Soho House expansion plans

Soho House, the boho-chic private members’ club and hotel chain, has announced the launch of five new properties by 2014.

The expansion of the group, which was founded as a club in 1995 and has grown to include restaurants, hotels and cinemas, will see new venues opening up in five destinations deemed ‘cool’ enough for the brand, long regarded as an arbiter of taste on London’s art and media scene.

The new destinations include Barcelona, Istanbul, Chicago, Mumbai and Toronto, all deemed creative hubs by Soho House’s founder Nick Jones.

Toronto is particularly noteworthy, given the company’s experience in running ‘pop-up’ clubs every year during the Toronto International Film Festival, one of the world’s leading cinema events. Now, it will spend some $7 million on a three-floor property, set to feature a roof deck, bar and drawing room, according to Canadian daily the National Post.The new club will open this autumn, followed by Mumbai in spring 2013 (complete with 38-room hotel), Chicago and Istanbul in spring 2014 and Barcelona winter 2014.

Originally conceived as a media-friendly alternative to the traditional London private members’ clubs in St James’, Soho House has proved a global phenomenon in the last 17 years, opening properties around the world. Among its portfolio are clubs in New York (shown above), Hollywood, Miami and Berlin, hotels in London and Somerset, Cowshed spas and a chain of restaurants on both sides of the Atlantic.

First Pagani Huayra is sold for $2.3 million

Unveiled at this years Geneva Motor show, the exotic Pagani Huayra has been bought by an anonymous Middle Eastern buyer for $2.3 million, about twice its listed price.

The supercar was meant to be delivered to a different Middle Eastern purchaser after the motor show on March the 18th, but apparently suffered from cold feet. This was when the second buyer contacted Pagani, offering them $2.3 million, $1.17 million more than the original asking price! The Pagani Huayra is a 700-hop supercar powered by a Mercedes-BEns AMG 6.0L twin turbo V12 engine, with a maximum torque of 740lb-ft and a top speed of 23- mph.

Ferrari creates one-off SP12 EC for Eric Clapton

Ferrari has created a special one-off car, the SP12 EC, as an homage to famed guitarist Eric Clapton's career and his long-lasting passion for Ferrari.

Designed by the Centro Stile Ferrari, in collaboration with Pininfarina and engineers from Maranello, the bespoke model is based on the 458 Italia and draws inspiration from the 512 BB. Ferrari says Clapton wanted a car inspired by the 512 BB but presumably with modern underpinnings, so it keeps the same 570bhp 4.5-litre V8 and seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The car is part of Ferrari’s One-Off Programme, which was set up in 2007 to create unique models following demand from customers. 

Cars built by the One-Off Programme must be based on an existing Ferrari platform, with customers also receiving the tooling used to make the car, thus ensuring that it will remain unique. 

London Property prices have a "Spring surge"

London House prices rose in April after a dip in the run up to the March Budget, official figures revealed yesterday.

The average value of a property in the capital soared 5.1 per cent, the biggest monthly rise on record, to an average of £360,721. This “Spring surge” added £17,538 to the average value of a home in April, which is £584 a day. 

The rise comes after London recorded its first year-on-year fall for thirty months on concern about the double dip recession and threatened punitive “mansion taxes” on higher value property. But yesterdays figures from the Land Registry show that London’s property market has quickly recovered its upward momentum, particularly in central areas. The average price of a home in Kensington & Chelsea passed the £1 million mark for the first time with a 3.6 per cent rise.

Agents said the scramble to buy after the two per cent extra stamp duty rate was announced by George Osborne, combined with a flood of enquries from panicked Eurozone buyers, may have contributed to the spike.

Charlie Bubear, of Savills’ Chelsea office said: “Around 50 per cent of our buyers this year been driven by eurozone fears, although this is currently accounting for around 60 to 70 per cent of inquiries. Buyers are seeking sanctuary for their money.”

The Chancellor increased the stamp duty on homes worth more than £2 million from 5 per cent to 7 per cent in the March budget, triggering a short lived frenzy of completions at the upper end of the market. A shortage of homes on the market and a sharp slowdown in the “conveyor belt” of middle class families moving out of London to the shires are also believed to have contributed.

The number of properties sold in London for over £1 million in February 2012 - the most recent month for which sales volumes are available - rose by 8 per cent to 322 from 297 in February 2011.

The most expensive property registered in Britain during the month was sold for £55 million in central London, while the cheapest, in Colne Lancashire, fetched £8000.

For England and Wales as a whole prices dropped 0.3 per cent in the month to an average of £160,417, just 44 per cent of the London average.

If you are looking for property in London, please contact prime property experts Chartwell Estates on 0207 409 0533 and www.www.chartwellestates.co.uk

Angelina Jolie launches her jewellery collection

The Style of Jolie jewellery line designed in collaboration between Angelina Jolie and Robert Procop is set to go on display in the South of France this summer via two month-long pop-ups. A selection of necklaces, earrings and bracelets worn by the actress at various movie premieres will hit the Grand Hotel in Cap Ferrat and also in the prestigious Hotel de Paris in Monaco concurrently between July 15 and August 15.

The movie star showcased her jewelry collaboration during an expo at Julien’s Gallery in Beverly Hills back in April last year, while the new French exhibition is set to showcase some additional new jewels. While the jewels are normally only available to view by private appointment, the pop-up showcases will give access to the line.

Proceeds from the sale of the jewelry will be donated to the star’s charitable foundation, the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, which helps children in need across the globe.

As well as teaming up with Jolie for the Style of Jolie collection, leading gemstone specialist Procop has close links with the Hollywood actress after designing the engagement ring fiancé Brad Pitt offered her earlier this year. The actor was said to have had a key input in the design of the $250,000 ring, which took 12 months to make, and features a stunning oblong-shaped rock inset into a thick ribbed band.

Simon Pérèle collaboration with Rigby and Peller

Simon Pérèle, the French lingerie company has collaborated with Rigby and Peller on the limited edition ‘Opera’ design. The beautiful limited edition set is part of the Spring Summer 2012 collection, combining the qualities of Simon Pérèle; beauty, sophistication and comfort as well as the elegance and originality from Rigby and Peller’s designers.

 See more at http://www.rigbyandpeller.co.uk/ 

Become an Elephant Researcher at Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle

From the 1^st of July, you can become an Elephant Researcher at Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle and learn about elephant intelligence. Researching elephant behaviour with the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF) to help better protect these creatures in the wild.

For the first time ever, guests have the opportunity to witness first-hand elephant intelligence research program with foundation and participate as part of the program at the Four seasons tented camp golden triangle.

The program is overseen by John Roberts, director of elephants at the Four Seasons tented camp and founder of GTAEF and Joshua Plotnik, PhD, who is also a founder of Think Elephants International.

Guests get to play the ‘research game’ with the elephants, including interacting with the elephant, providing them with the reward, and recording data on the elephants. After this research session, guests are given a private presentation about elephant welfare and conservation issues and the work of the foundation.

The half day Elephant researcher program is prices at THB 11,000 per couple with proceeds going to support the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation and Think Elephants International. For more information on The Four Seasons tented camp golden triangle in Thailand see http://www.fourseasons.com/goldentriangle/

Chase and Country Tails Terrace at Harvey Nichols

Launching on Monday, 4th June Chase And Country Tails Terrace at Fifth Floor kicks off a quintessentially British summer at Harvey Nichols. Created by Chase Distillery, the new terrace will have a traditional English country look and feel inspired by the Herefordshire countryside where the distillery is based. A refreshing, citrus aroma of Penhaligons Blenheim Bouquet will scent the air, creating the perfect atmosphere to sip summery, countryinfused cocktails in the heart of Knightsbridge.

Dominic Jacobs, Fifth Floor Bar Manager jumped at the chance to create cocktails with Chase Distillery’s range of pioneering British spirits. His list will include Gooseflower Fizz (Chase vodka combined with Chase Elderflower Liqueur, Harvey Nichols Gooseberry Jam, lemon and honey topped with English Sparkling Wine) and the utterly refreshing Marmalade Root Martini (Chase Marmalade Vodka shaken with fresh carrot juice, fresh parsley and lemon, with a dash of honey) alongside summer fruit cups and Chase Perfect Serves. In addition, Jonas Karlsson, Fifth Floor Executive Chef has put together a selection of mini tasting dishes, inspired by the fruity aromas of the spirits.

This will be open from Monday, 4th June to Sunday 15th July. Chase Distillery will also run several Meet the Maker events and tastings throughout. For dates or, to book a table, please contact Fifth Floor Harvey Nichols on 020 7823 1839 or email Novella.alessandrini@harveynichols.com

The "No.1 Tennis camp in the world"

Gstaad Palace have announced they are running another series of the popular tennis week throughout the summer on selected dates from June to September this year. This tennis week has been voted “The No 1 Tennis camp in the world” for four years running from 2008 to 2011, and comprises of intensive personal coaching by the legend Roy Emerson.

From the 17^th of June, anyone over 16 is welcome to join this amazing opportunity to play with one of the most successful tennis players in history. The combination of the tennis, the clear mountain air, the glorious sunshine and the sheer luxury of Gstaad Palace will improve anyone’s game.

The tennis weeks are running for 7 weeks from the 17^th of June.

For younger tennis players, a Tennis and Multisport week is available in August with Swiss tennis gurus Marc Rosset and Frederic Bouvier. This is taking place from the 19^th to 25^th of August.

The Roy Emerson Tennis Package is from CHF 3,780 (£2,565) per person for six nights and includesa accommodation in a single or double classic room, full boars with 25 hours of tennis lessons, a sports massage, access to the nightclub GreenGo, and access to pools, saunas, steam baths and gym.

For reservations telephone (+41) 33 748 5000 or email info@palace.ch

Cruelty free make-up

BM Beauty is the creation of former Pussycat Doll and Got To Dance Judge Kimberly Wyatt and skincare range Love The Planet founder Laura McComiskie. Kimberly and Laura are both passionate about the environment and cosmetics. 

There are two great reasons to love the range. Firstly, it's cruelty free. The products have the stamp of approval from the BUAV and PETA. BM Beauty make up is also free from bismuth oxychloride, parabens, nano particles and synthetic dyes and fragrances.  

Highlights of the range include non sticky lip glosses and mineral eyeshadow pots, BM beauty is available at http://www.bmbeauty.com/

OPI launch Germany range

OPI have launched their AW12 range of colours, The Germany Collection, which includes 12 new shades of nail lacquer and 4 minis.

The colours are suitable for the Autumn transition, with a range from nudes to subtle metallics. All are named with the German theme, such as the 'Danke-Shiny Red' shown above. We look forward to trying these new colours at the end of the Summer. 

Individual nail lacquers are £11 each, the Ger-mini set of 4 minis is £12.95

Diamond Butterfly Ball fundraiser

One of the biggest fundraising events of the season is just one week away, with a plethora of showbiz names confirmed for the event’s red carpet. Organisers of the Caudwell Children ‘Diamond Butterfly Ball’ remain tight-lipped about this year’s headline entertainment but have confirmed some of the stars expected to attend.

On the 31^st May, at Battersea Evolution in Battersea Park, London; the black-tie affair boasts a guest list of A-list stars, Royalty and world-class athletes. This includes Rod Stewart CBE, Peter Andre, Sir Bruce Forsyth, Mark Forster, Lee Pearson CBE and Derek Redmond.

Caudwell Children was founded in 2000 by the billionaire philanthropist, John Caudwell, and Chief Executive, Trudi Beswick. The evening will be hosted by singer Jonathan Wilkes and the celebrity auctioneer will be Jeffrey Archer.

For more information on this wonderful event please see www.caudwellchildren.com

An Evening with Jimmy Anderson

On Wednesday the 27th June you can spend the evening with Jimmy Anderson and the England cricket team to celebrate Jimmy, his contribution to the English team and to the community. The night celebrates Jimmy's achievements, as one of the most exciting bowlers in the history of English cricket, Jimmy is currently 7th in the ranking of all time wicket takers, and 2nd in One Day Internationals.

Team mates including Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, and Ian Bell will be at the night and on tables with guests. Tables can either be for nine guests and one international cricketer or celebrity, or for ten guests alone. 

The evening is being helf at Battersea Evolution, the drinks reception starts at 6.30pm with a Black Tie dress code. 

Contact Clare Morton at Mint Event Management Ltd on 020 83475222 / 07894 981 002 or via email at clare@minteventmanagement.co.uk to book.

Please

Chopard's Red Carpet 2012 collection

Chopard are officially partnering the Cannes International Film Festival for the 15^th consecutive year. On this occasion, the House is preparing the full range of 65 models composing its new Red Carpet collection, and offering a preview of several creations.

Each year since 2007, Caroline Scheufele, Chopard Co-President and Artistic Director of Chopard, has created a new Haute Joaillerie collection composed of exceptional and unique models: the Red Carpet collection, which systematically comprises the same number of models as the editions to date of the world’s largest movie festival. It draws inspiration from the actresses who partake in the famous “mounting the steps” ritual, as well as gracing red carpets the world over. 

The jewellery artisans of the House of Chopard, in Geneva, were busy preparing and crafting the 60 other creations, each completely unique, that were unveiled at the Festival opening night on May 16^th. Moreover, it is of course from these same workshops that the supreme prize awarded by the Festival, the Palme d’Or trophy, emerges each year.

Harrods' Jubilee Celebrations

To commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Harrods is collaborating with a host of the world’s finest fashion brands, showcasing exclusive ballgown and crown creations in a magnificent display across the façade of Harrods.

From Tuesday 15th May Harrods will unveil a dedicated pop-up ballgown boutique in celebration of the V&A’s spectacular exhibition Ballgowns: British Glamour since 1950. The boutique will exclusively feature an array of exquisite evening gowns created by leading international fashion names, including Erdem, Marchesa, Ralph & Russo, Carolina Herrera, Toujouri, J. Mendel, Roberto Cavalli, Valentino, Nina Ricci, Jenny Packham and Elie Saab. Customers will be able to view a selection of the unique creations within a number of the store’s Brompton Road windows and, for those wishing to make a purchase from the special collection, there will be the opportunity to visit The Penthouse – Harrods’ most exclusive personal shopping space – on the Fifth Floor for a one-to-one consultation.

The rest of the Brompton Road windows will be transformed into an exhibition of bespoke display crowns, each of which is based on a replica of the St. Edward’s coronation crown. These unique crowns have been created by 32 leading brands available at Harrods, including Paul Smith, De Beers, Tiffany & Co, Boucheron, Roberto Cavalli, Prada, Mulberry, Fabergé, Shu Uemura, Jo Malone and Lanvin.

Ballgowns & Crowns will be on display in-store and in the Brompton Road windows from Tuesday 15th May to Friday 15th June 2012.
Ballgowns: British Glamour since 1950, sponsored by Coutts, opens at the V&A on Saturday 19th May 2012 and runs until Sunday 6th January 2013. 

Toshiba TEC goes up on the roof at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

At this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Toshiba TEC's printing technology was a key element of a unique and innovative garden design that aimed to extend the scope of the working office.

Rooftop Workplace of Tomorrow, sponsored by RBS in association with Walworth Garden Farm, was one of the first ever RHS Chelsea Flower Show’s rooftop inspired show gardens.The garden features an LCD sports screen, tablets, laptops and printing technology, all created via Wi-FI, and shows how unused urban rooftop space can be turned into a place of beauty; creating an inspirational, relaxing and thought-provoking working environment. 

The concept was the brainchild of Patricia Fox from Aralia Garden Design – one of the country’s leading design practices that creates functional outdoor spaces of the highest quality. Explaining the motivation for her creation, Patricia Fox said, ‘With portable technology, tablets and smart phones are becoming integral tools of the modern workforce, outdoor offices will be a common sight in years to come. Businesses also need to make best use of available space and rooftops have huge potential for achieving this.’

Invitation to preview of St. James penthouse

Chartwell Estates would like to invite you to a preview at

Apartment 5

13-15 Old Queen Street

London

SW1H 9JA

Thursday 24th May 2012

13:00 - 15:00

This is an informal viewing for property professionals looking on behalf 

of their clients. A brochure is attached.

Please RSVP to michael@chartwellestates.co.uk

matthew@chartwellestates.co.uk

Please see the brochure at http://www.chartwellestates.co.uk/pdf/7.pdf

A day at Silverstone with Ecurie Ecosse

Chartwell Magazine are delighted to announce their sponsorship of the Ecurie Ecosse racing team.

You are invited to spend the day at Silverstone on the 3rd of June to experience first class hospitality at The Blancpain Endurance series. The day includes BRDC clubhouse hopsitality, a three course lunch, and use of the exclusive viewing areas. You will also have a exclusive team garage tour with the drivers, a copy of their newsletter and signed photos of the team. 

Please contact ollie@olliemillroy.com for more information on the day and to RSVP.

Please see http://www.ecurieecosse.com/ for more information on the racing team.

Charity ball to encourage healthy eating

A recently formed charity OAC! is hosting a fabulous charity ball on Friday 29 June 2012. It will be a night filled with superb entertainment, delicious food and a few wonderful and exciting surprises at the Langham Hotel. A table of 12 costs £2,750, a table of ten costs £2,250 and individual tickets are £250. See www.obesityac.org for more details. If you are interested in attending or sponsoring the Obesity Action Campaign! Langham Summer Ball please contact:- 

Shirley Palmer, Trustee & Director

Tel: 03333 40 6004, Email: shirley@obesityac.org

Ugo Monye - Good evening Sir...

England rugby star Ugo Monye, celebrates 10 years with the Harlequins with  testimonial celebrations. The Ugo Monye testimonial committee would like to invite you to join Ugo alongside his England, Lions and Premiership team mates as they celebrate his career on and off the pitch in an intimate and exclusive surroundings of the 9th Floor of 3 More London Riverside.

Ugo will be joined on the night by Sir Ian McGeechan and other international and Premiership rugby legends.

You will have the opportunity over dinner to hear stories from these sporting hero's. After dinner there will be opportunities to mingle and spend time with all of the sporting stars present.

The dinner will be held on 12 July 2012.

Proceeds go to a good cause.

Please contact Dominie Bradshaw dominie@minteventmanagement.co.uk for further information or to book your place.

Posted by Victoria Sheppard - Chartwell Magazine.  

OMEGA House in Soho for the Olympic Games

OMEGA, the official timekeeper for the London 2012 Olympic Games are establishing an exclusive residence for members and invited guests from the 27th of July until the 12th of August. The House will allow guests to meet in an environment that is appealing and comfortable for old and new friends of the brand. 

OMEGA House is a townhouse in the heart of Soho, and will offer guests a luxurious retreat during the Olympics. The House will offer a number of VIP events and will be visited by some of the OMEGA brand ambassadors. The design of the house mirrors the lifestyle aspects and collections that OMEGA has to offer. For example the spaced-themess Speedmaster bar, named after the first watch to be worn on the moon. The Olympic Garden features a large screen television to allow fans to watch and cheer along for their favourite teams. 

Historic diamond sells for $9.7 million

A centuries-old diamond passed down through generations of European royalty fetched nine million Swiss francs ($9.7 million) at auction in Geneva on Tuesday. The Sotheby's 'Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels' sale was held at the Beau Rivage hotel.

The 34.98-carat “Beau Sancy” diamond measures 2.3 centimetres in height, is 1.9 cm wide and 1.1 cm deep. The diamond's name comes from diamond collector Nicolas Harley de Sancy, who bought it in Constantinople in the late 16th century. Passed down through the royal families of France, England, Prussia and the Netherlands, the Beau de Sancy has witnessed 400 years of European history. An anonymous telephone bidder purchased the jewel, put on the market by the House of Prussia and described by Sotheby’s as one of the “most fascinating and romantic” gems ever to come to auction.

Banksy's new work is protected

As seen in our latest issue, Banksy could perhaps be the most famous, or infamous artist in the world. 

The graffiti artist's new image, on the side of Poundland in Whymark Avenue, near Turnpike Lane, London, depicts a young boy crouched over a sewing machine making Jubilee street party bunting. A plastic cover has been put over this latest work to protect it from damage. The painting could be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. In the past, graffiti by the elusive artist has caused house prices to dramatically rise. In 2008, a Portobello Road wall adorned with his name fetched £200,000 on eBay. No chances are being taken with the new work, which appeared on Monday.

On the 16th of May, in Melbourne, Australia, a worker destroyed a piece of Banksy artwork 'The Parachuting Rat' by drilling a hole right through it in order to install a pipe in a wall. Vandals have also damaged his work in the past and council workers, also in Melbourne, accidentally painted over another piece in 2010.

Hermès Leather Forever exhibition

Hermès celebrates its 175th anniversary with an exhibition in London at the Royal Academy Galleries. 

The show is in 12 rooms representing various leather collections, including equestrian, handbags, travel and accessories. On show are bespoke objects from the history of the company such as items commissioned by the Duke of Windsor for Wallis Simpson.

The exhibition allows fans to see some of the most stylish bags in the world,  including the two most iconic Hermès bags: the Kelly, named after Princess Grace, and the famous Birkin bag, created for Jane Birkin. At the end of the exhibition the show visits the brand’s origins as a  saddle workshop which was intended to elegantly outfit the horses in 19th-century Paris. 

Look out for the four handbags which have been specially created in celebration of the exhibition and will be auctioned for charity. 

Leather Forever is open to the public from May 8th to the 27th at The Royal Academy Galleries, 6 Burlington gardens, London W1. The exhibition is free entry to all visitors.

Heesen yachts launch Superyacht

The 47m Heesen yachts Lady Petra, boasting sophisticated exterior by Omega Architects and beautiful interior by Bannenberg & Rowell, was launched on Saturday, April 28.

This wonderful vessel offers luxurious Owner´s suite situated on the upper deck, with the guest cabins located on the lower deck, providing the Owners with full privacy while aboard.

The interior decor is inspired by the 20th Century industrial Dutch design, optical geometric studies, and shapes coming from industrial components such as formers and frames.

There is a media and games room, ideal for children, situated in the area that is normally reserved for the master cabin forward on the main deck.

During the ceremony of the launching his new superyacht, Frans Heesen took the opportunity to announce his retirement from official functions in the company that bears his name.

Louis Vuitton Launch App

Louis Vuitton is staying on trend and has launched an app - which is exclusively available on the Applestore website, and has been produced in partnership with  Les Editions de La Martinière. The application reveals 150 years of Louis Vuitton history, and explores the making of around 100 LV products.

From today, readers will be able to see the bed-trunk made for fashion designer Paul Poiret or the vanity case for Sharon Stone.

Hermes - a Leica Special Edition

Following the Leica MP ‘Edition Hermès’ (in 2003) and the Leica M7 ‘Edition Hermès’ (in 2009), this is the third in a line of premium special editions of the Leica M-System to be created in collaboration with the renowned Parisian house Hermès. The Leica M9-P ‘Edition Hermès’ is being offered as a strictly limited edition. The limited numbers, unique product design and premium finishing with numerous extras make this a truly special edition in every respect.

The first of the Leica M9-P ‘Edition Hermès’ sets will be available in May 2012, in a worldwide limited edition of 300. In addition to the camera, the set includes a silver-anodised Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens. 

This will be followed by a very special set, which will be available in June 2012. The Leica M9-P ‘Edition Hermès’ – Série Limitée Jean-Louis Dumas, in a strictly limited edition of only 100 sets, is a celebration of the friendship and collaboration between Jean-Louis Dumas, the former president of Hermès, who died in May 2010, and Leica Camera AG. The camera in this set is accompanied by three lenses: a Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/ 2 ASPH., a Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. and a

Leica APO-Summicron-M 90mm f/2 ASPH., all featuring a stunning silver-anodised finish.

Prices range from £18,000 - £36,000

Polo in the park ... coming soon!

Jodie Kidd Encourages IOC To Reinstate Polo As An Olympic Sport in

London. Former model and Polo Player Jodie Kidd along with MINT Team London Captain today petitioned the International Olympic Committee to reinstate polo as an Olympic Sport, at the launch of Mint Polo In The Park 2012.

“Polo is one of the most exciting and competitive sports on the planet,” says Kidd, “And it’s truly international: at MINT Polo In The Park, there are teams from the Middle East, America, Russia, Australia, India, and Argentina. With the Olympics coming to London this summer, I am asking to the International Olympic Committee to reinstate polo as an Olympic sport, for the benefit of players and spectators alike.”

Kidd was speaking from the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, at the Launch of MINT Polo In the Park - an annual international polo festival played at the Hurlingham Club, Fulham. At the London Olympics of 1908, Great Britain won gold in the polo tournament, which was played at The Hurlingham Club.

Today, The Hurlingham Club is the home of MINT Polo In The Park, a high-octane polo festival played over three days on the 8th, 9th and 10th of June. MINT Polo In The Park has introduced thousands of city-folk to the exciting sport of polo in the heart of London. The event has become a huge hit with Londoners: over 30,000 people attended the event last year, which has won the London Sports Attraction Of The Year Award two years running.

“The Hurlingham Club is the spiritual home of polo,” said Rory Heron, Managing Director of MINT Polo In The Park, “And it was the site of Team GB’s Olympic Polo triumph in 1908. For the past 4 years, we have brought Polo back here in the shape of MINT Polo In The Park and, with the Olympics coming to London this summer, polo has never been more popular.”

Polo was last played as an Olympic sport in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, but was not a sport in London 1948, due to economic and logistical challenges of what became known as The Austerity Games. Major David Dawnay captained Team GB at the 1936 Olympics. 

Most expensive ... Garage

We are always on the lookout for the next 'most expensive' item. Our latest find is this central London garage... Located in Knightsbridge and a stones throw from exclusive Harrods, a double garage is for sale for the huge amount of £525,000.

The garage is new to the market, a week after a  brick shed, in , north London, went on the market for  £259,950

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Belated May Day Spa Treats at LIMEWOOD

Due to the huge success of our May Day May Day £95 spa day on Monday we're extending the offer to include the 24th, 30th and 31st May! Get your body 'buff' for summer with a VOYA Walnut & Seaweed Body Buff. Enjoy all of the facilities at the Herb House Spa for the day and take home our extra special spa day gift of a 125ml Cleanse & Mend Anti-Ageing cleanser worth £23. This treatment is exclusive to Lime Wood! www.limewoodhotel.co.uk