Page 123 – A Little Bird

27th January 201627th October 2021

Book Now for director Q&A with Luca Guadagnino at Curzon Soho

We are big fans of the Curzon’s series of director Q&As and next month the creator of one of our favourite films of recent years, I Am Love, will be at the Curzon Soho talking about his newest release, A Bigger Splash. Luca Guadagnino has once more teamed up with Tilda Swinton (as well as Dakota Johnson, Mattias Schoenaerts and Ralph Fiennes) in this comic drama shot in beautiful Pantelleria and based on Jacques Deray’s 1969 La Piscine, which starred Romy Schneider and Alain Delon. We haven’t seen the film yet but it’s had rave reviews at festival screenings, with critics wowed by Fiennes’ standout performance. The following month look out for a Q&A with Ben Wheatley, director of the equally buzzy High Rise starring Tom Hiddleston.

20th January 201627th October 2021

An exhibition of works by Nikolai Astrup & a live fire garden at Dulwich Picture Gallery

Opening on 5th February is a great new show at the Dulwich Picture Gallery of paintings by the Norwegian artist Nikolai Astrup. You might not have heard of Astrup but in Norway, he is as revered as fellow innovative printmaker and contemporary artist, Edvard Munch. Astrup was particularly inspired by mythology and nature – his paintings are a riot of rich, vibrant colours (see an introductory video here) – and at the end of the show is a collection of his most beautiful works, of midsummer bonfires. Astrup was forbidden from attending these bonfires as a child by his strict Pastor father and inspired by these paintings, five sculpture specialists called Walk the Plank will create a live fire garden on 5th and 6th February. There will be flaming lotus flowers, fire breathing hollies and giant bulrushes and food will be available from the Gallery café and other vendors, including Herne Hill’s famed “La Tartiflette” street food. Plus there are a series of excellent lectures including one on Scandinavian Art and Design by Magnus Englund, cofounder of the British retailer Skandium on 3rd February. All, we think, are just the ticket if you’re feeling the winter blues.

20th January 201620th January 2016

Hubdot.com – connecting women through storytelling

On Monday evening we attended a storytelling supper club held by Hubdot.com at the South Kensington Club (a members-only health and wellness club). If you haven’t heard of Hubdot.com, it was set up over 3 years ago by ex-Goldman Sachs event organiser, jazz singer and mother-of-three Simona Barbieri. She originally invited 98 friends for coffee and asked them all to choose from five coloured dots to wear: green, ‘I’m here to be inspired’; yellow, ‘I have an idea, can anybody help?’; blue, ‘I’m here to socialise’ and purple, ‘I want to tell you about my story/charity/work.’ At the next event, 480 people turned up and there are now 16,000 members in 13 cities around the world. We loved listening to the stories – from the creator of a detox food company to a behavioural analyst – and we left feeling very inspired. The dots enable women to leave all hierarchy at the door and it really was a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The next London event is on 3rd February at Anthropologie and if you’re looking for a mentor, for funding or just for a little inspiration, we highly recommend you sign up here.

19th January 201631st August 2022

Book now for Giffords Circus – the London dates

It may be that Giffords Circus entertained nearly 10,000 people last year, but even so, we know lots of folk who didn’t book early enough and so were bitterly disappointed to miss Moon Song, last summer’s heavenly touring show. So take heed: the circus may not erect its tent and unload its wagons until mid May, but you need to book tickets now, especially if you want to see it in London. The Chiswick house dates sell out especially fast and it’s only in town for three weeks.

If you’ve never been to Giffords Circus, we can’t recommend it highly enough. The acts – acrobatics, clowning, juggling, and so on are always great, but it’s the whole experience that makes it so fabulous, rather than any one particular daring feat. The band is always live, veering on the eccentric side, and fantastic. The beautiful costumes, which look like they’ve been found in granny’s attic, are hand-made each year according to the show’s theme, and the performing animals – horses, dogs and geese – are much-loved pets. One of the highlights last year was a trio of three rescue-dogs who entertained the crowd riding ponies while seemingly having a ball themselves. This year, the show has a Western theme and is called ‘A Painted Wagon.’

Giffords also has a fantastic, nomadic restaurant called Circus Sauce, so if you fancy eating there too, do book the last show of the evening, after which a 60-seat communal candle-lit oak table is set up under the awnings of two showman’s wagons and an excellent 3 course supper is served. The whole thing is wonderful.

15th January 201628th October 2021

Marrakech

Blue skies over the Atlas mountains, endless shopping opportunities and what must be the shortest transfer time to a winter sun destination, makes Marrakech one of our favorite quick escapes. Here are our favorite places.

Hotel: Mamounia, Arset El Maach (www.mamounia.com)

This vast grande dame got a stunning make-over a couple of years ago courtesy of decorator extraordinaire Jacques Garcia and his sumptuous rooms have entirely invigorated this historic Moroccan hotel. Even if you don’t stay here, do try and come for a drink or splash out on the insanely good lunchtime buffet – after which you won’t need to eat for a week.

Hotel: Ksar Char Bagh, La Palmeraie (www.ksarcharbagh.com)

An imposing, impressive faux palace in the Palmeraie with utterly chic rooms, fabulous views and really beautiful pool and gardens. We found it almost impossible to drag ourselves away from this tranquil spot. Although the bill should bring you straight back to reality.

Hotel: Riad Farnatchi, Derb el Farnatchi, Rue Souk el Fassis (www.riadfarnatchi.com)

This calm, peaceful and very central boutique hotel was originally created as a holiday home by a Brit hotelier. The rooms are sumptuous and comfortable while the service is discreet but friendly and staff can fix pretty much anything your heart desires. There’s an on-site hamman and the incredible Moroccan scrub, mask and massage is worth every single dirham. You will feel reborn afterwards.

Hotel: Riad Madani, 64, Derb Moulay Abdelkader, Derb Dabachi (www.riad-madani.com)

This large and beautiful riad, a couple of minutes walk from Jemaa El Fna, was once an imperial palace, which comes as no surprise as soon as you enter it. It has beautiful gardens and incredible terraces, one of which is among the largest in Marrakech. It’s also one of the few riads to have a pool on its roof terrace. Each room is decorated differently and staying here is like staying with good, insanely chic friends – and indeed it is the home of its (insanely chic, very welcoming) Brazilian owners. This is where folk like Mario Testino stay when they are in Marrakech, and though it’s a favourite hotel of the in-crowd, it couldn’t be more welcoming.

Hotel: Riad Dar More, N°44, Derb jdid, Riad Dar Zitoun Lakdim (www.riad-dar-more.com)

This affordable little riad is great for a group trip. Rooms (five of them) are small and it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of some of the more flashy riads, but if you want something chic, simple and budget this place has everything you need, in a great location.

Eat: BoZin, Douar Lahna, Route de l’Ourika (www.bo-zin.com)

After a couple of days of cous cous you will be really glad of somewhere like this; the menu is a modish mix of French, Thai and Moroccan food with fabulous puddings (and an awesome chocolate fondant and pistachio ice-cream). The gardens, with capacious booths and loungers and huge log fires, are great for having after-dinner drinks.

Eat: Le Foundouk, 55 Souk Hal Fassi, Kat Bennahid (www.foundouk.com)

A reliable, stylish and romantic Medina restaurant with a mix of Moroccan and European food. We come here time and time again.

Eat: Chegrouni, 46 Jemaa el Fna

If you’re not brave enough to eat from the stalls on Jemaa El Fna then go and have a tagine at no frills Chegrouni. Wait for a table overlooking the circus below and you can while away a good hour or more absorbing the frenzied chaos of Marrakesh as the sun sets. The lamb tagine here is excellent – and cheap too.

Café: Café Arabe, 184, rue Mouassine (www.cafearabe.com)

This is a great little place for a refueling mint tea and it has a fabulous roof terrace looking out to the Atlas mountains.

Café: Terrace Des Epices, 15, Souk Cherifia. Sidi Abdelaziz (www.terrassedesepices.com)

Stylish, open-air roof-top café serving delicious food (salads, mezze plates, brochettes) is a relaxing setting – it’s also one of the few kid friendly places away from the hustle and bustle of the Medina.

Restaurant: Le Comptoir, Avenue Echouhada, Hivernage (www.comptoirmarrakech.com)

You probably wouldn’t come to Le Comptoir for the food (which is pretty average) but the spectacular nightly floor-show with some dazzling belly dancers is really great fun. There’s a bar and dancing upstairs if you want to stay later too.

Restaurants: Dar Yacout, 79 rue Sidi Ahmed Soussi, Bab Doukkala

There are plenty of really good restaurants in Marrakesh that offer sumptuous feasts (including Dar Moha and the brilliant women-run El-Fassia) but for atmosphere our favorite is Dar Yacout with its rooftop terrace, pool and cosy, seductive salons. You need to book.

Gardens: Jardin Majorelle (www.jardinmajorelle.com)

It’s easy to spend all your time shopping and eating in Marrakesh – too easy in fact – but we love taking a trip our to the Jardin Majorelles, which was made famous by Yves Saint Laurent, who bought the site in 1980 and went on to restore the fabulous gardens. It’s really stunning in the spring and early summer although it’s beautiful at any time of year.

Shop: Beldi. 9 & 11 Laksour, Bab Ftouh, Medina

This tiny shop near the entrance to the souk sells beautiful, well made clothes, mostly for men – djellabas made out of the finest cotton, exquisitely made jackets and coats in cashmere, velvet and tweed, which are lined in fantastic silks; the perfect cashmere throw. It’s like a very mini Hermès at a fraction of the cost.

Shop: Mustapha Blaoui, 142-144 Bab Doukkala

In a city full of them, this is the ultimate Aladdin’s cave. It’s an emporium filled with simply wonderful things: cushions, lights, candlesticks, lanterns, pots, bowls, fabrics, furniture. If we could only visit one shop in Marrakech, this would be it. The staff can help arrange overseas shipping too.

Shop: Chaussures Atica, 34,Rue de la Liberté, Guéliz

This temple to shoes – and the fashion crowd’s inside secret – is where you get perfect Tod’s driving shoes (only not actually by Tod’s, obviously, as the much cheaper price reflects) in every shade of buttery leather imaginable.

13th January 201614th January 2016

Three delicious new healthy cookbooks for 2016 & the chance to meet the authors

If you need inspiration and guidance on living a healthier life in 2016, you need look no further than the authors of three delicious new healthy cookbooks coming out in the next two months. First up is Deliciously Ella’s second recipe book, Every Day, coming out on 21st January 2016. We loved her last cookbook, which was the fastest-selling debut cookery book ever, and this follow-up is a chance to taste 100 more of her delicious dairy-free, gluten-free recipes that really are quick and easy to make. And if you’d like to meet 24 year old Ella Woodward in person, head to Wholefoods on 25th January where she will be holding a book signing. Book your tickets here (£20 which includes the price of the book).

Next out, on 18th February 2016, is Keep It Real by Calgary Avansino. We used to work at Vogue with Calgary and can testify that she really does live and breathe healthy living. This is her first book and it is aimed at helping whole families eat a more plant-based diet with nutritious, balanced and wholesome ingredients. Calgary’s focus is on making eating healthily easy which includes how to persuade your kids to eat less sugar and having quick, delicious snacks at the ready to keep you on track.

On 25th February, the Hemsley sisters publish their second book, Good + Simple. With 140 new recipes, Jasmine & Melissa show how tasty good-for-you food can be. With an emphasis on good gut health, whole foods and affordable ingredients, it’s their practical tips and the delicious results that won us over in their first book and have us coming back for more. And if you’d like to ask the sisters for some tips personally, then book your tickets here for An Evening with Jasmine & Melissa Hemsley at Waterstones, Piccadilly where they will be answering audience questions (£25 which includes the price of the book or £5 entry without the book).

13th January 201631st August 2022

Colefax and Fowler’s annual sale, plus Marie Chantal sample sale

This is such a good sale, and only on for one day a year. If you have any fabric or decorating needs at all, do earmark the 22nd January, when the fabric houses of Colefax and Fowler, Jane Churchill, Manuel Canovas and Larsen fill the spacious RHS hall in Victoria with rolls of top end fabrics, all heavily discounted, with up to 70% off normal prices. Plus, you can find discontinued lines and smaller remnants from the current ranges, including prints (cotton, linen union), silks, sheers, velvets, damask and other good finds. If you are after furniture, it’s also worth the trip, as there is always some ex-display items on sale, which are ready-made and nearly always just what you most want. All Colefax and Fowler, Manuel Canovas and Larsen fabrics are prices at a fixed £26 per metre, Jane Churchill fabrics are £20 per metre.

Another sale we always try and get to is the Marie Chantal sample sale. Marie Chantal makes exquisite clothes for children aged between 0 and 12, and we especially love her baby clothes – think cord rompers, the softest cashmere cardies in neutral colours and delicious prints. But they are expensive, and so her sale, which has big discounts on production samples, warehouse clearance and past season pieces as well as wholesale stock, is a great opportunity to buy any presents you may need or something special for your own little one.

The sale is on 20th January from 12pm to 6pm, and 21st and 22nd January from 10am – 6pm, at Chelsea Old Town Hall. If you’d like to go, do RSVP at info@mariechantal.com.

12th January 201614th January 2016

Our favourite glow-giving face masks

If you’re already struggling with your new year health kick then a brightening, zero-effort face mask could be just what you need. These are our favourites.

We are big fans of Una Brennan’s no-nonsense Super Facialist skincare which is as functional as it is affordable. The Salicylic Acid Anti-Blemish Clay Mask, £9.99, is no exception providing a deep cleaning mask that never fails to leave skin feeling fresh and glowing.

Leave on masks are not for everyone but Ren’s Wake Wonderful Night-Time Facial, £32, really does provide great results – the glycolic acid can feel quite tingly at first but while you sleep the mask will exfoliate and hydrate leaving wonderfully smooth skin when you wake.

We were first introduced to Anne Semonin’s fabulous skincare through facials at Claridges’ beauty rooms many years ago. The Mineral Mask £42, was a favourite product back then and is still as good today. Marine extracts and minerals give the mask a pungent, river bed aroma – but it is brilliantly decongesting and brightening.

Sisley’s skincare is never cheap but it’s always excellent. The Radiant Glow Express Mask, £65.70, is a gentle red clay mask that works quickly to give a lovely glow without the blotchiness that some other masks cause.

7th January 201627th October 2021

Brunch at Poco

We are brunch enthusiasts but even we’re sick of the variations on avocado on toast and flat whites that grace most menus. A new tapas restaurant, Poco, on Broadway Market offers something different. Don’t worry, we’re not talking tapas first thing in the morning here: the food has a Moorish influence and the pick of the menu is the Moorish and Moroccan scrambles: harissa beans, chorizo or merguez sausage with scrambled eggs and chilli on sourdough toast. These dishes have more punch than we were expecting. The most thrilling item on the menu here, however, is the churros. We’ve never quite understood churros and whilst we’ve wanted to love them on holiday in Spain, they’ve often tasted overwhelmingly of the oil they are cooked in. These churros are a different matter: both light and crisp, they are rolled in a cinnamon sugar and a dipping pot of melted chocolate is offered alongside it. It’s probably not the sort of thing you should eat every day but you should definitely try them as a treat. The chocolate in the pot happens to be made by Divine (although Poco also use Mast Brothers chocolate in other dishes) and the produce across the menu is almost wholly organic, seasonal and has been carefully sourced as locally as possible. This was part of the thinking behind the original Poco, which chef Tom Hunt set up in Bristol in 2011. At Poco in Broadway Market, ingredients will include own-made cheese from Kappacasein in Bermondsey and fruit and vegetables from Organic Lea in the Lea Valley. This is pleasing, of course, but what really matters is that brunch here tastes so good.

6th January 201631st August 2022

RSC Shakespeare on Screen

January is a great time to hunker down and catch up on movies, and what with it being the self-improving time of year, how great to check into the RSC’s Shakespeare on Screen season at the Barbican. Actually, self-improvement be damned. This is just a great opportunity to watch some of the RSC’s most seminal work – which luckily for all of us, has been captured on film.

The programme really is superb, with many of the productions that have gone down in theatre history being screened, including Vanessa Redgrave’s luminous performance as Rosalind in Michael Elliot’s 1963 production of As You Like It, Trevor Nunn’s 1979 Macbeth with Judi Dench and Ian McKellen (who will introduce the film), Peter Hall’s great 1965 War of the Roses trilogy with Peggy Ashcroft as Queen Margaret, David Warner as Henry VI and Ian Holm as Richard III. (The final part of the trilogy is regarded as one of the great achievements of post-war British theatre). Trevor Nunn’s 1990 production of Othello with Willard White and Ian McKellen will be showing, as will Peter Brook’s 1971 production of King Lear, filmed in the snowy landscape of Denmark’s North Jutland, with Paul Schofield playing the mad old King, but on the lighter side there is also Adrian Noble’s 1994 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which everyone loved so much. The season ends with David Tennant’s 2009 Hamlet, directed by Gregory Doran. Frankly, we’d like to see every single one of these films and not because we feel we should.

Not surprisingly, tickets for all the screenings are selling quickly, so do book now for any of the films you’d like to see.

6th January 20166th January 2016

Chanel CC Cream

Post Christmas, our skin is feeling rather dull and grey but we’ve discovered the best pick-me-up in the form of Chanel’s CC Cream. If you haven’t come across CC creams, the idea is that they combine skincare with a light foundation particularly addressing issues such as pigmentation, redness and uneven skin tone. The Chanel CC cream has a high 50 SPF and Hyaluronic acid which helps moisturise the skin. What we really like about it, though, is it’s long-lasting medium coverage (it feels thick but actually goes onto your skin very easily) and the resulting ‘glow’. We finish it off with a touch of Tom Ford’s blusher in Frantic Pink and hey presto, we’re ready to face 2016.

6th January 201628th October 2021

La Montana Candles

Everyone knows how evocative the scent of holiday destinations can be – we’ve often wished we could bottle the delicious aroma of our favourite places. So Cass and Jonathan Hall’s candles are a clever idea; each one conjured from the heady perfumes that surrounded them when they moved to a remote Spanish village back in 2011. Cass had worked in the beauty industry in London while Jonathan is a screenwriter and together they formed La Montana with candles such as Winter Oranges inspired by the winter harvests in their native Valencia or Galan de Noche – based on the pungent waft of night-scented jasmine. We’ve been burning their latest, Sacred Roses, over the holidays. Inspired by the rose gardens at the Sinat monastery, the candle blends rose otto, lavender, orange blossom, geranium and violet with musk and chamomile. It’s the best rose candle we have found, the result is not cloying as some floral candles can be, but light and aromatic. The whole range also has lovely labels and boxes inspired by vintage travel posters so they make great gifts too.