South West (BBCW) December 2014

JOURNALResidents

This Residents’ Journal represents a fresh, innovative approach to local media, whilst retaining a traditional feel. We will deliver intelligent editorial with integrity and depth on subjects that matter to the residents and business

community within Battersea, Balham, Clapham and Wandsworth.

Published on a monthly basis with the kind support of a select handful of relevant advertisers, we will present regular editorial contributions from prominent local residents and members of the independent local business

community, as well as seasoned journalists who live locally.

If you live or work in these areas and have a particular interest in contributing to the Residents’ Journal, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please email us at [email protected];

or telephone us on 020 7987 4320

Giles EllwoodPublisher

Proudly published by

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On behalf of the Residents’ Journal team we would like to wish all our readers a very merry Christmas. For me, the word Christmas conjures up all sorts of memories. I remember when I was a child and excitedly put out a few carrots, mince pies and a glass of milk

for Santa and his reindeer, before reluctantly going to bed and hardly being able to sleep a wink all night. On Christmas Day morning I’d peer out my bedroom door to find a big sack of presents, unwrap them with gusto and then sit down to a big hearty family meal.

Now as an adult, my Christmas tends to revolve around seeing loved ones, over-indulging and a Christmas Day nap (yes, I admit: it’s not very rock ‘n’ roll!). With those traditions in mind, in this issue we’ve spoken to past interviewees to find out theirs; from attending

Christmas carols services to watching festive films with the family, read all from page ten.

Whatever way you’re celebrating this year, we hope you have a fabulous time.

Happy Christmas!

Dear Resident,

Battersea Arts Centre Octagonal Hall, courtesy of Morley Von Sternberg. See page 24 for more details.

Members of the Professional Publishers Association

Managing EditorFrancesca Lee

Assistant EditorLauren Romano

Editorial Assistants Jennifer Mason

Henry Hopwood-Phillips

Editorial InternsTom Hagues / Tamir Davies

Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Managing Director Eren Ellwood

General Manager Fiona Fenwick

Senior Designer Daniel Poole

Publishing Director Giles Ellwood

Executive Director Sophie Roberts

Client Relationship DirectorFelicity Morgan-Harvey

Business Development ManagerNicola Bloomfield

Brand ConsistencyLaddawan Juhong

Production Hugo Wheatley

Alex Powell Oscar Viney Amy Roberts

Distributed to selected homes in the Borough of Battersea, Balham, Clapham and Wandsworth, the Residents’ Journal is a platform for locals to discuss issues and events that matter. Please do not hesitate to get in contact with your news, email [email protected].

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Residents’ JouRnal

NOTEBOOKKeep your finger on the pulse with our roundup of local news

BATTERSEA

Sea for yourselfSpa Verta in Battersea is offering new massage packages featuring Lava Shells. The treatments include full body and back, neck and shoulder massages with 100 per cent recycled tiger clam shells, which are heated for up to an hour. The aim is to loosen the muscles and relieve joint pain for a relaxed, comfortable experience.

£85 for a 55-minute full body massage, £45 for a 25-minute neck and back massage, Hotel Verta, Bridges Wharf, SW11 3BE, 020 7801 3500 (hotelverta.com)

The artist withinLavender Hill Studios in Battersea is the first atelier to provide artistic training for teachers and students. This independent fine-art school was founded by Scott Pohlschmidt, Ann Witheridge and Nick Bashall and offers a range of courses and events that run throughout the year, including full and part-time courses, evening classes, workshops and talks from visiting artists. Participants can learn from Pohlschmidt’s talents as a sculptor during a three-day sculpting workshop where he guides students through the steps of working with clay.

See website for full range of courses and workshops, 101 Battersea Business Centre, 99-109 Lavender Hill, SW11 5QL, 020 7223 2360 (lavenderhillstudios.com)

Rooftop edenThe development of Battersea Power Station by S P Setia Berhad, Sime Darby and the Employees Provident Fund has unveiled plans to install a roof garden that will sit on top of the new apartments and retail spaces. The £8billion redevelopment backed by the Battersea Power Station Development Company has employed Foster + Partners, one of the world’s most prestigious architectural practices, to design and build the roof gardens. The project, part of Phase Three, will become a haven for residents to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet. The rooftop will include seating areas, a fitness deck, a bar and a woodland walkway.

(batterseapowerstation.co.uk)

Courtesy of Beauty Secrets LTD - Lava Shells

Courtesy of Battersea Power Station Development Company

Bike-tasticEveryone Bikes, a shop in Battersea, has teamed up with the manufacturer of lightweight children’s bikes, Frog Bikes. The store is taking orders until December 17 and holding the bikes until Christmas Eve at 8pm. Each bike comes with a festive bow and parents can collect their order prior to 24 December, meaning there’s no need to worry about finding the perfect hiding place during the run-up to the big day.

Monday-Friday 8.30am-6pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm, 176 Northcote Road, SW11 6RE, 020 7924 5636 (everyonebikes.co.uk) 01784 557300 (frogbikes.com)

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CLAPHAM AND BALHAM

Weekends made easyIf you want to make the most of staying in your pyjamas after a big night out, The Hangover Platter is a new service that promises to deliver a variety of breakfast and brunch options to your door. You can choose from a selection of delicious homemade foods and drinks that offer a fresh and exciting way to kick-start your day on those mornings when you need it most. Awaken your taste-buds (and all other senses) within just an hour of ordering.

Delivery to SW2, SW4, SW9, SW12, SW16, SW17, Saturday and Sunday 9am-2pm (thehangoverplatter.co.uk)

Safety firstMany areas of Balham and Tooting will adopt a new 20mph speed limit after local people voted to reduce vehicle speeds in residential streets. Roads in Balham’s Bedford Ward and the Furzedown area of Tooting will be affected after the council found that residents were strongly in favour of lowering the speed limit. Seventy-six per cent of people in Bedford Ward voted for the change and 80 per cent of Furzedown’s voters were also in favour. The council estimates the overall cost of making the changes will be approximately £120,000.

(wandsworth.gov.uk)

Personalised nurseryPiccoli & Co opened its doors in Clapham more than a year ago and has been supplying parents with furniture and bedding for their little ones ever since. The brand currently stocks a wonderful collection of monogrammed sash dresses, as well as linen pillows and stockings that’ll add a sparkle to your baby’s room this season.

Piccoli & Co, 63 Abbeville Road, SW4 9JW, 020 8675 3900 (piccoliandco.com)

New to ClaphamThe owners of The Dairy in Clapham have opened a bistro further down Clapham Manor Street called The Manor. It’s full steam ahead for Robin, his wife Sarah, Dean Parker and Dan Joines who will be heading up the new restaurant, which uses produce sourced directly from The Dairy and the delicatessen for fresh charcuterie dishes. With its bucolic and cosy interior, The Manor features a long bar with cocktails and wines supplied by Tutto Wines. Fresh meat and fish from the delicatessen are available, as well as pastries from the dessert counter.

The Manor, 148 Clapham Manor Street, SW4 6BX, 020 7622 4165

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Courtesy of Jonathan Thompson

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WANDSWORTH

Words / Tamir Davies

From canvas to tea towelArtist Nigel Turner has launched his sea life-themed products on various online retail websites. Turner’s products are based on his watercolour illustrations and consist of placemats, coasters, aprons, mugs and tea towels. His designs originated from a holiday at Hope Cove, devon, where he painted a scene of a large quantity of mackerel being caught on a fishing trip.

(frombritainwithlove.com)(presentlocker.com)

That’s a wrapsW18 resident sally Williams launched simply Fluff in 2013, which is a great solution to wrapping anxieties. The brand has plenty of ideas for making sure that gifts are perfectly wrapped and ready to go under the Christmas tree. For festive wrapping, there’s a range of magnetic boxes with satin ribbons, baubles, ceramic tags and jingling bells.

(simplyfluff.com)

Talent uncoveredWhether you’re a professional artist or an amateur who just loves being creative, you can register to take part in the Wandsworth Fringe Festival that will be taking place from 1-17 May 2015. The event is a creative celebration of all forms of art and culture and is open to anyone who is interested in showcasing their work. The fringe includes all theatre, dance and visual arts events and is led by the participants themselves. registration opens on 3 december and closes 30 January with the initial expression-of-interest form to be submitted by 31 december, so be sure to enter to have a chance to get your talent noticed.

(wandsworthartsfestival.com)

New changesTransport for London is urging Wandsworth residents to register their views on proposals to make Wandsworth town centre more cycle and pedestrian-friendly. The existing one-way system will be changed, so that cars and lorries are diverted from the main shopping district onto Armoury Way, which would become a two-way street. The aim is to widen footpaths and improve the look of the pavements with trees and landscaping. Wandsworth Council is hoping the changes will transform the heart of Wandsworth into a vibrant and attractive shopping centre. The initial consultation closes 5 december and will reopen in 2015 with detailed plans for construction to begin in 2017 if approved.

(wandsworth.gov.uk)

Courtesy of Hannah Maule-Ffinch

p a r t n e r s

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The Calendar

A selection of the best events happening in the area

3 December

TAKE NOTE

Lavender Hill Studios is an independent fine-art school that offers rigorous training in the crafts of drawing and painting. This month, it welcomes Sandy Nairne, director of the National Portrait Gallery, for a talk on his career in the arts. Sandy was appointed director of the National Portrait Gallery in 2002 and is due to step down from his role in 2015. Visit the studios as he reflects on his time at the helm of London’s famed art institution and comments on the UK’s cultural industries – it’s bound to be an insightful evening.

£10 adults, £7 concessions, 6.30pm-8.30pm, Studio 101, Lavender Hill Studios, Battersea Business Centre, 99-109 Lavender Hill, SW11 5QL, 020 7223 2360 (lavenderhillstudios.com)

TAKE NOTE

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

CHARITY FESTIVITIES

6 December

CHARITY FESTIVITIES

The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) is hosting its annual Nativity Run this month. CAFOD works with local communities across Africa, Asia and Latin America to alleviate poverty and injustice. Last year’s run had more than 300 volunteers running in fancy dress, with many coming dressed as the virgin Mary, a shepherd or an angel to raise money for the charity. There’s a choice of the 10k or 5k run open to runners aged 16 or above, and the youngest fundraisers can take part in a nativity toddle at 10am.

10k £15, 5k £10 for adults, £5 for children aged 12 to 17, 12 or under free, 10.30am, Clapham Common bandstand, Windmill Drive, SW4 9DE (cafod.org.uk)

7 December

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

This month, Battersea Park will get locals into the swing of things with the Bandstand Winter Fair. Grab your warmest boots, hats and scarves and head down to enjoy a wonderful day of live music, ranging from carols, jazz and choral tunes. With the winter weather upon us, delicious food and hot drinks will be on offer to warm you up while watching your children enjoying the funfair rides. For vintage Christmas shopping, grab some great gifts for your loved ones. A festive fair is never complete without a visit from Father Christmas, so be sure to stick around to meet the man himself. Take the entire family out for a day to remember.

Free, 11am-5pm, Bandstand, Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ (wandsworth.gov.uk)

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animal kingdom

HaVing a Ball

13 December

animal kingdom

Head down to Battersea Park Children’s Zoo for an exclusive meet and greet with Santa in his grotto. Be sure to wrap up in your warmest Christmas-style attire for a wonderful way to make it as magical as possible for your little ones. Entry to the event includes a surprise gift, sticker, drink and Christmas treat for little ones. Santa will be sticking around until Christmas Eve, when he’ll then set off on his sleigh with help from his lead reindeer Rudolph.

£12 children includes zoo and grotto entry, £8.75 adults, 10.30am, 6-7, 13-14, 19-24 December, Battersea Park, Chelsea Bridge Gate, SW11 4NJ, 020 7924 5826 (batterseaparkzoo.co.uk)

Until 14 December

aRTiSTiC EXPRESSion

The Trouble with Painting Today takes place this month after the success of previous open exhibitions. Curators at the University of the Third age (U3a), an organisation for retired and semi-retired people, have worked with experienced art curator Hannah Conroy to discover the art of painting in all its mediums. Having had more than 260 submissions from local artists, the U3a and Hannah have collaborated to decide which works get a spot in the exhibition, which will investigate the ways paint can be used to create fantastic pieces of art.

Free, 11am-4pm Wednesday-Sunday, Pump House Gallery, Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ, 020 8871 7572 (pumphousegallery.org.uk)


aRTiSTiC EXPRESSion

31 December

HaVing a Ball

Soon we’ll be putting away the mistletoe and decorations for another year and start the countdown to 2015. Smart group is inviting londoners to one of the biggest nights of the year at Battersea Evolution. The new Year’s Eve Ball will entertain audiences with live music, electrifying dance and acrobatic acts and provide a glass of wine, canapés and a five-course banquet. Try your luck at the casino tables and make the most of the unlimited drinks for a truly great evening. no one likes organising their own parties, so dig out your finest attire and let the hard work be done by someone else.

£175 per person, 8pm-3am, Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ, 020 7836 1033 (smartnewyearparties.co.uk)

WoRdS / Tamir Davies

Sarah West, Remnants of Them 2014

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ChristmasFrom authors to MPs, the Journal goes back to interviewees

to find out about their Christmas traditions

This

Sarah auStin Founder of the Really Helpful Club

i celebrate Christmas with my family in the Cotswolds, where i grew up. For me, it has always been about family and friends, great food, lots of fun, games and chatter, walks in the countryside and coming home to a real fire. Last year, we had just got our

new cocker spaniel puppy, which made it even more magical for everyone.

My family loves Christmas, especially the build-up and all the excitement that comes with it – from buying presents, decorating the tree, Christmas parties to, most of all, my children’s nativity plays. One of our favourite days is the Wimbledon Christmas Fair and the treasure hunt in Wimbledon Village. no Christmas is complete without a carol service – this year, we’re going to Christ Church in West Wimbledon to raise funds for South London Younger Parkinson’s network, a local charity that the really helpful Club supports. i can’t wait to attend as my son will be singing there with his school choir.

We also love a family outing to the pantomime, and this year we will be going to see Snow White and the

CarOLine GarLand Florist

My family and i are complete Christmas addicts. i prepare early and decorate the house from top to toe – it certainly gets me into the spirit of things. Christmas day usually involves my husband and i and our two boys, aged 23 and 26 respectively, and we take the whole celebration very seriously. even if we go to family or friends’ houses or they come to us, we still have our rituals. every year i say that i’m not going to do stockings, but then i’m always met with disbelief by the boys and give in, and then start filling them with presents. On Christmas day morning, we go to St Mary Magdalene Church on trinity road, followed by a walk across the Common, followed by a smoked salmon and scrambled eggs breakfast washed down with orange juice or Champagne. nat King Cole music always plays in the background, we light the log fire, decant the wine and pop the turkey in the oven… bliss!

(carolinegarland.com)

Seven Dwarfs at richmond theatre, starring Jerry hall.We will be spending new Year in Cornwall.

there’s nothing more restorative than a walk on a beautiful beach on new Year’s day – it certainly helps to clear the cobwebs from the night before! My husband and son will, no doubt, go for their usual new Year’s day surf, followed by a hot chocolate and a surfer’s breakfast at our favourite café on Polzeath Beach. there’s no better way to start the new Year.

(reallyhelpfulclub.com)

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Megan Butler Founder of Match Up Mums

Christmas is my favourite time of year – I must admit that I’m a bit of a Christmas-aholic, even more so since having children and getting to experience the ‘magic’ of Father Christmas once again. I like to get a few things ready as early as november, such as making the Christmas cake with my three little ones. Before the big day looms, my mum, friends and our kids go to Sammy Duder’s pottery studio on Webbs road to make tree decorations and presents, followed by well-deserved hot chocolate.

We always stay in london for Christmas – a lot of our local friends go away over the holidays, so we have a drinks party with them before they disappear off to their respective relations. It’s a great excuse to get everyone together and really makes it feel like Christmas has arrived.

after the hangover has worn off, we only have a few days until Christmas Day and we spend the time shopping locally, buying items including a gorgeous wreath from ultraviolet on northcote road, turkey and ham from Hennessey Butchers, cheese from Hamish Johnston, booze from north & South Wines and we always dash to Qt toys & games for any last-minute toy panics. If I had to pick my absolute favourite thing about Christmas, it would be the children’s nativity play at Honeywell Primary School. It’s always utterly adorable and would even melt Scrooge’s heart!

(matchupmums.com)

WIll MartInDale Labour MP candidate for Battersea

this year, Christmas will be extra special as it’s our baby daughter aurelie’s first, so I imagine it will be an early start. It’s also an excuse to have a real Christmas tree for once, which we’ll buy from Battersea Park. In the morning, my wife and I will open stockings and a few presents with our daughter, but like most babies I imagine she’ll be more interested in the wrapping paper than the gifts! Christmas for us always starts with carols, and this December we’re looking forward to the service at St Mary’s Church on Battersea Church road, led by organist tyrone Whiting. I’ll also be at the church on Christmas eve helping out at the foodbank – last year we helped 1,551 people. Music features heavily in our day and I’ll play carols on the piano for Battersea pensioners at the Christmas Day lunch in Battersea Park, hosted by the rotary Club. In the afternoon, we’ll cook a traditional Christmas Day lunch then settle down and watch films.

(willtowin.org.uk)

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Thomas mogfordAuthor

Battersea has become the new hub for our family Christmas. an unusual Bethlehem, but the star shines brightly upon it nonetheless. I moved here with my wife and children a few years ago. Then my sister followed. and now my sister-in-law is looking for a flat. my parents remain ‘over the river’, but, outnumbered now, they’re forced to make the windblown pilgrimage across the albert Bridge to join us. Things kick off with Christmas Eve drinks at our house in Little India – Champagne and homemade sausage rolls to the strains of King’s College carols. Then my sister hosts a big Christmas lunch at her house on Battersea Bridge road – harder work, but then again, she is in the catering industry, co-owning sophie’s steakhouse. Boxing day lunch takes place at my parents’ place. afterwards, the Battersea-ites walk back home, crunching through the frosted-grass park along the way. n

(thomasmogford.com)

NIgEL TurNEr Founder of Nigel Turner Designs

my family always spends Christmas day at home in London, though we head to gloucestershire at some point during the festive period to see family. In Battersea we get into the spirit of things at a candlelit service held in the school’s chapel at Emanuel school. Christmas wouldn’t be complete without going to a pantomime at hackney Empire theatre, and this year with actor Clive rowe in the cast as Mother Goose it promises to be a good one.

Cooking the turkey is my responsibility and I start by preparing it on Christmas Eve with the removal and stuffing of the legs for ballotines, which simplifies matters on Christmas day. That extra bit of time is

spent in the local having a swift pint or two, while comparing who’s wearing the best Christmas jumper. We have lovely neighbours who we share a glass of Champagne or two with, while all the kids try to work out the instructions of a new toy. Inbetween Christmas and New Year we always have a lunch party with friends who come from Bath and oxford – it’s the perfect opportunity to catchup with everyone.

(facebook.com/NigelTurnerdesign)

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All thatglitters

Golden hues and festive treats to spruce up your home this Christmas

1. Atticus light pendant, £499 (darlighting.co.uk) 2. Wilderness two-tier antler chandelier, £895 (alexanderandpearl.co.uk) 3. Brussels Sprouts wreath, £31 (tch.net) 4. Laura Ashley gold bauble lit wreath, £35 (lauraashley.com) 5. L’Objet Fortuny canape plates assortment, £140 (amara.

com) 6. Iittala Kaasa miniature fireplace, £389 (cloudberryliving.co.uk) 7. Applique Christmas stocking with glass beads, £47 (nutmegandsage.co.uk) 8. Virginia Hayward Hamper Snowed In, £500 (virginiahayward.com) 9. Hermione sofa in red Designers Guild velvet, £1,899

(darlingsofchelsea.co.uk) 10. Alpine church cushion, £108 (janconstantine.com) 11. 10ft tree with lights, £500 (tesco.com) 12. Georg Jensen Mobile Fir Tree & Two Doves Decoration, £49 (johnlewis.com) 13. Coach House Bling sequinned hanging deer head, £79.95 (selfridges.com)

14. Red Queen’s guard decoration, £18.95 (liberty.co.uk) 15. Red beefeater decoration, £18.95 (liberty.co.uk)

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Turkeytrimmings

Wandsworth resident and food author James Steen steps back in time to take a closer look at the history of food in the local area and the origins of the Christmas

cracker and reveals how to cook the perfect turkey

Consider, if you will, the cook on Christmas Day. The cook is in the kitchen,

hunched over a burnt turkey, hacking away at the bird with a carving knife and crying out to the famished guests at the table: ‘I think it’s dry!’ It probably is.

Turkey is quite delicious – when roasted correctly – but most people decide to cook it only once a year, and the run-up to Christmas includes about six weeks of deliberation: how

on earth do you roast turkey? It is one of the many conundrums I tackle in my

latest book, The Kitchen Magpie, because at Christmas I am happily inundated with phone calls and emails asking for turkey assistance. It is an honour to help out, and I’ve often had lengthy chats about this

subject with Adam Byatt, chef-patron of Trinity and the Bistro Union restaurants in Clapham.

It is certainly that time of year to reflect on gastronomy and its role in our local history. For instance, along with a few hundred thousand other people, I live in Wandsworth. If you had taken a stroll along the River Wandle in the 16th century you would have seen a large flour mill; brewing was also well-established in the area; and the Huguenots, who had fled Holland and settled in Wandsworth, had created a mini ‘kitchen’ industry, making kettles, pots and frying pans for the rest of London.

The 19th century brought a new form of convenience for those who lived here. Milk sellers in smocks would take cans of milk to sell in places like Battersea Fields and Clapham Common. They

bought skimmed milk from the dairies and then watered it down further before flogging it for half a penny a pint, though it wasn’t a pint as the measures were usually false.

Then again, you could walk to St James’s Park, where milkmen and women were granted permission to bring their cows to the park. The customers were mostly young women and young children accompanied by their nannies (carrying their own china cups) as many men did not consider fresh milk to be good for the health and thought it sickly.

Men loved jellied eels – they were the staple diet of the working classes and were often used in pies. Back in the 18th century, hundreds of pie makers wandered the streets of London, selling their pies. It was the cheapest form of a shop. No rates, no rent, no taxes. Just some pies on a board! The eels came from the Thames. And when the Thames became too dirty, the eels came from Holland. Next came the pie and mash shop, loved by the

Victorians, Edwardians and their descendants – one or two shops still remain in London. There, the forks were tied to the table – so that customers couldn’t steal them, and a woman used to come along with a bucket of soapy water and clean the cutlery at the table.

Christmas only became a day of great celebration in Victorian times. It saw the boom of the sweet-stuff industry. Street sellers sold treacle treats called ‘almond toffy’, ‘black balls’, ‘bulls eyes’ and ‘squibs’. The Victorians also couldn’t get enough peppermint. Then British confectioner Tom Smith went to Paris and saw bon bons – sugared almonds wrapped in twists of paper. Hey presto! Tom came up with the idea of the Christmas cracker: a simple package filled with sweets that

Christmas only became a day of great celebration in Victorian times. It saw the boom of the sweet-stuff industry

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Allow 450g (1lb) meat on the bone per person when choosing a turkey for roasting. Do not place tinfoil on turkey at the start of roasting, only use it if the bird begins to brown more than you would like. Remember, the foil might not be needed during cooking.

1. Weigh the turkey – it should be roasted for a total of 10 minutes per 450g (1lb)

2. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F/Gas 5).

3. Place the turkey in a roasting tin. Coat the bird in one fifth of a pack of unsalted butter.

4. Place in the preheated oven.

5. After 20 minutes, reduce the heat to 180°C (350°F/Gas 4).

6. After a further 20 minutes, pour one ortwo cups of warm water into the base of the roasting tray.

7. Once cooked, allow the turkey to rest for at least 90 minutes in loosely wrapped, crumpled tinfoil.

Top tip: the juices should be ever so slightly pink at the stage of removing from the oven. That way the bird will be perfect after it has rested and when it is carved.

snapped when pulled apart. The sweets were eventually replaced by small gifts and paper hats in the late Victorian period.

Brussels sprouts are best bought frozen, which brings to mind Francis Bacon, the aptly-named 17th-century scientist and philosopher who inadvertently gave his life in the pursuit of good food. It was in 1626 when he was travelling by horse-drawn carriage through the streets of London, gazing out at the falling snow, when he cried: ‘Stop the carriage.’ Bacon, it transpired, was in the midst of a eureka moment: he wondered whether snow (or ice) might be as effective as salt when it came to preserving meat. With all the fervour and uncontrollable zeal that we have come to expect of mad scientists, he bought a hen from a woman and had her slaughter the bird and remove its guts. Perhaps a crowd gathered to observe how he stuffed snow into the carcasse of the hen. It would be uplifting to conclude that Bacon went on to invent the first freezer. Alas, the ending is not so happy. During the course of his experiment he caught a severe cold. He was so ill that he was taken to the nearby home of a friend and placed in ‘a damp bed that had not been layn-in about a yeare before’. In other words, he received the sort of treatment he’d dished out to the hen. His cold got worse, and within a few days Bacon died.

But let’s not end on that sad note. If you’re cooking turkey this Christmas, it’s important to know the common errors and how to correct them. There are a number of reasons why turkey may turn out dry: it could be too large for the oven so it doesn’t cook evenly; the bird spends too long in the oven or it isn’t allowed to ‘rest’ for long enough. Turkey should be cooked quickly and allowed to stand in the time it takes to cook the accompaniments. I leave my turkey – about 5kg (11lb) – for two hours after removing it from the oven. It is only loosely wrapped in crumpled tinfoil but it does not go cold. Rest, rest, rest and rest is important – during which time the juices circulate within the bird, making it evenly moist and succulent. Resist the urge to Google ‘cooking times for turkey’ as the links will mostly advise you to cook it for too long. Follow my method below and you can’t go wrong. Merry Christmas everyone! n

James Steen writes for chefs including Raymond Blanc and Marco Pierre White. He is the author of The Kitchen Magpie: A delicious melange of culinary curiosities, fascinating facts, amazing anecdotes and expert tips for the food-lover, published by Icon, price £12.99

How to cook the perfect turkey:

James’ step-by-step guide

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giftguidethe

1. Sweet smellsA beautiful perfume gift set by Cartier with a sensual and floral lily fragrance.Baiser Volé Eau de Parfum Christmas Gift Set, £90, available from Debenhams, 315 Lavender Hill, Clapham Junction, SW11 1QL or Centre Court Shopping Centre, 4 Queens Road, Wimbledon, SW19 8YD (debenhams.com)

2. Wrap up in redStay stylish à la Kate Middleton in this bright crimson coat, the perfect colour for the festive season.Cadiz Belted Coat, £425, available from LK Bennett; 164-166 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 4UR, 020 7351 9659; 92 Northcote Road, Clapham, SW11 6QN, 020 7223 4522; 3 Hill Street, Richmond, TW9 1SX, 020 8944 8841 (lkbennett.com)

3. A touch of cashmereAdd a chic accent to winter ensembles courtesy of this eye-catching cashmere and silk blend scarf. Mercy Delta Safari Teal Cashmere Scarf, £165, available from March, 821 Fulham Road, SW6 5HG, 020 3638 0204 (marchfashion.co.uk)

4. Neck nuzzlerSouth-west London brand Ally Bee creates luxuriously soft knitwear, including this snuggly Alpaca Roll Neck Jumper, perfect for braving the chilly winter weather.Alpaca Roll Neck Jumper in Grey Marl, £299, available from Ally Bee (ally-bee.com)

For Him5. Time fliesSuitable for day or evening occasions, this versatile timekeeper, with its ultra-classical dial, is perfect for the modern man who still appreciates a vintage touch.Frédéric Chopin Stainless Steel Watch, £880, available from Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL, 020 7730 1234 (harrods.com)

6. Man-size mugChristmas isn’t complete without a swig of mulled wine or eggnog, and what better way to enjoy it than from this personalised festive mug.Personalised Christmas Joy two-handled mug, from £125, available from Emma Bridgewater; 739 Fulham Road, SW6 5UL, 020 7371 5264 (emmabridgewater.co.uk)

7. Warm handsLuxurious leather gloves to protect paws from the harsh winter weather.Paul Smith London Vintage Multistripe Leather Gloves, £125, available from House of Fraser, Westfield Shopping Centre, Ariel Way, W12 7GA, 0844 800 3765 or 80 George Street, Richmond, TW9 1HA, 0344 800 3755 (houseoffraser.co.uk)

8. Cool CommunicationThe latest sought-after model from Apple.iPhone 6, from £539, available from the Bentall Centre, KT1 1TP, 020 8233 3400 (apple.com/uk)

For Her1

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guide

9. Treehouse funWith enough entertaining activities to amuse toddlers for hours, this is a great way to keep little ones occupied on Christmas morning.Tree Top Adventure, £90, available from Jojo Maman Bébé, 72 Northcote Road, SW11 6QL, 020 7223 8510; Unit 30, The Exchange Shopping Centre, SW15 1TW, 020 8780 5165 or 63 The Broadway, SW19 1QD, 020 8540 0468 (jojomamanbebe.co.uk)

10. An exotic rideRichmond-based brand NotOnTheHighStreet sources the most unusual gifts around, and this elephant rocker is certainly one of the best on offer for kids who like a little adventure in their playtime.Wooden Rocking Elephant by James Harvey Furniture, £2,450 (notonthehighstreet.com)

11. Grin and bear itIn the year that Paddington Bear makes his big-screen début, pick up this cute collectible for fans of our favourite blue mac and red hat-wearing bear.Limited edition Paddington Bear, £170, available from Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB, 020 7318 3939 (selfridges.com)

12. Close knitComfortable, stylish and season-appropriate, this jumper is just festive enough to pass muster on Christmas Day and wear all winter long.Tommy Hilfiger Harry Fair Isle Jumper, £150, available from Peter Jones, Sloane Square, SW1W 8EL, 020 7730 3434 (johnlewis.com)

13. Story timeSupport their love of literature with the latest reading gadget from Kindle – the thinnest ever, with a new high-resolution screen and reinvented page turns.Kindle Voyage, from £169, available from Waterstones stores across south-west London and online (amazon.co.uk)

14. Scarf styleHelp to keep your kids toasty warm with this soft, fashionable wool scarf.Kenzo black and red printed wool blend scarf, £324, available from Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ, 020 7235 5000 (harveynichols.com)

For Pets15. Photo poochesKeep your dog close to your heart always with a tailored photo shoot.Gift certificates from £199, available from Little & Large, 10 Staines Road, Twickenham, TW2 5AH, 020 8914 8425 (mylittleandlarge.com)

16. Leather luxuryOne of the snazziest dog beds available.Large leather dog bed, £2,600, available from Mungo & Maud, 79 Elizabeth Street, SW1W 9PJ, 020 7467 0823 (mungoandmaud.com)

For Kids9

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Treat your most deserving friends and family with these perfect presents

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Francesca Lee chats to Laura Chevalier about cards, Christmas and clichés

LoveSend it with

Hi, Laura, it’s lovely to meet you. You started your personalised cards company Cellandia in 2009 in your Battersea flat. Tell me a bit more.I lived in a ground-floor property and converted the basement into a studio. It was a small space but I made it work. Some of my design inspiration still comes from the area; places such as Battersea Park feature in my stationery, even though my husband and I and our daughter are moving to Barnes. We got our cat Coco from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, so it will always have a special place in my heart.

Where does the name Cellandia come from?Taken from my favourite childhood book, which my dad used to read to me, called Enchantica. It featured

Cellandia, a winged summer fairy who inspired all with her charm, lightness of being and visual presence – the Cellandia brand was conceived.

Can you tell me what you’re working on at the moment? Believe it or not, Valentine’s cards! I’m basing them on old postcards and using slightly risqué quotes that will make people laugh. I’m also selling my Christmas cards, which I designed in the summer; being a card creator I have to work very much in advance. Although having said that, I received my first Christmas card at the beginning of November, which was very early.

What is it that you like most about this time of year?Christmas is so exciting. Everyone loves to send

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and receive cards – there’s nothing like getting a heartfelt festive wish through the letterbox, and I also like how people use them to decorate their homes.

Where do you find your inspiration?It may sound a cliché but everywhere. I was born in Hong Kong then moved

to London when I was 18 to study at the Chelsea College of Arts, so travel plays a big part in my designs. My family live all over the world, from my brother in Australia to my sister in Canada.

My latest range, which is called Palmier, is inspired by beaches and palm trees, while the kids’ Safari Collection is based on all things Africa-related, including my love of elephants from when I worked in Botswana. Even my baby shower was themed around them!

Beautiful objects also play an important part – my auntie lives in St Tropez for half of the year and recently bought our daughter Olivia an old toy box from a brocante fair, which features a dancing clown. It’s so unusual and I know that I’ll use a photo of it on my designs in the future.

What would you say are your signature marks for your designs?I adore the vintage look, but recently I’ve gone for a more contemporary edge, embracing new trends. Having said that, I’ll always love wine and coffee stains, wax marks and torn edges; creating unique, timeless, well-travelled keepsakes.

What did you do before founding your company Cellandia?I started my career as a fine-artist painter, but in my first exhibition I remember hanging my paintings on the wall and although I loved it, it just didn’t feel ‘me’. I also worked as a freelance fashion photographer, interior designer and art director.

What do you think of the rise in digital designs such as e-cards?For me, there’s nothing like receiving a card through the post and having it on display on the mantelpiece for days on end, but I’ve embraced digital media and I’m happy to design cards for Paperless Post too.

You talk about your love of sending and receiving post; what’s one of your earliest memories of this?When I was younger and living in Hong Kong, my mum used to help me to pen postcards to my grandma in England. There’s just something so magical about writing a message for a loved one from far, far away, and now I have all those letters to treasure forever.

What is it that makes your cards stand out from the crowd?It’s all about the story behind the stationery. I want someone to see my designs and find something that resonates with them. All my work is printed on luxury paper that’s been produced in England – the look and feel are just as important as the design. The cards can either be left blank or made bespoke to the client and I try to deliver orders by hand if I can, although I have stockists in the Scottish Highlands so it’s not always possible.

Is there a particular design that you’ve created in the past that sticks out in your mind?I designed a full wedding stationery set, including wedding thank-you’s for a couple who live in Battersea Square. I took a photograph of the square and aged it, created a London-style stamp mark and it had a monogram of their initials on it. It was so sweet, they even sent me one of the cards to say thank you for making them. You can’t get much better than that! n

To buy, email [email protected] or visit cellandia.com

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Tom Hagues speaks to The Sleeping Trees theatre companyabout Cinderella and The Beanstalk, a massive pantomime with a tiny cast

a three-manband

Sleeping Trees Treeology © Mark Dawson Photography

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Last month, in a tiny room containing nothing more than a sofa, a table and a few crates, rehearsals for Battersea’s smallest pantomime took place. This month,

The Sleeping Trees, a troupe of three energetic improvisational actors, is performing at Theatre503 and it promises to be a laugh-a-minute romp of a show.

We all sat in a circle in the middle of the small room. It was me, the director and assistant director and a cast of 40 characters, all of different gender and nationality, in the form of three young men. James Dunnell-Smith, Joshua George Smith and John Woodburn have known each other for almost 15 years, so most people assume that they can second-guess each other’s every move, but because improvisation is a spontaneous, unpredictable way of performing, I was immediately curious as to how much of their act is off-the-cuff. Dunnell-Smith jumps straight in to explain how it all works. ‘Most of our work is devised through improvisation anyway, and we use it as a tool to get a rough script that we try and stick to. We write sections that are there to be changed, of course, especially

when we’re doing a show for 30 days in a row because we want to keep it fresh. Frequently we do bits that the others don’t know are coming – sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.’

With a lot at stake and the risk of things running dry at every improvisational turn, I ask them if they bounce off each other easily. It’s an important factor in their performing, and all three of them seem to agree on the answer. ‘We’ve known each other for about 12-ish years,’ Woodburn begins. ‘We live together (‘We sleep in the same bed!’ jokes Dunnell-Smith), so we know each other very well and can gauge what the others are thinking or about to do. Some of it is recognising the panic in someone else’s eyes and thinking “Right, I need to do something here,” or “Maybe I should stop,”.’ With such a sure-fire combination of understanding one another and confidence in their own and each other’s abilities, I guess that the audience must respond really well. I ask whether theatregoers can tell if something is spontaneous and Dunnell-Smith says: ‘If it goes well, people will say “That was the best bit,” or “When Josh said that line and you two completely lost it was hilarious,” and if it’s balanced well people seem to love it when we lose it. It’s obvious then that we’ve made it up, and I think it makes them realise that we’ve invested in the performance but are always aware of what we’re saying or doing.’ Woodburn highlights the fact that different audiences respond differently. ‘It’s quite varied,’ he begins, ‘depending on what show we’re doing. We write daytime performances for families, and those shows are usually more structured

with less plot deviation. Then, of course, we alter it for late-night adult audiences and that’s a whole different atmosphere and we therefore get a different reaction.’

The director, Tom Attenborough, then takes time to explain that: ‘This year, the boys’ performance is different from the other shows that they normally do. The nature of it means that it has to be structured more than the things they’ve previously performed. In this case, the show is driven by chaos as it’s based around three people making it up as they go along – and for it to look believably chaotic, everything has to be absolutely perfect. At the moment we’re concentrating on getting everything structured so that they can then improvise during the performances.’

Since improvisation is what they do best, I’m curious as to whether they struggle to stick to a structure. Surely, for three improv experts, following a very strict plot is a challenge? ‘It depends on how well you know the show,’ Woodburn explains. ‘When everyone is comfortable with what they’re doing, we can start going off on a tangent without ruining the whole plot. It helps to really know the performance

inside-out, because then you know when there’s a good point at which to carry on with the script.’

The three of them have performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for five years and they’ve played to a variety of audiences. They normally aim their shows at those aged 14 and above, but they’ve had mums with babies attend some of them. This has given them experience at adapting shows to benefit a massive range of ages – perfect for their latest project. ‘We actually did one for a bunch of toddlers once,’ says Dunnell-Smith. ‘Funnily enough, they heckled more than the adults do,’ laughs Woodburn.

For families, it sounds like this performance will be a treat, not least because it’s an interesting take on the traditional pantomime. The Sleeping Trees play a 40-strong cast, and it’s a mish-mash of everyone’s favourite and traditional pantomime stories. Entitled Cinderella and the Beanstalk, the three of them have their work cut out because with each costume change comes a character swap, and with each character comes a different voice. As three of them run round trying to make the impossible possible, they’ll forever be thinking ahead to their next character. It sounds chaotic just describing it, so I can only imagine what it’ll look like on stage. One thing is for certain, though, it’ll entertain the whole family. n

2 December-10 January, £15 adults, £10 under 16s, pay what you can on Sundays, see website for performance times, Theatre503, The Latchmere, 503 Battersea Park Road, SW11 3BW, 020 7978 7040 (theatre503.com), (sleepingtreestheatre.co.uk)

The show is based around three people making it up as they go along

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Parent traP: naPPy Valley net NappyValleyNet.com has become an online sensation in the four years since founder Susan Hanage, aka. Annabel, launched it, with more than 130,000 visits to the site every month. An invaluable tool for parents based in south-west London who are seeking to swap tips and share advice, we’ve teamed up to post some of the most pressing topics posted on the site

Anatomy questions My four-year-old daughter has asked for a book about what’s inside the body for Christmas and I wondered if anyone has any recommendations? An initial search has brought up an Usborne book called See Inside Your Body by Katie Daynes and Colin King, but I wondered if there are any other good ones?

Top replies:

Mon 10 Nov, 2014 1.57pm

I received a book that’s very educational, but it might be a bit advanced for a four-year-old. It has a 3D model in it and goes through all the different sections of the body. It’s called Uncover the Human Body by Luann Colombo.

Children’s ophthalmologist I’m looking for a private ophthalmologist who specialises in children. I’d like to have my son’s eyesight checked as he seems to have difficulties when reading words and keeps touching his eyes.

Top replies:

Wed 5 Nov, 2014 5.26pm

If you’re anywhere near Northcote Road, you should go to Bellmores Opticians. The optometrist is fantastic with kids.

Wed 5 Nov, 2014 11pm

I would advise visiting Bellmores Opticians too. The staff are great and will refer you to an ophthalmologist if needed. The first part of the eye check-up is run by the optometrist anyway so you won’t be wasting any time.

Wed 5 Nov, 2014 11.25pm

I think you need an optometrist rather than an ophthalmologist for an initial test. I don’t know much about Bellmores Opticians, but it sounds like a good place to start as optometrists can refer patients to a specialist if necessary.

Nursery worriesMy son has been offered an afternoon place at a local nursery that I really love. Unfortunately there are no morning places, which is what I wanted, and he will be two-and-a-half by the time he starts and my concern is that he is much more active in the mornings and tends to be tired in the afternoon. Will this be different when he gets older? Does anyone have any experiences of afternoon nursery, or does it vary by child?

Top replies:

Fri 7 Nov, 2014 9.49pm

I was in the same position two years ago, and my boy is currently in afternoon nursery. It has worked out perfectly, despite my initial reservations. He was also two-and-a-half when he started, but had stopped napping the summer before he went so tiredness wasn’t an issue. An added bonus with afternoon nurseries is that you can spend the morning together.

Mon 10 Nov, 2014 7.25pm

My daughter is five-and-a-half and I bought the Usborne book after a visit to the Science Museum. She absolutely loves it. I’d recommend it – it has kept her entertained for hours.

Mon 10 Nov, 2014 7.49pm

I highly recommend the Usborne book too; my four-year-old loves it. The only downside is that he now points at people who are smoking and says very loudly: ‘That person will have black lungs!’

Stefano Tinti / Shutterstock.com

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Review

I have a confession to make: i’m a blonde who has tried on several occasions to pull off the ‘roots’ look. Not intentionally may i add; it’s more

a case of not having the hours on end i need to spend in the hairdressers. i try and make it work – but alas, it’s about time i admitted: on me, it’s a fashion faux pas. Team this with the many hit-and-misses i’ve had over the years and my hair history is interesting to say the least. There was a time when i came out looking like Mick Jagger. Another when my hair went green. Then orange. Anyway to cut a long story short (pardon the pun!): my hair was in bad condition and i needed a helping hand.

My hair hero came in the form of Anthony Laban from Anthony Laban Home. After recently celebrating its first anniversary i was keen to find out more about this boutique salon, located in the discreet and quaint Bennet Court off Bellevue Road. Some may remember Anthony from his salon on Lavender Hill but, after managing more than 40 staff, he decided to go back to basics with a small but perfectly formed premises instead. He certainly has achieved it: sitting in one of the four hairdresser chairs, i can vouch for the personal experience. Bekie Taylor, the colourist, advised me on which colours would suit my skin tone and i felt confident in her hands. After leaving the colour to develop, my hair was shampooed, treated and conditioned, followed by a blow-dry and cut by Anthony.

The result? My mullet-like hair was cut, thinned and shaped into place. if i happen to swish my hair as i walk down the street, there’s a very good reason: i finally have the luscious locks i’ve been waiting for. n

For prices, see website, Unit 3, Bennet Court, 1 Bellevue Rd, London SW17 7EG, 020 3475 6644 (anthonylabanhome.com)

The long and shorT of IT

There’s nothing worse than a bad hair day, especially in the run-up to Christmas. Keep those worries at bay by visiting Anthony Laban Home, writes Francesca Lee

1. Always have a patch test if you’re changing brands2. Use a shampoo for coloured hair3. Protect your hair from strong sunlight4. Chlorine/sea salt will damage the colour, so always wet your hair before entering the pool or sea5. Use a prescribed hair treatment from your hairdressers once a week6. Be aware of your skin tone and use complementary colours

7. Discuss having a seasonal change with your colourist8. For strong hair colours such as reds, try a colour boost between appointments to maintain the colour9. Rubbing hair with a towel is one of the most damaging things. Squeeze, don’t rub.10. Coloured hair is very fragile when wet, so use a wide-tooth comb to gently tease out the knots

10 top tips for coloured hair by Anthony Laban

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Once the town hall when the Metropolitan Borough of Battersea was still in existence, Battersea Arts Centre is an

imposing building. No longer is it a place for councillors and politicians to make decisions and debate pressing issues, it is now home to artists and performers instead. The building itself is a labyrinth

and thanks to it being built on a hill, it is strewn with staircases of varying lengths to make up for one half of it being higher than the other. With its perfectly preserved marble, heavy stonework and ornate ceilings, the task of restoring the building is an arduous one, so it’s happening in stages.

The restoration and improvements began in 2007 when Punchdrunk, an

immersive theatre company, took over the building with its production of Masque of the Red Death. The grand hall, a room that has seen music concerts, political rallies and theatre performances, was revamped in 2009 and its huge pipe organ will have the finishing touches added to it next year.

The Arts Centre is keen to keep its original ethos alive. When Battersea

Planning & DevelOPment

Keeping you in the know about important street plans affecting south-west London

not for me, not for you, but for usThe restoration of Battersea Arts Centre is coming together piece by piece

Battersea Arts Centre Octagonal Hall Courtesy of Morley Von Sternberg

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Planning applicationsDate ReCeIVeD: 6 OctoberaDDRess: Bridgford street PROPOsal: excavation to create a basement with light wells to both front and rear, plus erection of single-storey rear extension

Date ReCeIVeD: 6 October aDDRess: Canford RoadPROPOsal: erection of single-storey rear extension

Date ReCeIVeD: 8 OctoberaDDRess: Rush Hill MewsPROPOsal: erection of a side roof extension to continue ridge line and increase the pitch of hipped roof, plus installation of dormers to front and rear slopes

Date ReCeIVeD: 9 OctoberaDDRess: Gilbey RoadPROPOsal: erection of a single-storey rear extension, erection of an external staircase and conversion of the property into three self-contained flats

stReet

Battersea Bridge Road

Beeches Road

Farlton Road

Old town

PlanneD wORk

Installation of seven cycle stands partly on the footway and carriageway

Footway reconstruction

external water meter installation in footway

widening footway

Dates

14-16 December

Until 20 December

3-5 December

3 December - 3 February 2015

wORks OwneR

transport for london 0845 305 1234

wandsworth 020 8871 6000

thames water 0845 9200 800

lambeth 020 7926 9000

Planned roadworks and closures in and around December

was the centre seat of its own borough, its latin motto was ‘non mihi, non tibi, sed nobis’, which translates as ‘not for me, not for you, but for us’. this was an acknowledgement of the fact that the building was originally constructed for the people of the borough. the councillors’ offices were tucked away at the rear and the emphasis was on the grand entrance and public spaces that were accessed from town Hall Road. the huge, glass-domed entrance hall still stands today and nothing else in the area matches its elegance and scale. this part of the building will be refurbished next year, with the stained glass of the dome and tiles of the mosaic floor demanding most of the work.

these days, the lavender Hill entrance leads the public into a foyer that represents how the space is still intended for the people of Battersea. On the floor is a mosaic that features a number of bees, which is not only a reference to the lavender fields that used to grow on the hills around this area (hence the name lavender Hill), but also a depiction of the in-it-together nature of the hard-working Battersea residents.

with £200,000 still to raise by Christmas, the arts Centre is working tirelessly to gather the funds required to restore the floor to its former glory.

It’s at the lavender Hill end of this building, where the bees are, that the community spirit still holds strong. with the scratch bar and café positioned off the foyer, people can meet for a coffee, something to eat or just simply to chat with their friends while sitting comfortably. Meetings can be held under the imposing marble staircase where wedding ceremonies also take place, and the younger residents of the town can play in the newly-built play area, the Bee’s knees.

what’s refreshing about the gradual nature of the BaC’s refurbishment is that each stage is tried and tested before a commitment is made. this results in new spaces and updated areas that really work for the people who live, work and visit. what’s more, it’s not simply a case of slapping on a coat of paint and making it look pristine – in fact, quite the opposite has happened in many of the rooms. Battersea arts Centre is reluctant to change the building too much since it is, after all, supposed to be an embodiment of artistic license and creativity. Instead, if something doesn’t need changing, it’s left alone. the council chamber, for example, still has two entrances: one with ‘noes’ above it and one with ‘ayes’. Inside, it looks as though it hasn’t been touched for 100 years, but the scuffing and wear-and-tear is intentional.

However, elements of the 21st century will be added at a later date, with the inclusion of a new lift to give easy access to all floors, as well as an adaptable outdoor space that can be changed to suit any performance that it’s home to. Provided everything goes to plan, the works will be completed in 2016 and the BaC will remain as it was intended; for us. n

Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN, 020 7223 2223 (bac.org.uk)

Battersea Arts Centre Marble Staircase Courtesy of Morley Von Sternberg

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The DirecToryWhether whim or wish, all of the essentials are taken care

of in our roundup for harmonious living

travel & socialHOTELS Brewers Inn147 East HillSW18 2QB020 8874 4128brewersinn.co.uk

The PetershamNightingale LaneRichmond , TW10 6UZ020 8940 7471petershamhotel.co.uk

Hotel VertaBridges WharfSW11 3BE020 7801 3500hotelverta.com

Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel & Spa354 Queenstown RoadSW8 4AE020 7062 8000pestana.com

The Alma Hotel499 Old York RoadSW18 1TF020 8870 2537almawandsworth.com

The Lavender Guest House18 Lavender SweepSW11 1HA 020 7585 2767thelavenderguesthouse.com

lifesaversCLEaningDomestic House Cleaning44 Battersea Park Road, SW11 4JP 020 3404 2452

CLOTHing aLTEraTiOnSThe Alteration Station28 The Pavement, SW4 0JE020 7627 0167

CObbLErTimpson Ltd192 Balham High RoadSW12 9BP020 8673 9212

COunCiLLambeth CouncilBrixton Hill, SW2 1RW020 7926 1000lambeth.gov.uk

Wandsworth CouncilWandsworth High Street SW18 2PU020 8871 6000wandsworth.gov.uk

Dry CLEaningDry Cleaning Square020 7193 8901drycleaningsquare.co.ukDCS collect directly from your door

Pure Dry Cleaning107 St John’s Hill, SW11 1SY020 7207 0022puredrycleaning.co.uk

ELECTriCianWilson Electric 12-18 Radstock StreetSW11 4AT020 7228 3343wilsonelectric.co.uk

FLOriSTBattersea Flower Station16 Winders Road, SW11 3HE07557 405 487batterseaflowerstation.co.uk

Clapham FlowersUnit I Clapham South StationNightingale LaneSW4 9AE020 8673 2958claphamflowers.co.uk

The Flower Sanctuary8 Hildreth Street, SW12 9RQ020 8675 3799flowersanctuary.co.uk

UltraViolet Flowers12a Northcote Road, SW11 1NX020 7228 7755ultra-violets.net

LibraryBattersea Library 265 Lavender Hill, SW11 1JB020 7223 2334wandsworth.gov.uk

Wandsworth Library11 Garrat Lane, SW18 4AQ020 8871 5588wandsworth.gov.uk

LOCkSmiTHClapham Locksmiths70 Larkhall Rise, SW4 6LA020 7627 0836clapham-locksmiths.co.uk

Oakley Locksmiths Ltd81 Replingham Road, SW18 5LU020 8871 1238oakleylocksmiths.co.uk

PLumbErThe Hamilton Group27 Byrne Road, SW12 9HZ020 8675 5745hamiltongroup.co.uk

POST OFFiCEClapham Common Post Office161-163 Clapham High Street SW4 7ST020 8772 1284postoffice.co.uk

Battersea Post Office202 Lavender Hill, SW11 1AB 0845 722 3344postoffice.co.uk

vETS anD PETSM.A. Dog Training and Services07547 [email protected]

TravEL agEnTMax Travel250 York RoadSW11 3SJ020 7095 0920maxtravel.co.uk

Original Travel21 Ransome’s Dock35-37 Parkgate Road, SW11 4NP020 7978 7333originaltravel.co.uk

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Your local agentsA selection of some of the top estate agents in the area

ChestertonsBattersea6 Battersea RiseSW11 1ED020 7924 4400

59 Battersea Bridge Road, SW11 3AU020 8104 2024chestertons.com

Currell ResidentialBattersea205 Lavender Hill BatterseaSW11 5TB020 3668 1000currell.com

Douglas & GordonClapham 30 Abbeville RoadSW4 9NG020 8675 4400 (sales)020 8675 0888 (lettings)

Battersea Park236 Battersea Park Road SW11 4ND020 7720 8077 (sales)020 7498 5243 (lettings)

Battersea128 Northcote RoadSW11 6QZ020 7924 2000 (sales)020 7924 2002 (lettings)

Southfields & Earlsfield24 Replingham RoadSW18 5LR020 8874 8822 (sales)020 8874 8844 (lettings)

Balham81 Nightingale LaneSW12 8NX020 8673 0191 (Sales)020 8673 0191 (Lettings)douglasandgordon.com

HamptonsBattersea & Wandsworth98-100 Northcote Road SW11 6QW020 7411 9965

Clapham27-31 The Pavement SW4 0JE020 7717 5295 Balham11-13 Bedford Hill SW12 9ET020 8970 7002 hamptons.co.uk

John ThorogoodBattersea140 Northcote RoadSW11 6QZ 020 7228 7474 john-thorogood.co.uk

Knight FrankBattersea & London Riverside 7a Albion Riverside8 Hester RoadSW11 4AX020 3597 7670

Clapham11 The PolygonSW4 0JG020 3667 6750 Wandsworth26 Bellevue RoadSW17 7EB020 8682 7777knightfrank.co.uk

Marsh & ParsonsBalham 45 Balham Hill SW12 9DR020 8673 4377

Battersea118 Northcote Road SW11 6QP020 7228 9292

Clapham28 Old Town, SW4 0LB020 7501 3666marshandparsons.co.uk

Rampton BaseleyBattersea131 Northcote RoadSW11 6PS020 7228 5111ramptonbaseley.com

Rymer IrensBalham89 Nightingale LaneSW12 8NX020 8045 8989

Wandsworth Common34 Bellevue Road SW17 7EF020 8767 2222rymer-irens.com

SavillsBattersea99 Northcote RoadSW11 6PR020 3428 2222

Battersea Park238A Battersea Park Road SW11 4NG020 3402 1900

Clapham57-59 Nightingale LaneSW12 8ST020 8673 4111

Wandsworth12 Huguenot PlaceSW18 2EW020 8877 1222savills.co.uk

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HEALTH & WELLBEINGDOCTORSClapham Family Practice 89 Clapham High Street SW4 7DB020 3049 6600theclaphamfamilypractice.co.uk

The Awareness Centre41 Abbeville Road, SW4 9JX020 8673 4545theawarenesscentre.com

The Heritage Medical Practice119 Northcote Road, SW11 6PW020 3370 9131heritagemedicalpractice.co.uk

Thurleigh Road Practice88a Thurleigh Road, SW12 8TT020 8675 3521Thurleighroadpractice.co.uk

DENTISTCastelnau Dentists200 Castelnau, SW13 9DW020 8563 7177castelnaudentists.com

Crescent Lodge Dental Practice28 Clapham Common South SideSW4 9BN020 7622 5333, dentistsw4.com

Ethicare Dental68 West Hill, SW18 1RU020 8870 5059ethicaredental.co.uk

Riverside Dental Spa5B Hamilton HouseSt George Wharf, SW8 2LE, 020 7091 0677riversidedentalspa.com

Trinity Fields Dental194 Trinity Road, SW17 7HR020 8672 7766trinityfieldsdental.co.uk

Busy BeesDolphin HouseSW18 1DE020 8877 1135busybeeschildcare.co.uk

Eaton House The Manor 58 Clapham Common Northside, SW4 9RU020 7924 6000eatonhouseschools.com

EDUCATIONEmanuel School Battersea RiseSW11 1HS 020 8870 4171emanuel.org.uk

Parkgate House School 80 Clapham Common NorthsideSW4 9SD020 7350 2452parkgate-school.co.uk

The White House Preparatory24 Thornton RoadSW12 0LF020 8674 9514whitehouse.fluencycms.co.uk

The Baby Room205 Balham High RoadSW17 7BW020 8673 5110babyroom.co.uk

Thomas’s Battersea28-40 Battersea High StreetSW11 3JB020 7978 0900Thomas-s.co.uk

Wandsworth Preparatory School2 Allfarthing Lane, SW18 2PQ020 8870 4133wandsworthprep.com

OpTICIaNSBoots Opticians170 Balham High Road, SW12 9BW020 8673 1546boots.com

Brompton’s Opticians103 Clapham High Street SW4 7TB020 7627 5753bromptons.co.uk

HOmE & CULTUrEaNTIQUESBraemar Antiques113 Northcote Road, SW11 6PW020 7924 5628braemar-antiques.com

Les Sardines63 Abbeville Road, SW4 9JW020 8675 3900lessardines.co.uk

Northcote Road Antiques Market155a Northcote RoadSW11 6QB020 7228 6850northcoteroadantiques.co.uk

Robert Young Antiques68 Battersea Bridge Road SW11 3AG020 7228 7847Robertyoungantiques.com

Tonsley Fine Art and Antiques338 Old York Road, SW18 1SS020 8870 3991tonsleyfineartandantiques.co.uk

aRCHITECTS Arc 3 Chartered Architects66 Clapham Common, SW4 9SB020 8777 4000arc3-architects.co.uk

Foster & Partners22 Hester Road, SW11 4AN020 7738 0455Fosterandpartners.com

Granit Chartered Architects112 Battersea Business Centre99-109 Lavender Hill, SW11 5QL 020 7924 4555granit.co.uk

aRT GallERyArtEco Gallery533 Old York Road, SW18 1TG020 8875 0110artecogallery.com

The Art Cabin11 Brookwood Road, SW18 5BL020 7112 8838theartcabin.co.uk

FURNITUREA French Life563-565 Battersea Park RoadSW11 3BL020 7223 7489afrenchlife.co.uk

ASPACE144 Northcote Road SW11 6RD020 7228 3074aspace.co.uk

Eclectic Interiors65 Abbeville Road, SW4 9JW020 8673 0572eclecticinteriors.co.uk

Quirky Dovetail32 Old Town, SW4 0LB020 7720 3312quirkydovetail.co.uk

Revamp Interiors33 Bellevue Road, SW17 7EF020 8767 7222revampinterioris.co.uk

The Paint House52 Northcote Road, SW11 1PA020 7924 5118thepainthouse.com

GIFT SHOpAll Good Gifts65 Northcote Road, SW11 1NP020 7223 8257allgoodgifts.co.uk

Chalk41 Replingham RoadSW18 5LT020 8870 6125chalkgifts.co.uk

The Monster Factory 168 Lavender HillSW11 5TG020 7801 6233themonsterfactory.com

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FOOD & DRINKBakeryBreads Etcetera127 Clapham High StreetSW4 7SS020 7720 3601

Gail’s 64 Northcote RoadSW11 6QL020 7924 6330gailsbread.co.uk

Le Petit Boulanger25 Abbeville Road, SW4 9LA020 8675 9475web.lepetitboulanger.co.uk

BarsAdventure Bar91 Battersea RiseSW11 1HW020 7924 6055adventurebar.co.uk

Graffiti Bar561 Garratt LaneSW18 4SR020 8944 9009graffitibar.co.uk

The 3 Monkeys5 Fernlea Road, SW12 9RTthe3monkeysbar.co.uk

The Bedford77 Bedford HillSW12 9HD020 8682 8940thebedford.co.uk

The Doodle Bar 33 Parkgate RoadSW11 4NP020 7223 7115thedoodlebar.com

The Frog 32 The PavementSW4 0JE020 7622 5230thefrogclapham.co.uk

The Loft67 Clapham High StSW4 7TG 020 7627 0792theloftclapham.com

Rise 4646 Battersea Rise, SW11 1EE020 7228 7676rise46.com

CafesBrew45 Northcote RoadSW11 1NJ020 7585 2198brew-cafe.com

Macaron22 The Pavement, SW4 0HY020 7498 2636

Pio Café366 Old York Road, SW18 1SP07790 800 281piocafe.co.uk

The Black Lab Coffee House18 Clapham Common Southside, SW4 7AB020 7738 8441blacklabcoffee.com

The Georgian 27 Balham Hill, SW12 9DX020 8675 4975georgianrestaurant.co.uk

The Pantry 342 Old York RoadSW18 1SS020 8871 0713thepantrylondon.com

ConfeCtionerCake Boutique31 Lavender HillSW11 5QW020 7228 0023

DeRosier Chocolates81 Revelstoke RoadSW18 5NL020 8947 4456derosierchocolates.com

GreenGroCerFruits of the Forest Grant Road, SW11 2NU020 7223 8844

Whole Foods Market305-311 Lavender HillSW11 1LN020 7585 1488wholefoodsmarket.com

PuBsThe Bolingbroke174 Northcote RoadSW11 6RE020 7228 4040thebolingbroke.com

The Devonshire39 Balham High RoadSW12 9AN020 8673 1363dukeofdevonshirebalham.com

The Draft House94 Northcote Road, SW11 6QW020 7924 1814drafthouse.co.uk

The Magic Garden 231 Battersea Park RoadSW11 4LG0207 622 4844magicgardenpub.com

The Regent21 Chestnut GroveSW12 8JB020 8772 0546theregentbalham.co.uk

The Ship 41 Jews Row, SW18 1TB020 8870 9667theship.co.uk

The Sun47 Old Town, SW4 0JL020 7622 4980thesunclapham.co.uk

restaurantsBalham Bowls Club7-9 Ramsden RoadSW12 8QX020 8673 4700balhambowlsclub.com

Ben’s Canteen140 St John’s HillSW11 1SL020 7228 3260benscanteen.com

Doukan 350 Old York RoadSW18 1SS020 8870 8280doukan.co.uk

Entrée Restaurant & Bar2 Battersea Rise, SW11 1ED020 7223 5147entreebattersea.co.uk

Forbidden Temple30-32 Queenstown RoadSW8 3RX020 7720 5446forbiddentemple.co.uk

Gazette100 Balham High RoadSW12 9AA020 8772 1232Gazettebrasserie.co.uk

Harrison’s15-19 Bedford HillSW12 9EX020 8675 6900harrisonsbalham.co.uk

Marco Polo on the River Eastfields AvenueSW18 1LP020 8874 6800marcopolo.uk.net

The Avalon16 Balham HillSW12 9EB020 8675 8613theavalonlondon.com

Tsunami 5-7 Voltaire RoadSW4 6DQ020 7978 1610tsunamirestaurant.co.uk

Rosita and the Sherry Bar124 Northcote RoadSW11 6QU020 7998 9093rositasherry.net

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Tranquility Skin Care Centre1 Bellevue RoadWandsworth CommonSW17 7EGtranquillitybeautyclinic.com

Kalyana Spa54 Battersea Rise, SW11 1EG020 7228 9338kalyana-spa.com

HAIR SALONAnthony Laban Home3 Bennet Court1 Bellevue Road, SW17 7EG020 3475 6644anthonylabanhome.com

Gro Arch 641 Voltaire Road, SW4 6DH020 7627 0169

and4 Lavender Hill, SW11 5RW020 7585 1325grolondon.co.uk

Jo Partridge46 Abbeville Road, SW4 9NF020 8772 0403jopartridge.com

Rococo Salon16 Webb’s Road, SW11 1XJ020 7223 0948rococosalon.com

BOUTIQUES

BEAUTY & FITNESS

FASHIONBunka24 Bedford Hill, SW12 9RG020 8675 2345bunka.co.uk

Denner Cashmere114 St John’s Hill, SW11 1SJ0844 922 0057dennercashmere.co.uk

Find… 228 Battersea Park RoadSW11 4ND020 7720 2234findoflondon.com

Iris97 Northcote Road, SW11 6PL020 7924 1836irisfashion.co.uk

Jigsaw 73 Northcote RoadSW11 6PJ020 7223 8972jigsaw-online.com

JZD45 Old TownSW4 0JL020 7720 8050jzdstyle.com

Katharine Bird20 Battersea Rise, SW11 1EE020 7228 2235katharinebird.co.uk

Opus Shoes57 Northcote Road, SW11 1NP020 7978 4240opusshoes.co.uk

Petit Bateau133 Northcote Road, SW11 6PX0207 228 72 33 petit-bateau.co.uk

Pretty Pregnant102 Northcote RoadSW11 6QW020 7924 4850prettypregnant.com

Question-Air143-145 Northcote RoadSW11 6PX020 7924 6948question-air.com

Shipton and Heneage Shoes117 Queenstown Road, SW8 3RH020 7738 8484shiptonandheneage.co.uk

BEAUTYCharlotte Cave17 The Polygon, SW4 0JG020 7622 4665 charlottecave.co.uk

Lemon Tree Health and Beauty66 Webb’s Road, SW11 6SE020 7228 1020lemontree-london.com

Nirvana Health and Beauty191 Garratt Lane, SW18 4DR0208 704 0034nirvanahealthandbeauty.com

Purity Skin Centre95-97 Clapham High StreetSW4 7TB020 7622 3700purityskincentre.com

So Me Beauty and Wellness21 Clapham High Street, SW4 7TR020 7720 3330so-me.me

Hidden Secrets 15 Clapham Park RoadSW4 7EEhiddensecretsbeauty.co.uk

Verde113A Northcote Road, SW11 6PJ 020 7223 2095verde.co.uk

VIP Rooms10-12 Old Town, SW4 0JY020 7627 6204vipsalons.com

Willie Smarts11 The PavementSW4 0HY020 7498 7771williesmarts.co.uk

Witches Hut45 Balham High RoadSW12 9AN 020 8673 3222

and13 The PavementSW4 OHY020 7720 3666witcheshut.com

Michaela Mittoi Hair and Beauty SalonSpinnaker HouseBattersea ReachWandsworthSW18 1FRmichaelasalon.com

FITNESSBalance Physio113 Gauden RoadSW4 6LE020 7627 2308balancephysio.com

Siena18 Bellevue RoadSW17 7EG020 8767 1961sienafashions.com

The Collection - London13 Parkgate Road, SW11 4NL020 3202 1037thecollection-london.com

Trotters 86 Northcote Road, SW11 6QN020 7585 0572trotters.co.uk

Fitness First279-291 Balham High RoadSW17 7BA0844 571 2804fitnessfirst.co.uk

Fybre Fitness Hub25 Northcote Road SW11 1NJ020 7223 7660fybrefit.co.uk

Movers and Shapers63 Balham High Road, SW12 9AP020 8673 0808moversandshapers.co.uk

Pepilates17c Welmar Mews, SW4 7DD020 7498 3359pepilates.co.uk

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

Founded by William Morris, the SPAB protects the historic environment from decay, damage and demolition. It responds to threats to old buildings, trains building professionals, craftspeople, homeowners and volunteers and gives advice about maintenance and repairs. Since 1877 countless buildings have been saved for future generations.

Information about maintaining your home is available through events, courses, lectures, publications and telephone advice.

To support our work why not join the SPAB? Members receive a quarterly magazine, our list of historic properties for sale and access to our regional activities.

www.spab.org.uk 020 7377 1644A charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales. Company no: 5743962 Charity no: 1113753 37 Spital Square, London E1 6DY

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SPAB C Life full pg.indd 1 23/09/2013 12:30

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The head of Knight Frank’s new Clapham branch knows how to make an entrance. Much like the agency itself – which has just opened the doors of its new glass-fronted

space on The Polygon – Robert French’s arrival is similarly conspicuous. Striding down the pavement in head-to-toe motorcycling gear, from a distance he looks like a cross between the Michelin Man and a Hell’s Angel. His wheels of choice for the day, a Triumph Street Triple rather than the four-door hatchback you might expect, purrs by the kerb.

‘Well, it’s about time,’ Robert laughs, when asked why Knight Frank has taken its time to join the neighbourhood. Minus the helmet, suited and booted and sipping coffee in one of his favourite local hangouts, No 32 The Old Town, he is looking forward to countering expectations. ‘The first property Knight Frank sold in Clapham was back in 1982, so it has been involved with the market here for a long time. Until now the area had fallen under the remit of the

Wandsworth office on Bellevue Road, but increasingly we felt that we were too far from the action.’

The Clapham office will be the fifth Knight Frank branch to open over the past few months and it has already carved out its own niche. Robert explains that while the agency as a whole has been traditionally associated with family homes, the demographic of the area demands a strong lettings team. ‘We want to cater for the whole market here,’ he says. ‘We haven’t arrived with the intention of selling only palatial pads in the Old Town. Accordingly, our price range will cover anything from £500,000 upwards.’

With a local presence in place, the team has already thrown its energy into supporting a number of Clapham initiatives. As well as being a major sponsor of Trinity Hospice and the Holy Trinity Church Christmas Fair, the office is limbering up to lend some muscle to a local boot camp. ‘I’m leaving that to the others,’ Robert whispers. ‘I tried it once and got very muddy. Plus it was quite hard work and dogs kept chasing me.’ He is, however, rather more enthusiastic about the branded T-shirts his colleagues

wear to train, which feature the tagline: We’re up and running. ‘It’s genius!’ he laughs. ‘We just wouldn’t have done this before when we were based at the Wandsworth office.’

Robert admits that the local sales market is currently taking a bit of a much-needed breather. ‘The 20 per cent price hikes we experienced earlier in the year were unsustainable and, as predicted, they couldn’t last forever.’ Looking forward to the spring and the general election, he believes that realistic pricing is key. ‘New properties that are coming onto the market priced well are being snapped up,’ he assures. ‘If it’s not an election, then it’s the budget or some other policy change. Generally, however, the bigger picture looks positive.’

Even the question of the proposed mansion tax isn’t enough to dent Robert’s confidence. ‘£3,000 a year is not going to get the wolves at your door if you are spending £3million on a property,’ he reasons. As the ‘storm in the teacup’ rages on, he cites low

interest rates and Clapham’s relatively good value as a winning formula for prospective buyers. ‘We’ve currently got a four-bedroom house on Clarkwell Road on the market for £700 per sq ft. If you were to uproot it to Battersea it would be at least £1,100 per sq ft, and here you’re right in the Old Town with the benefit of better transport links and all this on your doorstep,’ he says, gestering to the green expanse of the Common on the opposite side of the road.

Is Robert worried that the new office’s big arrival will fizzle out in the traditionally slower January market? ‘Absolutely not,’ he smiles. ‘Actually Christmas is one of the few times when all the family is around the dinner table together and decisions are made on whether to buy or sell.’ In the meantime, the advertising team is out in force delivering a targeted marketing campaign. ‘Come next week the floodgates will open,’ he jokes. And when they do, Robert will be waiting, although he might have to leave the bike at home. n

11 The Polygon, SW4 0JG, 020 3667 6750 (knightfrank.co.uk)

Ride on TimeRobert French reveals why the time was finally right

to open Knight Frank’s first Clapham office

The first property Knight Frank sold in Clapham was back in 1982, so it has been involved with the market here for a long time

- 32 - - 33 -


Photography © Sarel Jansen

Lillieshall Road, Clapham SW4Gorgeous short let propertyAn immaculate five bedroom end of terrace house available for short let. 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms, conservatory, garden, patio garden and utility room. EPC rating D. Approximately 240 sq m (2,545 sq ft)Available furnished

Guide price: £1,800 per week

(BAq195446)

KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings [email protected] 3597 7680

Lyford Road, Wandsworth Common SW18A sensational family home on the CommonA large detached family home at the end of a no-through road on Wandsworth Common.8 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms, gym, steam room, cinema / media room, swimming pool, secure parking for three cars behind an electric gate. EPC rating E. Approximately 650.68 sq m (7,004 sq ft)

Available unfurnished

Guide price: £3,950 per week

(BAq200420)

KnightFrank.co.uk



Heslop Road, Wandsworth SW12Quiet location

A superb semi-detached Victorian family house located close to Wandsworth Common. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en suite), 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, cloakroom, cellar, garden. EPC rating F. Approximately 210.7sq m (2,270 sq ft)

Freehold

Guide price: £1,700,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/wandsworth [email protected] 7768 0993

(WND130049)

Chestnut Grove, Balham SW12Close to amenities An attractive mid-terraced Victorian family house situated in a quiet residential street close to Nightingale Triangle. 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), double reception room, kitchen/dining room, large cellar, garden. EPC rating F. Approximately 195 sq m (2,099 sq ft) Freehold Guide price: £1,200,000


(WND130244)

KnightFrank.co.uk

Sarsfeld Road, Wandsworth SW12Close to Wandsworth Common

A handsome town house providing well balanced family accommodation and generous living space across four floors situated in a quiet residential street. 4/5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, shower room, 1/2 reception rooms, kitchen/dining room, utility room, garden. EPC rating D. Approximately 199 sq m (2,142 sq ft) Freehold Guide price: £1,425,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/wandsworth [email protected] 020 7768 0993

(WND140280)

Aspley Road, Wandsworth SW18,South West facing garden

A handsome and beautifully presented Victorian family house set back from the road with a south west facing garden. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en suite), double reception room, kitchen/dining room, downstairs cloakroom, cellar. EPC rating D. Approximately 198 sq m (2,131 sq ft) Freehold Guide price: £1,475,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/wandsworth [email protected] 020 7768 0993

(WND140272)

KnightFrank.co.uk


KnightFrank.co.uk

Balham Park Road, Wandsworth SW12Double fronted house with south facing gardenA wonderful family house close to Wandsworth Common with a beautiful south facing garden. 6 double bedrooms, 4 bathrooms (2 en suite), 4 reception rooms, study, kitchen, cinema room, utility room, downstairs cloakroom, garden. EPC rating F. Approximately 388 sq m (4,176 sq ft)Freehold Guide price: £3,950,000

(WND080281)

Montevetro, Battersea SW11Two bedroom flat in Monetevetro Building In this extremely sought after riverside building, we are delighted to offer this bright and sunny flat with excellent views of the River Thames. Superb living accommodation with a west facing terrace. Two bedrooms (1 ensuite), reception/dining room, kitchen, guest bathroom, balcony. EPC Rating C. Approximately 134 sq m (1,442 sq ft).Share of Freehold Guide price: £1,995,000

(RVR140140)


KnightFrank.co.uk/[email protected] 3597 7670

KnightFrank.co.uk


KnightFrank.co.uk

This luxurious 3 bedroom apartment has been immaculately finished. The spacious, open-plan reception room is ideal for entertaining and looks out to the dock. The apartment boasts high ceilings and air cooling and heating systems in all reception and bedrooms. 3 bedrooms (1 ensuite), kitchen/reception/dining room, guest bathroom, 2 balconies. EPC Rating C. Approximately 148 sq m (1,600 sq ft)Leasehold Guide price: £2,800,000 (RVR140334)

Hepworth Court, Grosvenor Waterside SW1WThree bedroom apartment for sale in Grosvenor Waterside


Bromells Road, Clapham SW4Large two bedroom flat

Ideally located in the sought after Clapham Old Town, this two bedroom, two bathroom penthouse apartment has been finished to exacting standards to now provide an abundance of space and light throughout. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen, balcony, third floor. EPC rating C. Approximately 96 sq m (1,033 sq ft) Leasehold: Approximately 985 years remaining Guide price: £1,000,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/clapham [email protected] 020 3551 9672

(CPM140005)

Taybridge Road, Clapham SW11Near Clapham Common

A four bedroom house with integral gargage, decorated in neutral tones and providing well balanced family accommodation and generous living space. Good transport links at Clapham Common underground or Clapham junction over ground stations. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen, cloakroom, garden, garage, 3 terraces and a cellar. Approximately 218 sq m (2,347 sq ft) Freehold Guide price: £1,375,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/clapham [email protected] 020 3551 9672

(WND140231)

KnightFrank.co.uk

KNIGHTFRANKCLAPHAMWe are delighted to be opening the doors

to our new Clapham office in December 2014!

With a network of agents around the world from

Clapham to China, we can market your home to

the widest possible audience. And as we have been

selling property in Clapham for nearly 30 years, we

are best placed to offer you expert advice.

So whatever you would like your view to be,

Knight Frank can help. Call us now for a free

market appraisal: 020 3551 9672. Or share your

favourite view of Clapham with us at @KFclapham

#claphamviews

11 The Polygon, London SW4 0JG

KnightFrank.co.uk/clapham

7984 KF Clapham Residents Journal Ad 210x297 October 2014 AW.indd 1 16/10/2014 10:35

- 42 - - 43 -


The end of summer and the beginning of winter have marked a busy few months for Savills Wandsworth Lettings, with a strong

number of applicants and a good flow of new stock coming on to the market. Rental prices have risen by 26 per cent over the past five years and the forecast for the year ahead is also promising, with price growth of three per cent predicted for prime London.

Across Wandsworth, Clapham and Battersea, UK tenants remain dominant, particularly in the lower and middle end of the market where they make up more than 70 per cent of all tenants. We’re, however, seeing increasing interest from Western European and North American tenants, with employment relocation cited by 35 per cent of applicants as their reason for renting, and lifestyle relocation for a further 19 per cent.

Wandsworth is a particularly popular location for relocating families, with a great selection of family homes available. At the top end of the market we have a

property available on Lyford Road, often described as one of the most sought-after streets in Wandsworth. The property has been designed by award-winning architects and has six bedrooms, with a guide price of £2,750 per week. We’re also marketing a lovely family home on Baskerville Road, situated within the popular Toast Rack. The six-bedroom house backs on to Wandsworth Common and is available to let with a guide of £1,500 per week.

In the middle market we currently have two lovely properties on Cicada Road, one five-bedroom house for £795 per week and a four-bedroom property for £775 per week. Both benefit from their location close to the open spaces of Wandsworth Common and the shops and amenities of the Southside centre. They both have good entertaining space and outdoor space.

Across south-west London we’ve also noticed two new emerging trends in the rental market. Firstly, tenants are choosing to rent slightly run-down properties in great locations, then improving them themselves. One of our tenants recently improved the garden of the property they were renting and repainted a number of rooms. My colleagues Andrew Clements in Wimbledon and Sophie Curtis in Fulham have also noticed this trend, with a tenant in Parsons Green putting down a beautiful wood floor in the reception rooms of the property she’s renting at her own expense.

The second trend we’ve experienced recently is landlords moving into their rental properties while they refurbish or extend their own homes. This can have a number of benefits: enabling building work to proceed more efficiently on their own home, as well as creating a greater window in which to find the next tenants for their rental property. n

12 Huguenot Place, SW18 2EW, 020 8877 1222 (savills.co.uk)

Lyford Road, £2,750 per week

Lyford Road, £2,750 per week

Cicada Road, £795 per week

Charlotte Corner-Munroe, head of Savills Wandsworth Lettings comments

on the local property market

Trend alert

Wandsworth is a particularly popular

location for relocating families

Inside every great home is anexceptional Christmas waiting to happen.

savills.co.uk

SA79004 SW Residents Journal Xmas Sold DPS.indd 1 14/11/2014 13:59

Just a few of the properties we have recently sold and let, where we have made a big difference for our clients.

TREFOIL ROAD, SW18 GUIDE £1.5 MILLION

SOLD

SIMPSON STREET, SW11 GUIDE £760,000

SOLD

BRYNMAER ROAD, SW11 GUIDE £3.55 MILLION

SOLD

FERNSIDE ROAD, SW12 GUIDE £925 PER WEEK

LET

TANTALLON ROAD, SW12 GUIDE £1.4 MILLION

SOLD

BOLINGBROKE GROVE, SW11 GUIDE £915,000

SOLD

SHELGATE ROAD, SW11 GUIDE £1.795 MILLION

SOLD

PARMA CRESCENT, SW11 GUIDE £850 PER WEEK

LET

STONELLS ROAD, SW11 GUIDE £1.418 MILLION

SOLD

CATHLES ROAD, SW12 GUIDE £1.31 MILLION

SOLD

LYFORD ROAD, SW18 GUIDE £3.2 MILLION

SOLD

WANDLE ROAD, SW17 GUIDE £1,700 PER WEEK

LET

To discuss your property requirements further, call our team on 020 8877 1222.

SA79004 SW Residents Journal Xmas Sold DPS.indd 2 14/11/2014 13:59

43

21savills.co.uk

Guide £1.5 million Freehold

Double reception room ø kitchen/breakfast room ø 5 doublebedrooms (1 en suite) ø bedroom 6/study ø 2 further bath/shower rooms ø cloakroom ø cellar ø gardenø 196 sq m (2,104 sq ft) ø EPC=D

AIREDALE ROAD, sw12

Savills Clapham [email protected] 020 8673 4111


Reception room ø kitchen/breakfast room ø 4 bedrooms (1 ensuite) ø further bathroom ø cloakroom ø cellar ø gardenø 173 sq m (1,866 sq ft) ø EPC=D

LEATHWAITE ROAD, sw11

Savills Northcote Road [email protected] 020 3428 2222

Guide £1.45 million Share of Freehold

Reception room ø kitchen ø 3 double bedrooms ø bathroomø balcony ø porter ø period features ø modern interior designø 98 sq m (1,050 sq ft) ø EPC=D

PRINCE OF WALES DRIVE, sw11

Savills Battersea Bridge [email protected] 020 3402 1900


Reception room ø kitchen/dining room ø 3 bedrooms (1 ensuite) ø bedroom 4/study ø further bathroom ø cloakroomø eaves storage ø garden ø 144 sq m (1,550 sq ft)ø EPC=D

BRAMFORD ROAD, sw18

Savills Northcote Road [email protected] 020 3428 2222

1

savills.co.uk

Savills WandsworthRobin [email protected]

020 3430 6900

4 reception rooms ø kitchen/breakfast room ø master bedroom with en suite bathroomø 5/6 further bedrooms ø 2 further bathrooms ø utility room ø cellarø 72ft x 67ft south-west facing garden ø carriage driveway with off-street parkingø 419 sq m (4,514 sq ft) ø EPC=E

IMPOSING HOME WITH UNINTERRUPTED VIEWS OVER WANDSWORTH COMMONlyford road, sw18


Square Rigger Row £400 pw

An absolutely stunning and recently refurbished one bedroom apartment which is exceptionally light, is located in the private development of Square Rigger Row in Plantation Wharf.The flat is in excellent order and has been neutrally decorated throughout and offers plenty of light and space. The flat is offered on a furnished basis.

One double bedroom•Open plan kitchen/reception room•En-suite bathroom•Built in storage•Washer/dryer and dishwasher•Furnished

Shuttleworth Road £750 pw

A stunning family home presented in excellent order throughout. The house has a lovely double reception room with shutters in the reception room which leads through to an extended kitchen/breakfast room and out onto a decked garden.On the first floor there are three double bedrooms and a family bathroom. The loft has been extended to create a master bedroom with en suite shower room and a Juliet balcony. The house is available from mid December. Four double bedrooms•Reception room•Kitchen/breakfast room•Family bathroom•Ensuite shower room•Downstairs cloakroom•Unfurnished• Available mid December

Grandison Road £750 pw

This three bedroom house is centrally located on Grandison Road ‘between the commons’ and measures just shy of 1400 sq feet. The house has just been repainted throughout and would be ideal for a family or couple. It is offered unfurnished and is available from now.

Three double bedrooms•Double reception room•Kitchen•Garden•Cellar•Downstairs wc•Family bathroom•Ensuite bathroom•Unfurnished•Available early January

Hillier Road £895 pw

This Victorian house has been extended into the side return and basement to create a lovely four bedroom family home. There are wooden floors throughout the ground floor in the double reception room and kitchen. From the kitchen doors lead out onto the south east facing garden and there is also a downstairs WC. There are four double bedrooms, including a master bedroom with built in wardrobes and air conditioning. There is also the added benefit of a spacious family room in the basement.

Four double bedrooms•Double reception room•Kitchen/breakfast room•Family room•Family bathroom•Shower room•Ground floor W/C•Garden•Unfurnished

131 Northcote Road London SW11 6PST 020 7228 5111 E [email protected]

Muncaster Road £1,175,000 Freehold

A charming mid terrace Victorian three bedroom house situated on this popular residential street. The accommodation is presented in good decorative order throughout and retains a number of the original period features. The huge draw to this property is that it offers the prospective buyer a fantastic opportunity to further extend into the side return and into the loft.

Three bedrooms•Double reception room•Kitchen•Family bathroom•Downstairs wc•Garden

Salcott Road £1,550,000 Freehold

This stunning five bedroom family house is positioned on a sought after residential street of Northcote Road. The house is presented in excellent decorative order retaining a number of its original features. The house boasts an attractive south facing garden and a cellar which provides good storage.

Five double bedrooms•Double reception room•Kitchen/breakfast room•Family bathroom•Shower room•Ensuite bathroom•Downstairs wc•Cellar•South facing garden

Limburg Road £1,795,000 Freehold

Occupying a prominent corner position on an extremely convenient residential street is this impressive four storey town house. The property measures approximately 2278 square feet and retains lots of its original features and plenty of period character. The interior is presented in good decorative order and has an excellent sense of light and space.

Four double bedrooms•Two reception room•Kitchen/ breakfast room•Family bathroom•Ensuite bathroom•Loft room•Separate wc•Utility room•Cellar•Off street parking•South facing garden

Broomwood Road £2,500,000 Freehold

This remarkable Victorian house has been almost entirely rebuilt to create this spectacular family home with a huge emphasis on space and light. The interior has been finished to an extremely high standard with a layout that combines two levels of superb living space with five comfortable bedrooms.

Six double bedrooms•Double reception room•Kitchen dining room•Separate wc•2 ensuite shower rooms•Family bathroom•Shower room•Garden

131 Northcote Road London SW11 6PST 020 7228 5111 E [email protected]

Burlington Road, SW17 | £530,000

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Hall | Large open-plan reception | Kitchen | Three bedroom | Twobathrooms | Off-street parking | 1,440sq ftCall Bellevue Road on 020 8767 2222










rymer-irens.com 34 Bellevue RoadLondon SW17 7EF020 8767 2222

89 Nightingale LaneLondon SW12 8NX020 8045 8989

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rymer-irens.com

Wandsworth Common 020 8767 2222 [email protected]

Balham 020 8045 8989 [email protected]
















Manville Road, SW17 I £2,975,000 Freehold

Impressive double fronted Victorian family house, extending to 4,055 sq ft,

exquisitely presented throughout with seven double bedrooms, three large

reception rooms and a broad 50ft south facing garden.

Wandle Road, SW17 I £2,325,000 Freehold

Stunning, interior designed, four storey Victorian family house with an

outstanding extended kitchen/dining/family room, two further reception

rooms, four beautiful bedrooms and wonderful landscaped 84ft garden.

Hall | Drawing room | Living/dining room | Family room | Kitchen | Utility room | Master bedroom with en suite bathroom & dressing room | Six further double bedrooms | Bath & shower room | Guest W.C. | Utility | Cellar | 50ft south facing garden | EPC: D | 4,055 sq ft (377 sq m)

Hall | 26ft kitchen/dining/family room | Two further reception rooms | Master bedroom with en suite bathroom | Three further double bedrooms (one e/s) | Two further bath/shower rooms | Utility | Guest W.C. | 84ft garden | EPC: C | 2,618 sq ft (243.2 sq m)

020 3668 1000 currell.com

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from everyone at Currell

Selling and letting property all over Battersea in 2014 and into the New Year

Avenue Mansions, SW11: £480pw

Vassall Road, SW9: £351,500 Lollard Street, SE11: £375pw The Tower, SW8: £1150pw

Hannington Road, SW4: £530pw Glycena Road, SW11: £1,020,000

Ramsden Road, SW12: £605,000Tintern Close, SW15: £702,000

Montholme Road, SW11: £857,000

Afghan Road, SW11: £650pw

Glycena Road, SW11: £450,000

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

LET

LET

LET

SOLD

LET

Barnard Road, SW11: £740,000

STC

LET

North Chelsea Fulham Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush Kensington Kensington Gate South Kensington Notting Hill Pimlico & Westminster

£5,000,000Freehold

Albert Bridge Road SW11 Arranged over five floors is this extensiveand beautifully refurbished family home,overlooking Battersea Park. The 3,649 sq.ft. property offers versatile living andentertaining space also boasting agorgeous west-facing garden.

Battersea Park Sales020 7720 8077 | [email protected]

4 double bedrooms, Study/fifthbedroom, 3 bathrooms (1 en-suite),3 reception rooms, Kitchen, Cinemaroom, Gym, West-facing garden, EPC: D.JSA: Savills020 3402 1900 l [email protected]


douglasandgordon.com

South Balham Battersea Battersea Park Clapham East Putney Southfields & Earlsfield West Putney

£1,500,000Share of Freehold

The Chapel, Gilmore House SW4 This Chapel conversion is an architecturalgem which covers in excess of 1,500 sq.ft. The property boasts 20 ft. ceilings a350 sq.ft. galleried master suite and mostnotably the Edward Burne-Jones stainedglass windows.

Battersea Sales020 7924 2000 | [email protected]

Galleried master bedroom with en-suitebathroom, Open-plan kitchen/diningarea, Large open-plan reception area,Cloakroom, Utility room EPC: F.






Cyril Mansions SW11£1,150 per week Fees apply

Unfurnished

A truly exceptional property located onPrince of Wales Drive. The propertyboasts a stunning double reception roomthat is flooded with natural light and amodern kitchen with doors leading on tothe private garden.

Battersea Park Lettings020 7498 5243 | [email protected]

3 double bedrooms, 3 en-suitebathrooms, Double reception room,Kitchen/breakfast room, Cloakroom,Private garden, Utility room, EPC: E.

Caldervale Road SW4£1,100 per week Fees apply

Unfurnished

This beautifully presented family homeoffers accommodation which stretchesclose to 2,400 sq.ft. The property retainsperiod, ornate, cornicing throughout andthe reception room boasts a wonderfuloriginal fireplace.

Clapham Lettings020 8675 0888 | [email protected]

4 double bedrooms, Single bedroom,3 bathrooms (2 en-suite), Doublereception room, Kitchen/breakfast room,Patio & lawn garden, EPC: F.




This Residents’ Journal represents a fresh, innovative approach to local media, while retaining a traditional feel. We will deliver intelligent editorial with integrity and depth on subjects that matter to the residents

and business community.

Published on a monthly basis with the kind support of a select handful of relevant advertisers, we will present regular editorial contributions from prominent local residents and members of the independent local business

community, as well as seasoned journalists who live locally.

If you live or work in these areas and have a particular interest in contributing to the Residents’ Journal, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please email us at [email protected];

or telephone us on 020 7987 4320.

Giles EllwoodPublisher Residential Sales & Lettings I Property Management I Corporate & Relocation Services I Professional Valuations I Asset Management

There’s nothing averageabout London property prices.London’s complex property market is performing very di� erently from area to area. If you’re thinking about selling or letting, make sure you talk to our experts fi rst. douglasandgordon.com

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