Belgravia Paulene stone - life as a fashion model in swinging sixties london - Mayfair & Belgravia
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Belgravia
d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 9 # 1 5 8
Paulene
stone
Life as a fashion
model in Swinging
Sixties London
Also Inside: The gripping new novel inspired by local life
Tamara Beckwith's debut handbag collection
Christmas gifts to buy in Belgravia
4 22
December
Welcome Health & beauty
Belgravia editor Cally Squires Treat yourself to some winter
reveals what's in store in the wellbeing with four Belgravia
December edition brands
6 24
Upfront Style
Designer clothes to rent at a Model and Vogue cover girl
new fashion pop-up, plus Eaton Paulene Stone on her life in
Square Concerts bids farewell fashion
31 8 28
What's on Made in Belgravia
From candlelit carols to festive Try a drop-in art class at
films on the roof, enjoy some MasterPeace, a new creative
Christmas cheer in Belgravia space in Eccleston Yards
10 31
Culture Gift guide
Local author Sarah J Naughton Our Christmas gift guide is full of
reveals the inspiration behind ideas and inspiration – and it's
her new psychological thriller all available to buy locally
15 35
Food & drink Instagram
38 Tom Aikens is set to open an Readers share their social media
intimate new dining destination snaps of local life – from yoga to
in Groom Place a pop-up stationery shop
18 38
Chef's table Philanthropy
Wild by Tart co-founder Lucy Meet Anita Choudhrie, Belgravia
Carr-Ellison talks us through the resident and founder of the
mouthwatering menu charity Path to Success
20 44
Health & beauty Spotlight
Get ready for the Christmas From the Lanesborough to Lily's
18 social season with our top
party-prepping tips
Kitchen, all the latest parties
captured on camera
46
Awards
It's your last chance to nominate
an inspirational local person or
business for a Belgravia Award
50
A day in Belgravia
Tamara Beckwith shares the
story behind her new handbag
collaboration
10
6
3
W
ith Christmas fast Produced for Grosvenor by
Welcome
Publishing Business,
approaching we 3 Princes Street,
London, W1B 2LD
bring you gorgeous
Editor Cally Squires
gift ideas for 020 7259 1058 cally@pubbiz.com
chocoholics, design Deputy editor
Jonathan Whiley 020 7259 1057
lovers, beauty jonathan@pubbiz.com
Sub-editor Kate White
junkies, littles ones Designer Andy Lowe
Commercial director
and furry friends Caroline Warrick 020 7259 1051
too. Plus don’t Advertisement manager
Bridget Rodricks 020 7259 1059
miss out on some traditional festive cheer with our Circulation manager Julie Ward
Publisher Adrian Day
round-up of all the local carol concerts, and top 020 7259 1053 adrian@pubbiz.com
Cover image Paulene Stone
tips for prepping for party season. by David Thorpe/Evening News/Shutterstock
In this issue we caught up with two super-stylish While we always do our best to
ladies of SW1. Model Paulene Stone tells us about ensure that firms and organisations
appearing in the magazine are
a life in front of the lens, while Tamara Beckwith, reputable, the editor can give no
guarantee that they will fulfil their
co-founder of the Lady Garden Foundation, shares obligations in all circumstances.
details of her first handbag collaboration with Readers must therefore deal with them
at their own risk.
Turkish brand Misela.
Meanwhile Wild by Tart co-founder Lucy
Carr-Ellison reveals her dream dinner dishes in
Chef’s Table, and we share news of exciting new Printed in the UK on ECF (chlorine-free)
paper using fibre sourced from well-
restaurant openings from Chucs, followed by Muse managed forests. All inks vegetable
from chef Tom Aikens coming in December. based. Our printers are certified to ISO
14001 environmental management.
We also have a final reminder to nominate your
favourite local retailer or local hero for the 2020
Belgravia Awards before the end of November. Publishing Business is a member
of the Professional Publishers
As always we’d love to see your own stunning Association and observes the PPA
Code of Publishing Practice.
snaps of Belgravia, so post on Instagram with
#BelgraviaLondon for a chance to feature as one of
our favourites in the next issue.
Wishing all our readers a very merry Christmas
and a prosperous new year! Grosvenor Britain & Ireland
creates and manages high quality
neighbourhoods that are great places
to live, work and visit. Our diverse
property development, management
and investment portfolio includes
Grosvenor’s London estate of Mayfair
and Belgravia and other developments
in London, Oxfordshire and
Cambridgeshire.
We are part of the Grosvenor Group, one
of the world’s largest privately owned
property companies, which develops,
manages and invests in property in more
than 60 cities around the world.
As of December 31, 2018 Grosvenor
Britain & Ireland had assets under
management of £5.3bn.
Cally Squires, Editor
grosvenor.com
4 Belgravia — December 2019
Upfront
Rent a wardrobe Field bids farewell
A Belgravia pop-up run by two entrepreneurs Brexit and the “fractious, febrile and deeply
is “disrupting the fashion industry” with a divisive” period that it has caused will see
wardrobe rental platform. Conservative MP Mark Field stand down.
HURR Collective at 141 Ebury Street is a first The Cities of London and Westminster MP
of its kind, invite-only platform combining has held the seat since 2001, but will not be
technology with on-demand fashion. standing at the next general election.
Founded last year by Victoria Prew and “It is increasingly clear that divisions over
Matthew Geleta, both in their 20s, it allows Brexit and our future relationship with the EU
women to monetise their wardrobes and rent will dominate and define domestic politics
designer items for a fraction of the retail price. for many years to come,” he said.
Visitors are encouraged to donate any Lib Dem MP Chuka Umunna is among the
unwanted clothes and shoes to charity partner candidates who are standing for the seat.
TRAID, which turns clothes into funds and
resources.
The pop-up runs until November 29.
Everyday essentials
A new convenience store in Belgravia
has pledged to “start with the basics”
and “adapt to the needs of the
community”.
Belgravia Food Fayre is now open
seven days a week at 65 Eaton Terrace
and sells a whole host of everyday
Belgravia bound
items, including newspapers, The managing director of eagerly
magazines, household goods and anticipated new hotel The Peninsula
toiletries. London has been announced.
It’s run by Mohammed Ashraf, who Sonja Vodusek
is also offering a free local delivery joins from The
service, as well as a free-to-use ATM Peninsula Tokyo,
and a storage service.
65 Eaton Terrace, 020 7881 0977 Thank you for the music The art of couture
where she has been
general manager
since 2015.
“I am honoured
Eaton Square Concerts, which has made A stylish new atelier offering art-couture clothing has
to be joining The
its cultural mark on Belgravia as a musical launched in Belgravia.
Peninsula London
mainstay for more than 12 years, has closed. Manifestations Art Couture, which recently opened
The concerts' Carl Muller said: “Despite the at 83 Kinnerton Street, offers hand-finished artwork
as managing
widely appreciated artistic success of our spring on bespoke and limited-edition statement luxury
director,” she said
2019 season, the financial results fell far short clothing. of her role at the
of our expectations. As a result, the board has Fine artist Aigana Gali launched the company to 189-room hotel
very reluctantly decided we should no longer add artistic finishes to high quality, luxury garments at 4-5 Grosvenor
continue with these wonderful concerts.” that are “exquisitely cut to flatter women of all sizes”. Place.
The series bowed out in November, with a “The team and I greatly look forward
final celebratory concert featuring the Kirkman to opening our doors in 2021 and
Quartet at St Peter's Church in Eaton Square. welcoming guests and visitors alike.”
6 Belgravia — December 2019 Belgravia — December 2019 7
What’s on
December & January
December 4-21
Racing around the World
Bold paintings that showcase racehorses
in motion will take centre stage in this
solo exhibition at the Osborne Studio
Gallery. The extensive travels of Freddy
Paske, a former cavalry officer in the
Light Dragoons turned equestrian
artist, will take the spotlight with beach
racing in Andalusia and the Dubai
November 29-February 2 World Cup among the events captured.
Amélie the Musical Free
Audrey Brisson takes the title
role for the nine-week run
at The Other Palace theatre.
The story is primarily set in
Paris in the late 1990s, in the
aftermath of Princess Diana’s
death, with Amelie telling December 1
the tale of an imaginative Christmas Sunday
and shy French girl with a Enter into the festive spirit by
gift for helping others. She taking a trip to Elizabeth Street
secretly improvises small but and Eccleston Yards, where
extraordinary acts of kindness boutique market stalls will offer
that bring happiness to those a slice of Christmas cheer and
around her. plenty of mulled wine. Father
Tickets cost £19.50, Christmas will once again make
theotherpalace.co.uk an appearance, with little ones
able to make their wishes known
for the big day.
11am-5pm, free
December 12
Until November 28 Carols by Candlelight
Until December 20 Katie O’Sullivan: Samantha Bond, best known for
Champagne Vault Illuminations playing Miss Moneypenny in the
Celebrate Christmas in It’s your last chance to see Katie’s James Bond films, is among the
style with this unique vivacious paintings of exotic wildlife celebrity readers at the popular
private dining experience in this highly colourful solo exhibition Christmas concert at St Paul’s
in the wine cellar of The at the Osborne Studio Gallery. The Church in Wilton Place in aid of Until December 31
Lanesborough hotel. A display is the renowned equestrian Macmillan Cancer Support. Rooftop Winter Cinema
partnership with Moët & artist’s eighth showcase of work at Doors 7pm, start 7.30pm. Tickets £30. Snuggle up in wooden huts, laden with
Chandon sees up to 12 the Motcomb Street space. wegottickets.com/event/474286 December 31 blankets, and watch a Christmas classic
guests enjoy atmospheric Free House Party Takeover at The Berkeley’s rooftop cinema. Private
festive lighting, seasonal December 31 Join one of London’s most exclusive screenings for up to eight guests take
foliage and the finest November 28-January 11 New Year’s Eve Gala and unique house parties at The place in the alpine setting, with chalet-
crystal and china settings. Chromotherapy Christmas Dinner Lanesborough as the hotel closes inspired cabins catering for two guests
A bespoke menu will be The courtyard of Eccleston Yards Toast the new year in regal style its doors for an exclusive one-night each. A menu of winter favourites will
created, accompanied by will be transformed into a glittering at the Rubens at the Palace hotel only event. Restaurant Céleste will range from cheese fondue to truffle
a glass of chilled Moët & immersive experience this winter with a gala dinner in the English be transformed into a nightclub, macaroni cheese, with Laurent-Perrier
Chandon Brut Imperial or with multisensory light installation Grill or champagne and sushi in the St George’s Room will become champagne. Cult film Home Alone will be
Frozéllini on arrival. Wave. Renowned artists Squidsoup the Leopard Bar, accompanied by a Lebanese lounge and The shown at 5.15pm for children and adults,
To enquire, email have created the showcase, which will live jazz from 6pm until 1am. Westminster will channel a speakeasy with The Holiday at 7.45pm for adults.
events@lanesborough.com feature 500 individually suspended 39 Buckingham Palace Road circa 1920s. Tickets £95 for adults, £75 for children.
or call 020 7259 5599 orbs and promote a sense of calm. Tickets cost £275 per person. Email wintercinema@the-berkeley.co.uk
Free 8pm until 3am
8 Belgravia — December 2019 Belgravia — December 2019 9
Culture
B
estselling author Sarah place to yourself. It’s got such a brilliant
J Naughton’s latest book, atmosphere and it’s so inspiring.
The Mothers, is a psychological “It has an edge to it. They did a series
thriller based around five of Sarah Kane plays, who killed herself
friends who meet at their NCT after receiving a critical panning for her
class with each harbouring a secret. Local work. We went to see one, and lots of people
resident Sarah, who set the book in and walked out. But since then she has become
around Belgravia, reveals the locations this amazing figure in the theatre scene.
that inspired her... All the critics who panned her now say that
they were wrong and that she’s a genius.
The cafe You wouldn’t have seen that anywhere else
“The book is based on my own mothers’ in London, but the Royal Court takes a risk
club. One of their husbands is the one that on things.
gets bumped off in the book, but I haven’t “It has a buzz of energy, and the people
told them who. They’re all still trying to that you meet there are really interesting.
guess! A very beautiful and stylish 80-year-old,
“We meet in lots of places, but I love Food sitting next to a transgender 18-year-old
Filosophy on the corner of Ebury Street and – it has that sort of rich diversity which
Lower Belgrave Street. My kids went to St is so inspiring. You don’t want to just be
Peter’s Eaton Square, and the mums all hanging around with people in cashmere
went there. That’s where we all got to know and calfskin loafers, you want to be with all
each other. sorts of people. I do, at least.
“When your kids are developing there’s “My favourite pub is the Fox and Hounds
always something that you’re worried [on Passmore Street]. There are some
about. They’re not talking properly, they’re characters in there. You sit quietly in the
not walking, they’re not sitting up. And you corner, and you hear the most amazing
join this little community of other anxious stories. There are staff from the big houses
mothers who will be able to reassure you. there to chat, and Tory politicians, talking
“In these cafes everywhere around very indiscreetly. All of life is there, in that
London, there are commuters grabbing pub.”
a quick coffee, and it’s bustling, but
there’s always a little enclave of parents The inspiration
in the corner, chatting, with prams and “If I have writer’s block, the local area is a
pushchairs, looking knackered.” very relaxing place to be.
“You can go up to the sixth floor of Peter
The bar Jones and see right across London. You can
“The Royal Court theatre bar is a see Harrods, the stadiums, Centre Point.
brilliant place to go. When everyone goes It’s a fantastic view, and it gives you a little
into the show, you have this amazing bit of headspace. When you’re working
A riveting read
Sarah J Naughton's new novel is heavily influenced by Belgravia
and its surrounds. She talks us through some of the local spots
that inspired the psychological thriller
words: alex briand p h o t o g r a p h s: A n dy Low e
10 Belgravia — December 2019 Belgravia — December 2019 11
Culture
“
there and you’re stuck, you’re able to look
out over the whole of London, and feel as if
you’re at the centre of things.
“The green spaces are also very good for
the soul. If I’m feeling really stressed, I will
go running in the Royal Hospital gardens,
which is a lovely and undiscovered place If I have writer’s block,
to go. It’s an oasis, with beautiful plants
and trees, and the odd Chelsea pensioner the local area is a very
shuffling around. It’s a lovely place to get
some mental calm.” relaxing place to be
The river
”
“My character Skye’s boat is here. At the
end of the book, a police boat arrives under
the Albert Bridge and that’s where I had
the characters placed.
“When you walk past all those beautiful
boats, they’re always brightly coloured,
and there are fairy lights dangling – there
is a definite sense of freedom about the
Thames. I think everyone in London feels
like they would probably like to live on the
river, were circumstances different. You
know you can get anywhere in the world
from there.”
The community
“It feels safe, like being in a sleepy market
town with a real community spirit. It
doesn’t feel like being a part of this inner
city.
“When I went to antenatal classes, there
were women from all walks of life. You form
these bonds with a very diverse group of
people who you might not have encountered
in your workplace, or at school.
“In the book, there is the character of
Chrissie, who I imagined in Cheyne Walk,
and another living in the World’s End
estate. But there is this idea that although
the atmosphere of where you live might be
very different, what you go through in your
personal life is just the same.
“Everybody has traumas and
tribulations, people get divorced, people
suffer depression, people have breakdowns,
and this is what bonds the women in the
book. When you come home, you’re just a
woman trying to deal with the things that
we all have to deal with, and that bonds
you even more closely.”
The Mothers is out on January 9
12 Belgravia — December 2019 Belgravia — December 2019 13
Food & drink Food & drink
christmas
countdown
Peggy Porschen has launched
her first ever advent calendar
this Christmas. The pretty-in-
pink calendar for grown-ups
is filled with pink Marc de
Champagne truffles and is
available for £19.95 from the
parlour on Ebury Street. Also
on the festive front for little
ones, the cafe will have plenty
of sweet treats from this year’s
Arctic-inspired Sugar and
Ice collection. For each polar
bear cookie sold, £1 will go
towards WWF Arctic.
Fine fare
All the latest local food news, from Tom Aikens'
intimate new restaurant to Christmas
cocktails at The Hari
w o r d s : c a l ly s q u i r e s
c h u c s o p e n s ITS
DOORS
Chucs, which runs all-day meals with
restaurants in areas like Mayfair,
Notting Hill and Kensington, opened marcus
a new branch in Belgravia on
November 18. The Eccleston Street The perfect Christmas
site serves brasserie classics like gift for foodies has to be
chopped chicken salad, smashed Marcus Wareing’s new
avocado on sourdough, eggs cookery bible Marcus
Benedict and chicken Milanese. The Everyday, which was
outdoor terrace is sure to be a hit released at the end of
in sunnier months, but for now the October. The hardback
120-bin wine list should make indoor includes recipes that the
aperitivos with tasty cicchetti like Michelin-starred chef loves
truffle arancini equally appealing. to cook at home.
To book visit chucsrestaurants.com Signed copies are
available for £25 from
marcuswareing.com
14 Belgravia — December 2019 Belgravia — December 2019 15
Food & drink Food & drink
Promotion
festive tipple
READER
OFFER
Florist Wildabout is bringing festive
magic to The Hari with fresh pine trees Enjoy a
and traditional Nutcracker decorations. complimentary
As a special for guests on Christmas glass of prosecco
Day itself, a winter Tom and Jerry per person
cocktail (£16) will be served. The sweet, when ordering
two or more
warming drink with dark rum and courses. Email
cognac has been a Christmas classic reservations@
since the 1820s. ilpampero.com to
reserve your table,
or call 020 3189
4850.
Please quote
‘Belgravia
Magazine’
when making
your booking.
f o o d m e e t s fa s h i o n Subject to
availability, valid
until January 31,
The Berkeley unveiled its new AW19 like Moschino, Fendi and Emilia
2020 (excluding
season of Prêt-à-Portea in October. Wickstead. A new tastemaker Christmas Eve,
The fashionable afternoon tea will be announced every month, Christmas Day
costs £70 per person with a glass with creative director of Jimmy and New Year’s
Eve.)
E
of Laurent-Perrier, and in addition Choo Sandra Choi taking control
to the delicious selection of finger in November with a delicious
sandwiches, it features a stand gingerbread knee-high boot. njoy a slice of la dolce vita and stave off the
of couture cakes inspired by the To make a reservation, visit winter cold by kicking back at Il Pampero in
catwalk creations of designers the-berkeley.co.uk the heart of Belgravia.
The Italian restaurant has already
established itself as a neighbourhood
favourite, within walking distance of Harrods, The
Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s a chic and
elegant space which exudes vintage glamour and where
exceptional Italian cuisine takes centre stage.
Heading up the kitchen is executive chef Claudio
Covino, delivering a traditional Italian menu with a
touch of theatre, in addition to an extensive wine list
tom's new muse and selection of creative cocktails.
Born in Rome, Claudio has lived in London for many
Tom Aikens is opening his first years and is known for his ability to combine traditional
Belgravia restaurant, Muse, in Italian recipes with creative and contemporary
December. The intimate nature of techniques.
the 25-cover venue at 38 Groom All of the food on the menu reflects regional
Place means every diner will have a fine dining influences, with a particular emphasis on southern
kitchen table experience. Italy and quality, seasonal produce of certified origin
The Norfolk chef says customers The Goring’s fine dining restaurant, the the order of the day.
“can enjoy a carefully considered Dining Room, has retained its Michelin As well as the classics, including tagliatelle
and totally personal collection star despite a change of executive chef Bolognese and veal Milanese, there are a host of
of my fondest food stories and halfway through the year. Richard Galli unmissable signature dishes.
memories, where each and every has switched up the menu while staying These include Tonnarello Cacio e Pepe – a pasta dish
guest is warmly greeted to get true to the restaurant’s British roots with prepared tableside in a giant Roman Pecorino wheel
a first-hand look into my life of dishes like Orkney scallop ceviche and – beef carpaccio with Castelmagno (one of the most
inspirations and influences.” roast Cotswold chicken combined with ancient cheese from the Piemonte region) and a moreish
To book visit the Queen Mum’s favourite Clarence chef’s style Tiramisù. Bellissimo!
musebytomaikens.co.uk Court eggs drumkilbo.
To book go to thegoring.com
16 Belgravia — December 2019 Belgravia — December 2019 17
Chef's table
A wild world
Lucy Carr-Ellison, co-founder of Wild by Tart in Eccleston Yards, reveals
what's cooking at the newly opened restaurant
a s t o l d t o : c a l ly s q u i r e s
T
he vibe of the restaurant is very We wanted to go more veg heavy and have
relaxed and approachable, with lots of wonderful vegetable dishes with meat
people coming in for a really or fish to go with them, rather than the first
good time. The open kitchen focus being a protein. Most of us probably do
on The Table
and grill means you can see all eat too much meat so we really celebrate the
the drama going on. The menu vegetables. But of course because we’re able to
is all to be shared and a lot of the dishes are Plates produce and supply [ourselves], all of our cows
inspired by our travels around the world. We Coal-roasted baby beetroot, are grass-fed and Jemima’s pigs roam around
love doing a little tweak on a classic dish. We whipped oak-aged feta, in the woods outside her house.
smoked almonds & dill oil
also have some very traditionally and simply There is really a rolling change with the
cooked things like a delicious grilled rib-eye. Devonshire crab, buttermilk, seasons in terms of dishes. At the moment we
We really celebrate our meat and fish. fennel & tarragon oil have a burrata, speck and fig dish on but we’ll
The lamb, and the cows actually, come from be taking that off soon as figs come to the end
my family farm up in Northumberland. Our Clam, 'nduja & cider tagliatelle of their season. It’s nice to be in the kitchen
pork comes from wonderful Tamworth pigs at every week coming up with new recipes.
From the grill
Jemima’s in Somerset. It’s really important to The wood oven is really dreamy, we cook
Charred hispi cabbage,
us to know where everything comes from. It’s broccoli, pickled lime dressing our little pizzette in it. Both the cabbage and
so exciting as we’ve met so many wonderful & spiced coconut chutney beetroot dishes are cooked over the fire. We
suppliers and producers. We get all of our smoke our beetroots at the end of service
burrata from a guy in west London, and the From the oven for the next day, and those are served with
feta in the beetroot dish is from north London. Slow-roasted smoky lamb whipped feta at the bottom and crunchy
shoulder, creamy polenta,
Slow-cooked meat like the lamb here is almonds. The crispy cabbage is one of my
roasted tomatillo & chilli salsa
one of our favourite things. This dish is quite personal favourite dishes on the menu, it
smoky and spicy, it’s got a chipotle-style Wild mushroom pizzetta, has crispy curry leaves and a lovely charred
marinade on it with a very fresh tomato salsa spinach, taleggio & rosemary smokiness from the fire.
on the top. Presentation is important for us. When we
Our crab and clams come from Devon and first started this we decided to design our
we work with a supplier called Wild Harbour. own crockery and we’ve been working with
They have a fresh catch every day and we get ceramicists in Mallorca, Puglia and Morocco.
a WhatsApp first thing in the morning with We also designed some wine glasses etched
what they’ve caught. And we know what’s in with stars which we sell in the shop.
season, so we roughly know what sort of The cocktail list, just like the food, has
things we’ll be able to get. We get our been inspired by our travels all around the
market fish from Wild Harbour too, world. We love tequila and my favourite is
which might be a turbot or lemon sole. a hibiscus mezcal number. Our smoky
The crab is a very citrusy, light negroni is very dangerous too! Wine-
dish and the clam is served with our wise we’ve got classics but also some
homemade tagliatelle as Jemima and exciting things like orange wines and a
I are both massive pasta fiends. It’s great white from Uruguay. It was great
served with a spicy ’nduja sauce which fun doing the wine list and it’s also something
we get from Natoora. that will evolve from month to month.”
18 Belgravia — December 2019 Belgravia — December 2019 19Health & beauty
Detox Hair
For those feeling like the winter weather isn’t the Put your hair in the hands of sought-after colourist
best time for a sub-zero blast in a cryotherapy Daniel Galvin Jr, who will not only make your
chamber, LondonCryo’s infrared sauna (from £40) is highlights look fantastic, but thanks to his peroxide-
the answer for a quick, collagen-boosting lunchtime free colours, will ensure your locks feel healthy too.
pick-me-up. Sessions in the individual sauna last For an extra special occasion add on a conditioning
either 25 or 45 minutes, with the light heating steam treatment to your wash, and of course a
the body directly as opposed to the air around it volumising blow-dry to finish.
Party
in a traditional sauna. It’s safe to take your phone Daniel Galvin Jr, 4 West Halkin Street
in with you, so depending on how hot you set the
temperature, you might even be able to get your nails
Christmas shopping sorted while you’re in there. Following a short summer closure for a
prep for
LondonCryo, 15c Eccleston Place refurbishment, Issy’s is back open and now offers
nail services from resident manicurist Joan, who can
tend to talons while customers are getting a party
Brows blow-out. It’s an ultra-lux mani using Margaret
Christmas
Couture brow queen Suzanne Martin is the lady to Dabbs products and a 10-free polish from vegan
see for semi-permanent brows to see you into 2020 brand Sundays. Or to keep it super natural, let Joan
and beyond. Treatments with the Lanesborough’s buff and file your own nails, along with a hand scrub
resident brow expert cost £1,400 and are completely and massage, and keep them polish-free and healthy.
bespoke, so you can opt for perfect tailored arches or Everyone who buys a course of blow-drys will also
simply cover up patches of past overplucking. With a get a complimentary shape and polish.
little numbing cream the treatment itself is totally Issy’s, 36 Elizabeth Street
As party season gets underway, these painless, even though the surface of the skin is
broken and filled with pigment.
Belgravia beauty spots will help you look The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner De-stress
and feel your sparkling best When the demands of festive socialising all get too
much, decamp to The Berkeley’s divine spa for a
w o r d s : c a l ly s q u i r e s relaxing signature Bamford treatment (£175 for
90 minutes). The magic starts with a cleansing
footbath, followed by a full body massage using
shiatsu, meridian and Swedish techniques. Adjust
the pressure your therapist uses according to how
tense you feel, and feel those muscle aches melt away
as well as receiving a much-needed energy boost.
A pressure point massage on the face, neck and
shoulders combined with calming yogic breathing
will see off any lingering languor.
The Berkeley, Wilton Place
This page, far left:
The Lanesborough.
Lashes Left: Issy's
Power through the whole of party season with a set
of lash extensions from Primalashes, which add both Opposite, main
length and volume to natural lashes. With either photo: Kelly Brook
classic or more dramatic Russian volume styles by Daniel Galvin Jr.
available, the individually applied lashes last up to Left: The Berkeley
three or four weeks. A full set of classic lashes (£80)
takes about an hour to apply, but you’ll easily make
up for that when it comes to speedily getting ready
for Christmas parties in half the normal time. Pop in
for a patch test 24 hours before.
Primalashes, 145 Ebury Street
20 Belgravia — December 2019 Belgravia — December 2019 21Food & drink promotion Health & beauty
luscious
And all locks
Winter
that jazz wellbeing
Local resident Francesca
Barrow has launched her own
beauty line of fragranced
vegan hair oils (£65). The
debut collection of CHES
Editions includes mandarin
and jasmine-scented Edition As the festive season arrives, treat
29, and Edition 11 for men
yourself to some pre-Christmas
From DJ sets to live jazz, newly launched lounge, bar and with bergamot, cedar and
neroli. The oils not only scent hair beautifully, but pampering with these Belgravia brands
restaurant The Soak, in bustling Victoria, has it all contain a blend of pure and essential oils for
keeping hair shiny and hydrated. Follow w o r d s : c a l ly s q u i r e s
J
@cheseditions or visit cheseditions.com
azz hands at the ready! MEET THE CHEF:
As the festive season CHRIS ZACHWIEJA
fast approaches and queen of
the cold sets in, a new How would you
venue in Victoria looks describe your style? green
set to kick start the season of Seasonal, with use of both
goodwill in stylish fashion. vegetables and proteins, and Super-facialist Tata Harper has introduced
The Soak is an all-day full of texture and flavours. All her cult skincare to the Lanesborough’s
lounge, bar and kitchen where dishes on the menus need club and spa. The hotel now stocks the in-
creative cocktails take centre to be visually appealing to demand brand’s at-home range, including
stage – anyone for an Aztec guests, that is why it’s very the new supernaturals collection (from £XX).
Sunset or Virtuvian Spritz? – important to keep colours Tata has also added four new rituals to the
and a late night licence (until natural and bright. The luxury spa’s menu, making the hotel the
2am Thursday to Saturday), sourcing of local and best first place in the UK to offer her sought-after
means the party can roll on a quality ingredients, where treatments. The sculpt and design facial
little longer. possible, is crucial. (£195 for 75 minutes) is a signature and
DJs spin the decks on Friday incorporates a clever cupping device to give
and Saturday evenings and What can we expect skin an extra, natural lift.
there is live music every other from the menu? 2 Lanesborough Place
Thursday, from acoustic to We chose fermenting, soaking
house, R&B, jazz and blues. and preserving as the main
The elegant restaurant has way of preparing food. It’s
its own spin on food too, with healthy, adds lots of flavours s o l e m at e s nailing it
brunch, lunch, dinner and and is very on-trend.
bar nibbles all taking their Foot care products from Nail bar London Grace
inspiration from fermenting, What is the signature legendary expert Margaret is going all out on the
pickling and brining. It's also dish? Dabbs are now available to buy Christmas cheer for
available for private hire; It’s definitely the ox cheek dish. at Issy’s salon in Belgravia, which customers getting mani-
perfect for those looking for It’s what the menu is all about. recently reopened after closing pedis this December. The
an alternative venue for a The cheek is brined for briefly for an end-of-summer salon will be serving a
Christmas party. seven days and then cooked makeover. The new-look salon special cocktail menu with
“The Soak offers a forward- overnight and pressed for will also be offering pedicures sloe royales, mistletoe
thinking well-crafted cocktail another day. It's served with using Margaret Dabbs products, margaritas and merry
menu and a sophisticated aerated mash potato, textures for those who prefer a bit of mochas with a kahlua kick.
restaurant,” says general of onion and mushrooms. pampering rather than a DIY job. For stocking fillers, the
manager George Angelopoulos. It’s very hearty! 36 Elizabeth Street limited-edition Gin-gle All the Way set (£25)
“Alongside the cocktail menu is includes a mini Hayman’s sloe gin along with
an extensive spirit list, which Terminus Place, two party polish shades.
can be enjoyed over one of our to book a table visit 147 Ebury Street
jazz sessions or DJ sets.” thesoak.co.uk
22 Belgravia — December 2019 Belgravia — December 2019 23Style Style
P
This page, far left:
Paulene on the cover
of Vogue in August
aulene Stone has still got it. The 1964. Photo by Helmut
style, the sass, the je ne sais quoi. Newton
Now 78, the former Vogue cover Left: Paulene's Vogue
model has been married four times, cover from January
battled cancer three times and 1964. Photo by Brian
mercifully is not about to go gently Duffy
into that good night thank you very
much.
I’ve been trying to persuade her to sit down for
an interview for some time. Rather modestly when
we would meet at parties, she kept knocking me
back gently as she didn’t think she had “anything
interesting to say”.
Except, of course, her life is as riotously colourful
as any Kandinsky canvas. What’s more, she makes
for fabulous no-nonsense company and dishes up
showbiz snippets with a candour few can match.
“
Then again, for a woman who was dubbed “the
embodiment of the Sixties” (“Oh I don’t know. Yeah,
probably. Why not? Along with other girls.”), would
you really expect anything less?
It’s mid-morning when she welcomes me at her
beautiful Belgravia home. She cuts a stylish, but
slight figure (“I’m a very conservative eater, but I We had some rather good
have to eat regularly since my various cancers as I
can drop three pounds on a light eating day”), but Her big break came when she was doing a holiday parties in LA. I had a super
remains a sprightly presence as she prepares tea. job for a knitwear wholesaler. The owner’s daughter
Having had a stroke last year and after losing spotted a piece in Woman’s Own encouraging people house for entertaining
much of her core strength due to cancer, she decided to enter as models and persuaded Paulene to apply.
to find a personal trainer recently. He now comes I wonder when she became aware of her own
twice a week for hour-long sessions. “I realised my beauty? “I didn’t!” she says. “I still am not! I said,
”
bottom had gone flat and I nearly got blown under ‘I can’t do that’ and she was really pushy. I talked
a bus in the wind because I wasn’t strong enough to to Mummy [a skilful dressmaker] and she thought
Photo: Nick Harvey/Shutterstock
hang on to the pavement,” she says. it was a good idea, so she coughed up and gave me
Resilience seems to have characterised much some money. This photographer stuck me on a stool
of her life. Born in Guildford on the night of the and they were terrible pictures, but I won!”
Blitz (“My mother said she heard the planes going The prize was £100 and a three-week course at the
over, it must have been terrifying”), she quit school acclaimed Cherry Marshall modelling agency in St “I was living in America then,” says Paulene,
at 16 and, itching to get away from home, began James’s. “When I completed the course, she gave me who would marry Hard Rock Cafe co-founder Peter
commuting daily to London from Goring-by-Sea. a list of all the photographers she wanted me to go Morton in 1978 (they divorced in 86). “I rented it at
and see… I was very diligent and I got a job and from that time. In the 80s lots of movies were being made
the first week, I never stopped working.” in London and they all wanted to stay on Chester
Cover to cover
One of the photo sessions was with a then Row, so it was full all the time with famous people.
unknown photographer called David Bailey. A snap “One musician turned the basement into a sound
he took of Paulene crouching down with a squirrel studio, there was the man who made a film with
in 1960 became iconic and secured Bailey a contract Baryshnikov about the ballet, then I had Pierce
with Vogue. “He did begrudgingly say to me one day Brosnan. A bit of the ceiling fell down on the end of
that he got a contract because of that,” she says. the bed when he was staying.”
Now the picture sits in the upstairs bathroom of Paulene had intended to stay in America, but then
Paulene Stone found fame in the Swinging Sixties as a fashion model and her Belgravia home; an area of London that has been she met actor Mark Burns at a party one night. “He
a big part of her life. After the death of her second was so nice; handsome, intelligent and my number
Vogue cover girl. She tells us more about her eventful life and career husband, Oscar-nominated actor Laurence Harvey one fan. He thought I was fabulous and we just hit it
w o r d s : j o n at h a n w h i l e y
(he died from cancer in 1973 aged 45, 11 months off. He used to make me laugh.”
after they married), Paulene moved from Hampstead They married in 1995 with a reception at
to Chester Row in Belgravia. Mosimann’s; 12 years later Mark succumbed to lung
24 Belgravia — December 2019 Belgravia — December 2019 25Style cancer. A decade on, Paulene encountered further heartbreak SHOWBIZ SNIPPETS when her second Paulene on… daughter, bounty hunter Domino Harvey Peter Sellers – daughter of actor “I met Peter when he was going Laurence – died of a out with Britt [Ekland]. We met painkiller overdose, and went back to his mews place aged 35 (a biopic was to have a drink. I remember him released posthumously having very hairy arms.” with Keira Knightley). Tragedy has Dudley Moore certainly spliced the “Dudley was charming. We glamour of yesteryear, had some rather good parties when Paulene was in LA, I had a super house for partying with the likes entertaining and I had a grand of Elizabeth Taylor, piano and when Dudley came he Richard Burton and played the piano. It was very special. hellraiser Peter O’Toole. I think it was a Halloween party and I “I loved Peter. He asked Christopher Lee. He was stood and Larry were silly at the fireplace and he had this suit on together... he spoilt and I remarked on it and he said, ‘Oh himself in the end. He I’m glad you like it, it was my father’s’. I had a facelift and it was think it smelt of mothballs!” horrible. I was with Mark [Burns] and some Paulene Stone in May 1967 Sammy Davis Jr friends at the Garrick Photo: Tony Prime/ANL/Shutterstock “I loved Sammy! He used to Club for dinner one come over to our house. He was time and he gestured very ebullient and was also an me to come outside. amateur photographer and took “I went and he was very sweet. It was just after some awfully nice pictures of me Domino had died and he gave me the biggest hug and with Domino.” wouldn’t let go. Then I looked into his face and went ‘Ohhhhh!’ because he had such strange surgery. Frank Sinatra What would make him do that at that age?” “I met him briefly. He was much Paulene says she wouldn’t want to be a model in shorter than I expected, lifts 2019, even despite the huge sums of money involved in the shoes. But I didn’t care, (“I started off on £2.50 an hour and when I finished I because he was just such a was getting £25 an hour in 1978”), and isn’t a fan of wonderful singer.” fashion magazines either. She much prefers art magazines and is an avid Elizabeth Taylor and EastEnders fan, having watched episodes while Richard Burton in hospital. “I thought I would see what it was all “Elizabeth was tricky. She about. By the time I came out I was hooked!” was a woman who liked men Her local haunts include Daylesford and La Poule and somebody like her didn’t au Pot and she attends St Barnabas church every particularly like me coming along in Sunday (“the vicar, Father John, is divine”). my mini dress. I think she was a teeny Although never a celebrity in the modern sense, bit threatened by me and she wasn’t she is still being recognised. Recently she met a lady super friendly. She had to keep Richard running a fair in the basement of the Sloane Club. under control too, because they had a “She said, ‘I used to think you were so fabulous, little cottage near us in Hampstead. He I had pictures of you all over my wall’. It turned had a twinkle in his eye for everybody.” out she was a dressmaker and had various models showing clothes. That was really nice.” 26 Belgravia — December 2019 Belgravia — December 2019 27
Made in Belgravia
“
W
e are a drop-in art experience,
designed for adults who
want to learn to paint Our co-founder Georgie
mindfully and express
themselves creatively. All of is a super-successful
our instructors are professional artists, so they
can get super technical if they need to. But for artist who has exhibited
us it’s not so much about achieving a certain
technique, it’s about seeing art as an alternative all over the world
form of meditation. Painting can really have a
positive effect on mental wellbeing and anxiety,
”
specifically where it’s a beginner audience in a
group context. The impact diminishes when it
becomes your job!
Our co-founder Georgie [Mason] is a super-
successful artist who has exhibited all over
the world, so she brings the creative mind. My Beyoncé. People are flying in from America,
background in corporate banking helps more with Jordan and Switzerland for it. For Christmas
the business side. My last day at Barclays was we’re doing some special classes for both children
actually August 15, and the MasterPeace studio and adults where we’ll get their painting printed
opened on September 4, which was madness. onto cards.
We’ve had 350 unique guests so far, but one Classes are normally £49 and they come with
client has already been 13 times. So we have a nibbles and prosecco, but we also run a weekly
solid group of regulars. We’re dog-friendly and karma class as we want MasterPeace to be
we had a client host a party for her cockapoo’s accessible to everyone in the local community.
birthday recently where all the dog mums painted The karma class is completely free of charge
portraits of their pups. We even had doggy and people can make a donation if they like, but
doughnuts and Over Glam next door gave a gift there’s no requirement to and you get exactly the
bag for each of the dogs with treats in. same experience as everyone else. Our instructors
As soon as we opened we started getting volunteer to run them, and we really want those
enquiries about children’s classes too, so now classes to be used.
about 30 per cent of our classes are for kids. The studio is also partly a gallery, as we exhibit
We always keep them separate though, as the the works of the instructors who teach at the
adult classes really benefit from the totally zen studio. It’s quite affordable, as our idea was to
atmosphere. try and democratise art. We’ve got everything
Our beautiful cotton gowns are handmade in from super-abstract pieces to hyperrealist work
Left: an art Jaipur specially for us by women in refuge who are and hopefully it inspires our guests not to have a
class. Right: all survivors of domestic violence. We sell them preconception of what beautiful art is.
Zena El Farra in the studio too, and every gown that a guest
purchases pays for a uniform to be made for a
child in a local school out there.
The primary class we offer is a coached class
where you can bring a photo on your phone of
Art for all
something you’d like to paint, and connect it to
one of our lightboxes. It projects the image onto
the canvas, so to get started all you have to do is
paint over the light that you can see. It’s really
transformational for beginner painters, because
there is nothing more daunting than a blank
Zena El Farra, founder of MasterPeace, tells canvas. It sort of tricks people into believing that
it’s easy, and they work away not realising that
us about the new space and why painting actually it’s all coming from them. I don’t think
we’d ever see that level of skill come through
can have a positive effect on mental health without that little encouragement.
We have masterclasses too in things like
a s t o l d t o : C a l ly s q u i r e s
portraiture and landscapes. We have an awesome
event at the end of November on painting with a
palette knife, taught by a lady who has painted
28 Belgravia — December 2019 Belgravia — December 2019 29Christmas gift ideas
Festive finds
Get your Christmas shopping wrapped up with our Belgravia gift guide...
Daylesford
Snowed In hamper, £175,
44b Pimlico Road
30 Belgravia — December 2019 Belgravia — December 2019 31Christmas gift ideas
Beulah Belgravia Books Waitrose Linley Neill Strain Mungo & Maud
Painterly forest wool and silk Agate scarf, £165, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Lily’s Kitchen Christmas cracker dog treats, Limited edition of five wooden advent Handmade floral Christmas wreath, from £245, Knitted unicorn soft toy without squeaker for
77 Elizabeth Street Charlie Mackesy, £16.99, 59 Ebury Street £3.95, 27 Motcomb Street calendars, £15,000, 60 Pimlico Road 11 West Halkin Street dogs, £23.50, 79 Elizabeth Street
De la Cuona Cox London Dominque Ansel peggy porschen Sarah Badeni jones family kitchen
100 per cent cashmere cable knit throw, £855, Apple of My Eye cast bronze ornament with Christmas morning breakfast cereal with mini Arctic polar bear cupcake, £5.80, 116 Ebury Blouse in silk chiffon and silk opera coat, £280 Set sharing-style Christmas party feast menu,
44 Pimlico Road distressed gilt finish, £510, 194 Ebury Street meringues, £12, 17-21 Elizabeth Street Street and £580, by appointment at 30 Chester Row from £35, 7-8 Eccleston Yards
Errol douglas Howe Les Senteurs Jo Loves PoilÂine SMUK
Moroccan oil volumising root boost spray, Alibaba cushion in antique Turkish fabric with Rose & Cuir scent by Frederic Malle, from £135, Advent calendar with full-size Christmas trees Gingerbread men and reindeer butter cookies, Ultimate Blowout Gold Lust gift set by Oribe,
£19.35, 18 Motcomb Street handmade tassels, £598, 93 Pimlico Road 71 Elizabeth Street candle, £300, 42 Elizabeth Street from £3, 46 Elizabeth Street £45, 20-21 Eccleston Yards
32 Belgravia — December 2019 Belgravia — December 2019 33Instagram
You and the Law
Going for Gulf
London is a hub for Middle Eastern investors; from owning luxury
shops and exquisite hotels to the most iconic skyscrapers and
sought-after postcodes, the Arab community is leaving its mark and
contributing towards the diverse international community in London.
The weaker pound has incentivised further inward investment from
of the Middle East Team for the firm. Mamuna, an experienced
Private Wealth and Tax lawyer has gained a position as one of the
key advisors in London for Middle Eastern clients. The firm provides
an extended Middle East Team dedicated to focusing on offering not
only legal advice but nurturing a long-standing and trusted advisory
Stay posted
the Gulf, with a noticeable rise in real estate transactions, from the relationship. In addition to its repertoire as a full-service law firm, Share your own images using #BelgraviaLondon
purchase of second homes to commercial outlets. The uncertainty the firm also offers additional bespoke services, including acting for
that Brexit presents is not deterring the Arab world. private banks and borrowers in relation to Sharia-compliant property
The cosmopolitan culture that London offers is renowned across finance along with Sharia estate/succession planning.
the Gulf, leading to students also electing it as the place to be when
paving the way for their futures and taking control of the path leading Mamuna Farooq, Head of Middle East
towards their professional journeys. The ‘Next Generation’ are putting mamunafarooq@childandchild.co.uk
their stamp on the traditional business avenues that have been passed
on through the generations.
London’s hospitality industry has mastered the art of catering for
the Middle Eastern clientele and promoting the Capital as the safe
summer base for families, and this also is translating further into the Nova North
legal industry. Being a stone’s throw away from glitz and glamour of 11 Bressenden Place
Knightsbridge and proudly embracing its Belgravia heritage, Child & London SW1E 5BY
Child has further expanded its offering to seamlessly accommodate its
established client base from the Gulf. Tel: +44 (0)20 7235 8000
Mamuna Farooq has recently been appointed as the new Head www.childandchild.co.uk
@cocoandlilyofbelgravia When it's @elan_cafe When your morning coffee @katieleamon Located in the prettiest
raining it's so lovely to just chill and read looks this good street in London and home for another
about my neighbourhood #belgravia few months... #73elizabethstreet
#home #uk #london #magazine #stationeryheaven #stationeryaddict
#katieleamonpopupshop
@phoebegreenacre Afternoon sweat @barnabypoo A massive thank you to our @cocker_dior This is how I should spend
session with team Silou + friends wonderful friends @masterpeacelondon my Sundays. Thanks @lilyskitchenpetfood
@hotpodyoga for throwing a birthday pawty like no for such an amazing House of Treats!
other! #masterpeace #petportrait
#ecclestonyards #dogfriendlyartclass
Remember to follow @Belgravia_LDN
34 Belgravia — December 2019 Belgravia — December 2019 35Instagram 34 Belgravia — December 2019 Belgravia — December 2019 35
Philanthropy
E
ven when Anita Choudhrie They also launched their own appeal,
– matriarch of one of India’s donating wheelchairs to 60 NHS hospitals
most eminent and wealthy in 2012. “A couple of young patients were
UK-based families – was in hospital, immigrants from needy homes,
10 years old, there were and they didn’t have the funds to leave the
signs of her philanthropic hospital because they needed a particular
endeavours to come. kind of specialised wheelchair,” she says.
“As a little girl, I used “It was so wonderful to see this immigrant
to bring homeless dogs home and look after boy from South America leave the hospital
them,” says Anita, tucked into a corner table and go home. He had been an extra six
at The Thomas Cubitt on Elizabeth Street. months in hospital because he didn’t have a
“My mother used to be so upset and she wheelchair to leave.”
would tell me to keep them outside, but I A fundraising gala now takes place every
would put them on a terrace or in the garden two years (“we decided to do it every other
area and look after them.” year, due to Brexit”) with their most recent
Memories of her early years in India depict event taking place at Church House in
a life of simplicity; no television meant that Westminster in October.
books, family and friends were her priority. The charity’s current campaign is focused
Anita’s grandfather was a doctor and on supporting female disabled athletes on
something of an inspiration, helping poorer their path to the Olympic Games in Tokyo
people in the area by providing free medical next year and beyond. While the charity’s
treatment. work is certainly helping – funding for
“There were always queues,” says Anita, wheelchair basketball club London Titans has
whose father served in the British army. “He proved fruitful with 10 GB players from the
was doing so well and could afford to help club – Anita says there is work to be done.
them.” “There has to be more support for
Anita isn’t doing too bad either, with the sports and especially women athletes and
Belgravia-based family presiding over a Paralympians, they don’t get enough,” she
global business empire that spans hotels, says. “CSR [corporate social responsibility]
healthcare and aviation. should be incorporated into companies, where
Most of her energy is channelled into they should all have a percentage of their
philanthropy, having established Path to profits that go into CSR.”
Success in 2005, a charity focused on helping Anita believes that her reluctance to
disabled women in sport by “turning inability involve celebrities with the charity has made
into ability”. fundraising a more challenging proposition.
“We were [conceived as] an umbrella “If you don’t have the celebrities involved,
charity and we supported other charities,” you will find people are not so enthusiastic to
Anita says. “Anything to do with disabilities, support you,” she says. “I had resisted that
education, homelessness, but the big thing because it’s a lot of expense when you are
was children with mental disabilities.” entertaining and involving celebrities. If they
Empowering others
Philanthropist Anita Choudhrie's charity Path to Success is on a mission to
support female disabled athletes on their path to Tokyo 2020 and beyond
w o r d s : j o n at h a n w h i l e y
38 Belgravia — December 2019 39Philanthropy
come in voluntary then great, but if they
don’t then there is a payment involved
and expenses. How do you cope with that? Cars, cars, cars
A charity is meant to give away, not spend
it on itself.” Anita’s other passion
A brave decision perhaps, but in – or rather her
keeping with her genteel, yet no-nonsense husband’s passion –
approach. Has she always been a strong is vintage cars. They
woman? “I hope so! I don’t know how I have 37 in India that
come across. I think a few circumstances date from 1904 to
in my life have given me that strength.” 1938 (to be considered
The circumstances involve her husband, “vintage” they have to pre-
Sudhir, who has a lifelong heart condition date 1940).
that he discovered during childhood. The “I’ve driven them, when
70-year-old had a transplant in 1999 and my kids were younger,” says
is considered one of the “world’s longest Anita. “They are wonderful,
surviving heart transplant patients” (two it’s a beautiful collection
years ago he released a book, aptly titled of French, Italian, British,
From My Heart). American and German cars.
“I [have] supported him in a very, very “It comes from my
serious physical, medical condition,” husband’s childhood. He
says Anita. The heart condition? “Yes, a had a big collection of
“
major one. At that time there was nobody model cars and then, when
else to make those decisions. Even the he could afford it, we used
doctors’ reports and everything had to to search them out in
be analysed and I had to take some hard the country and find
pressed decisions.” these dilapidated,
There has to be Anita puts on a brave face, but broken-down cars.
understandably it remains an emotionally They were in a junk
more support charged topic. We don’t linger; she is keen condition and we
to talk about her Stellar Arts Foundation, would buy them for
for sports and established in 2008 and based on the little sums of money and
family’s private collection with more than bring them into the house
especially 800 works dating from the 19th century and get mechanics and
to the present day. upholsterers in to restore
for women “I think art is as important as them back to their original
jewellery, which you always keep forever condition.”
athletes and and you can pass it down as heirlooms. They have a Mercedes
We want to start a museum and I think in that dates from 1938 that
Paralympians the next two or three years it will happen belonged to the Maharaja
in one of the hotel properties in India.” of Kashmir and a 1904 Rover
”
As for Belgravia, Anita is a big fan. “I previously owned by a British
love this area,” she says. “I like it because coffee plantation owner.
it’s not modern like other parts of London. “We have spent a lot of
It’s quaint and I love that feeling of it money on restoring them,”
being real England.” says Anita, who is
For the past seven years she has lived planning to put
in Chester Square and her two sons, aged together a book on
41 and 37, are also in the neighbourhood. the cars in the next
She says one of them takes his little boy year.
to Tomtom Coffee House on Ebury Street Sadly they can’t
for a babyccino every day and they enjoy leave the country to
Olivomare for the pizza. She smiles. “We make their appearance in
don’t need anything else.” Belgravia.
pathtosuccess.org.uk, stellararts.org
40 Belgravia — December 2019 Belgravia — December 2019 41You can also read
