Jimmy Choo - make mine a skinny mocha...

Uber-glamourous shoe designer Jimmy Choo have launched a leather coffee cup holder to the accessories collection. Costing £95, this is the new must-have for the woman who has everything. Expect to see some perfectly manicured nails clasping one of these in your local Starbucks soon! 

Visit Net a Porter to purchase.

Red Bull Racing - Home run

60,00 spectators turned out in Milton Keynes on 10th December to see the Red Bull Racing 'Home Run".

Sebastian Vettel and seven time Grand Prix winner Mark Webber drove their F1 racing cars through a circuit in Milton Keynes. Christian Homer, team principal and chief technical officer Adrian Neway joined the drivers.

"It was something special to drive the car in Milton Keynes today in front of all the fans," Webber said in a statement. "The location was close to the factory and I live pretty locally too, so it was nice to give something back to the community. I know some of the roundabouts on the course from driving my road car, so it was something different to drive them in an F1 car."

Vettel added, "It's great to be here in Milton Keynes, which is where the cars are built and everyone from the factory works. It's nice to say thank you and to see all the fans from the area. It was good fun; we did some donuts and enjoyed ourselves out there. It's a great way to finish the season."

The event drew in industry favourites including Jack Humphrey, David Coulthard and Chris Pfeiffer.

"It's flattering to have so many people turn out to celebrate what we have achieved," Horner said. "Without the fans, there's no Formula One and no Red Bull, so it's good to give something back and celebrate our double world championship like this."

Chartwell to mentor in Monaco

We are pleased to announce that Victoria Sheppard, of Chartwell Magazine has been invited to take part in the 2012 mentoring program at the International University of Monaco.

The program, launched in 2002, has been an extremely valuable experience for the students who can benefit from the guidance of CEOs, top executives, 'business angel's' and successful entrepreneurs.

Every year this program involves more than 85 mentors and has been an outstanding contributor to IUM’s goal to assist its students to learn, grow and network.

Amongst the participants in 2011 are such diverse and well known companies as: Mulberry UK, Faconnable, Kenzo, Dior, Bottega Veneta, Fendi , Versace, Ferragamo , Estee Lauder, Selfridges, Gucci, Quintessentially , Fraser Yachts, Credit Foncier, Bain & Company, Mecaplast, Amadeus, Bank of America-Merrill Lynch, SG Private Banking, Triago Private Equity, Trafalgar Capital, UBS, Bank J Safra, Natexis, Iris Capital Management, HSBC, Moore Stephens, Bank Julius Baer … to name just a few. So Chartwell are in good company! 

The 2012 program commences with a launch at the Monte Carlo Bay resort in January.

Paloma Faith dazzles at intimate performance

1st December 2011 - Chartwell Magazine enjoyed a wonderful evening at The Playboy Club, Old Park Lane, Christmas Party, hosted by Paloma Faith. We were lucky enough to have a table sandwiched between Dita Von Teese and Paloma's stage. Faith belted out classics including 'New York' and ' Stone cold sober' and gave a fabulous performance. Flavoursome cuisine by the fabulous chef Judy Joo was aplenty, delivered in her unique style (we enjoyed trifle from a Christmas bauble!) .

www.playboyclublondon.com 

A Christmas party with extra sparkle

Garrard, the world's oldest jewellers, hosted their annual Christmas party for a select few of clients in their Albemarle Street flagship store this week. CEO Eric Deardorff led the celebrations,  and an array of beautiful collections were on display. We were able to view the creations of Garrards creative director, Stephen Webster, as well as an exclusive royal exhibition in the Queen Mary room.

We enjoyed festive music from Elysium and delicious canapes by Mosimann.

Cointreau Prive London

Chartwell Magazine was delighted to see the unveiling of Cointreau Prive, London's most exclusive speakeasy on 28th November,Designed by Dita Von Teese for the iconic French liqueur house, the Cointreau Privé is composed of a series of uniquely themed private salons, all modelled on Dita’s LA home with some of her most prized personal possessions, allowing you to leave London at the door and lose yourself in the golden age of glamour. The launch attracted a host of glamourous ladies including Kelly Brook, Tamara Ecclestone and Dita Von Teese herself.

Strictly guest-list only, places for the Cointreau Privé can be applied forwww.cointreauprive.co.uk .

Throughout its limited three-week opening, the secretly speakeasy will serve the finest cocktails, like the Cointreau Teese, crafted by professional mixologists. 

Event details:

• Cointreau Privé opens for a limited three-week period between 29th November and 17th December.

• Book your guest list place at www.cointreauprive.co.uk

• Opening hours are 6pm until 2am, Wednesday and Thursday, and 6pm until 4am, Friday and Saturday.

• Location to be unveiled on 29th November 2011.

• A boutique will be opened in the Cointreau Privé offering a range of chic accessories inspired or designed by Dita.

The Gift of Luxury...

St James's Hotel and Club Gift vouchers are a perfect Christmas present, especially for the person that has everything... There are a number of dream ideas to choose from including afternoon tea, cheese and wine master classes and luxurious overnight stays - from £21.50. 
If you have loved ones staying in London this festive period Quote "Christmas with Friend and Family" for a rate starting at £235 excluding VAT in a double room including a delicious breakfast.

St. James's Hotel and Club has a unique location in London's chic St. James's, near Mayfair and Piccadilly. This intimate townhouse hotel boasts 60 elegantly designed bedrooms, 10 of which are luxurious suites, some with their own private balcony or terrace. It also houses an impressive private art collection of more than 300 paintings. The hotel's Bistro and its Michelin starred restaurant Seven Park Place are run by Executive Chef William Drabble, who is also responsible for all room service, private dining and events and their traditional English afternoon tea.

Chartwell host event

Chartwell Estates and Magazine celebrate the success of their event at Pan Peninsula, Canary Wharf, - a Ballymore Development, last night. We invited selected readers and clients to the event on the 3,500sq ft Penthouse - 38 stories high.

Range Rover attended with the new Evoque amongst other vehicles in its' other vehicles, Garrard Jewellers http://www.garrard.com/ showcased several of their collections, Alistair Morrison http://www.alistairmorrison.com/ set up a gallery for the evening and Sautter Cigars http://www.sauttercigars.com/ held a wonderful display of vintage Cigars. 

We would like to thank all of our attendees who came from far and wide (some travelling from Monaco) and for those requiring any additional information please contact Chartwell Estates on 0207 409 0533.

Vertu Constellation Launch

After Chartwell's successful Canary Wharf event we headed over to Islington to celebrate the launch of the latest Vertu phone .... 25 November 2011, London - Vertu, the market leader in luxury mobile phones celebrated the highly anticipated launch of its first touchscreen handset, Constellation, in London last night. Friends of the brand gathered for the evening and were able to admire the new touchscreen smartphone by Vertu at the magnificent Farmiloe Building.

The glamorous evening event was attended by a whole host of international guests from across the arts and fashion world including, supermodels Eva Herzigova and Yasmin Le Bon world famous singer Seal as well as models Poppy and Cara Delevigne.

Set in the Farmiloe Building, a fine example of Victorian commercial architecture, guests were able to view a specially designed installation by Vertu brand ambassador and Chinese architect Ma Yansong. Guests also enjoyed exclusive access into the world of Vertu with first-hand experience of the Berry Bros & Rudd winetasting and sommelier advice. The Protector Services Group, experts in personal and data security and Vertu Club Access where owners gain entry to the most exclusive restaurants and clubs in the world as standard.

The evening was hosted by Perry Oosting, Vertu President who commented,“We are delighted to showcase our first touchscreen handset in London, enabling us to fully share our exceptional passion and expertise in mobile phones, craftsmanship and exclusive services with one of the most important and discerning markets in the world. We are pleased to be able to celebrate our first touchscreen phone, Constellation with our friends of the brand in London.”

The Quintessentially Foundation Poker Event at The Savoy

WHAT: Tuesday 22^nd November 2011, stars including David Walliams, Zac Goldsmith, Michael Vaughn, Jimmy Anderson, and Olivia Grant were out in force last night to support the Quintessentially Foundation’s inaugural poker evening, held in the beautifully restored Lancaster Ballroom at The Savoy Hotel.

Following a champagne reception, the evening saw glamorous VIPs, movers and shakers, and business luminaries taking their seats alongside poker enthusiasts for a ‘Texas Hold’em’ themed poker tournament. At stake were eight amazing prizes including a mind-blowing luxury safari holiday to Africa, and the ’money-can’t-buy’ culinary experience which will see top Michelin starred chef, Marcus Wareing, preparing a bespoke six course meal for the winner, and seven guests, in their very own home.

The eclectic mix of characters from across the board clearly enjoyed themselves, and the poker evening continued long into the night, with guests knocked out of the tournament, making the most of the delicious Pommery Champagne, a Johnnie Walker Blue Label tasting bar and U’luvka Vodka cocktails, as well as the canapés, live music and the amazing selection of spa treatments on offer. including bespoke blow-driesand massages for all the guests. 

David Walliams’ unswerving attempts to disarm his competitors with humour and amusing anecdotes proved effective, and competitive cousins Tom Parker-Bowles and Ben Elliot enjoyed the “table-service massages” offered to all participants, in a bid to ease the mounting tension throughout the night. 

U.K cricket connoisseurs and former English Captain Michael Vaughn and Jimmy (James) Anderson also took part in the gambling but their poker playing was not as up to scratch as their cricketing, clearly! Forget cricketers, Alice Rothschild flew the flag for the ladies, by out-smarting all of her male counter-points by reaching the semi-finals.

VIP Attendees:

David Walliams, Tom Parker Bowles, Zac Goldsmith, Ben Elliot, Michael Vaughan, Olivia Grant, Jimmy Anderson, Grace Woodward, Live Boeree, Kelly Hoppen, Alice Rothschild, Emma Crosby, Noelle Reno, Rick Parfit Jr, Kenney Jones from The Who, John McCririck and Ollie Phillips.  

The aim of the evening was to raise much needed funds for SOS Children’s Villages, the charity committed to helping orphaned and abandoned children across the globe. We are delighted to announce that, despite the economic climate, clearly individuals are still passionate about their social responsibility, with the event smashing their £80,000 target. This has been added to the £1.6million that the Foundation has raised since its fundraising efforts began in 2009. 

This would not have been possible without the kind support and sponsorship of Cramer Pelmont Solicitors.

Diggin' Dog Party in Belgravia

Last night Belgravia saw London's finest grace the steps of Mungo and Maud for the exclusive launch of Yasmin Le Bon's first line of clothing....and yes it is for dogs and their owners!

The Diggin' Dog Party was a hive of family fun with cheesy doggy biscuits for guests made by Simon Le Bon's mummy and scrummy Cider to drink by Alice Temperley's dad.  Yasmin's entire family turned up to support her fabulous new venture complete with all three dogs 'Tinkerbell', 'Cecil' and 'Luigi' and they weren't alone with the family fun as Carolina Tong also turned up with the gang (minus Pete as we hear he was working that evening) and Yasmin Mills arrived with her daughter and doggy too!

Yasmin looked as beautiful as ever and we couldn't help asking her about the fantastic new music video which she filmed for Duran Duran, starring along side Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford,Eva Herzigova and Helena Christensen. "The video was just so much fun to do, we all really enjoyed starring in the video and it was a once in a lifetime experience for us to work all together again"  

What did we eat?  home-made cheesy doggy biscuits made by Simon Le Bon's mummy

what did we drink? Alice Temperley's dads Cider (Borough Hill Cider)

What guests were there? Yasmin Le Bon with Luigi the dog, Amber Le Bon with Tinkerbelle the dog, Carolina Tong and family, Yasmin Mills, Saffron with Napoleon the dog, Simon Le Bon with Cecil the dog, Nellee Hooper, Lucas White and John Hitchcox 

Chocolate Couture at The Halkin

William Curley’s ‘Couture Chocolate Afternoon Tea'

Exclusively created by William Curley, the four-time winner of ‘Britain’s Best Chocolatier’ in collaboration with The Halkin as part of the hotel’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

Guests will be able to combine culture with chocolate, as The Halkin Bar has been transformed into a pop-up ‘Culture Lounge’ by luxury publishers, ASSOULINE. The ground floor space showcases some of the most iconic coffee-table books which guests can browse in a library-style environment whilst enjoying William’s delicacies.

In addition to that great English teatime classic comprised of freshly-made scones with clotted cream and jams and a selection of sandwiches, guests can choose from William Curley’s à la carte selection, which includes the following stand-out delicacies: 

• Chocolate Financier with Passion fruit Curd: Moist chocolate cake centred with mango compote and topped with passion fruit curd
• Orange and Chocolate Sacher: Layers of almond sponge, chocolate mousse and orange marmalade
• Sea Salt Caramel and Raspberry Tart: Crisp hazelnut tart, filled with sea salt caramel, raspberry dacquoise and compote and topped with a rich chocolate cremeaux
• Black Forest Dome: Dark chocolate and white chocolate mousses, kirsch-soaked sponge and a cherry compote
• Chocolate Macaroon: Soft chocolate macaroon filled with a Toscano chocolate ganache

Priced from £37.50 per person, the tea will be available daily from the 22nd November between 3pm and 6pm daily. A Champagne afternoon tea will be available for £47.50. For reservations please contact: +44 (0) 20 7333 1060. 

Festive Fun in Belgravia

What? Grosvenor Estate Xmas Sunday

When? 4th December, 12pm – 5pm

Where? Elizabeth Street and Pimlico Road

As London buzzes with Christmas cheer, Belgravia – one of its best-loved villages, is preparing for a foray of festive events throughout December. 

The festivities commence on the 1st December with the Motcomb Street Christmas Light Switch On, followed by the spectacular Belgravia Christmas Sunday which will see Elizabeth Street and Pimlico Road transform into a winter wonderland full of carol singing, street entertainment, food and craft stalls, with a special appearance by the Three Wise Men on camels! 

Tempting offers across many unique boutiques, bars and restaurants, make Belgravia the perfect choice for discerning shoppers and diners alike. 

Not only that, but thanks to the brand new online gift guide at www.grosvenorlondon.com savvy shoppers can plan ahead and track down the perfect Christmas gift before they hit the shops. 

Limited Edition Bombay Sapphire

A stunning limited edition Bombay Sapphire is now available exclusively at Selfridges. The colaberation comes with House of Hackney and is a spin off of their Hackney Empire Print.


During the time the limited edition Bombay Sapphire ‘Keepsake’ is available, there will also be a specially created Bombay Sapphire ‘Keepsake’ Cocktail on serve at the House of Hackney Gin Den at cult East‐End eatery, Bistrotheque.

Event Invitation for our readers

Where property and luxury collide - Pan Peninsula www.panpeninsula.com co host an event with Chartwell Magazine & Chartwell Estates.

A showcase evening in one of a breathtaking 3,000sq ft premier penthouse 35 floors up, with Alistair Morrison www.alistairmorrison.com, Garrard www.garrard.com and Range Rover (Stratstone of Mayfair) and a champagne and canapae reception.

6-8pm on Thursday 24th November.

Please contact victoria@chartwellestates.co.uk or call 0207 409 0549 to RSVP

Private Dining @ The Playboy Club

Review:

We are welcomed into The Private Dining room, nestled away at rear of The Playboy Club London’s buzzing casino, it seats just 12 guests for an intimate meal in a quintessentially Playboy themed setting.

Head Sommelier James Lloyd hosts the fine wine evening alongside executive chef Judy Joo. Joo’s choice of cuisine perfectly compliment each of the selected wines by James: we were fortunate to taste a 7 course menu, ranging from Hand Dived Scallops and Foie Gras to Cinnamon Beignet with wholemeal ice cream. Each course was cooked and presented to finesse. The passion and knowledge of both Joo and Lloyd shines throughout the evening, and we can certainly detect the drive that brought Judy Joo from a successful career in the city, starting at Goldman Sachs, to following her love of food at working with Gordon Ramsey and at the renowned Fat Duck. James selected a varied range of wine, and provided an educated guide through the flavours and history between each wine and its region.

We certainly look forward to returning to for another wine evening at The Playboy Club: 10/10 for taste, ambiance and hospitality.

Party in the palace...

A select number of companies and individuals will have the opportunity to rent out state rooms at St James's Palace during the 2012 Olympics. Prices are estimated to start at £30,000 per room, per day.

It is believed the companies will be ones that already hold royal warrants.

Gold Leaf launch with Fashion TV present

Event date: 8th November 2011

Event location: The Lounge Bar, McQueen

Event type: Launch party of British fashion label, Gold Leaf

Photographer: Alex Jacobs and Love From London

Info: A very exclusive guestlist of 250 people were invited to the launch of Gold Leaf, a young and exclusive British fashion label. Showcasing their First Edition collection which also featured on the live catwalk of Britain & Ireland's Next Top Model, guests were also entertained by a live performance from Bluey Robinson. The world's first calorie burning soft drink, Aspire, was the mixer of choice on all of the VIP tables as sponsors of the Gold Leaf launch. Goodie bags were of course given to all guests, but in the interesting form of a small ribboned box. Inside were goodies from headline sponsor, Bang & Olufsen of Chelsea, who also included a prize draw to win a BeoCom 2 telephone, beauty products from the British skin care company, Elemis and other treats.

£3,000 mince pie?

Possibly the most expensive mince pie in the world.... The Exchange shopping centre in Ilford have the pie on display until December 19th - where a prize draw will take place for one lucky person to take it home.

Ingredients include platinum lead, Lourdes water, whale sugar and a solid platinum coin.

The edible creation is courtesy of Astarism foods.

UK's biggest motor yacht

Vava II, a 315ft super yacht has been built in the UK - and cost a staggering $160m. It's owner- Kirsty Bertarelli is the UK's richest woman.

The super yacht, the 33rd largest in the world, can accommodate upto 36 passengers, boasts lavish interiors and a helicoptor launch pad.

110 Carat diamond goes on sale - $15m price tag

A rare yellow pear-shaped diamond is expected to fetch between $11 million and 15 million at auction next week, and the buyer will have the chance to name it, Sotheby's said Wednesday.

The so-called Sun-Drop Diamond is described as fancy vivid yellow - the highest color grading - by gemstone experts. It is the largest known diamond of its kind, at 110.3 carats.

"It looks the weight," said David Bennett, the head of Sotheby's jewelry division. "At the same time it's a very bright stone," he added, as a model showed off the diamond to photographers before the Nov. 15 sale at Geneva's Beau-Rivage hotel.

The jewel is being sold by Cora International, which discovered the diamond in South Africa only last year - meaning it has no history of previous wearers.

Versace for H&M

Versace are anticipating large crowds as they set out strict guide lines for shoppers. The Versace for H&M line, which goes on sale later this week in 300 selected stores, is expected to sell out within hours as with its previous collaberatios with the likes of Jimmy Choo, and shoppers will queue in advance to recieve wrist bands for allocated shopping times.

Quintessentially Gifts : online store goes live

Part of the global 'Quintessentially' brand, Quintessentially Gifts is expanding its' services to keep up with the demands of its discerning clientele.

To complement Quintessentially Gifts’ luxury gift and shopping service, the new e-boutique promises limitless luxury, showcasing Quintessentially Gifts’ favourite design houses and bespoke craftsmen. Be it a limited-edition or made-to-order design, the dedicated team of gift researchers will secure and deliver coveted items - from artist Damien Hirst’s prints to Shape Audio’s half a million pound solid gold speaker system - wherever you are in the world.

“Our new e-boutique is all about shopping without borders,” says Lee Coleman, Managing Director of Quintessentially Gifts, “Our aim is to highlight amazing design talent from around the world - whether it be a new Tom Dixon lighting installation or McQueen Luxury Dive Toys’ underwater scooter, the mix is always fresh and unexpected.”

Just as Quintessentially Gifts’ curated gifts service is open to all, so too is the e-boutique, providing an utterly indulgent, stress-free shopping experience, incorporating Quintessentially Gifts’ signature bespoke service focus. The site has been designed with an editorial eye and caters to all gift-giving occasions, as well as showcasing cutting-edge interior and art ideas.

Quintessentially Gifts also offers a bespoke styling service which caters to all personal shopping needs and desires - be it an entire wardrobe make-over, a simple shopping errand, or tracking down a seemingly-unattainable new season look.

Visit www.quintessentiallygifts.com to order online or for specialist advise call
0845 224 2617

Candy & Candy : The Art of Design

Candy & Candy – the brand that has become synonymous with the world’s most luxurious interiors – has launched a new book which, for the first time ever, offers a glimpse into the innovative designs, intricate attention to detail, and fine craftsmanship which have defined this globally celebrated brand over the past decade.
‘Candy & Candy: The Art of Design’ demonstrates the depth and breadth of design talent behind Candy & Candy, showcasing over 200 pages of the company’s design projects from sumptuous homes across the world - including the highly acclaimed One Hyde Park development – to private jets, yachts and commercial environments – highlighting the varied and diverse design styles of the Candy & Candy portfolio.
Lighting, furniture and conceptual architecture, through to the finer finishing touches such as embroidery and pattern, also feature throughout, illustrating the ground-breaking originality and limitless design skills of the team.
The book also unveils the meticulous behind-the-scenes design process behind these creations and seeks to clarify why Candy & Candy has been such an influential force in luxury interior design and how it remains at the forefront of the industry.
‘Candy & Candy: The Art of Design’ is available to purchase from www.candyandcandy.com priced at £75 + p&p.

Penhaligon’s cocktails at The Dorchester

Penhaligon’s will be working exclusively with The Bar at The Dorchester his month. Throughout November, The Bar at The Dorchester will be selling The London Juniper Sling cocktail. Created by the masterful Guilano Morandin, the cocktail was inspired by our new fragrance Juniper Sling. With the addition of ingredients such as The Dorchester’s Forbidden Fruit Liquer, Pineapple Juice and Nutmeg who wouldn’t be tempted to try this refreshing gin based tipple?

The London Juniper Sling is available to buy in The Bar at The Dorchester for £16. Guests will receive a complimentary Penhaligon’s travel atomiser filled with the intoxicating scent of Juniper Sling when ordering the cocktail.

With only one month to sip on this delicious cocktail the clock is ticking…try it for yourself at The Dorchester Hotel now. We certainly will be!

Life is a cabaret ... at Morton's, Mayfair

It is cabaret time again at Morton’s, one of Berkeley Squares finest members clubs.

Morton's start with Tiffany Graves, who starred in We Will Rock You, Sweet Charity and Chicago, for four nights from Nov 2nd to Nov 5th. Tiffany gives one of the most sophisticated and entertaining cabaret performances that London has seen for a very long time.
Holly Penfield a luminary of the cabaret and burlesque scene in London for the past ten years is on for one night on Tuesday, Nov 8th; Atila who puts on a performance of what he calls Rat Pack Swing, having starred with the National Jazz Youth Orchestra and featured subsequently with the BBC Big Band to rave reviews from Sir Michael Parkinson is at Morton’s on Nov 9th and 10th; Nick and Kitty who were such a success in the Spring at the club are back for one night on Friday, Nov 11th; Ruby May a big voice with a memorable stage performance and a sensuous stage persona is at Morton’s on Saturday, Nov 12th.
For the final week of Mortons' Cabaret season from Nov 15th to 19th they have an evening with CLICK, six singers with only their voices to entertain you who are cool, classy but also fun and irreverent. Their performance is flawless and slick and they are one of a kind. You can’t afford to miss them.
Dinner including half a bottle of wine, water, service and the show is only £75. We are limited to 60 people per night, but will allow any member to come in after dinner for drinks with a cover charge of only £15 subject to there being space available.
Cabaret will start at 10pm for around 40 minutes. Availability is limited to the restaurant’s capacity so please contact the team at info@mortonsclub.com who will send you through a confirmation form to guarantee a place for you and your guests. First come first served basis.
http://www.mortonsclub.com/ for further information on membership.

Welly -Boot - Camp in the Forest

The Herb House Spa, in the grounds of the stunning Limewood Hotel in the heart of The New Forest (www.limewoodhotel.co.uk) is running winter 'Welly' boot camps, combining fun in the forest with a serious focus on health and fitness.

It starts on Sunday with your Body MOT and runs to Thursday, with activities ranging from Zumba, runs and obstacle courses in the Forest followed by relaxing deep tissue massages, hydro therapy and mud treatments.....and of course your Boot Camp food is healthy but not boring!
Start dates for your Welly Boot Camp diary:

13th November 2011
15th January 2012
26th February 2012
The results speak for themselves....

£1,250 per person double occupancy

£1,740 single occupancy

For more information or to book please contact Reservations on 02380 287 177 or email reservations@limewood.co.uk