A Doll’s House at Lyric Hammersmith review: Ibsen classic rejuvenated by relocation to India September 23, 2019 There has been a fashion in recent years to take 19th century European dramas and relocate them to modern-day India, where it is imagined that their overt classism, sexism, paternalism, and obsession with family and honour, will seem less anachronistic. The results have been varied – from the fun and frivolity of the Jane Austin-masala [...]
The King of Hell’s Palace at Hampstead Theatre review: a blistering political thriller September 23, 2019 The King of Hell’s Palace is a gripping political thriller, rooted in family drama; an exposé of the corrupt business practices that emerged in China following Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms. In the early ‘90s, the Chinese economy was liberalising, consumerism was on the rise, and the clamour for export-led growth encouraged some budding entrepreneurs to [...]
Antony Gormley at the Royal Academy: An existential crisis has never felt so invigorating September 23, 2019 This giant Antony Gormley retrospective feels like the artist’s unified theory of everything. The works are drawn from four decades of output, but feel so indelibly fused with the famous halls of the Royal Academy you can barely imagine them elsewhere. Gormley bends and shapes the gallery to his will like a potter at a [...]
The new rental apartments bringing ‘New York loft living’ to North London September 20, 2019 A new building of rental apartments has just launched, with the somewhat bold aim of bringing ‘New York warehouse-style living’ to Wembley. Ferrum, which is located close to Wembley Stadium, comprises 741 studio, one, two and three-bed homes which can be rented directly from the developer, Tipi. On entering the building, it’s clear that the [...]
Let there be light: The top lighting trends from this autumn’s design shows September 20, 2019 Lighting is “one of the most important elements of interior design. It can completely transform the look and feel of a room,” says Martin Waller, who founded the influential British brand Andrew Martin four decades ago. The importance of good, versatile lighting is as true today as it was then, although we have vastly more [...]
The coolest homes to see this Open House London weekend September 20, 2019 This Saturday and Sunday, buildings across the capital will throw open their doors for Open House London, giving the public a peek into grand stately homes, imposing City skyscrapers and ornate government buildings. But also on the list are ordinary people’s homes, chosen for their unusual architecture or interesting interiors. Whether you’re looking for inspiration [...]
Property of the week: Beer fans will lap up this Chiswick mansion with links to historic brewery September 20, 2019 Steeped in brewing history, this home that has come to the market in West London could be the perfect pad for a beer lover. Records suggest it was built soon after 1700 when it was used as a pub with links to the local brewery – though some of its foundations date back to an [...]
Selling your home? The price must be right… September 20, 2019 It’s a common refrain: “Number 22 sold for this much, but mine is worth more than that!” Whether you like it or not, British pride and financial security is based heavily on the value of our homes. Often, though, the price you have in mind is not necessarily what you get when you decide to [...]
New homes on the market in London this week, including a building with a ‘reflexology walkway’ September 20, 2019 Affinity House, Brent St George has launched 83 apartments at Affinity House, part of its Grand Union neighbourhood in Alperton in the London Borough of Brent. The building comprises studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, each with a private outdoor space. Residents will be able to enjoy views over the Grand Union canal and will [...]
Peckham judged the world’s eleventh coolest neighbourhood September 18, 2019 “This time next year we’ll be in the top ten” Peckham has been named the world’s eleventh coolest neighbourhood in the 2019 Time Out Index. The south London hotspot may still be more globally famous for the antics of Del Boy and Rodney but a new generation of chefs, baristas and bartenders are turning it [...]