software and Database Development always work out cheaper in the long run and ‘fit’ all the t: 020 7403 8105 users better too.” w: www.onclouds.com

34• THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • BUSINESS A place steeped in history and industrial progress, the yin to Chelsea’s yang by Joe Campbell

The famous Battersea Power Station

THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • PROPERTY • 35 Battersea Reach from a 1910 print by Alfred Yockney

n the upper reaches of the first part of the station in 1929, Scott was commissioned to design the London Borough of and was completed and operational the building’s exterior, a renowned Wandsworth lies Battersea, in the late 30’s, featuring only two architect who also designed the red a town almost as decorated of the famous chimneys. When the telephone box. in landmarks as its power station was first proposed, After its closure in 1975 the power more famous neighbour, protests from locals were vociferous, station nearly became a theme park, Westminster. with concerns that it would be an of all things, but this project was Originally a part of eyesore with foul emissions atop the halted due to a lack of funding. In Surrey, the settlement of list. To counter this, Sir Giles Gilbert February 2012, the station was put Badric’s Island (which later became ‘Patrisey’, and then eventually Battersea) radiated out from the town’s ‘nucleus’ St. Mary’s Church, which is said to have been built originally by the Anglo Saxons in 800 AD. Before the industrial revolution, much of St. Mary’s large parish was farmland that provided food for the City, as well as more specialised products such as lavender, which is where Lavender Hill gets its name, and asparagus, which were affectionately known as ‘Battersea Bundles’. The area slowly became more and more industrialised, which peaked in 1939 with the completion of Wandsworth’s most famous landmark, the Battersea Power Monty Don, Joe Swift & Sophie Raworth; presenters of this years Chelsea Station. Work originally started on Flower Show. (c) BBC – Photographer: Glenn Dearing

36• THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • PROPERTY Battersea Park’s Children’s Zoo The Millennium Arena sports facility in Battersea Park up for sale on the open market for the first time in its Knightsbridge. If you want to take in some art and history, and was eventually purchased by a Malaysian culture, you could head to South Kensington and visit consortium, who intend to turn the site into a 40 acre the Science Museum, Natural History Museum or the shopping and leisure centre with residential areas. Given Victoria & Albert Museum. If you want to see another the sites Grade II listed status, the iconic features of the of London’s beautiful green spaces, Hyde Park and station, including the chimneys, will remain and work on Kensington Gardens sit nearby. their restoration has already begun. A beautiful summer day out can be found on the Another of Battersea’s most famous buildings is the north side of Chelsea Bridge, in the grounds of the Dogs & Cats Home, which was originally located in Royal Hospital Chelsea. The Chelsea Flower Show has Holloway before it moved into the shade of the Power now been going for over 100 years and is the place Station in 1871. On average the home cares for between to see the best of England’s floral mastery. Whilst the 8-9,000 cats and dogs every year with an average daily Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is now the largest intake of 14 dogs and 8 cats, so if you are thinking of in England, the Chelsea Flower Show is still the most getting a new furry friend be sure to pay them a visit! If you want to see some of the most beautiful landscaping in Central London then head to Battersea park, a 200 acre green space complete with a boating lake, nature reserve and children’s zoo. Outside of the zoo the park plays host to a huge variety of flora and fauna, and the well kept spaces are perfect for a summer picnic. The park also plays host to a spectacular fireworks show every November. Battersea Park is straddled by two of the three bridges connecting Battersea to Kensington and Chelsea: Battersea Bridge, Albert Bridge and Chelsea Bridge. The oldest of the three, Albert Bridge (which opened in 1873) is notable for the signs at each end which read: “All troops must break step when marching over this bridge” – the way the bridge had been constructed meant that the resonance of the footsteps of enough marching soldiers could cause damage to the structural integrity. On the other side of these bridges is the Chelsea embankment, where you’ll find some of the most expensive and luxurious properties in England. Pimlico, Sloane Square, Belgravia, Knightsbridge and Kensington are all within a walk or short bus ride from each other, and are where the luckiest of Londoners live, work and play. Apart from being awash with luxury properties, this area of London is also home to plenty of things to see and do. If it is some retail therapy you are after, you could visit Sloane Square and then saunter up Sloane Street to visit the world famous Harrods in The Festival Garden fountains in Battersea Park Another local landmark, Battersea Arts Centre

prestigious. Award categories at the show include Best Sean Murray, winner of the Show Garden, Best Artisan Garden and Best Fresh 2015 Great Chelsea Garden Challenge. Garden, amongst others. Unfortunately this year’s show (c) BBCPhotographer: has already ended, but if nature’s beauty is what feeds Richard Hanmer your soul, next years Chelsea Flower Show is not to be missed! It is undoubted that one of the things we love most about London is how each area has its own personality and characteristics. The Southbank has its arts and culture, Westminster has its sights to see, but Battersea has a proud history of progress, and a strong connection to Kensington and Chelsea, the heart of luxury.

all troops must break step when marching over this ‘‘bridge

Albert Bridge

38• THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT Properties

he Edwardian era is often Edwardian era than at any other remembered for the time, before or since. Building quality of its architecture regulations, combined with social and construction, with idealism, ensured that the flats being a neo-baroque style built by the London County Council that anglicised Europe’s were, and remain, a model of their personality. Aquinas Street, kind.” which is tucked just in from the On either side of the street are Thames’ southern bank and links unified terraces of unaltered houses, both Coin Street and Duchy Street, which make use of a timeless red has a regimented character that is brick and plain clay tiled exterior. reminiscent of this period’s aesthetic The buildings on the North side and structural qualities. (numbers 22-38) are three storeys In an excerpt of his book ‘The each, with full height canted bay, Glory of the Edwardian Home’, Clive terracotta detailing and timber Aslet tells us: “House buyers are sash windows. Numbers 1-18 on likely to be interested in the quality the South side are two storey of building. This was the high-water neo-Georgian terraces linked by mark of the building crafts. A higher a decorative archway. Original quality of construction – across railings, doors and sash windows occasional pediments create rhythm the board – was expected in the give a consistent appearance whilst and variety. The iron-gated archway separating Aquinas Street from Miller Walk is a strong interpretation of the art-nouveau style that encapsulates this area.

AQUINAS STREET LONDON, SE1 2 BEDROOM FLAT £950,000 LEASEHOLD

For enquiries contact WILLIAMS LYNCH 63 Bermondsey Street SE1 3XF t: 020 7940 9940 e: [email protected] w: www.williamslynch.co.uk

THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • PROPERTY• 39 Calling all London media people to Newspaper House by George Swinton

ith views over the rooftops the fusion of classic and modern of south London, from where finishes. Designer kitchens, elegant you can listen to the sounds of bathrooms, adaptable, open-plan the bustling city below, Newspaper living spaces and peaceful bedrooms House is perfectly situated whether each play a part in creating a home you work in the City, Docklands or that is sophisticated and totally fit West End. Just off Blackfriars Bridge for London life. Road in Zone 1, it is equally handy Floor to ceiling windows allow for for Waterloo or London Bridge fabulous light and views and the stations and has several options range of integrated appliances in of tube lines within easy walking custom designed kitchens include distance too. base units by Leicht and washer/ Every apartment and duplex has dryers by Siemens. Throughout each at least one balcony or terrace so home the flooring is exceptional too the mix of interior and exterior with engineered oak in the hallways, spaces are ample. What really living and kitchen areas and ceramic sets these units apart however, is floor tiles to bathrooms, while carpet

40• THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • PROPERTY is fitted in all bedrooms. An added For enquiries contact luxury is the under-floor heating throughout. FIELD AND SONS RESIDENTIAL SALES The developers, Acorn Property Borough High Street SE1 Group, have played a key role in t: 020 7407 1375 the regeneration of London’s South e: [email protected] Bank. In particular Acorn have been w: www.fieldandsons.co.uk integral to the surge in popularity of the Bermondsey Street area, where they have converted multiple vacant or redundant industrial buildings (many of which were contaminated due to use as tanneries in the 19th century) into a mixture of stunning new build mixed-use properties. The properties at Newspaper House are being marketed by Field & Sons, London’s oldest independent estate agents.

THE RIVER SUMMER 2015 • PROPERTY• 41

make IT flexible

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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.