Cyprus Chill: how to really kick back in this undiscovered corner of the Med July 8, 2016 ‘Most of what you see has been untouched for the last 40 years because of our political situation,” says my guide Yusuf, gesturing to the ruins behind him.“The embargo imposed on us by the international community after the country divided in 1974 has meant that we have been unable to excavate any of this site.” [...]
New homes on sale in London this weekend: riverside apartments from the Royal Docks to Chelsea Island July 8, 2016 Horizons, Canary Wharf From £995,000 Six two bedroom penthouses are on sale atop a 26-storey tower on Yabsley Street, close to Canary Wharf. Designed by RMA architects, they all come with underground car parking and private terraces kitted out with an outdoor kitchen and dining area, “the latest must-have feature in luxury residential living” according [...]
Focus On Croydon: Concrete jungle of Zone Five is increasingly popular with young professionals July 8, 2016 It’s a concrete jungle out there. At least, it is if you live in the London borough of Croydon. Despite birthing Kate Moss, Sir Philip Green and Tracey Emin, it’s not an area that’s known for glamour, largely due to a preponderance of outdated 1960s office blocks. Though there have been many attempts to revive [...]
The Neon Demon review: Nicolas Winding Refn’s follow-up to Gosling smash Drive is a work of haunting genius July 8, 2016 The Neon Demon is to modelling what Requiem for a Dream is to heroin. It seduces you with visions that are equal parts urban grit and starry ambition, then delivers a punch-in-the-gut verdict, summarily, “Hey, kids, drugs are all fun and games until you get your arm sawn off.” In a similarly brutal fashion, Elle [...]
Weiner review: US politician Anthony Weiner stars in the first truly Shakespearean documentary about dick pics July 8, 2016 If you’ve heard of Anthony Weiner, chances are it’s because you know him as the US politician with a penchant for sending pictures of his junk to ladies over the internet. This exceptional documentary follows him from the start of his ill-fated campaign to become Mayor of New York City, shortly after the first scandal [...]
Maggie’s Plan shoots for playful rom-com but gets snarled up in “total sociopath” territory July 8, 2016 In off-beat romantic comedy Maggie’s Plan, a half-adorable, half-infuriating woman (Greta Gerwig) who wants a baby put in her post-haste forgoes both the sweaty method and the tricky paperwork. Instead she takes receipt of a sample of gunk from a helpful old school friend turned artisan pickle salesman, before falling in love with a married [...]
Property of the Week: Agent Lurot Brand is listing this house in Boyne Terrace Mews in Holland Park under two prices – with their services or without July 8, 2016 Boyne Terrace Mews, Holland Park, £3.75m/£5.75m A rare opportunity has come onto the market in Holland Park to custom build an ideal five bedroom house with the help of an agent who’s already done all the tricky paperwork. Getting planning permission to turn this mews house in a cul-de-sac in Landsdowne Road would have been tricky [...]
Opinion: Buying agent Property Vision on the immediate winners and losers of Brexit in the London property market July 8, 2016 Following the referendum results, buyers are trying to work out what Brexit will mean for them – but I'm not sure anyone has a definitive answer to that yet. I have watched with interest the commentary from the selling agents and developers, promising a wall of dollar and euro-based cash heading for the London market. [...]
Daydreaming with Stanley Kubrick: A new Somerset House exhibition is dedicated to works inspired by the lauded film-maker July 7, 2016 The final scene in A Clockwork Orange, known as the “Ascot fantasy” sees a young woman writhe in ecstasy on top of Malcolm McDowell. Prior to the filming of the scene, director Stanley Kubrick was introduced to the girl in her trailer. “Could you, erm, drop your robe,” he asked. She did. Kubrick walked out. [...]
Eight of the best bottles of bourbon, from Hudson’s whiskey to Old Forester July 7, 2016 Bourbon is the American spirit. This is the sort of line that might be used in an advert, but it’s true – bourbon is only bourbon if it’s brewed in the USA. And for some purists, only Kentucky will do. The most well known American whiskey is Jack Daniels, which uses the same method of [...]