The Steeple Times

Tag: London

  • A Village Ideal

    A Village Ideal

    Unlisted 18th century Georgian residence near Badminton for sale; ideal for those looking to quit the rat race

     

    City dwellers and commuters regularly dream of quitting the rat race for a life in the country and when they watch programmes like Escape to the Country and Downton Abbey, they see an idealised vision of rural life. Such people could do worse than take a look at Dauncey House at Tormarton, near Badminton in South Gloucestershire, a property that is currently for sale through Hamptons International.

     

    Reduced in price from £1.3 million ($1.6 million, €1.5 million or درهم5.8 million) to £1.2 million ($1.5 million, €1.4 million or درهم5.4 million), this attractive Cotswold stone village house was also marketed for £1.3 million in 2009 according to Country Life magazine. It is situated within a village where you’ll count the ‘King of Hoovers’ Sir James Dyson and the Duke of Beaufort as neighbours and it is believed that “humans have been active in the area for more than 6,000 years”.

     

    Surprisingly unlisted and providing 3,368 square foot of accommodation, Dauncey House includes 3 reception rooms, 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. It stands in 2.5 acres of gardens and orchards and though perhaps a little blandly decorated currently, provides what the selling agents call “flexibility for the growing family”.

     

    Situated just 10 miles north of Bath and 1 mile north-east of Junction 18 of the M4 motorway, this handsome 18th century Georgian residence would make an ideal home for a commuter. Chippenham, just 12 miles away, provides a direct service to London Paddington.

     

    A Village Ideal – Dauncey House, High Street, Tormarton, Badminton, Gloucestershire, GL9 1HZ – Reduced from £1.3 million ($1.6 million, €1.5 million or درهم5.8 million) to £1.2 million ($1.5 million, €1.4 million or درهم5.4 million) through Hamptons InternationalA Village Ideal – Dauncey House, High Street, Tormarton, Badminton, Gloucestershire, GL9 1HZ – Reduced from £1.3 million ($1.6 million, €1.5 million or درهم5.8 million) to £1.2 million ($1.5 million, €1.4 million or درهم5.4 million) through Hamptons InternationalA Village Ideal – Dauncey House, High Street, Tormarton, Badminton, Gloucestershire, GL9 1HZ – Reduced from £1.3 million ($1.6 million, €1.5 million or درهم5.8 million) to £1.2 million ($1.5 million, €1.4 million or درهم5.4 million) through Hamptons InternationalA Village Ideal – Dauncey House, High Street, Tormarton, Badminton, Gloucestershire, GL9 1HZ – Reduced from £1.3 million ($1.6 million, €1.5 million or درهم5.8 million) to £1.2 million ($1.5 million, €1.4 million or درهم5.4 million) through Hamptons InternationalA Village Ideal – Dauncey House, High Street, Tormarton, Badminton, Gloucestershire, GL9 1HZ – Reduced from £1.3 million ($1.6 million, €1.5 million or درهم5.8 million) to £1.2 million ($1.5 million, €1.4 million or درهم5.4 million) through Hamptons InternationalA Village Ideal – Dauncey House, High Street, Tormarton, Badminton, Gloucestershire, GL9 1HZ – Reduced from £1.3 million ($1.6 million, €1.5 million or درهم5.8 million) to £1.2 million ($1.5 million, €1.4 million or درهم5.4 million) through Hamptons International

  • Cupboards by Harrods

    Cupboards by Harrods

    Two studio flats near Harrods for sale for extraordinary sums offer ideal homes for pint-sized people

     

    A typical London Underground carriage provides about 464 square foot of space. In Knightsbridge and just seconds from Harrods, a property offering just over half that area has just come on sale on a short lease for £450,000 ($553,000, €525,000, درهم2.03 million).

     

    The 258 square foot raised ground floor ‘cupboard-like’ property in Jefferson House at 11 Basil Street is offered at a price that equates to £1,765 per square foot ($2,170, €2,050 or درهم7,965 per square foot) consists of a single room decorated with Austin Powers-esque wallpaper, a kitchen with, the selling agents boast, the luxury of “an electric hob” and a shower room. Carter Jonas point out that the lease on the studio is extendable but neglect to detail what that will cost.

     

    For pint-sized people with a larger budget, Beauchamp Estates have also just launched a slightly larger third floor studio to the west of Harrods in Beaufort Gardens, SW3.

     

    Priced at a much more punchy £1.65 million ($2.03 million, €1.92 million or درهم7.45 million) or £3,061 per square foot ($3,760, €3,570 or درهم13,815 per square foot), the 539 square foot flat is within a redeveloped building of nine properties and features an open plan sitting, dining and kitchen area with a corridor to a separate sleeping area. It has a full-sized bathroom and lift access.

     

    Pictures and plans of the Basil Street studio:

    Cupboards by Harrods – Two studio flats near Harrods in Knightsbridge, London, SW3 for sale for extraordinary sums offer ideal homes for pint-sized people – January 2017 – Carter Jonas and Beauchamp Estates – Raised ground floor at Jefferson House, 11 Basil Street at £450,000 ($553,000, €525,000, درهم2.03 million) – Third floor at Beaufort Gardens at £1.65 million ($2.03 million, €1.92 million or درهم7.45 million) Cupboards by Harrods – Two studio flats near Harrods in Knightsbridge, London, SW3 for sale for extraordinary sums offer ideal homes for pint-sized people – January 2017 – Carter Jonas and Beauchamp Estates – Raised ground floor at Jefferson House, 11 Basil Street at £450,000 ($553,000, €525,000, درهم2.03 million) – Third floor at Beaufort Gardens at £1.65 million ($2.03 million, €1.92 million or درهم7.45 million) Cupboards by Harrods – Two studio flats near Harrods in Knightsbridge, London, SW3 for sale for extraordinary sums offer ideal homes for pint-sized people – January 2017 – Carter Jonas and Beauchamp Estates – Raised ground floor at Jefferson House, 11 Basil Street at £450,000 ($553,000, €525,000, درهم2.03 million) – Third floor at Beaufort Gardens at £1.65 million ($2.03 million, €1.92 million or درهم7.45 million) Cupboards by Harrods – Two studio flats near Harrods in Knightsbridge, London, SW3 for sale for extraordinary sums offer ideal homes for pint-sized people – January 2017 – Carter Jonas and Beauchamp Estates – Raised ground floor at Jefferson House, 11 Basil Street at £450,000 ($553,000, €525,000, درهم2.03 million) – Third floor at Beaufort Gardens at £1.65 million ($2.03 million, €1.92 million or درهم7.45 million) Cupboards by Harrods – Two studio flats near Harrods in Knightsbridge, London, SW3 for sale for extraordinary sums offer ideal homes for pint-sized people – January 2017 – Carter Jonas and Beauchamp Estates – Raised ground floor at Jefferson House, 11 Basil Street at £450,000 ($553,000, €525,000, درهم2.03 million) – Third floor at Beaufort Gardens at £1.65 million ($2.03 million, €1.92 million or درهم7.45 million)

    Pictures and plans of the Beaufort Gardens studio:

    Cupboards by Harrods – Two studio flats near Harrods in Knightsbridge, London, SW3 for sale for extraordinary sums offer ideal homes for pint-sized people – January 2017 – Carter Jonas and Beauchamp Estates – Raised ground floor at Jefferson House, 11 Basil Street at £450,000 ($553,000, €525,000, درهم2.03 million) – Third floor at Beaufort Gardens at £1.65 million ($2.03 million, €1.92 million or درهم7.45 million) Cupboards by Harrods – Two studio flats near Harrods in Knightsbridge, London, SW3 for sale for extraordinary sums offer ideal homes for pint-sized people – January 2017 – Carter Jonas and Beauchamp Estates – Raised ground floor at Jefferson House, 11 Basil Street at £450,000 ($553,000, €525,000, درهم2.03 million) – Third floor at Beaufort Gardens at £1.65 million ($2.03 million, €1.92 million or درهم7.45 million) Cupboards by Harrods – Two studio flats near Harrods in Knightsbridge, London, SW3 for sale for extraordinary sums offer ideal homes for pint-sized people – January 2017 – Carter Jonas and Beauchamp Estates – Raised ground floor at Jefferson House, 11 Basil Street at £450,000 ($553,000, €525,000, درهم2.03 million) – Third floor at Beaufort Gardens at £1.65 million ($2.03 million, €1.92 million or درهم7.45 million) Cupboards by Harrods – Two studio flats near Harrods in Knightsbridge, London, SW3 for sale for extraordinary sums offer ideal homes for pint-sized people – January 2017 – Carter Jonas and Beauchamp Estates – Raised ground floor at Jefferson House, 11 Basil Street at £450,000 ($553,000, €525,000, درهم2.03 million) – Third floor at Beaufort Gardens at £1.65 million ($2.03 million, €1.92 million or درهم7.45 million)

     

  • Terrible Tracey

    Terrible Tracey

    Tracey Emin announces she’s quitting London after her plans to construct a carbuncle that resembles a Hitler-esque oven are rejected; Londoners rejoice

     

    Tracey Emin CBE, RA is no doubt liked by somebody, somewhere. She’s made a fortune from what she calls “art” and though her unmade bed is often derided as one of the most stupid creations ever, she had the last laugh when it sold for millions.

     

    Now, though, this vastly overrated multi-millionairess member of ‘The Club’ is moaning that she’s “not wanted” in London anymore and is quitting for pastures new. Her reason? Tower Hamlets Council rejected her plans to demolish a listed building in Spitalfields and replace it with a carbuncle resembling one of Hitler’s ovens.

     

    Terrible Tracey – Tracey Emin announces she’s quitting London after her plans to construct a carbuncle that resembles a Hitler-esque oven are rejected; Londoners rejoice
    A perfectly fine listed 1920s building stands on the site currently (centre right)
    Terrible Tracey – Tracey Emin announces she’s quitting London after her plans to construct a carbuncle that resembles a Hitler-esque oven are rejected; Londoners rejoice
    Ms Emin wished to replace it with this hideous carbuncle
    Terrible Tracey – Tracey Emin announces she’s quitting London after her plans to construct a carbuncle that resembles a Hitler-esque oven are rejected; Londoners rejoice
    Tracey Emin believes people should “love is what you want”; the people spoke and showed they did not love her terrible proposal

     

    In an interview with The Guardian, Emin – whom bizarrely married a “big f**king stone” earlier this year as she “no longer wants to be alone” and whose palatial East End residence already includes a swimming pool – angrily justified her decision. She remarked:

     

    “Tower Hamlets says: ‘We don’t want you’… Well, there’s plenty of other places that do. It’s that simple”.

     

    “Why would you want to be somewhere you’re not wanted? What I’m going to do now is move out of London. I don’t have any choice on that… There’s places now in Britain that are desperate for artists – Margate’s thriving, Folkestone, Hastings. All that Kent coast. And I could have a giant studio and be really relaxed”.

     

    “I’m an international artist who hasn’t got enough room to swing a cat at the moment… If I knocked it down and built a hotel or flats I could greatly benefit. I could build eight, nine, ten flats in here”.

     

    Of the objections to her proposals, she added:

     

    “I’m in a vulnerable place right now… I was scared about having to take all these people on my own – it’s a big thing”.

     

    “I just feel I’ve been pretty bullied by the whole thing and I don’t want to be bullied any more… I don’t get the reaction I get from people”.

     

    In response to Ms Emin’s remarks, local resident Susie Stape told The Steeple Times:

     

    “What this woman, best known for her ghastly unmade bed ‘artwork’, wanted to build looked like something straight out of Auschwitz. It was highly offensive in an area traditionally linked to refugees and all I can say is that I pity wherever Tracey Emin heads next. She’s a blight on any community and we’re so delighted that we’ll soon be rid of her”.

     

    Ms Stape is right: God helps whatever community Terrible Tracey descends on next.

     

    Terrible Tracey – Tracey Emin announces she’s quitting London after her plans to construct a carbuncle that resembles a Hitler-esque oven are rejected; Londoners rejoice
    A side view of the rejected design
    Terrible Tracey – Tracey Emin announces she’s quitting London after her plans to construct a carbuncle that resembles a Hitler-esque oven are rejected; Londoners rejoice
    Another projection of the ugly building that has thankfully been rejected
  • Out Of The Shadows

    Out Of The Shadows

    Hannah Harley Young’s debut exhibition at The Hospital Club

     

    On Thursday 1st December, a private view of the works of the portrait and party photographer Hannah Harley Young was held at The Hospital Club in Covent Garden.

     

    At a launch attended by such people as Henry Conway, Nancy Dell’Olio and Millie Mackintosh, guests marvelled at how this exciting new talent has emerged from the shadows of being a woman in an industry dominated by men.

     

    Out Of The Shadow – Hannah Harley Young’s debut exhibition at The Hospital Club
    Two of the works on display

     

    At the exhibition, the daughter of the legendary celebrity and social photographer Richard Young showcased both party shots and studio sessions. Of them, she told The Steeple Times: “I’m interested in people. I’m intrigued by my subjects’ stories, their backgrounds, their hobbies, what they love and what makes them tick”.

     

    Works on display by this “go-to-girl” on the party scene and photo journalist numbered images of everyone from Prince Charles to Elizabeth Hurley. Viewing of them can be arranged by appointment only by emailing [email protected]

     

    Hannah Harley Young’s ‘Out Of The Shadow’ will be on display at The Hospital Club, 2nd Floor, Endell Street, London, WC2H 9HQ until Sunday 29th January 2017.

     

    Out Of The Shadow – Hannah Harley Young’s debut exhibition at The Hospital Club Out Of The Shadow – Hannah Harley Young’s debut exhibition at The Hospital Club Out Of The Shadow – Hannah Harley Young’s debut exhibition at The Hospital Club Out Of The Shadow – Hannah Harley Young’s debut exhibition at The Hospital Club

  • Itsu’s Over

    Itsu’s Over

    EXCLUSIVE – Chelsea restaurant Itsu set to close its doors for the final time

     

    Itsu in Walton Street, Chelsea is set to close its doors shortly for the last time shortly due to rocketing rents.

     

    Described by The Telegraph as a “timeless social hot spot for women in fur boots who can’t move their foreheads”, the restaurant was the original restaurant in the chain and opened in 1997. It was the brainchild of Pret a Manger founder Julian Metcalfe and businessman Clive Schlee and is currently one of over 60 locations that form part of the Asian-inspired food chain.

     

    Prior to becoming Itsu, the Walton Street location was amongst other things the site of an “upmarket eatery” named Walton’s. That restaurant was bombed by an IRA unit named the Balcombe Street Gang on 18th November 1975. Two diners died and 23 others were injured.

     

    Itsu’s Over – Exclusive – Chelsea restaurant Itsu set to close its doors for the final time, Itsu, 118 Walton Street, London, SW3 3AE
    The aftermath of the bombing of Walton’s on the corner of Walton Street and Draycott Avenue

     

  • Sexing up Brexit

    Sexing up Brexit

    Defrocked priest appears outside the Supreme Court dancing a jig without any trousers; he believes Nigel Farage was “sent by Christ”

     

    This week, as the Supreme Court debated one of the most serious constitutional cases in history, a strange little man dressed as a leprechaun danced a jig whilst holding placards about Nigel Farage, a Third World War and Brexit.

     

    The strange, trouser-less pensioner’s banners bizarrely were captioned:

     

    “Nigel Farage was sent by Christ to get Britain out of Europe and fulfill [sic] Bible prophecy”.

     

    “Britain will fight for Israel in the Third World War whereas Europe will fight against Israel and against Christ”.

     

    Dubbed a “sex elf” in one tweet, The Huffington Post later suggested the man to be Neil Horan, “a defrocked Irish Catholic priest who has previously disrupted major events like the Grand Prix and the Olympics and appeared on Britain’s Got Talent”. Horan was given an ASBO for attempting to disrupt the London Marathon in 2007 and his published works number A Glorious New World Very Soon to Come and Christ Will Soon Take Power From All Governments.

     

    In 2006, Horan was held for two months in custody in Germany during the World Cup. He had announced that he had planned to carry posters that declared “Adolf Hitler was a good leader who was following the word of Christ”.

     

    You truly couldn’t make it up.

     

    Sexing up Brexit – Defrocked priest Neil Horan appears outside the Supreme Court dancing a jig without any trousers; he believes Nigel Farage was “sent by Christ”Sexing up Brexit – Defrocked priest Neil Horan appears outside the Supreme Court dancing a jig without any trousers; he believes Nigel Farage was “sent by Christ”

  • Reviewing Romulo

    Reviewing Romulo

    Matthew Steeples reviews Romulo Café in Kensington; it serves the finest Filipino cuisine and is well worth trying

     

    Romulo Café bills itself as providing “a taste of the Philippines in the heart of Kensington” and that it certainly does. Here you’ll find not only authentic cuisine but also a truly warm and welcoming atmosphere and an experience that is genuinely unusual.

     

    One of four restaurants – the other three being in the Philippines – owned by the same family, Romulo Café is inspired by the owner’s late grandfather, Carlos P. Romulo, a Pulitzer Prize winner, president of the United Nations General Assembly and ambassador to the United States of America. Framed portraits of “Mr United Nations”, as he was affectionately known, guide the décor of the building and a neon caricature of him stands proud at the entrance.

     

    Reviewing Romulo – Romulo Café, 343 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6NW. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 3141 6390 – Filipino cuisine
    Carlos P. Romulo with his Lincoln in Washington
    Reviewing Romulo – Romulo Café, 343 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6NW. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 3141 6390 – Filipino cuisine
    Rowena Romulo

     

    Owned by former Citibank and J. P. Morgan banker turned restaurateur Rowena Romulo, Romulo Café seats 70, is situated close to the newly opened Design Museum and opened in March 2016. It serves food that combines the culinary traditions of Spain, America, Malaysia and China and aside from the pork and rice dishes one links Filipino cuisine to normally, there are such things as Lola Virginia’s chicken relleno (£14) – roasted chicken stuffed with ground pork, raisins, chorizo and peas; Tito Greg’s Kare-Kare – beef (£16) or seafood (£18) stewed in a peanut based sauce with steamed vegetables and artisan shrimp paste. Homemade Filipino ice cream is a must try for dessert and for those looking to sample a selection of starters, be sure to go for ‘The General’s Combo Platter’ (£17.50). It features barbecued pork, chicken inasal, tinapa rolls, camaron rebosado and patotim with atchara.

     

    Aside from a substantial and varied wine list, it is for cocktails that Romulo Café excels. One, ‘Imelda’s High Heels’ pays homage to Imelda Marcos and thus, naturally, comes served in a vessel shaped as a shoe; another, the ‘Batangas Bad Boy’, is accompanied by a cigar. Filipino spirits including Don Papa Rum, made from cane sugar from Negros plantations; Calamancello, homemade limoncello made with Philippine lime, and San Miguel Beer Pale Pilsen, the “original Philippine beer” are also available.

     

    Of the restaurant, Rowena Romulo concludes:

     

    “We set up Romulo Café as a way to honour and help continue my grandfather Carlos P. Romulo’s legacy through food, as he and my family have always been so proud of Filipino cuisine and how food forms such a central part of Philippine culture, transcending class or creed. It’s true that every single Filipino loves to eat”.

     

    “Now that we have expanded Romulo Café to London, we hope it will help to raise the profile and appreciation of the Philippines through our cuisine. And maybe it will also help to introduce my grandfather and his amazing work to a new generation”.

     

    Romulo Café, 343 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6NW. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 3141 6390.

     

    Reviewing Romulo – Romulo Café, 343 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6NW. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 3141 6390 – Filipino cuisine
    Lola Virginia’s chicken relleno
    Reviewing Romulo – Romulo Café, 343 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6NW. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 3141 6390 – Filipino cuisine
    Imelda’s High Heels cocktail
    Reviewing Romulo – Romulo Café, 343 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6NW. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 3141 6390 – Filipino cuisine
    Batangas Bad Boy cocktail
    Reviewing Romulo – Romulo Café, 343 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6NW. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 3141 6390 – Filipino cuisine
    A caricature of Carlos P. Romulo welcomes diners at the restaurant’s entrance
  • Reader Offer – 20% Discount at Pickett

    Reader Offer – 20% Discount at Pickett

    20% discount at luxury goods retailer Pickett this Christmas

     

    Readers of The Steeple Times can get 20% discount off full-priced items at luxury good retailer Pickett until 24th December.

     

    Reader Offer – 20% Discount at Pickett – 20% discount at luxury goods retailer Pickett this Christmas

     

    To redeem the offer online or in-store, quote ‘PI16’.

     

    Pickett, 10 – 12 Burlington Gardens, London, W1S 3EY.

     

    Pickett, 149 Sloane Street, SW1X 9BZ.

     

  • Partnering With Pickett

    Partnering With Pickett

    Kathryn Fensterstock reports on a party to celebrate Pickett’s new partnership with the Mayor’s Fund for London

     

    On 16th November, to mark becoming an official charity partner of the Mayor’s Fund for London, Pickett hosted a drinks reception and raffle in Mayfair’s Burlington Gardens.

     

    Guests, including Sotheby’s director Joanna Booth, Cristina Maxson, the Mail on Sunday’s Alexis Parr and Matthew Steeples of The Steeple Times, enjoyed generous measures of gin and wine at the behest of Trevor Pickett before learning about the work the Mayor’s Fund for London does for the city and their plans for 2017.

     

    Partnering With Pickett – Kathryn Fensterstock reports on a party to celebrate Pickett’s new partnership with the Mayor’s Fund for London
    Matthew Patten chats with another guest
    Partnering With Pickett – Kathryn Fensterstock reports on a party to celebrate Pickett’s new partnership with the Mayor’s Fund for London
    Alexis Parr and Trevor Pickett enjoying some serious G&Ts
    Partnering With Pickett – Kathryn Fensterstock reports on a party to celebrate Pickett’s new partnership with the Mayor’s Fund for London
    Pickett backgammon boards

     

    In a heartfelt manner, Trevor Pickett and Matthew Patten shared a few words on why social mobility for young Londoners is so important and where their inspiration comes from.

     

    Trevor Pickett is passionate about nurturing talent in young people having learnt from hands-on experience himself. He is eager to support the Mayor’s Fund for London as he sees the unmistakable value in providing children with the key skills to climb the career ladder, gain confidence and improve their livelihood, just as the Mayor’s Fund for London does. Pickett looks forward to offering ongoing support to the charity for the foreseeable future as he has also done with Ormiston Families for the past twenty years.

     

    Matthew Patten, chief executive of the Mayor’s Fund for London told a packed room:

     

    “We are delighted to be an official charity partner of Pickett. Many young Londoners, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are not aware of all the opportunities that London has to offer. As the founder of a London-based handmade leather goods business, Trevor Pickett recognises the importance of aspiration and acquiring the skills needed so that all Londoners make the most of living in the greatest city on earth”.

     

    Pickett, 10 – 12 Burlington Gardens, London, W1S 3EY.

     

    To support the Mayor’s Fund for London at Christmas this year, Pickett will give a 15% donation to the charity on all purchases in-store and online. Quote the code ‘MFL15’.

     

    American born Kathryn Fensterstock is based in London and is part of the team at the leading marketing company Zambuni. Follow her on Twitter at @kjfensterstock.

     

  • Old and New – Sloanes

    Old and New – Sloanes

    New series contrasting the ‘old’ and the ‘new’ begins with Sloane Rangers

     

    Back in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Lady Diana Spencer used to drink at The Admiral Codrington whilst Sloanes named Perdita and Peregrine downed gin like it was water in The Australian in Milner Street.

     

    Loud braces and yellow cords sold like hot cakes and Peter York was king of all he surveyed. Now, in a new era, this socially elite set of characters have had to evolve and though the majority of Kensington and Chelsea is now colonised by wealthy foreigners, Sloane Rangers are still be found braying in Kings Road, SW3.

     

    Old and New – Sloanes – New series contrasting the ‘old’ and the ‘new’ begins with Sloane Rangers