issue 3: Mar/apr/May 2012

www.alanselby.co.uk Alan Selby & Partners, Millennium Harbour22 Westferry Road, London, E14 8LW

RESIDENTIAL SALESE14DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANCY

LETTINGSNEW HOMES MARKETING

VALUE ENGINEERINGLAND ACQUISITION

LivingE14Onwards, Upwards

In this the Olympic year, Canary Wharf is going for gold

Viva EspañaWe say ¡Hola! to acclaimedSpanish restaurant Ibérica

Hotel InspectorCelebrate the Capital in its finest year

with a stay in one of its best hotels

@ Millennium Harbour

DiaryE14 Living // News

The first of the three supporting towers of London’s cross-river cable car system have been completed, with work now underway on the second tower. The £80 million project has been funded by TFL and supported by a £36 million, 10-year sponsorship deal with Emirates. The Emirates Air Line will see its first ‘flights’ taking place this summer. The first urban cable car system of its kind in the UK, the cabins will offer a stunning aerial view as they transport passengers for the five-minute ride over the 1.1-kilometre stretch across the Thames between North Greenwich and the Royal Docks. There will be 34 cabins, each capable of carrying 10 passengers. Pricing has not yet been confirmed but the scheme aims to transport 30 million people a year.

DETAILS: www.tfl.gov.uk

MARCHBrand New Heavies: The 90s indie popsters perform a set of their feel-good hits.15 March, East Wintergarden

Canary Wharf Squash Classic: The world’s greatest squash players return to London for the ninth Canary Wharf Squash Classic, a world-renowned event in an outstanding setting. 19 > 23 March, East Wintergarden, 43 Bank Street, Canary Wharf

Gaucho International Polo: Chukkas away at this exciting annual event – the AS team attended last year and had an amazing evening. 21 March, The 02. www.the02.co.uk

APRIL Canary Wharf Quiz Night: Back by popular demand, Canary Wharf Arts & Events’ trivia night returns to E14. First prize: £250. 3 April, East Wintergarden. www.mycanarywharf.com

Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race: Held annually since 1856, expect to join 250,000 revellers who gather along the Thames between Putney and Chiswick Bridges. Grab yourself a spot near a riverside pub. 7 April

Docklands Cinema Club: Another great cinematic event courtesy of the Museum of London Docklands, this month’s screening is Performance starring Mick Jagger. 13 April

MAYChelsea Flower Show: Green-fingered fun and inspiring gardens at the annual flower show. 22-26 May. www.rhs.org.uk

The Backstreet Boys: Oh my god, they’re back again... The Backstreet Boys join New Kids On The Block (yes, really) for a takeover of The 02. Bonkers. 28 May. www.the02.co.uk

All Rise

E14 LivingPublished by Resource Magazine on behalf of Alan Selby & Partners

Words & Pictures Lisa Richards lisa@resource-magazine.comDesign Christian Tate cst1973@mac.com

Business Rachel Seed rachel@resource-magazine.com

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E14 Living content, including the information, names, images, pictures, logos and icons regarding or relating to E14 Living and/or

Alan Selby & Partners LLP, its products and services (or to third party products and services), is provided “AS IS” and on an “IS AVAILABLE” basis without any representations or any kind of warranty made (whether express or implied by law) to the extent permitted by law, including any advertising material, information, products or services available on or

through this publication.

The Queen: Art & ImageIn this an amazing year for London, it’s fitting that celebrations of pomp and majesty are also taking place surrounding The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. There are events taking place all over the country and the Capital sees some extraordinary sights over the Bank Holiday Weekend in June. Before then you can catch an excellent exhibition bringing together over 60 incredible portraits of the Monarch. Works by Cecil Beaton, Andy Warhol, Lucian Freud and Gerhard Richter are included, plus this piece called Lightness of Being by Chris Levine.DETAILS:The Queen: Art & Image,National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, London Tel: 020 7766 7344www.npg.org.uk

DETAILS: Volupté, 9 Norwich Street, EC4A 1EJwww.volupte-lounge.com

Suck It & SeeThe BonBon Bar at VoluptéBurlesque supperclub Volupté, in the heart of The City, is making its offering even sweeter with the launch of ‘sweet shoppe-cum-speakeasy’, The Bon Bon Bar. Push past the velvet rope and enter this flamboyant vaudevillian underworld with its magic, theatre and comedy performances. The Bon Bon Bar offers retro sweeties and cocktails inspired by them, including the Candy Cane – made with Koko Kanu, blue Caraçao, Lichi Li Liqueur and gin – and the Liquorice Lady, an intriguing mix of black Sambuca and vodka garnished with a liquorice lace. Definitely for grown-ups only.

Cable Hit

Lightness of Being, 2007 By Chris Levine © Chris Levine Courtesy of Mr Kevin P.Burke and the Burke Children. Private Collection.

www.alanselby.co.uk

Welcome to E14 Living, the property lifestyle publication brought to you by Alan Selby & PartnersAlan Selby and Partners have been at the forefront of the development and regeneration of East London and the Docklands since 1974. Because of this, we are often asked by clients and the media to offer an overview of the area’s market conditions, as well as providing an insight into its future development.

While many market commentators are loathe to peer into a crystal ball, it’s fair to asumme that 2012 is set to be an incredible year for London – thanks to the Olympics and Paralympics, as well as The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Since the year started, we have seen an influx of sellers, purchasers, tenants and landlords asking us what we think the effect the Olympic Games will have on property in the area. There is currently no way of quantifying the much talked about ‘Olympic effect’, but what we have seen in the last year is a relentless rental market, with rents increasing by more than 15 per cent in some cases. For this reason, investors are looking favourably towards the area and we are seeing strong levels of interest from the Far East and Middle Eastern markets. Most encouraging of all, though, is the return of the domestic market with buyers looking to secure property under slightly more favourable lending conditions.

In terms of the forecasted growth for the area, the future looks rosy (see page 11). Various large-scale developments are underway, and 2012 sees the area welcome the new London HQ of JP Morgan.

Other imminent development projects throughout the East London area demonstrate to us that there is still far more to come from an area which, less than a generation ago, was a very different place indeed.

As always we would love to hear from you, so please do get in touch: info@alanselby.co.uk

Alan Selby

Does anyone know where in E14 I can have a SHELLAC nail polish done? I love the look of them and apparently they stay ‘chip-free’ for ages? Helen, reader of E14 Living, living and working in Canary Wharf

Fancy something different for supper? Chef Collin Brown Caribbean restaurant brings together the contemporary and traditional for a unique experience of his former home. From jerk chicken to curried goat to simple

steamed sea bass, Collin Brown’s menu is a celebration of tropical flavours. Winter sun in E14! We loved it:2 Yabsley Street, London E14Tel: 020 7515 8177Janey, Orion Point, E14

Anyone need the services of a good mobile hairdresser for men and women? Leanne is friendly, reasonably-priced and conveniently comes to you in the comfort of your own home. I am happy to recommend. Telephone her for further information: 07850 175626Caroline, Millennium Harbour, E14

I spent a lovely day out at Mudchute Farm recently. Perfect for a spring-time visit with the kids. There are 32 acres of countryside in the middle of the Isle of Dogs. They have also recently reopened their kitchen, which is under new management, so you can get a nice spot of lunch there, too. Mudchute Park & Farm, Pier Street, Isle of Dogs, London E14 3HP. Tel: 020 7515 5901.Joe and family, Mudchute

Following your review of the excellent Four Seasons Canary Wharf in the last issue of E14 Living, I just wanted to say that their restaurant is a wonderful spot for a special occasion. We recently celebrated my daughter’s 18th birthday there and the service was excellent, but not at all stuffy. The bar’s also great for a post-work cocktail.Judith, Canary Riverside, E14

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Welcome

Readers’ Corner:Have Your Say

VisualImpact

Yet another art blockbuster opens in the Capital, this time in the shape of Damien Hirst’s first ever UK retrospective. It’s been a long time coming. Hirst, in case you’ve been living under a rock for the last 20-odd years, was one of the founding members of the Young British Artists’ movement that included the likes of Tracey Emin, Sarah Lucas, Gavin Turk and Jake and Dinos Chapman. Hirst is considered to be one of the most important artists of his generation and his work continues to raise record-breaking amounts at auction. Some of his most famous pieces will be on show at Tate Modern, including his shark floating in formaldehyde, his work using pill and medicine cabinets and this, part of a series of works that include butterflies and flies. Form an orderly queue. DETAILS:5 April until 9 September, Tate Modern. www.tate.org.uk

The teams in Alan Selby & Partners’ busy Sales and Lettings departments spend their working days travelling all over the Isle of Dogs, meeting residents, those looking to move to this exciting corner of London and business owners. They are often asked about their favourite restaurants, where’s great for a Sunday lunch, reliable builders and plumbers and great spots for a walk with the family. In this, our third issue of E14 Living, we’ve been sent even more enquiries from residents of the area. Please feel free to drop us a line with suggestions or your own questions: info@alanselby.co.uk

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E14 Living // News

You may not know his name, but you’re bound to have encountered David Shrigley’s whimsical,

ironic art at some point. The British artist’s collection of work is a dry take on everyday life

and his crudely drawn cartoons, installations and sculptures are both insightful and comic.

DETAILS:David Shrigley: Brain Activity at the Hayward Gallery until 13 May 2012.

www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Restaurant Revolution

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With so many exciting restaurant openings in the Capital in the lead up to the Olympics, including big names like Gordon Ramsay and Mark Hix, as well as a number of interesting up-and-coming stars, we’ve found it almost impossible to choose our favourites. Here’s our round-up of some of the highlights.

Ceviche The next hot food trend to hit London is Peruvian. You saw it here first. (Minus the guinea pigs, we hope). Ceviche, founded by Martin Morales (left) and with Ale Bello at the stove, is one of the Capital’s most talked about new restaurants. Now open. 17 Frith Street, Soho. www.cevicheuk.com

Cinnamon Soho The eagerly anticipated third venue (below) from acclaimed Indian chef Vivek Singh offers a more informal take on his signature modern Indian food. Opening mid-March. Kingly Street, Soho. www.cinnamonclub.com

Donostia Former Barrafina chef Tomasz Baranski has been spending time in the Basque country perfecting his techniques and will be showcasing modern Basque-style tapas such as stuffed squid in ink and cod pil pil, alongside more traditional Spanish tapas like croquetas and tortilla. Now open. Seymour Place, Portman Village, Marylebone. www.donostia.co.uk

SUSHISAMBA Taking over the SKY bar at the awe-inspiring Heron Tower, this famed American chain is bringing its exotic Japanese/Brazilian/Peruvian fusion to London, mixing sushi, sashimi ceviches, tuna tataki and Latin-style beef maki rolls & hearty moquecas (seafood stews). Expect jaw-dropping views and a cool, smart Transatlantic crowd. Opening Spring 2012. Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N.www.sushisamba.com

Hix Belgravia Early February saw the opening of Mark Hix’s fifth London outpost at the new Thompson Hotel. Hix (bottom left) is, allegedly, going “off-piste” with the menu, so don’t expect his usual modern British cooking. Now open.Pont Street, SW1X. www.hixbelgravia.co.uk

Obikà Mozzarella Bar Opened recently on our doorstep, Obikà has become a firm lunchtime favourite with its great food, speedy service and buzzy atmosphere. Now open. Unit 1 West Wintergarden, 35 Bank Street, E14. www.obika.co.uk

Sculpture VulturesFor lovers of fine art and beautiful things, the open spaces in and around Canary Wharf will be filled with aesthetic objéts this Spring. Over in Jubilee Park a collection of work by the famed British sculptor Sir Anthony Caro will be on display. Meanwhile, in Canada Square Park, Luke Jerram’s playful, striking “Aeolus - Acoustic Wind Pavilion” (pictured) will take centre stage. A sculptural instrument whose tune is affected by the elements and its environment, it resonates and sings without any electrical power.DETAILS: Sir Antony Caro, 12 March until 25 May, Jubilee Park, Canary Wharf Aeolus - Acoustic Wind Pavilion, 27 March until 10 May, Canada Square Park

Badly Drawn Boy

www.alanselby.co.uk

Going ForGold?

Alan Selby & Partners’ lettings department have collated some frequently

asked questions by homeowners and landlords who are looking to let out their property during the summer months. They have put together a series of useful, straightforward answers which hopefully will allow owners to make the right decision about whether to rent out their property during the 2012 Olympics.

What rental income should I expect to achieve?As a rule of thumb, most properties should be able to achieve at least four times the amount of a standard rental income. Am I allowed to rent my property for such a short period of time?Most modern developments that we deal with in the E14 area have a clause in the Head Lease forbidding lets for less than six months long. If you are a leaseholder, it is your duty to comply with any Head Lease, not doing this can result in action being taken against the lessee by the freeholder. Even if such a clause does not exist, you should

still advise the freeholder what you are doing.

In addition, Tower Hamlets is one of six London councils who are insisting that residents apply for planning permission before letting their home out over the Olympics. The application alone costs £400. If you decide against doing this, and complaints are received by the Council or it is discovered that you have rented out your property without permissions in place, penalties of up to £20,000 are being threatened, along with a criminal record. There are other legal obstacles for aspiring landlords: a gas safety certificate needs to be applied for and permission obtained from insurers and mortgage providers. Will the short-term lets work on the same principle of a long-term let, but just on a smaller timescale?If you want to charge top rent, your home will need to be immaculate, with fireproof furniture and a home-made book of information about the local area. Every bedroom needs an accompanying bathroom.

In addition, most people looking to stay in the area solely for the

Olympic’s will be expecting accommodation to be serviced properties.

What are serviced properties?A serviced property is run more like a hotel than a standard rental property. This means that landlords would be expected to provide regular cleaning services and freshly-laundered bed linen.

Are there any drawbacks to

providing a serviced property?Aside from the additional costs incurred due to the above services, the wear and tear factor on a serviced apartment is generally far greater than on a property rented on a long-term basis. Generally, people staying in these properties are only there for a short period of time, and they tend to treat them more like a hotel than somewhere they would call ‘home.’

Are there any other things I need to consider before making a decision?There will inevitably be a large number of landlords who decide to rent out their property over the Olympic period. This means that once the Olympics have finished, there is likely to be a large influx of properties coming back onto the lettings market. The obvious downside to this is that void periods are likely to increase, or asking prices for the property will be lower, therefore possibly affecting your rental yield.

Are there other ways I can take advantage of this busy period?The Government has a Rent A Room Scheme, which means you can earn up to £4250 per year tax-

free, by letting out spare rooms. This is a great way of taking advantage of the Olympics, as the health and safety and planning permission rules do not apply.

Is there a demand for short-term rentals over the Olympic period?We have received very little demand from individuals looking for a property to rent solely for the Olympic period. The vast majority of the enquiries we have received are corporate tenants looking for bulk lettings in one particular area. Can Alan Selby & Partners help with housing corporate tenants in one particular area?Yes, we currently have a client who has a high number of properties available to rent on the same development.DETAILS:Please telephone the Lettings Department on: 020 7519 5900 for further information.For more details on the Government’s Rent A Room Scheme, search for it on: www.direct.gov.ukVisit Alan Selby and Partners’ website: www.alanselby.co.ukFollow them on Twitter: @alanselbye14

When the Olympics were awarded to London, many believed that homeowners and landlords would be able to ‘cash in’ on the influx of visitors to the Capital in 2012. However, as Alan Selby & Partners’ Lettings team point out, the complexities of letting a property could, potentially, leave a landlord out of pocket.

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E14 Living // Food

and are all from executive chef Nacho Manzano’s two Michelin star restaurant, Casa Marcial, in Asturias, Northern Spain. César García is the chef manning the stoves and overseeing the kitchen’s day-to-day running. (He claimed in a recent interview to not be chasing stars, but if he carries on like this, they’ll come looking for him). The interiors are designed by Barcelona based company Contemporain Studios. The modernity of the cavernous interior is softened by an almost retro Spanish look, with tiled floors, faux shutters and huge vintage theatre posters adorning the double-height walls. Spanish wines are visible everywhere (on the walls, in the glass-fronted bodega, up the stairs, behind the bar) and range from the legendary (the Ribera del Duero region’s infamous Pingus) to the reliable everyday drinkers (Beronia from Spain’s best known wine region, Rioja) and many in between. We were introduced to one of the lesser-known grape growing regions – Priorat, which lies in the south-west of Catalonia. We tried a glass (a bargain at £9.50) of Formiga de Vellut. The blend of granache, Carinena and Syrah grapes came together in a rich, velvety, smooth wine, full of berries and showcasing the very best in Spanish winemaking. An essence of the very best of Spanish wine in a singular glass. We ordered another glass each.

I should mention that I was brought up in Spain, so I know my Spanish food and wine better than most, and my expectations

were high. We began with a trio of Ibérico hams, accompanied with one of my great Spanish food loves: the humble tomato bread. The Jamóns represented a journey from the centre to the south of the country and from mild and sweet, to intense and savoury. All boasted that wonderful, mouth-coating, sweetly melting fat that is the signature of these hams. There is no other time that I would actively chose to eat a piece of fat. But this is a pleasure that cannot be missed. Savour the unique flavour and the way it coats the mouth, before cutting through it with a sip of super-dry fino sherry. Perfection on a slab of slate.

Gazpacho with red berries, beetroot and anchovies tasted nothing like you’d expect and everything you’d hope. Slightly tart from the berries, earthy from the beetroot and salty from the anchovies, it was cleansing and refreshing and an early sign of the inventiveness and skill of things to come. Croquetas – usually more my dining companion’s cup

of tea than mine – won me over with their creamy, cheesy centre and little shards of ham. This is clever cooking: old Spanish meets the new, groundbreaking Spanish cooking.

Torto with caramelised onions, eggs and Cabralos cheese was an unexpected treat. The humble fried corn “torto” is a speciality of the Asturias region, eaten instead of bread in many households and topped with various delights – or whatever is to hand. In this case the delight was creamy scrambled eggs mixed with sweet onion and rich cheese. Comforting and delicious, we practically licked the plate clean.

Caramelised, tender scallops melted in the mouth and a ‘sailor stew’ of plump, juicy clams swimming in a rich sauce were a seafood lover’s dream. Being an unashamed carnivore, the cute tapas-size Ibérican pork loin burgers with little pickled peppers and a honey mustard sauce were devoured in seconds, leaving us wishing they’d arrived full size.

Black rice arrived dotted with cuttlefish and prawns and served with a rich and pungent alioli. Delicious hunks of seafood punctuated every mouthful and the intensity of the squid ink left our lips darkly stained.

Our savoury taste buds fully satisfied, we were ready to move onto the sweet stuff. And it doesn’t come much sweeter than Tocinillo. One of Spain’s most iconic desserts, it came about in the early part of the last century when the Jerez wineries donated leftover egg yolks (they used the whites to

I was immediately won over by the heavily-accented maître-d’, whose warmth and charm was a template for all the staff

I love Canary Wharf. Head-over-heels, quickening heart beat, sort of love. The architecture inspires me, the buzz excites me, the water soothes me and the people fascinate me. I remember the first time

I drove through the Wharf. Actually, I was being driven, in the summer, in a convertible, some 10 years ago and I remember looking skyward in awe. I felt as though I had been transported to another time and place. The future. In a US metropolis. I half expected to spot Superman flying between the skyscrapers. Then I went to Waitrose. The biggest, shiniest, most luxurious Waitrose in the land. I was hooked. There wasn’t much else there at the time but I loved it nevertheless and it was the start of an ongoing, dizzying love affair.

So imagine how my love has deepened now that the area is home to even more vertiginous feats of architecture, a shopping centre that caters to your every materialistic need, a variety of cultural events and attractions, and an ever-expanding range of quality eateries. Newest to the scene, and the protagonist in my story, is Ibérica.

I was immediately won over by the heavily-accented greeting from the charming maître-d’, whose warmth and charm was a template for all the staff. Everything about the place screams “Spain”. Authentically – not in a bullfighting, Viva España kind of way. More like, as my dining companion put it, “It feels like we’ve stumbled across a well established, old-school Madrid tapas bar with a hot, young chef at the stove.” All the staff are Spanish and whilst they speak faultless English, there is the odd, charming, tell-tale slip up. When I asked how long the restaurant had been open, I was told “since half-November”. The chefs are Spanish

VivaWest Londoner Rachel Seed jumps on the Jubilee Line and finds herself transported to a truly authentic Spanish restaurant at the foot of Canary Wharf’s soaring ’scrapers – a welcome addition to the Island’s growing restaurant scene.

Ibérica

www.alanselby.co.uk

clarify the sherry) to the local nuns, who, with the addition of nothing more than a bit of sugar, turned them into this heavenly dessert. The Tocinillo at Ibérica is served with yoghurt ice-cream, which magically cuts through the sweetness, while a biscuity crumble lends a welcome textural element to the dish. Like all the food we’d tasted, it was well though out, inventive and skilful cooking that stays true to its roots – but that isn’t afraid of modernity and progress.

The walk back to Canary Wharf tube under the canopy of skyscrapers reenforced my love affair and now I have even more of a reason to venture east. My slightly drunkenly uttered “hasta luego” (see you soon) to the maître-d’ was greeted with a squeal of delight. I meant it. See you soon, Ibérica.DETAILS:12 Cabot Square, E14 4QQ0207 636 8650www.ibericalondon.co.uk

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The Jamóns represented a journey from the centre to the south of the country and from mild and sweet, to intense and savoury

E14 Living // Travel

1. CLARIDGE’S For sheer indulgence and a real sense of history, we highly recommend the iconic grande-dame of London’s hotel scene.We love: The flawless, highly personal service that makes you feel like royalty. (Pictured above).DETAILS:Brook Street, Mayfair Tel: 0207 629 8860www.claridges.co.uk

2. MYHOTEL CHELSEA Looking for inner peace in the heart of Chelsea? Then look no further than this centrally located feng shui-ed boutique bolthole.We love: The light and airy

conservatory. Perfect for a spot of post-shopping afternoon tea or pre-dinner cocktails and a game of Scrabble.DETAILS:35 Ixworth Place, ChelseaTel: 0207 225 7500www.myhotels.com

3. FOUR SEASONS CANARY WHARF Four Seasons’ exemplary service and understated style in the heart of the Docklands – just minutes from your doorstep. Why go any further? We love: The fitness club with its infinity indoor riverside pool and restorative steam rooms. Perfect for the morning after the night before in the hotel bar.

DETAILS:46 Westferry Circus, Canary WharfTel: 0207 7510 1999www.fourseasons.com

4. BLAKES A temple to Hempel. Luxury and opulence in the birthplace of the boutique hotel concept.

We love: The daring, dramatic interiors and the talking bird in reception.DETAILS: 33 Roland Gardens, KensingtonTel: 0207 370 6701www.blakeshotels.com

5. THE BINGHAM Just an hour or so on the tube and you’re weekending in ‘rural’ London with stunning views of the Thames and Michelin star-worthy food.We love: The laid-back country house party atmosphereDETAILS: 61-63 Petersham Road, Richmond-upon-ThamesTel: 0208 940 0902www.thebingham.co.uk

6. THE HEMPEL An homage to sleek minimalism in the heart of leafy London, The Hempel is favoured by visiting celebrities (pictured above).We love: The incredible food, the peaceful Zen garden (as seen in the flick Notting Hill) and the stylish, spacious accommodation.

London’s best hotels We live in one of the world’s finest cities and 2012 is London’s year. So what better time to take in all that’s great about this Great British city? Pack your weekend bag, take a cheeky Monday off work and enjoy a couple of nights in one of London’s finest hotels exploring the Capital and its riches. With E14 Living’s Top 12 London hotels guide, you can book with confidence and make the most of this amazing place we love to call home. We’ve teamed up with London-based writers, travel experts and PR folk to whittle down London’s impressive collection of hotels to just 12.

www.alanselby.co.ukDETAILS: 31-35 Craven Hill Gardens, BayswaterTel: 020 7298 9000www.the-hempel.co.uk

7. THE HALKIN Stylish, old-school and luxurious, an oft-overlooked stalwart on the London hotel scene.We love: The food at David Thompson’s Nahm – the only Michelin-starred Thai restaurant in London – keeps us coming back for more and more.DETAILS: Halkin Street, BelgraviaTel: 0207 333 1000www.halkin.como.bz

8. HOXTON HOTEL The cheeky young upstart of our collection, the Hoxton is fun, cool and quirky, but serious about its service and hi-tech features – perfect for business or leisure, set in one of the Capital’s coolest neighbourhoods.We love: The feeling of not being ripped off: there’s free wi-fi everywhere, free local calls, cheap calls to the USA, high street priced snacks, amenities and luxuries. DETAILS:81 Great Eastern Street, HoxtonTel: 0844 567 6314www.hoxtonhotels.com

9. FOX & ANCHOR One of the country’s most highly rated gastropubs-with-rooms in the beating, historic heart of London’s very own ‘meatpacking’ district. Luxurious rooms, elegant pub grub and real ale to wash it down with.We love: The intoxicating mix of past, present and future London. Oh, and the sensational meat.DETAILS:115 Charterhouse Street, City of London. Tel: 020 7250 1300www.foxandanchor.com

10. BOUNDARY Already legendary, this Conran property in the heart of Shoreditch, boasts some of London’s most interesting and stylish hotel rooms, a restaurant to-die-for and the best breakfast in town.We love: The roof terrace with great views, fabulous cocktails and cashmere blankets to keep you toasty. The suckling pig served downstairs in the basement is worthy of a trip alone.DETAILS:2-4 Boundary Street, ShoreditchTel: 020 7729 1051www.theboundary.co.uk

11. METROPOLITANThis original bastion of cool has grown up a bit, along with its loyal customer base. Still stylish, still effortless and still one of our favourites (right & above).We love: The Cocoshambala products. The most stealable hotel toiletries ever. DETAILS:Old Park Lane, Hyde ParkTel: 0207 447 1000metropolitan.london.como.bz

12. HAYMARKET HOTEL A quintessential Firmdale hotel, with its distinctive quirky design, located right in the heart of London’s theatre district.We love: The über-glamorous and beautifully-lit indoor pool and bar in the basement that makes you

feel like you’re on a film set.DETAILS:1 Suffolk PlaceTel: 020 7470 4000www.firmdale.com

WORTHY MENTIONSA top 12 doesn’t do justice to the sheer enormity of hotels that London offers visitors. Other hostelries worthy of your attention include:

n Mandarin Oriental: Five star luxe. Be sure book in to Heston Blumenthal’s Dinner.www.mandarinoriental.comn Belgraves, a Thompson Hotel: The US superbrand arrives in London and opens with a Mark

Hix-branded eatery.www.thompsonhotels.comn Rough Luxe: Über-design at this King’s Cross B&B with a twist.www.roughluxe.co.ukn Firmdale Hotels: One of our favourite hotel brands, as well as number 12 in our list, the company also operates the The Soho Hotel,

Covent Garden Hotel, Charlotte Street Hotel, Knightsbridge Hotel and Number Sixteen in London, plus the Crosby Street Hotel in New York City.www.firmdale.comn The Zetter Townhouse: Quirky 13-room sister hotel to also-excellent The Zetter, the Townhouse is a slice of avant-garde design in the heart of Clerkenwell. Cocktails in the bar are a must.www.thezettertownhouse.comn The Connaught: One of the city’s super hotels (pictured left), The Connaught boasts Hélène Darroze’s acclaimed restaurant and the UK’s first Aman Resort outing in London – in the shape of its world-class spa.www.the-connaught.co.uk

London’s best hotels

It’s astonishing to think that in just a single generation, Docklands has been

transformed. It’s a fairytale success of daring vision, bold design and intelligent urban planning. Just 30 years ago, seven years after Alan Selby opened his first office, the area was an inner city wasteland and in a state of serious decline. Alan Selby, and other visionaries like him, saw the strength in the area’s history as well as the development possibilities for its vast swathes of land. However, after the last padlock was closed on the West India Docks in 1980 – the last remaining working docks in the area – it was to be another 11 years before the first new wave of

tenants moved into the area. The effect of the closure of the

docks was devastating to this area of East London and cannot be understated. The area was full of not just dock workers, but also small businesses that serviced the docks: from rope makers and ship repair experts, to warehouses and haulage companies that served as an artery for the goods arriving from abroad, taking them to major cities all around the UK. To put it into numbers, in their heyday, the Port of London Docks alone employed some 100,000 people, as goods from far-flung lands arrived for Londoners and the rest of Britain: tobacco, spices, wines ready to bottle, exotic fruits

and even circus animals. Once the busiest docks in the world, it was the arrival of the shipping container that sounded the docks’ death knell.

After a much-trumpeted

announcement, proclaiming the area an Enterprise Zone in the 1980s, an initial flurry of excitement and building took place – the shining Canada Tower reached upwards, becoming the tallest building in the UK, its ever-present plume of smoke overseeing this new growth. However, these visions for the area were not strong enough to hold against a world economic crash and free-falling property prices. After a sputtering start, which saw the original developer, Olympia & York, file for bankruptcy, finally in 1991 Canary Wharf’s first new breed of tenants moved in.

This new development of the Docklands saw the sky-scraping

towers rise, phoenix-like, from the ashes of a lost, treasured industry. A place where once London flexed its might as the head of a sprawling Empire, it could now be seen, again, as a formidable force, this time at the forefront of the world’s financial industry.

Thanks to massive investment in its infrastructure, Canary Wharf – and its surrounding environs – is now a great place to live with a growing cosmopolitan restaurant and bar scene – boasting some of London’s best fine dining locations and world-class chefs – a bustling shopping centre with high-end stores, plus superb transport links. When first completed, however, the streets would be deserted at

As the 2012 Olympics loom large on our horizon and with the eyes of the world on us thanks to the Games, we take a look at the astonishing growth of the Docklands area – one of the five Olympic host boroughs – and to its future as a hub of world financial business

What next for this mini metropolis pulling in big businesses from all over the world?

E14 Living // Development

Eastern Promise

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weekends once the workers had left, resembling an empty movie set thanks to its American-style boulevards and soaring ‘scrapers. Now the area is a-buzz with a thriving after-work-hours scene as well as an excellent all-year-round cultural and arts event calendar.

Generations-worth of change in just three decades have turned this desolate wasteland into a thriving global economy, creating with it one of the best places to live in the Capital. And it’s not just the banking community that have benefited from this influx of people and money. The Canary Wharf Group PLC, since the key areas of construction began in 1997, have been supporting local businesses and enterprises, helping them to bid for the substantial contracts available on Canary Wharf projects. Their Local Business Liaison Office (LBLO) has helped to secure £615 million of business from the Canary Wharf

Group and its tenants.So what next for this mini

metropolis that is pulling in big business from the secure walls of the Square Mile? Good news in already for 2012 is that JP Morgan will be moving its base to Canary Wharf this year – its logo is already shining bright above its new home on Bank Street. The arrival of Crossrail (Canary Wharf Station pictured, right), due for completion in 2016, will see even better transport links for the area. With 15 million square feet of office space created in the last 20 years, the Canary Wharf Group PLC are planning on adding even more.

So the future looks bright for E14. With Far Eastern and Middle Eastern investors eyeing the land that’s left for investment opportunities and with a buoyant rentals market, 2012 looks set to be a golden year for the regenerated Docklands.

It’s a fairytale success of daring vision, bold design and intelligent urban planning

Alan Selby & Partners Sales Department

Now available at London City Airport

Email us your suggestions, questions & thoughts: info@alanselby.co.uk or contact Rachel if you would like to advertise: rachel@resource-magazine.com

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Naxos Building E14, £459,995 A fabulous sixth floor, two-bedroom apartment offering spectacular views across the River Thames westerly incorporating the City and Central London skyline, this accommodation comprises: reception room with open-plan kitchen and river-facing balcony, an en-suite to the master bedroom and a main bathroom. This private gated development boasts a 24-hour concierge and access to a gymnasium and spa and is situated within 550 metres from the Canary Wharf estate offering an abundance of shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities as well as both Jubilee line and DLR stations. This property is offered to the market chain-free.

Elektron Tower, E14, £359,995With spectacular views westerly towards Canary Wharf and incorporating the City skyline, this well-presented two-bedroom fifth floor apartment offers spacious living accommodation comprising: open-plan reception room with balcony, floor to ceiling windows and modern kitchen, en-suite shower room to the master bedroom, store cupboard and bathroom. The property also has an allocated parking space. Electron Tower itself offers 24-hour porter and gymnasium and is situated 50 metres from the East India DLR station and approximately 0.6 miles from the Canary Wharf estate. This property is offered to the market chain-free.

Stanton House, E14, £POAThis fantastic two-bedroom third-floor apartment set within a private development nestled close to the river Thames offers spacious living accommodation comprising: open-plan reception/dining/office (which could potentially provide a third bedroom) and modern kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite and main bathroom all in excellent condition. Stanton House offers a porter Monday to Saturday plus secure covered parking and is set on popular Rotherhithe Street and is within 350 metres of the Hilton Docklands Nelson Dock Pier. Canada Water and Rotherhithe stations as well as the retail park can all be found within 0.75 miles of the property as well as many other local amenities including shops and restaurants.

New Providence Wharf, E14, £474,995With stunning views across the River Thames and onto the 02 Arena, this stylish two-bedroom, eighth floor apartment offers river views from both bedrooms and the reception room, which also has access to a balcony. The master bedroom features an en-suite shower room, and there is also a main bathroom and modern kitchen with sliding doors to the reception room. In the highly sought-after New Providence Wharf development, it offers 24-hour concierge, a gym, swimming pool and spa plus valet parking. It is situated approximately 250 metres from Blackwall DLR, 700 metres from the Canary Wharf estate and City Airport is just 2.5 miles away. The property is offered to the market chain-free.

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For all sales and lettings enquiries, please contact the Alan Selby & Partners office:Millennium Harbour, 22 Westferry Road, London, E14 8LWTel: 020 7519 5900 E: info@alanselby.co.uk W: www.alanselby.co.uk

SOLD 2011/12SOLD: Pointers Close, £649,995SOLD: Vanguard Building, £474,995SOLD: Naxos Building £314,995SOLD: Jefferson Building, £349,995SOLD: New Providence Wharf, £475,000SOLD: Claire Place, £359,995

Orchard Place, E14, £POAA beautifully presented top-floor duplex warehouse conversion with a fantastic size open-plan living area and kitchen with sliding partition for study/bedroom 2, shower room, walk-in store cupboard and spiral staircase leading to a bedroom with en-suite bathroom, second store room and access to balcony overlooking the River Thames and River Lee tributary. The property comes with a secure parking space and there is also a communal sun terrace with fantastic easterly views. The development is situated 550 metres from the East India DLR station, within one mile of both the Canary Wharf development and the London Excel centre. This property is offered to the market chain-free.

For Sale

Ming Street, E14, £359,995A beautifully presented and spacious family home situated in a cul-de-sac within 350 metres of the Canary Wharf estate offering accommodation comprising: reception room, kitchen/dining room, utility room and a re-modernised bathroom with separate cloakroom. The property also comes with a parking space and an L-shaped garden giving the potential to extend the existing property subject to the relevant planning consents. The Westferry DLR station can be found also within 350 metres of the property giving access to The City.

Quay View Apartments E14, £399,995Offering stunning views across the Millwall Dock is this beautifully refurbished, spacious two-bedroom, ground-floor apartment. The accommodation comprises: reception room with open-plan modern kitchen and breakfast bar leading onto a dock-facing sun terrace, master bedroom also with views of the dock with en-suite shower room and main bathroom. The property also benefits from a parking space and solid wood flooring to the reception area.

Waterman Building, E14, £469,995A beautifully presented and re-modernised two-bedroom, ground-floor apartment giving access onto the communal gardens looking onto the River Thames, set within this ever-popular private residential development which offers 24-hour porter, gymnasium and spa. The accommodation comprises: reception room, separate modern kitchen with utility room, shower room, master suite with bathroom and the property also comes with an allocated covered parking space. The Millennium Harbour development is situated within 400 metres of the Canary Wharf estate which offers an abundance of shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities as well as DLR and Jubilee line stations.

New Providence Wharf, E14, £319,995One of the most famous landmark developments in the Docklands is New Providence Wharf. Nestled on the bank of the River Thames, this splendid private development boasts 24-hour concierge, extensive leisure facilities including a gymnasium, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and health spa. The apartment includes: reception room with access onto a balcony with views to the south of the River Thames and west towards Canary Wharf, an open-plan kitchen plus modern bathroom suite. It is situated approximately 270 metres from Blackwall DLR station and within 600 metres of the Canary Wharf business complex, which offers a Jubilee line underground station. This property is ideal as a pied-à-terre or for a professional person needing to be in close proximity to Canary Wharf and is offered chain free.

BOW CROSS WEST, E3 £350 per weekA spacious brand new two-bedroom apartment located within the Bow Cross West development. The property is situated on the fifth floor and comprises two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, wood flooring, large corner balcony with views towards Canary Wharf and an open-plan fitted kitchen. Offered unfurnished.

NEW PROVIDENCE WHARF, E14, £545 per weekA spacious two bedroom apartment located on the fifth floor of this sought-after development. The apartment comprises two double bedrooms, two luxury bathrooms, solid wood flooring throughout, modern fitted kitchen and a balcony with direct views of the river onto the 02. The development boasts 24-hour concierge, leisure facilities to include pool and gym, and secured valet parking. Offered fully-furnished.

Alan Selby & Partners’ bespoke Lettings and Property

Management department’s professional and personable service has evolved through an understanding that every tenancy is unique, catering for individual requirements. Once a tenant’s or landlord’s needs are thoroughly assessed, each rental progresses in a speedy and professional manner, fully meeting the standards required by the ARLA (Association of Residential Lettings Agents).

Alan Selby & Partners’ team has been positioned at the front of the Millennium Harbour development for over a decade, and their vast experience means they have dealt first-hand with many unusual and sometimes challenging situations that can arise when working with a landlord or tenant. By providing guidance and information to both parties throughout the letting process, the team – who are always on hand – ensure the progress is as smooth as possible.

From their first point of enquiry, landlords are given frank and professional advice based on Alan Selby & Partners’ knowledge of the E14 area. Feedback is provided throughout the renting process and continues throughout the tenancy. The tenants on their books are professional individuals, with many

coming from the large corporates of Canary Wharf. Each tenant is fully checked using an authorised and regulated financial services referencing company. Landlords will also be reassured to know that, if required, Alan Selby & Partners can arrange for essential paperwork such as gas safety certificates, electrical certificates and inventories. Relevant deposit protection can also be organised and writing to utility companies once tenants have moved in is also taken care of. Their many years of experience ensures you can maximise your investment without the stress of sourcing a tenant and managing the property

yourself. Once a tenant is in-situ,

landlords are provided with monthly statements of rent received, rental periods and any pre-approved deductions for maintenance issues which may arise. All contractors used are fully approved by Alan Selby & Partners, have the relevant insurances required, and offer competitive rates. The in-house property management team also carry out routine inspections during tenancies and provide landlords with detailed reports on the condition of their property and if any maintenance works are needed. When the tenancy comes to an end, a check-out, professional cleaning and the closing of utilities is all organised and the property manager will be on hand until the deposit release has been agreed.

Alan Selby & Partners’ ‘hands-on’ approach to lettings and property management has ensured that the department has continued to grow from strength-to-strength throughout the turbulent economic climate, by retaining long-standing clients and attracting new landlords on a regular basis. DETAILS:If you would like any more information on the department and its services, pop in for a chat or call Helene or Neil on: 0207 519 5900.

Alan Selby & Partners Letting Department

In Safe Hands

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MILLENNIUM DRIVE, E14, £290 per week

A well-presented one bedroom apartment set in a private, gated

development with day porter, the apartment benefits from reception

room with Juliette balcony, separate fitted kitchen, bathroom and secure covered parking. Within

walking distance of Island Gardens DLR.

10 ORCHARD PLACE, E14, £420 per week

A fabulous duplex apartment in a converted warehouse with space

and character in abundance! With exposed brick walls and solid

wood floors, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, spacious reception area, two balconies with amazing views of the O2 and Canary Wharf.

Underground parking space and additional visitor parking available, all within a short walk of the DLR.

WATERMAN BUILDING, MILLENNIUM HARBOUR, E14,

£450 per week

A recently refurbished, two bedroom two bathroom

apartment situated on the fifth floor of Waterman Building in Millennium Harbour development. Newly decorated with a new kitchen

and refitted en-suite shower room, this apartment offers a private balcony with wonderful river views.

VANGUARD BUILDING,

MILLENNIUM HARBOUR, E14, £450 per week

Spacious two bedroom, two bathroom apartment in the

sought after Vanguard Building, Millennium Harbour. The property is offered fully-furnished and offers

a balcony with full river views.Millennium Harbour facilities include 24-hour porterage and gym with

jacuzzi. The apartment is offered with parking.

More properties like these are urgently needed

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NOW LET

NOW LET

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NEW ATLAS WHARF, E14, £425 per weekThis spacious one-/two-bedroom apartment is situated on the third floor. The property has one double bedroom, plus additional single bedroom/study room. Other benefits include wood flooring, two bathrooms, fully-fitted kitchen and a balcony with stunning west-facing views of the river and the City. Offered fully furnished, with secured parking, leisure facilities and 24-hour concierge.

OCEAN WHARF, E14 £365 per weekA spacious one bedroom apartment situated on the sixth floor of this modern development. The apartment is offered fully furnished with wood flooring, fully fitted open plan kitchen, bathroom to include bath and shower cubicle, and a balcony with direct West facing river views on towards the City. Other benefits include secured parking and concierge.

NEW PROVIDENCE WHARF, E14, £675 per weekA stunning two-bedroom premium apartment situated on the third floor of this sought after development. The apartment comprises two double bedrooms, two luxury bathrooms plus cloakroom and wood flooring throughout. A large wrap-around balcony directly on the river boasts expansive views of the Thames and the 02. Other benefits include comfort cooling, use of leisure facilities (including pool), 24-hour concierge and secured valet parking. The property is offered fully furnished.

To Let

ORION POINT, E14, £595 per weekA stunning 13th floor sub-penthouse apartment in the sought-after Orion Point Building. Offering over 1300 square feet, this two bedroom, two bathroom property has two terraces overlooking the river and Canary Wharf. Fitted wardrobes are included with both bedrooms, plus an en-suite to the master bedroom and all rooms have floor-to-ceiling glazing with direct river, Canary Wharf and City views. Other benefits include leisure facilities, concierge and secured parking. The apartment is offered fully-furnished and is available immediately.

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