H Edition August 2014

The man at the centre of the universe, Professor Stephen Hawking

10 key actions to a strategically robust business

Luxury Travel aboard the Orient Express

G L O B A L P R E S E N C E W I T H L O C A L K N O W L E D G E

EDITIONAugust 2014

INVESTMENT | NEWS | CULTURE | LUXURY | LIFESTYLE

21st CENTURY PROFESSORS

“ Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change”

Stephen hawking

03- August 2014 Stephen FC.indd 1 31/07/2014 08:19

A much-anticipated night with friends.The bubbly on ice. The clinking of flutes.Conversation as zesty as the champagne you’re sharing.The gossip gets juicy. The laughter gets loud.Fresh news announced. Future plans hatched.Perfect summer evenings start with Lanson.

Crafted with care. Best enjoyed the same way.

Here’s to...

The Perfect StartThe Perfect Start

701739_Lanson_Rose_SUMMER_H_EDITION_210x297_Ad copy.pdf 1 04/07/2014 15:28

This issue, for me, is a testament to those individuals that take the time to educate us. Throughout 1000’s of years, professors have been a special kind of person, taking time away from oneself, to share their thoughts on the world and our children.

Our team took time in thinking about who we really wanted to contribute to this issue and, fortunately for us, a wonderful intern arrived by the name of Beatrice Fabris from Georgetown University, UsA, who immediately took the role in contacting professors that had inspired her.

Dr Peter Cirenza talks about ‘The institutionalisation of the Us subprime mortgage industry on page 12-13, an article which certainly gets to the point of the matter.

Professor Peter Oppenheimer was, until April 2000, Tutor in Economics (partially specialising in international finance and trade), thereafter President of the Oxford Centre for hebrew and Jewish studies, until his retirement in september 2008, shares his view on Oxford as a business on pages 14-15.

Without fail our main cover story on page 10 is dedicated to the greatest Professor of the 21st century, Professor stephen hawking, a continued vital force in world science and a legendary figure in his field.

haydn squibb, our in house features writer, shares her journey aboard the Orient Express on pages 18-19 and draws us in on how breath taking, opulent and glamorous the whole experience was from start to finish. Not bad for a 24 year old to have had this insight in to travelling on one of the greatest trains in history!

We also have the pleasure of introducing the Chairman of the British Monarchist society, Thomas Mace-Archer-Mills, to the magazine this month. Mr. Mace-Archer-Mills will be writing a monthly column in h Edition from the summer based on Royal news around the world.

i wish you a pleasant summer holiday period and look forward to seeing you all again in september when our theme is based on the Arts.

Dina Aletra, EditorTweet me @hEditionMag #August

Front cover photo: NAsA/Paul. E. AlersEditor: Dina Constance Aletra Editorial team: Rebecca Cowing, haydn squibb, Beatrice Fabris

Thanks to: Communicator World, Lanson, William Buist, Prof. Carlo Pelanda, Lucy Freeman, Dr Peter Cirenza, Prof. Peter Oppenheimer, Revolver, The British Monarchist Foundation, Bloomsbury Publishing, Jason Atherton, Mark Quirk, hamble Real Estate, hublot.

Welcome toEDITION

Welcome pp3.indd 3 24/07/2014 15:25

10

16

18

20

7 NEWS IN BRIEF

8 ThE 10 kEy acTIoNS FoR a STRaTEgIcally RoBuST BuSINESS by William Buist

10 PRoFESSoR STEPhEN haWkINg – lookINg aT ThE STaRS by Lucy Freeman

12 ThE INSTITuTIoNalISaTIoN oF ThE uS SuBPRImE moRTgagE INduSTRy by Dr Peter Cirenza

14 oXFoRd oN ThE SkIdS by Professor Peter Oppenheimer

16 REVolVER BoaTS aRE REady To lauNch ThE NEW 44gT

18 aBoaRd ThE oRIENT EXPRESS by Haydn Squibb

20 loNdoN lIVINg by Rebecca Cowing and Beatrice Fabris

22 ouTdooR ThEaTRES by Haydn Squibb

23 WElcomINg ThE BRITISh moNaRchIST FouNdaTIoN chaIRmaN

24 BuSINESS TRaVEl

26 JaSoN aThERToN by Rebecca Cowing

28 INTERVIEW WITh ThE cEo oF hamBlE gRouP gloBal – maRk QuIRk

ContentsContents

02-Contents pp5.indd 5 31/07/2014 08:10

EDITION | NEWS

Commerzbank AGGErman lender Commerzbank aG is expected to pay between £350 million and £470 million to resolve investigations into its dealings with Iran and other countries under U.S. sanctions.

The state-sponsored shipping company was designated for economic sanctions by the United States in 2008 for allegedly supporting Iran’s growth of weapons of mass destruction.

The penalty, previously reported to be more than £292 million, includes a demand from new York’s top banking regulator, Benjamin Lawsky, for more than £175 million. The issue should be resolved within the next few weeks.

Emergency Data LawsEmErGEnCY powers to ensure police and security services can continue to access phone and internet records are being rushed through Parliament.

mr Cameron defended the move in a news conference saying it was about maintaining existing capabilities and not introducing new snooping laws. It will be made legally clear that the requirements include companies based abroad, whose phone and internet services are used in the UK.

a former senior diplomat will also be appointed to work with other nations to ensure the “lawful and justified” transfer of data across borders.

mr Cameron stressed that the data being retained does not include the content of messages and phone calls – just when and who the companies’ customers called, texted and emailed.

India unveils ‘budget for growth’IndIa’s newly elected government is promising to bring back higher growth, with a budget including more scope for foreign investment, spending on infrastructure and a goods and services tax.

The finance minister also indicated there were plans to limit expensive but popular subsidies on food and fuel. India’s economy has slowed in recent years, growing by 4.7% in 2013-14.

Finance minister arun Jaitley said India’s people have been “exasperated” after two years of economic slowdown.

Global stock markets hit by Portuguese bank concerns

www.hamblegroup.com 7

SToCK markets in Europe and the US have fallen over concerns about the health of one of Portugal’s biggest banks. Shares in Banco Espirito Santo were suspended after falling 17% following concerns about accounting irregularities at its parent group.

as a result, the Lisbon stock exchange fell more than 4%. Wall Street also opened lower, with dow Jones falling 150 points. This took the index well below 17,000, the level breached for the first time earlier this month.

media reports highlighting concerns about certain financial practices at the Espirito Santo group surfaced at the end of last year. Portugal’s central bank then ordered an audit into the group’s accounts, which uncovered “serious” accounting irregularities.

The Portuguese government has said that Banco Espirito is isolated from problems at its parent, which is registered in Luxembourg, and that public finances are not at risk.

03-News in Brief pp7.indd 7 24/07/2014 15:41

www.hamblegroup.com 9www.hamblegroup.com8

Strategy is about change, a plan of action to get there and a framework for taking that action.

According to William Buist, CEO of Abelard and Founder of xTEN Club, there are 10 key activities every business should engage in if they want to have robust strategies for business development:

1 Have complete clarity about your starting position

Without knowing exactly where you are it’s not possible to plan a direction to where you want to be. Spend some time to map out clearly the current situation that you’re in; the state of the business, the business model and so on. Understand who your target market is, how you’re trying to reach them, and understand the problems that they have. This clarity will ensure your strategies are more robust and likely to succeed.

2 Marketing strategy, Part I

Identify the nature of the issues that your clients face, not in your language, but in theirs. It’s really important to understand how your market expresses its problems so that you can speak directly to that conversation with your solution.

3 Marketing strategy, Part II

Having identified the problems that you solve in the language of your customers, demonstrate how your solution will not just solve their problem, but how it can be embedded in their business so the problem does not recur. Drive directly to making their lives easier and meeting their needs precisely.

4 Marketing strategy, Part III

Consider carefully how to measure and identify which elements of your marketing are working particularly well, and which are working less well so that you can adapt, improve and test further.

5 Sales Strategy, Part I

The emphasis now shifts to sales. Identify the triggers that indicate when somebody has decided that they may wish to do business with you. Think about the behaviours that will be exhibited by a potential customer. For example, sharing articles on social media, commenting on blogs, or signing up for a newsletter all indicate greater attention on your business.

6 Sales Strategy, Part II

Don’t seek to sell to anybody who steps forward wanting your product; be selective, make sure that they are right, that the product will serve/meet their need. Otherwise there is a risk that they will consider that your product or service was poor value and they’ll share that information with others, and that will damage your reputation.

7 Sales Strategy, Part III

Design the processes that transfer the customer to the operational element of the business. Think through the steps that have to take place now that somebody has become a customer. Businesses that are seen as mediocre often fail to make this transition; expectations are high but delivery is poor and the customer immediately feels disappointed and let down.

8 Operational Strategy, Part I

The first element of an operational strategy should always reflect how customers will be handled within the business. The strategic delivery at the right time of the

The 10 Key Actions for a Strategically Robust Business

EDITION | BUSINESS

Every business needs a strategy, whether it’s a formal, written or a more ad-hoc approach, William Buist explains.

first product or service in that relationship is possibly the most important delivery that any company can make to any customer.

9 Operational Strategy, Part II

Think about how to develop the relationship with the customer so that they will advocate your service and refer other business to you. To do that, think about what drives your customers to make recommendations, and design your service to make sure that that framework exists. It’s the design of the framework that is the strategic element of what you do. Get that right it will serve you for years; get it wrong and growth is very hard.

10 Operational Strategy, Part III

Think about suppliers and partners important to successful delivery. Automating where sensible, insourcing and outsourcing the relevant elements to drive the best possible service in the context of what is expected and the reaction that you seek is key.

Strategic design of a business is tough. Every element of every strategy is linked. If the marketing changes, the sales strategies need to change. If the sales strategy

changes, the operational strategies need to change.

Markets change, customers’ needs adapt and move, technology moves on, partner opportunities change over time. It’s important to be both nimble and nuanced; nimble to change course when required quickly, nuanced by applying knowledge, skills and experience to do so brilliantly.

The most successful companies nuance the experience of their staff, leverage it to be adaptive and responsive to change, and deliver strategy as a core competence.

William Buist is owner of Abelard Management Services Ltd, and founder of the exclusive xTEN Club – an annual programme of strategic activities for small, exclusive groups of business owners. xTEN helps accelerate growth, harness opportunity, build your business and develop ideas. William is also author of two books: ‘At your fingertips’ and ‘The little book of mentoring’.

http://williambuist.com/http://abelard-uk.com/

THE Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) certainly is the most effective solution for boosting growth both

in the United States and in the EU because it will lower barriers and differences in the two markets and this will favor a general expansion of business. The language of the agreement currently in development looks very ambitious. It seems to be more similar to a “single market” treaty based on converging market standards than to a simple “free trade area”. On one hand, this possible configuration of the agreement is necessary for unleashing the full economic potential of the Atlantic convergence. On the other, its complexity might make

the negotiation process – that should be concluded by 2015 – vulnerable to delays and even to a write off. It would be wiser to adopt a more gradual approach: (a) to close as soon as possible (by 2014) a general agreement, with the format of a “platform”, formalizing the commitment for completing the TTIP; (b) to immediately activate the trade convergence in those sectors where a consensus is easier to reach; (c) to activate step by step the most controversial sectorial agreements providing them with enough time for compromises. In conclusion, the recommendation is that of not trying to close all the TTIP in one shot, but of implementing it gradually in order to avoid failure.

Prof. Carlo Pelanda, www.carlopelanda.com, is Director of the PH. D. Program in Geopolitical Economy, Marconi University, Rome, and Member of the Academic and Policy Board of the Oxford Institute for Economic Policy (OXONIA), Oxford.

A more pragmatic approach for the TTIPBy Professor Carlo Pelanda

02-William Buist pp8-9.indd All Pages 29/07/2014 14:00


Strategy is about change, a plan of action to get there and a framework for taking that action.

According to William Buist, CEO of Abelard and Founder of xTEN Club, there are 10 key activities every business should engage in if they want to have robust strategies for business development:

1 Have complete clarity about your starting position

Without knowing exactly where you are it’s not possible to plan a direction to where you want to be. Spend some time to map out clearly the current situation that you’re in; the state of the business, the business model and so on. Understand who your target market is, how you’re trying to reach them, and understand the problems that they have. This clarity will ensure your strategies are more robust and likely to succeed.

2 Marketing strategy, Part I

Identify the nature of the issues that your clients face, not in your language, but in theirs. It’s really important to understand how your market expresses its problems so that you can speak directly to that conversation with your solution.

3 Marketing strategy, Part II

Having identified the problems that you solve in the language of your customers, demonstrate how your solution will not just solve their problem, but how it can be embedded in their business so the problem does not recur. Drive directly to making their lives easier and meeting their needs precisely.

4 Marketing strategy, Part III

Consider carefully how to measure and identify which elements of your marketing are working particularly well, and which are working less well so that you can adapt, improve and test further.

5 Sales Strategy, Part I

The emphasis now shifts to sales. Identify the triggers that indicate when somebody has decided that they may wish to do business with you. Think about the behaviours that will be exhibited by a potential customer. For example, sharing articles on social media, commenting on blogs, or signing up for a newsletter all indicate greater attention on your business.

6 Sales Strategy, Part II

Don’t seek to sell to anybody who steps forward wanting your product; be selective, make sure that they are right, that the product will serve/meet their need. Otherwise there is a risk that they will consider that your product or service was poor value and they’ll share that information with others, and that will damage your reputation.

7 Sales Strategy, Part III

Design the processes that transfer the customer to the operational element of the business. Think through the steps that have to take place now that somebody has become a customer. Businesses that are seen as mediocre often fail to make this transition; expectations are high but delivery is poor and the customer immediately feels disappointed and let down.

8 Operational Strategy, Part I

The first element of an operational strategy should always reflect how customers will be handled within the business. The strategic delivery at the right time of the

The 10 Key Actions for a Strategically Robust Business

EDITION | BUSINESS

Every business needs a strategy, whether it’s a formal, written or a more ad-hoc approach, William Buist explains.

first product or service in that relationship is possibly the most important delivery that any company can make to any customer.

9 Operational Strategy, Part II

Think about how to develop the relationship with the customer so that they will advocate your service and refer other business to you. To do that, think about what drives your customers to make recommendations, and design your service to make sure that that framework exists. It’s the design of the framework that is the strategic element of what you do. Get that right it will serve you for years; get it wrong and growth is very hard.

10 Operational Strategy, Part III

Think about suppliers and partners important to successful delivery. Automating where sensible, insourcing and outsourcing the relevant elements to drive the best possible service in the context of what is expected and the reaction that you seek is key.

Strategic design of a business is tough. Every element of every strategy is linked. If the marketing changes, the sales strategies need to change. If the sales strategy

changes, the operational strategies need to change.

Markets change, customers’ needs adapt and move, technology moves on, partner opportunities change over time. It’s important to be both nimble and nuanced; nimble to change course when required quickly, nuanced by applying knowledge, skills and experience to do so brilliantly.

The most successful companies nuance the experience of their staff, leverage it to be adaptive and responsive to change, and deliver strategy as a core competence.

William Buist is owner of Abelard Management Services Ltd, and founder of the exclusive xTEN Club – an annual programme of strategic activities for small, exclusive groups of business owners. xTEN helps accelerate growth, harness opportunity, build your business and develop ideas. William is also author of two books: ‘At your fingertips’ and ‘The little book of mentoring’.

http://williambuist.com/http://abelard-uk.com/

THE Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) certainly is the most effective solution for boosting growth both

in the United States and in the EU because it will lower barriers and differences in the two markets and this will favor a general expansion of business. The language of the agreement currently in development looks very ambitious. It seems to be more similar to a “single market” treaty based on converging market standards than to a simple “free trade area”. On one hand, this possible configuration of the agreement is necessary for unleashing the full economic potential of the Atlantic convergence. On the other, its complexity might make

the negotiation process – that should be concluded by 2015 – vulnerable to delays and even to a write off. It would be wiser to adopt a more gradual approach: (a) to close as soon as possible (by 2014) a general agreement, with the format of a “platform”, formalizing the commitment for completing the TTIP; (b) to immediately activate the trade convergence in those sectors where a consensus is easier to reach; (c) to activate step by step the most controversial sectorial agreements providing them with enough time for compromises. In conclusion, the recommendation is that of not trying to close all the TTIP in one shot, but of implementing it gradually in order to avoid failure.

Prof. Carlo Pelanda, www.carlopelanda.com, is Director of the PH. D. Program in Geopolitical Economy, Marconi University, Rome, and Member of the Academic and Policy Board of the Oxford Institute for Economic Policy (OXONIA), Oxford.

A more pragmatic approach for the TTIPBy Professor Carlo Pelanda

02-William Buist pp8-9.indd All Pages 29/07/2014 14:00


EDITION | COVER STORY

Science has come out of the classroom. Projects like the Hadron collider and celebrity scientists like Professor Brian

cox have made science as likely to be discussed at the dinner party table as in the lab. The godfather of this evolution is Professor Stephen Hawking, who has been at the vanguard of accessible science for decades. His fascination with the birth of the universe and the creation of black holes allowed the public to begin to get an understanding of a complex topic that had previously remained the province of astrophysicists. Hawking’s most famous book, A Brief History of Time, made cosmology understandable to millions of readers around the world. it spent four years at the top of the Sunday Times bestseller list, has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide and been translated into more than forty languages.

English EccentricsBorn, appropriately enough on the 300th anniversary of the death of Galileo, to academically gifted but impoverished parents, both of whom were Oxford graduates themselves, Hawking’s family were regarded as ‘unusual’ locally. The ramshackle St Albans house, in which Hawking and his three siblings lived, was certainly eccentric with the family keeping bees in the cellar and making fireworks in the greenhouse. The family would drive

around in their black taxi cab and would eat dinner in total silence, each absorbed in a book. Despite his current reputation as a genius, his school career was unexceptional and at one time he was third from the bottom of his class in secondary school. At Oxford University, where he began studying cosmology because the college did not offer a mathematics degree, he estimated that he only spent an hour a day on his academic career, reserving his enthusiasm for board games, dancing and rowing.

Popular Face of ScienceAcademia and teaching followed, but it was Hawking’s discovery that radiation could escape the gravitational force of a

collapsed star that made him famous in the scientific world, earning him a fellowship of the Royal Society, the Albert einstein Award and the Pius Xi Gold Medal for Science from Pope Paul Vi. The publication of a Brief History of Time opened up his discoveries to a wider audience, and after its publication, Hawking himself became an instantly recognisable face of astrophysics, with appearances on ‘The Big Bang Theory’, ‘Star Trek: The next Generation’, ‘Late night with conan O’Brien’ and a voiceover on “Keep Talking”, a Pink Floyd song.

Success from SufferingHis celebrity has become more distinctive because of his medical condition – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. The condition became evident when he was 21, in 1963, at cambridge University. He was given two and a half years to live and he understandably entered a bout of depression, but a dream that he was about to be executed made him acknowledge that there were still things he wanted to do with his life. He had also, just a few months before diagnosis, met and fallen in love with a languages undergraduate, Jane Wilde, and married her in 1965. Hawking claims that his diagnosis spurred him on to take a greater interest in his studies, particularly the realisation that he may not live long enough to complete his PhD. “i was bored with life

before my illness,” he said. “There had not seemed to be anything worth doing.”

Technology ToolsFittingly, for a man who had devoted so much of his life to theory and cerebral adventure, like his belief in the possibility of time travel and that humans may colonise other planets in the future, his worsening condition was made more bearable by an innovative speaking programme designed by a californian software developer. Head and eye movements were used to select words which Hawking then clicked on before the chosen word was put through a speech synthesiser. Sadly now with nearly all control of his body gone, Hawking has a sensor attached to his cheek muscle which he uses instead.

His fascination with space led him to be involved in one of his most joyous experiences, a two hour weightlessness session in a modified Boeing 727 at the Kennedy Space centre. “The zero-G part was wonderful and the higher-G part was no problem,” he said. “i could have gone on and on.”

Celebrity ScienceDespite the academic nature of Hawking’s fame, he is not immune to becoming the focus of celebrity gossip. He hit the headlines in 1990 when he left his wife for elaine Mason, one of his nurses. Rumours abounded that elaine was physically abusing Hawking. in 2006 the couple divorced and Hawking began to rebuild bonds with Jane

Professor Stephen Hawking, the man at the centre of the universe.

“I was bored wIth lIfe before my Illness, there had not seemed to be anythIng worth doIng.”

and his children, writing a book on science for children with his daughter, Lucy, one of his three children with Jane.

Fear of Artificial IntelligenceHawking continues to be a vital force in world science. in one of his most recent interviews, with the independent, Hawking wrote about his fears around artificial intelligence (Ai), saying “success in creating Ai could be the biggest event in human history … it might also be the last, unless we learn how to avoid the risks … (Ai could be) … outsmarting financial markets, out-inventing human researchers, out-manipulating human leaders and developing weapons we cannot even understand.”

Life among the Stars As space travel moves closer to the realm of the everyday, this unique scientist that helped to bring us closer to the stars is best described by his mother, isobel Hawking. “Stephen always had a strong sense of wonder,” she remembered. “And i could see that the stars would draw him.”

LOOKING AT THE STARS

03-Stephen Hawkings pp10-11.indd All Pages 24/07/2014 14:54


EDITION | COVER STORY

Science has come out of the classroom. Projects like the Hadron collider and celebrity scientists like Professor Brian

cox have made science as likely to be discussed at the dinner party table as in the lab. The godfather of this evolution is Professor Stephen Hawking, who has been at the vanguard of accessible science for decades. His fascination with the birth of the universe and the creation of black holes allowed the public to begin to get an understanding of a complex topic that had previously remained the province of astrophysicists. Hawking’s most famous book, A Brief History of Time, made cosmology understandable to millions of readers around the world. it spent four years at the top of the Sunday Times bestseller list, has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide and been translated into more than forty languages.

English EccentricsBorn, appropriately enough on the 300th anniversary of the death of Galileo, to academically gifted but impoverished parents, both of whom were Oxford graduates themselves, Hawking’s family were regarded as ‘unusual’ locally. The ramshackle St Albans house, in which Hawking and his three siblings lived, was certainly eccentric with the family keeping bees in the cellar and making fireworks in the greenhouse. The family would drive

around in their black taxi cab and would eat dinner in total silence, each absorbed in a book. Despite his current reputation as a genius, his school career was unexceptional and at one time he was third from the bottom of his class in secondary school. At Oxford University, where he began studying cosmology because the college did not offer a mathematics degree, he estimated that he only spent an hour a day on his academic career, reserving his enthusiasm for board games, dancing and rowing.

Popular Face of ScienceAcademia and teaching followed, but it was Hawking’s discovery that radiation could escape the gravitational force of a

collapsed star that made him famous in the scientific world, earning him a fellowship of the Royal Society, the Albert einstein Award and the Pius Xi Gold Medal for Science from Pope Paul Vi. The publication of a Brief History of Time opened up his discoveries to a wider audience, and after its publication, Hawking himself became an instantly recognisable face of astrophysics, with appearances on ‘The Big Bang Theory’, ‘Star Trek: The next Generation’, ‘Late night with conan O’Brien’ and a voiceover on “Keep Talking”, a Pink Floyd song.

Success from SufferingHis celebrity has become more distinctive because of his medical condition – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. The condition became evident when he was 21, in 1963, at cambridge University. He was given two and a half years to live and he understandably entered a bout of depression, but a dream that he was about to be executed made him acknowledge that there were still things he wanted to do with his life. He had also, just a few months before diagnosis, met and fallen in love with a languages undergraduate, Jane Wilde, and married her in 1965. Hawking claims that his diagnosis spurred him on to take a greater interest in his studies, particularly the realisation that he may not live long enough to complete his PhD. “i was bored with life

before my illness,” he said. “There had not seemed to be anything worth doing.”

Technology ToolsFittingly, for a man who had devoted so much of his life to theory and cerebral adventure, like his belief in the possibility of time travel and that humans may colonise other planets in the future, his worsening condition was made more bearable by an innovative speaking programme designed by a californian software developer. Head and eye movements were used to select words which Hawking then clicked on before the chosen word was put through a speech synthesiser. Sadly now with nearly all control of his body gone, Hawking has a sensor attached to his cheek muscle which he uses instead.

His fascination with space led him to be involved in one of his most joyous experiences, a two hour weightlessness session in a modified Boeing 727 at the Kennedy Space centre. “The zero-G part was wonderful and the higher-G part was no problem,” he said. “i could have gone on and on.”

Celebrity ScienceDespite the academic nature of Hawking’s fame, he is not immune to becoming the focus of celebrity gossip. He hit the headlines in 1990 when he left his wife for elaine Mason, one of his nurses. Rumours abounded that elaine was physically abusing Hawking. in 2006 the couple divorced and Hawking began to rebuild bonds with Jane

Professor Stephen Hawking, the man at the centre of the universe.

“I was bored wIth lIfe before my Illness, there had not seemed to be anythIng worth doIng.”

and his children, writing a book on science for children with his daughter, Lucy, one of his three children with Jane.

Fear of Artificial IntelligenceHawking continues to be a vital force in world science. in one of his most recent interviews, with the independent, Hawking wrote about his fears around artificial intelligence (Ai), saying “success in creating Ai could be the biggest event in human history … it might also be the last, unless we learn how to avoid the risks … (Ai could be) … outsmarting financial markets, out-inventing human researchers, out-manipulating human leaders and developing weapons we cannot even understand.”

Life among the Stars As space travel moves closer to the realm of the everyday, this unique scientist that helped to bring us closer to the stars is best described by his mother, isobel Hawking. “Stephen always had a strong sense of wonder,” she remembered. “And i could see that the stars would draw him.”

LOOKING AT THE STARS

03-Stephen Hawkings pp10-11.indd All Pages 24/07/2014 14:54


The subprime mortgage crisis in the US, which began in late 2006 and led to a significant economic crisis the effects of which continue

to this day, has attracted significant attention in the media and in academic circles. however, despite this attention, the nature of this lending sector has not been fully understood. In this brief article, I will seek to shed more light on just how this sector was able to grow and then implode so spectacularly. In short, my argument consists of two elements: (1) that the subprime mortgage crisis resulted, in part, from the institutionalisation of what had previously been a niche, cyclical and relatively risky lending business, and (2) that there have been multiple, distinct cycles of subprime-related lending booms since the beginnings of this market in the 1980s. each of these cycles ended with rising delinquencies and losses, followed by the failure of many of the leading subprime lenders.

The subprime mortgage market had its birth in the 1980s, following the enactment of tax and regulatory changes that permitted a wider range of mortgage lending by US financial institutions. New mortgage products emerged which were designed either for lower quality borrowers or for homeowners looking to borrow against the value of their homes in a tax-advantaged manner. What was important about the growth of these new products is that they represented the first significant use of mortgages to systematically reduce the equity that borrowers had in their homes, and that they were made available to riskier borrowers. Another important development was the introduction

of mortgages with reduced levels of documentation. These loans were originally intended to be prime quality. however, savings and loans began to offer them to lower quality borrowers, and delinquencies and losses soon soared. Though many savings and loans failed as a result of these loan products, this form of mortgage underwriting somehow survived the savings and loan crisis of the early 1990s and was a very prominent feature of subprime lending in the 2000s. This initial push into home equity and “no doc” loans by savings and loans represented the first cycle in the subprime mortgage market’s short history.

Beginning in the mid-1990s, subprime mortgage lending became an industry in its own right. This new generation of subprime lenders were small, niche consumer loan companies who believed they had the credit skills necessary to successfully originate mortgages to high risk borrowers. Most of these lenders relied on funding from larger financial institutions.

Commercial banks provided lines of credit, and investment banks began to offer short term warehouse lines with securitisation takeouts once a critical mass of loans had been originated. But, these larger financial firms were not active lenders themselves. With the exception of consumer finance firms such as Associates, household and Beneficial, none of the other leading subprime lenders were large or well-known firms. Many of these subprime lenders eventually became public companies. The subprime market expanded from very low levels to represent approximately 10% of all mortgage originations by the late 1990s. Whereas originations had totalled just $40 billion in 1994, they had risen to $160 billion by 1999. This rapid growth was accompanied by a dramatic increase in delinquencies and losses. In addition, many of these companies had employed an aggressive form of income recognition known as gain-on-sale accounting, which left these firms with weak balance sheets. In this environment of growing delinquencies and losses, coupled with the reduced financial capacity of many lenders, investment banks began to struggle to find buyers for subprime securitisations. As securitisation volumes fell, warehouse financing also declined, leaving many subprime lenders with few options. The industry experienced a dramatic shakeout, with many firms filing for bankruptcy or being acquired by larger financial institutions who had more robust sources of financing and stronger balance sheets. This period represents the second cycle of subprime mortgage lending boom and bust – but a larger and more destructive cycle was yet to come as the industry was about to become mainstream.

Beginning in the late 1990s, major financial institutions such as Citibank, hSBC, First Union and Washington Mutual acquired existing subprime lenders. The business was clearly a risky one; yet these major financial institutions were nonetheless eager to enter or to increase their presence.

At the same time, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were under increasing political pressure to provide their guarantee and loan purchase capabilities to subprime mortgages. The Department of housing and Urban Development established a rule in 2000 under which these GSes were expected to increase their subprime business as part of their response to meeting higher affordable housing goals. Given their lower funding costs, implicit government guarantee and significant market power, it was anticipated that their entrance into the market would have a material impact on lowering mortgage rates, increasing liquidity and improving standardisation in the market. And while these GSes were not able to dominate this sector to the same degree as they did the conforming prime mortgage market, they quickly became quite active. By 2007, each of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had outstanding loan purchases or guarantees of securities backed by subprime loans in excess of $100 billion. It is clear that by the mid-2000s, the GSes had entered the subprime market and were having a sizeable impact. In addition, Wall Street firms became much more active in providing financing to the subprime industry. In part this was because many of their traditional mortgage-related clients were now active in the sector. They also saw an opportunity to expand their

mortgage finance and trading businesses as the subprime market expanded. In contrast to the 1990s when just a small number of investment banks were active in this sector, now virtually all the firms were.

With the financial backing of many of the leading financial organisations in the US, government policy encouraging home ownership and affordable housing, a non-restrictive regulatory environment for mortgage lenders, low interest rates and abundant liquidity, house prices in the US rose and the subprime mortgage sector grew rapidly. however, despite the entrance of these leading financial institutions, the subprime mortgage market remained quite risky and increasing competition led to a decline in lending standards.

As we know too well, the subprime market crashed spectacularly beginning in late 2006. Substantial losses began to appear in the financial statements of firms such as hSBC, Citigroup, Merrill Lynch, UBS, Bear Stearns and Countrywide. Few market participants were prepared for the extent of the losses that were to be realised over the next 18-24 months in this sector (and its broader impact on asset prices and financial stability). Unlike the prime mortgage market, where lenders and mortgage securities traders and investors had experienced decades of strong credit performance (with interest rate and prepayment risk being their prime concern), the subprime market had proven itself to be much more risky and cyclical in terms of credit performance. The delinquencies and losses on subprime mortgages were breath-taking, with delinquency rates rising above 10% as early as 2001, and reaching spectacular levels in 2006-7. The third

EDITION | 21st CENTURY PROFESSORS

The Institutionalisation of the US Subprime Mortgage Industry

“Beginning in the

mid-1990s, suBprime

mortgage lending

Became an industry

in its own right.”

and largest cycle in the short history of the subprime mortgage market had arrived.

As this short article has shown, subprime mortgage lending has a history of poor performance. Periods of increasing loan originations were inevitably followed by rising delinquencies and losses, and the failure of many of the leading lenders in the sector. On three separate occasions (the late 1980s, the late 1990s and the most recent crisis beginning in 2006), the subprime mortgage market exhibited all the traits of a boom and bust lending cycle. Despite that history, most of the largest financial institutions in the US (and many leading foreign firms) became actively involved in the sector, either as lenders, underwriters, guarantors or investors. The market was institutionalised by many of the most powerful financial organisations in the world. With the combined financial muscle of these firms and an increasing reliance on securitisation, the subprime business expanded dramatically in size in the 2000s. however, the poor underlying fundamentals of this sector ultimately resulted in spectacular losses to lenders, investors, banks and the broader economy.

Dr Peter Cirenza has been teaching at the London School of Economics since 2009. His research interests include migration, financial markets and institutions and business history.He has an AB degree in History and Economics from Brown University, an MBA in Finance from Columbia Business School and an MSc and PHd in Economic History from LSE.

By dr peter cirenza of the london school of economics

Dr Peter C pp12-13.indd All Pages 31/07/2014 08:08


The subprime mortgage crisis in the US, which began in late 2006 and led to a significant economic crisis the effects of which continue

to this day, has attracted significant attention in the media and in academic circles. however, despite this attention, the nature of this lending sector has not been fully understood. In this brief article, I will seek to shed more light on just how this sector was able to grow and then implode so spectacularly. In short, my argument consists of two elements: (1) that the subprime mortgage crisis resulted, in part, from the institutionalisation of what had previously been a niche, cyclical and relatively risky lending business, and (2) that there have been multiple, distinct cycles of subprime-related lending booms since the beginnings of this market in the 1980s. each of these cycles ended with rising delinquencies and losses, followed by the failure of many of the leading subprime lenders.

The subprime mortgage market had its birth in the 1980s, following the enactment of tax and regulatory changes that permitted a wider range of mortgage lending by US financial institutions. New mortgage products emerged which were designed either for lower quality borrowers or for homeowners looking to borrow against the value of their homes in a tax-advantaged manner. What was important about the growth of these new products is that they represented the first significant use of mortgages to systematically reduce the equity that borrowers had in their homes, and that they were made available to riskier borrowers. Another important development was the introduction

of mortgages with reduced levels of documentation. These loans were originally intended to be prime quality. however, savings and loans began to offer them to lower quality borrowers, and delinquencies and losses soon soared. Though many savings and loans failed as a result of these loan products, this form of mortgage underwriting somehow survived the savings and loan crisis of the early 1990s and was a very prominent feature of subprime lending in the 2000s. This initial push into home equity and “no doc” loans by savings and loans represented the first cycle in the subprime mortgage market’s short history.

Beginning in the mid-1990s, subprime mortgage lending became an industry in its own right. This new generation of subprime lenders were small, niche consumer loan companies who believed they had the credit skills necessary to successfully originate mortgages to high risk borrowers. Most of these lenders relied on funding from larger financial institutions.

Commercial banks provided lines of credit, and investment banks began to offer short term warehouse lines with securitisation takeouts once a critical mass of loans had been originated. But, these larger financial firms were not active lenders themselves. With the exception of consumer finance firms such as Associates, household and Beneficial, none of the other leading subprime lenders were large or well-known firms. Many of these subprime lenders eventually became public companies. The subprime market expanded from very low levels to represent approximately 10% of all mortgage originations by the late 1990s. Whereas originations had totalled just $40 billion in 1994, they had risen to $160 billion by 1999. This rapid growth was accompanied by a dramatic increase in delinquencies and losses. In addition, many of these companies had employed an aggressive form of income recognition known as gain-on-sale accounting, which left these firms with weak balance sheets. In this environment of growing delinquencies and losses, coupled with the reduced financial capacity of many lenders, investment banks began to struggle to find buyers for subprime securitisations. As securitisation volumes fell, warehouse financing also declined, leaving many subprime lenders with few options. The industry experienced a dramatic shakeout, with many firms filing for bankruptcy or being acquired by larger financial institutions who had more robust sources of financing and stronger balance sheets. This period represents the second cycle of subprime mortgage lending boom and bust – but a larger and more destructive cycle was yet to come as the industry was about to become mainstream.

Beginning in the late 1990s, major financial institutions such as Citibank, hSBC, First Union and Washington Mutual acquired existing subprime lenders. The business was clearly a risky one; yet these major financial institutions were nonetheless eager to enter or to increase their presence.

At the same time, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were under increasing political pressure to provide their guarantee and loan purchase capabilities to subprime mortgages. The Department of housing and Urban Development established a rule in 2000 under which these GSes were expected to increase their subprime business as part of their response to meeting higher affordable housing goals. Given their lower funding costs, implicit government guarantee and significant market power, it was anticipated that their entrance into the market would have a material impact on lowering mortgage rates, increasing liquidity and improving standardisation in the market. And while these GSes were not able to dominate this sector to the same degree as they did the conforming prime mortgage market, they quickly became quite active. By 2007, each of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had outstanding loan purchases or guarantees of securities backed by subprime loans in excess of $100 billion. It is clear that by the mid-2000s, the GSes had entered the subprime market and were having a sizeable impact. In addition, Wall Street firms became much more active in providing financing to the subprime industry. In part this was because many of their traditional mortgage-related clients were now active in the sector. They also saw an opportunity to expand their

mortgage finance and trading businesses as the subprime market expanded. In contrast to the 1990s when just a small number of investment banks were active in this sector, now virtually all the firms were.

With the financial backing of many of the leading financial organisations in the US, government policy encouraging home ownership and affordable housing, a non-restrictive regulatory environment for mortgage lenders, low interest rates and abundant liquidity, house prices in the US rose and the subprime mortgage sector grew rapidly. however, despite the entrance of these leading financial institutions, the subprime mortgage market remained quite risky and increasing competition led to a decline in lending standards.

As we know too well, the subprime market crashed spectacularly beginning in late 2006. Substantial losses began to appear in the financial statements of firms such as hSBC, Citigroup, Merrill Lynch, UBS, Bear Stearns and Countrywide. Few market participants were prepared for the extent of the losses that were to be realised over the next 18-24 months in this sector (and its broader impact on asset prices and financial stability). Unlike the prime mortgage market, where lenders and mortgage securities traders and investors had experienced decades of strong credit performance (with interest rate and prepayment risk being their prime concern), the subprime market had proven itself to be much more risky and cyclical in terms of credit performance. The delinquencies and losses on subprime mortgages were breath-taking, with delinquency rates rising above 10% as early as 2001, and reaching spectacular levels in 2006-7. The third


The Institutionalisation of the US Subprime Mortgage Industry

“Beginning in the

mid-1990s, suBprime

mortgage lending

Became an industry

in its own right.”

and largest cycle in the short history of the subprime mortgage market had arrived.

As this short article has shown, subprime mortgage lending has a history of poor performance. Periods of increasing loan originations were inevitably followed by rising delinquencies and losses, and the failure of many of the leading lenders in the sector. On three separate occasions (the late 1980s, the late 1990s and the most recent crisis beginning in 2006), the subprime mortgage market exhibited all the traits of a boom and bust lending cycle. Despite that history, most of the largest financial institutions in the US (and many leading foreign firms) became actively involved in the sector, either as lenders, underwriters, guarantors or investors. The market was institutionalised by many of the most powerful financial organisations in the world. With the combined financial muscle of these firms and an increasing reliance on securitisation, the subprime business expanded dramatically in size in the 2000s. however, the poor underlying fundamentals of this sector ultimately resulted in spectacular losses to lenders, investors, banks and the broader economy.

Dr Peter Cirenza has been teaching at the London School of Economics since 2009. His research interests include migration, financial markets and institutions and business history.He has an AB degree in History and Economics from Brown University, an MBA in Finance from Columbia Business School and an MSc and PHd in Economic History from LSE.

By dr peter cirenza of the london school of economics

Dr Peter C pp12-13.indd All Pages 31/07/2014 08:08


There is a story about the lottery winner who decided to buy himself a rolls royce. Thirty miles out of London, en route to his newly

acquired country residence, the car came disconcertingly to a halt. Pressing assorted switches yielded temperature changes, television broadcasts, and service of cocktails, but no propulsion. Investigation revealed that the car was without an engine. It had travelled thirty miles entirely on its reputation.

The anecdote contains a warning to Oxford University. The engine is not yet defunct. But it is spluttering. Individual components – colleges and faculties – continue to do a good job, not least in fundraising to endow key posts, facilities, and student bursaries. But that is insufficient to ensure the maintenance of academic priorities and standards across the University – and they have suffered erosion.

Universities are first and foremost educational bodies. They are not research institutes or think tanks. Of course, university teachers should be active scholars and researchers. But their subject teaching should be much broader than their particular research interest. Oxford’s global standing has stemmed crucially from its educational emphasis on the tutorial system, designed to induce not merely absorption of knowledge but independent critical appraisal both in writing and in oral discussion.

The undeniable danger signal is, ironically, the inflation of Oxford’s exam results. The proportion of candidates awarded Firsts (first-class honours) in undergraduate Final

examinations is now 30%, double what it was twenty years ago. Of the remaining 70%, moreover, a majority receive Upper Seconds (“2.1s”), leaving a mere rump with Lower Seconds, or (heaven forbid) Thirds.

This reflects not some startling uplift in Oxford’s educational product, but, on the contrary, creeping indifference and inattention to the examination process – both the setting of papers and the grading of scripts – by academic staff.

It in turn is both an effect and a cause of deterioration in the tutorial system: reduced pupil-contact hours, less attention to individuals, greater standardisation of work assignments, diminished academic enthusiasm from pupils (a tendency to ask “What do I need to know?” rather than wanting to know as much as possible). Part of the problem, especially in examinations, may stem from the rise

in numbers of academic staff whose native language is not english, and whose command of english does not reliably enable them to distinguish between a satisfactory script and an excellent one.

The most insidious cause, however, of Oxford’s malaise is the stranglehold that its central administration has come to exercise over the University’s affairs in the past fifteen years – aided, it must be said, by a new breed of academic enforcer (executive pro-Vice Chancellors, Division heads and their accomplices) who find pushing colleagues around more fun, and more remunerative, than teaching or research.

In the perspective of today’s administration, it alone speaks for “the University”. Its own staffing comes first. rank-and-file academics are an underclass, degree standards a formality, the colleges an irritating obstacle to efficiency. The prime function it sets itself is to prioritise cash-flow, and to brush aside inconvenient questions of strategy, such as whether Oxford should now reject the residual funding dispensed from Whitehall. Such a move would restore freedom of action on academic policy-making, including student fees and bursaries, and including also liberation from the baleful influence of the so-called research Assessment exercise and its successors, which put an unwarranted premium on academic publication and, in effect, on the neglect of teaching.

The administration’s stranglehold results in multiple distortions. Oxford has failed to live up to its declared principle of “needs-blind” admission. Instead,

applicants’ ability to pay high fees – and without requiring laboratory space or even proportionate teaching time – has been the main factor behind a growth of several thousand in postgraduate student numbers on one- or two-year taught courses, especially in the social sciences. Likewise, assorted “Schools” or Institutes have been established, not because they make any worthwhile contribution to the University’s purposes, but because they tempt wealthy donors to part with their money. This applies inter alia to Clinical Medical research, which accounts for two-thirds of the University’s boasted research income and contributes little to either undergraduate or postgraduate education.

The central administration has expanded its own staff numbers in the past fifteen years from 600 to 1400. About half of

the increase is defensible on reasonable criteria. The rest is pure misspending – amounting now to £25 or £30 million per annum - in order to facilitate the administration’s busy-bodying and profile-raising. Some of it is straightforwardly at the expense of mainstream academic posts, especially in the humanities and physical sciences.

No wonder there is widespread grass-roots cynicism about collective responsibility for the quality of the institution. Nonetheless, glimmers of hope remain. Some wealthy donors and potential donors recognise that Oxford’s overarching financial objective must be to build up its general endowment relative to the size of its student body and of its current outlays. An insufficient but plainly necessary condition for achieving this is drastically to curtail both


the autonomy and the size of the central administration, and to place it under a new version of decentralised (grass-roots and Collegiate) direction.

Professor Peter Oppenheimer was, until April 2000, Tutor in Economics (partially specialising in international finance and trade), thereafter President of the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies, until his retirement in September 2008.

For more than ten years he was Chairman of the Governors of St. Clare’s, Oxford, an international school for the 16+ age group, specialising in the International Baccalaureate.

By Professor Peter M. Oppenheimer

Oxford on the Skids

IN THE EYES OF THE

UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION

“RANK-AND-FILE ACADEMICS

ARE AN UNDERCLASS,

DEGREE STANDARDS A

FORMALITY, THE COLLEGES

AN IRRITATING OBSTACLE

TO EFFICIENCY.”

02-Peter O pp14-15.indd All Pages 31/07/2014 08:35


There is a story about the lottery winner who decided to buy himself a rolls royce. Thirty miles out of London, en route to his newly

acquired country residence, the car came disconcertingly to a halt. Pressing assorted switches yielded temperature changes, television broadcasts, and service of cocktails, but no propulsion. Investigation revealed that the car was without an engine. It had travelled thirty miles entirely on its reputation.

The anecdote contains a warning to Oxford University. The engine is not yet defunct. But it is spluttering. Individual components – colleges and faculties – continue to do a good job, not least in fundraising to endow key posts, facilities, and student bursaries. But that is insufficient to ensure the maintenance of academic priorities and standards across the University – and they have suffered erosion.

Universities are first and foremost educational bodies. They are not research institutes or think tanks. Of course, university teachers should be active scholars and researchers. But their subject teaching should be much broader than their particular research interest. Oxford’s global standing has stemmed crucially from its educational emphasis on the tutorial system, designed to induce not merely absorption of knowledge but independent critical appraisal both in writing and in oral discussion.

The undeniable danger signal is, ironically, the inflation of Oxford’s exam results. The proportion of candidates awarded Firsts (first-class honours) in undergraduate Final

examinations is now 30%, double what it was twenty years ago. Of the remaining 70%, moreover, a majority receive Upper Seconds (“2.1s”), leaving a mere rump with Lower Seconds, or (heaven forbid) Thirds.

This reflects not some startling uplift in Oxford’s educational product, but, on the contrary, creeping indifference and inattention to the examination process – both the setting of papers and the grading of scripts – by academic staff.

It in turn is both an effect and a cause of deterioration in the tutorial system: reduced pupil-contact hours, less attention to individuals, greater standardisation of work assignments, diminished academic enthusiasm from pupils (a tendency to ask “What do I need to know?” rather than wanting to know as much as possible). Part of the problem, especially in examinations, may stem from the rise

in numbers of academic staff whose native language is not english, and whose command of english does not reliably enable them to distinguish between a satisfactory script and an excellent one.

The most insidious cause, however, of Oxford’s malaise is the stranglehold that its central administration has come to exercise over the University’s affairs in the past fifteen years – aided, it must be said, by a new breed of academic enforcer (executive pro-Vice Chancellors, Division heads and their accomplices) who find pushing colleagues around more fun, and more remunerative, than teaching or research.

In the perspective of today’s administration, it alone speaks for “the University”. Its own staffing comes first. rank-and-file academics are an underclass, degree standards a formality, the colleges an irritating obstacle to efficiency. The prime function it sets itself is to prioritise cash-flow, and to brush aside inconvenient questions of strategy, such as whether Oxford should now reject the residual funding dispensed from Whitehall. Such a move would restore freedom of action on academic policy-making, including student fees and bursaries, and including also liberation from the baleful influence of the so-called research Assessment exercise and its successors, which put an unwarranted premium on academic publication and, in effect, on the neglect of teaching.

The administration’s stranglehold results in multiple distortions. Oxford has failed to live up to its declared principle of “needs-blind” admission. Instead,

applicants’ ability to pay high fees – and without requiring laboratory space or even proportionate teaching time – has been the main factor behind a growth of several thousand in postgraduate student numbers on one- or two-year taught courses, especially in the social sciences. Likewise, assorted “Schools” or Institutes have been established, not because they make any worthwhile contribution to the University’s purposes, but because they tempt wealthy donors to part with their money. This applies inter alia to Clinical Medical research, which accounts for two-thirds of the University’s boasted research income and contributes little to either undergraduate or postgraduate education.

The central administration has expanded its own staff numbers in the past fifteen years from 600 to 1400. About half of

the increase is defensible on reasonable criteria. The rest is pure misspending – amounting now to £25 or £30 million per annum - in order to facilitate the administration’s busy-bodying and profile-raising. Some of it is straightforwardly at the expense of mainstream academic posts, especially in the humanities and physical sciences.

No wonder there is widespread grass-roots cynicism about collective responsibility for the quality of the institution. Nonetheless, glimmers of hope remain. Some wealthy donors and potential donors recognise that Oxford’s overarching financial objective must be to build up its general endowment relative to the size of its student body and of its current outlays. An insufficient but plainly necessary condition for achieving this is drastically to curtail both


the autonomy and the size of the central administration, and to place it under a new version of decentralised (grass-roots and Collegiate) direction.

Professor Peter Oppenheimer was, until April 2000, Tutor in Economics (partially specialising in international finance and trade), thereafter President of the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies, until his retirement in September 2008.

For more than ten years he was Chairman of the Governors of St. Clare’s, Oxford, an international school for the 16+ age group, specialising in the International Baccalaureate.

By Professor Peter M. Oppenheimer

Oxford on the Skids

IN THE EYES OF THE

UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION

“RANK-AND-FILE ACADEMICS

ARE AN UNDERCLASS,

DEGREE STANDARDS A

FORMALITY, THE COLLEGES

AN IRRITATING OBSTACLE

TO EFFICIENCY.”

02-Peter O pp14-15.indd All Pages 31/07/2014 08:35


Revolver Boats are ready to launch a new and surprising product: the revolver 44GT. High performance and all-Italian design resulting in an innovative vessel reminiscent of the ultimate grand tourers of the automobile world. The

core concept underlying the new revolver 44GT is the idea of transferring the qualities of a grand touring car to the sea. The result is an elite, high performance vessel with exciting sporty lines, comfort and safety, and an optimal range for long crossings.

The revolver 44GT showcases a unique and revolutionary mix of “power & cruise”, under the banner of sophisticated design. It is the perfect balance of luxury, avant-garde technology, and innovation. The result is simply breath-taking! The new revolver 44GT is first and foremost a powerful, high performance boat. However, it is not a “normal” powerboat; it is an impressive display of raw power and speed, great range, functionality, and comfort. All of this has been made possible by the technical choices made by the revolver team, starting with the two Cummins diesel 550 HP engines paired with Arneson Surface Drives.

The GT has distinctive features throughout including the rear air vents with “shark” cut reminiscent of high-end cars from the 1960s and the bow with leD lights built into the protective and powerful fender rail that defines the profile. The exteriors are by Alberto Mancini of AM Yacht Design, a young but already acclaimed Italian designer who developed also the interiors and represent an evolution over the 42r designed by Michael Peters of MPYD - Michael Peters Yacht Design introducing new stylistic elements to ensure the revolver 44GT is even more innovative and cutting edge. Mancini wanted to emphasize that unmistakable dynamic quality, referencing car design in the exterior lines as well as interior details.

The separate captain and co-driver seats are custom designed with a sporty carbon look and are both comfortable and functional. The ergonomic central console between them houses the control panel, including large, latest-generation Garmin touch-screens instruments for easy and safe navigation.

Another key feature of the 44GT is air conditioning, no minor detail for a boat whose distinctive elements include a spectacular glass roof as well as a rear glass door that opens up (hiding away in the engine room). The whole operation happens wirelessly and only takes a few seconds. Below deck, in the bow area, there is a large perimetral sofa that can be converted into a double bed by folding down the table, as well as a kitchen and minibar. A surprising feature is the spacious bathroom with “rain shower” with unusually high ceilings for this class of boat.

The revolver 44GT can easily exceed a maximum speed of 50 knots in total comfort and safety. The even more surprising feature is the long range spirit of the boat; the new 44GT is able to cruise at 40 knots with low consumption: just 50lt/h per engine for an unprecedented fuel economy and low emissions.

Because of its performance and design excellence, the flagship revolver 44GT caters to demanding boat owners who appreciate aesthetic and technological beauty. Another surprise is how easy it is to drive. You don’t have to be an offshore world champion to enjoy and take full advantage of this boat’s high quality technology and performance. While the 42r sets new standards for punch, safety, and seaworthiness, the new revolver 44GT manages the difficult task of completely outdoing them.

www.revolverboats.com

EDITION | LUXURY

REVOLVER LAUNCHES THE NEW

44GT

01-Revolver yachts pp16-17.indd All Pages 29/07/2014 14:01


Revolver Boats are ready to launch a new and surprising product: the revolver 44GT. High performance and all-Italian design resulting in an innovative vessel reminiscent of the ultimate grand tourers of the automobile world. The

core concept underlying the new revolver 44GT is the idea of transferring the qualities of a grand touring car to the sea. The result is an elite, high performance vessel with exciting sporty lines, comfort and safety, and an optimal range for long crossings.

The revolver 44GT showcases a unique and revolutionary mix of “power & cruise”, under the banner of sophisticated design. It is the perfect balance of luxury, avant-garde technology, and innovation. The result is simply breath-taking! The new revolver 44GT is first and foremost a powerful, high performance boat. However, it is not a “normal” powerboat; it is an impressive display of raw power and speed, great range, functionality, and comfort. All of this has been made possible by the technical choices made by the revolver team, starting with the two Cummins diesel 550 HP engines paired with Arneson Surface Drives.

The GT has distinctive features throughout including the rear air vents with “shark” cut reminiscent of high-end cars from the 1960s and the bow with leD lights built into the protective and powerful fender rail that defines the profile. The exteriors are by Alberto Mancini of AM Yacht Design, a young but already acclaimed Italian designer who developed also the interiors and represent an evolution over the 42r designed by Michael Peters of MPYD - Michael Peters Yacht Design introducing new stylistic elements to ensure the revolver 44GT is even more innovative and cutting edge. Mancini wanted to emphasize that unmistakable dynamic quality, referencing car design in the exterior lines as well as interior details.

The separate captain and co-driver seats are custom designed with a sporty carbon look and are both comfortable and functional. The ergonomic central console between them houses the control panel, including large, latest-generation Garmin touch-screens instruments for easy and safe navigation.

Another key feature of the 44GT is air conditioning, no minor detail for a boat whose distinctive elements include a spectacular glass roof as well as a rear glass door that opens up (hiding away in the engine room). The whole operation happens wirelessly and only takes a few seconds. Below deck, in the bow area, there is a large perimetral sofa that can be converted into a double bed by folding down the table, as well as a kitchen and minibar. A surprising feature is the spacious bathroom with “rain shower” with unusually high ceilings for this class of boat.

The revolver 44GT can easily exceed a maximum speed of 50 knots in total comfort and safety. The even more surprising feature is the long range spirit of the boat; the new 44GT is able to cruise at 40 knots with low consumption: just 50lt/h per engine for an unprecedented fuel economy and low emissions.

Because of its performance and design excellence, the flagship revolver 44GT caters to demanding boat owners who appreciate aesthetic and technological beauty. Another surprise is how easy it is to drive. You don’t have to be an offshore world champion to enjoy and take full advantage of this boat’s high quality technology and performance. While the 42r sets new standards for punch, safety, and seaworthiness, the new revolver 44GT manages the difficult task of completely outdoing them.

www.revolverboats.com

EDITION | LUXURY

REVOLVER LAUNCHES THE NEW

44GT

01-Revolver yachts pp16-17.indd All Pages 29/07/2014 14:01

the comfiest I’ve ever sat on, and the staff couldn’t help but create a sense of sleek perfection – as if they were playing guard to the very idea of luxury transport itself. The interior décor throughout, made up in authentic 1920’s style, has an air of mystery about it – the sort that forges folklore as charming guests meet and greet over champagne. I for one expected Hercule Poirot to appear at any second.

Indeed, it doesn’t take long to realise how incredible this legendary steam train is; seventeen carriages, three restaurants, one bar cart, and a variety of single and double cabins deliver a spatial passage that is just over a quarter mile long. It was certainly in need of exploring to find the Bar Car, the environs of which we would be sitting down in for the much awaited evening affair. Dressed in our glad rags (the Orient Express really does call to mind the myriad beads, feather boas and exotic gowns of this season’s 20s Great Gatsby-inspired trend), we made our way down to dine in “true style and glamour”. Prepared by the train’s highly skilled French chefs, and rolling through amorous countryside at twilight, dinner was dinner as never before; the finest ingredients were taken on-board during the journey, and each of our four courses was exquisite. It all began with Alaskan Crab with Soya Dressing, Avocado Tartare and Wasabi Mayonnaise, followed by an outstanding Grilled Charolaise beef with sun dried tomato Béarnaise sauce, small belly peppers filled with Ratatouille, and fondant potato. Then came the finest cheese board imaginable (you wouldn’t expect less in France), before all us serious gourmands yelped with delight at the prospect of iced confit apricot soufflé flavoured with pistachios.

Before we reached the centre of Paris, there was some good drinking to be done. The Bar Car, stocked full of champagne (approximately 1,700 bottles are served in a season) and flavoursome cocktails, was the centre of conversation, which did flow with excitement and tales of what was still to come for some. As the horizon moved towards the windows and the streetlights made their salute, we knew it was time to pick up our bags and lose ourselves in the depths of Paris’ Arrondissements, leaving the Venice-Simplon dream firmly behind.

It is enough of a testament to this beautifully moving journey that I didn’t for one moment want the day to come to an end, even after our perfectly stylish arrival in the City of Light.

www.belmond.com/venice-simplon-orient-express/

HERE’s how it all begins. After a manic rush through London Victoria station to find Platform One, not an easy task when wearing wedges, carrying a large bag and charged with excitement, you are finally

confronted with the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express check in desk. Here, one is smoothly and effortlessly transported to a world of luxury, glamour and classic nostalgia (or so the saying goes).

And here’s how the thought process starts; “Now I’ve heard all about luxury travel, but surely this is too much…after all, we’re only going to Paris…” But thoughts are just thoughts. Quickly, my bags were taken from me (nothing like travelling light), to meet me upon arrival in Calais where the Venice-Simplon would start its journey proper. Before that, the Simplon’s sister train would carry me as far as the sea in ultimate luxury (that word again). Seated in vintage carriages, the idea that one is in a fairy tale novel springs to mind, the service flowing steadily as excited chatter whispers through the locomotive. It is outside, however, that the real spectacle lies; stunning countryside and Kent’s idyllic coastline fly past in technicolour as lunch is served, first the Prosecco and the coffee, then the fresh fruit, muffins, scrambled eggs, salmon, mushrooms and finally the caviar. The carriage in which we enjoyed this feast was once patronised by none other than the great Winston Churchill – a telling reminder of its fine history, we thought, as a very gourmet apricot tart was finished off with aplomb.

By the time your stomach is lined properly, and the memory of old Albion flits by in waves and sands and shadows, it’s time to step across the pond in readiness to board the world’s most romantic train. Stepping off The British Pullman, a brass band fired up, and we toasted the southerly journey to Calais with more drink and more fun. At Calais, the beauty of the art-deco locomotive was quite in sync with the costumed porters, and the finely attired guests who stepped on gave good indication of the finery we were expected to find en-route to Paris.

4080 hours are spent each year by the team ensuring cabins are kept in theme with the passing hours – night to day and day to night – equating to an incredible amount of service that is easily discerned on entering a room quite divine in its detail. And so, with all these facts and figures in mind, it wasn’t long before my bag was with me and my glass was filled with Prosecco. Looking around, I noted that the hidden miniature bathroom was well equipped, the sofa was perhaps

ORIENT EXPRESSBy Haydn Squibb

Venice-Simplon

www.hamblegroup.com18 www.hamblegroup.com 19

07-Orient Express pp18-19.indd All Pages 29/07/2014 14:02

the comfiest I’ve ever sat on, and the staff couldn’t help but create a sense of sleek perfection – as if they were playing guard to the very idea of luxury transport itself. The interior décor throughout, made up in authentic 1920’s style, has an air of mystery about it – the sort that forges folklore as charming guests meet and greet over champagne. I for one expected Hercule Poirot to appear at any second.

Indeed, it doesn’t take long to realise how incredible this legendary steam train is; seventeen carriages, three restaurants, one bar cart, and a variety of single and double cabins deliver a spatial passage that is just over a quarter mile long. It was certainly in need of exploring to find the Bar Car, the environs of which we would be sitting down in for the much awaited evening affair. Dressed in our glad rags (the Orient Express really does call to mind the myriad beads, feather boas and exotic gowns of this season’s 20s Great Gatsby-inspired trend), we made our way down to dine in “true style and glamour”. Prepared by the train’s highly skilled French chefs, and rolling through amorous countryside at twilight, dinner was dinner as never before; the finest ingredients were taken on-board during the journey, and each of our four courses was exquisite. It all began with Alaskan Crab with Soya Dressing, Avocado Tartare and Wasabi Mayonnaise, followed by an outstanding Grilled Charolaise beef with sun dried tomato Béarnaise sauce, small belly peppers filled with Ratatouille, and fondant potato. Then came the finest cheese board imaginable (you wouldn’t expect less in France), before all us serious gourmands yelped with delight at the prospect of iced confit apricot soufflé flavoured with pistachios.

Before we reached the centre of Paris, there was some good drinking to be done. The Bar Car, stocked full of champagne (approximately 1,700 bottles are served in a season) and flavoursome cocktails, was the centre of conversation, which did flow with excitement and tales of what was still to come for some. As the horizon moved towards the windows and the streetlights made their salute, we knew it was time to pick up our bags and lose ourselves in the depths of Paris’ Arrondissements, leaving the Venice-Simplon dream firmly behind.

It is enough of a testament to this beautifully moving journey that I didn’t for one moment want the day to come to an end, even after our perfectly stylish arrival in the City of Light.

www.belmond.com/venice-simplon-orient-express/

HERE’s how it all begins. After a manic rush through London Victoria station to find Platform One, not an easy task when wearing wedges, carrying a large bag and charged with excitement, you are finally

confronted with the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express check in desk. Here, one is smoothly and effortlessly transported to a world of luxury, glamour and classic nostalgia (or so the saying goes).

And here’s how the thought process starts; “Now I’ve heard all about luxury travel, but surely this is too much…after all, we’re only going to Paris…” But thoughts are just thoughts. Quickly, my bags were taken from me (nothing like travelling light), to meet me upon arrival in Calais where the Venice-Simplon would start its journey proper. Before that, the Simplon’s sister train would carry me as far as the sea in ultimate luxury (that word again). Seated in vintage carriages, the idea that one is in a fairy tale novel springs to mind, the service flowing steadily as excited chatter whispers through the locomotive. It is outside, however, that the real spectacle lies; stunning countryside and Kent’s idyllic coastline fly past in technicolour as lunch is served, first the Prosecco and the coffee, then the fresh fruit, muffins, scrambled eggs, salmon, mushrooms and finally the caviar. The carriage in which we enjoyed this feast was once patronised by none other than the great Winston Churchill – a telling reminder of its fine history, we thought, as a very gourmet apricot tart was finished off with aplomb.

By the time your stomach is lined properly, and the memory of old Albion flits by in waves and sands and shadows, it’s time to step across the pond in readiness to board the world’s most romantic train. Stepping off The British Pullman, a brass band fired up, and we toasted the southerly journey to Calais with more drink and more fun. At Calais, the beauty of the art-deco locomotive was quite in sync with the costumed porters, and the finely attired guests who stepped on gave good indication of the finery we were expected to find en-route to Paris.

4080 hours are spent each year by the team ensuring cabins are kept in theme with the passing hours – night to day and day to night – equating to an incredible amount of service that is easily discerned on entering a room quite divine in its detail. And so, with all these facts and figures in mind, it wasn’t long before my bag was with me and my glass was filled with Prosecco. Looking around, I noted that the hidden miniature bathroom was well equipped, the sofa was perhaps

ORIENT EXPRESSBy Haydn Squibb

Venice-Simplon

www.hamblegroup.com18 www.hamblegroup.com 19

07-Orient Express pp18-19.indd All Pages 29/07/2014 14:02


Where to Eat

Hawksmoor knigHtsbridge

Recently opened in Knightsbridge, Huw Gott and Will Beckett boast delicious steaks, Cocktails, and old school glamour.

“It’s Art-deco style, very glamorous and very beautiful.” – Jason Atherton

3 Yeoman’s Row, Chelsea, SW3 2AL

City soCial Having opened just within the last few

months, City Social’s breath-taking views, chic ambiance, and live jazz is bound to

create a memorable night.

Tower 42, Level 24, 25 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1HQ

Where to stay

CHarlotte street Hotel

Sister hotel to the Covent Garden Hotel, the Charlotte Street Hotel is located just

north of Soho, in Fitzrovia. The hotel, owned by Firmdale Holdings, has 52

individually designed rooms including loft and penthouse suites decorated in contemporary English country-

house style

15 Charlotte Street, W1

Hotel XeniaThis luxury boutique hotel is situated in

the heart of London’s South Kensington. Hotel’s Xenia’s attention to detail (including blossoming fresh herbs in every room and delicious cocktails) is perfect for a tranquil moment away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Don’t forget to check out the

exclusive rooftop terrace that has beautiful views of Hyde Park, The Shard, and the

London Eye.

160 Cromwell Road, SW5 0TL

Film4 summer sCreen at somerset House

Cinema lovers are in for a treat this summer with the return of this spectacular open

air film event. Expect new and classic film screenings, special insights into the films with actors and directors and live music.

Dates: 7th-20th August Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA

Canary wHarF Jazz Festival

Experience dynamic and fun jazz performances from award winning musicians in the heart of London’s

business district.

Dates: 15th-17th August Canada Square Park, Canada Square, Tower

Hamlets, E14 5AX

roundHouse summer sessions

Experience live music, dance, cinema, and comedy with this multi-arts festival.

Look out for a live-scoring of Paul Thomas Anderson’s film There Will Be Blood by the

London Contemporary Orchestra.

Dates: 24th July-24th August Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH

virginia woolF at tHe national Portrait

galleryCelebrating one of the most important

writers of the twentieth century, this extensive exhibition contains distinctive

portraits, rare archival material and explores Woolf’s life and vision.

Dates: 10th July-26th October St Martin’s Place, WC2H 0HE

September Early Birds Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta

Up to fifty ships will be brought to the largest Tall Ship event London has seen in

twenty-five years.

Dates: 5th-9th September Greenwich Pier, Cutty Sark Gardens, SE10 9HT

PunisHment witHout revenge

Performed in Castilian Spanish, expect a strong performance of Lope de Vega’s

classic.

Dates: 1st-6th September Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk,

Bankside, SE1 9DT

last nigHt oF tHe Proms 2014

Classical music Lovers cannot miss out on what will undoubtedly be a grand finale.

Dates: 13th September Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP

100 PerCent designExpect over 400 exhibits full of leading

architects and interior designers.

Dates: 17th-20th September Earls Court Exhibition Centre, Warwick Road,

Earls Court, SW5 9TA

EDITION | LONDON LIVING August Early Birds

eid FestivalThe Mayor of London organises music and festivities to celebrate the end of Ramadan

Dates: 2nd August Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN

king leaH Don’t miss one of Shakespeare’s darkest

classics King Leah

Dates: 6th-9th August 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT

Events this month

buCkingHam PalaCe summer oPening

Admire this exquisite royal residence. Visitors are granted access to nineteen State rooms that are still in use and decorated with the

finest English artwork and furniture.

Dates: 2nd August-28th September Buckingham Palace Road, SW1A 1AA

swan lake at tHe royal oPera House

Held in the beautiful Royal Opera House in central London, make sure not to miss out on the Mariinsky Ballet’s spellbinding

production of Konstantin Sergeyev‘s Swan Lake. A beautiful production of

Tchaikovsky’s classic romantic masterpiece.

Dates: 1st-14th August Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD

LONDON LIFELiving the

By Rebecca Cowing and Beatrice Fabris

02-London Life pp20-21.indd All Pages 24/07/2014 14:44


Where to Eat

Hawksmoor knigHtsbridge

Recently opened in Knightsbridge, Huw Gott and Will Beckett boast delicious steaks, Cocktails, and old school glamour.

“It’s Art-deco style, very glamorous and very beautiful.” – Jason Atherton

3 Yeoman’s Row, Chelsea, SW3 2AL

City soCial Having opened just within the last few

months, City Social’s breath-taking views, chic ambiance, and live jazz is bound to

create a memorable night.

Tower 42, Level 24, 25 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1HQ

Where to stay

CHarlotte street Hotel

Sister hotel to the Covent Garden Hotel, the Charlotte Street Hotel is located just

north of Soho, in Fitzrovia. The hotel, owned by Firmdale Holdings, has 52

individually designed rooms including loft and penthouse suites decorated in contemporary English country-

house style

15 Charlotte Street, W1

Hotel XeniaThis luxury boutique hotel is situated in

the heart of London’s South Kensington. Hotel’s Xenia’s attention to detail (including blossoming fresh herbs in every room and delicious cocktails) is perfect for a tranquil moment away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Don’t forget to check out the

exclusive rooftop terrace that has beautiful views of Hyde Park, The Shard, and the

London Eye.

160 Cromwell Road, SW5 0TL

Film4 summer sCreen at somerset House

Cinema lovers are in for a treat this summer with the return of this spectacular open

air film event. Expect new and classic film screenings, special insights into the films with actors and directors and live music.

Dates: 7th-20th August Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA

Canary wHarF Jazz Festival

Experience dynamic and fun jazz performances from award winning musicians in the heart of London’s

business district.

Dates: 15th-17th August Canada Square Park, Canada Square, Tower

Hamlets, E14 5AX

roundHouse summer sessions

Experience live music, dance, cinema, and comedy with this multi-arts festival.

Look out for a live-scoring of Paul Thomas Anderson’s film There Will Be Blood by the

London Contemporary Orchestra.

Dates: 24th July-24th August Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH

virginia woolF at tHe national Portrait

galleryCelebrating one of the most important

writers of the twentieth century, this extensive exhibition contains distinctive

portraits, rare archival material and explores Woolf’s life and vision.

Dates: 10th July-26th October St Martin’s Place, WC2H 0HE

September Early Birds Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta

Up to fifty ships will be brought to the largest Tall Ship event London has seen in

twenty-five years.

Dates: 5th-9th September Greenwich Pier, Cutty Sark Gardens, SE10 9HT

PunisHment witHout revenge

Performed in Castilian Spanish, expect a strong performance of Lope de Vega’s

classic.

Dates: 1st-6th September Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk,

Bankside, SE1 9DT

last nigHt oF tHe Proms 2014

Classical music Lovers cannot miss out on what will undoubtedly be a grand finale.

Dates: 13th September Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP

100 PerCent designExpect over 400 exhibits full of leading

architects and interior designers.

Dates: 17th-20th September Earls Court Exhibition Centre, Warwick Road,

Earls Court, SW5 9TA

EDITION | LONDON LIVING August Early Birds

eid FestivalThe Mayor of London organises music and festivities to celebrate the end of Ramadan

Dates: 2nd August Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN

king leaH Don’t miss one of Shakespeare’s darkest

classics King Leah

Dates: 6th-9th August 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT

Events this month

buCkingHam PalaCe summer oPening

Admire this exquisite royal residence. Visitors are granted access to nineteen State rooms that are still in use and decorated with the

finest English artwork and furniture.

Dates: 2nd August-28th September Buckingham Palace Road, SW1A 1AA

swan lake at tHe royal oPera House

Held in the beautiful Royal Opera House in central London, make sure not to miss out on the Mariinsky Ballet’s spellbinding

production of Konstantin Sergeyev‘s Swan Lake. A beautiful production of

Tchaikovsky’s classic romantic masterpiece.

Dates: 1st-14th August Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD

LONDON LIFELiving the

By Rebecca Cowing and Beatrice Fabris

02-London Life pp20-21.indd All Pages 24/07/2014 14:44

www.hamblegroup.com22

Grosvenor Park Open Air TheatreGrosvenor Park Open Air Theatre will be showcasing A Comedy of Errors, Macbeth and The Secret Garden until 24th August on alternative dates.

Now in its fifth year, the season, set to run for 8 weeks, opens with Shakespeare’s infamous Macbeth but if you’re looking for something slightly more light hearted then opt for the fantastic rendition of The Secret Garden. It’s the perfect production to accompany a picnic, as is A Comedy of Errors. If you’re looking for a special evening out then opt for the VIP Packages that include a bottle of Prosecco and sharing picnic for two.

www.grosvenorparkopenairtheatre.co.uk for tickets.

Royal Opera HouseThe Royal Opera House have teamed up with BP to bring you BP Big Screens, a unique experience projected on large screen in 21 different locations around the UK, including London’s Trafalgar Square showcasing Lat traviata, La boheme and Rigoletto until 17th September. Each screening will bring exclusive backstage films, competitions and the best performances live for the public to enjoy.

If you’ve never been to an opera before, this is the ideal place to start by enjoying Puccini’s La boheme, a winter’s tale of bohemian artists living in squalor in Paris in the 1830s. For a more up market representation of Parisian living, opt for Verdi’s La traviata, a voyeuristic look at the life of a Parisian courtesan. If you’re a Verdi fan then be sure to catch Rigoletto, a bloody and revengeful tale of the corruption of innocence.

www.roh.org.uk/about/bp-big-screens for more information.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (pictured below) will be showcasing Anthony & Cleopatra, King Lear, Doctor Scroggy’s War and Pitcairn until the end of September.

The Globe Theatre is a must for Shakepeare fans and this summer has a

vast array of performances suited to all tastes. Standing tickets start from £5 or seats are available under the shelter. The Globe is certainly one of your safer outdoor theatre options to shy away from the rain should the sun not be out.

You can take in your own drinks in plastic bottles or containers but the Globe’s Swan Bar shouldn’t be missed out on.

www.shakespearesglobe.com/theatre/whats-on

Regent’s Park Open Air TheatreRegent’s Park famous Open Air Theatre returns until the 13th September with performances of To Kill A Mocking Bird and Hobson’s Choice Porgy and Bess.

This is a must-do summer event as experiencing theatre in this truly idyllic setting is something everyone should experience. Go early for an outdoor BBQ or a picnic on a blanket with a bottle of wine while you enjoy the great British Summer! Opt for an evening show as watching the drama unfold while the sun sets would be a hard act to follow.

www.openairtheatre.com

By Haydn Squibb

L O N D O N ’ SOpen Air Theatres

03-Outdoor Theatres pp22.indd 22 23/07/2014 08:54


Grosvenor Park Open Air TheatreGrosvenor Park Open Air Theatre will be showcasing A Comedy of Errors, Macbeth and The Secret Garden until 24th August on alternative dates.

Now in its fifth year, the season, set to run for 8 weeks, opens with Shakespeare’s infamous Macbeth but if you’re looking for something slightly more light hearted then opt for the fantastic rendition of The Secret Garden. It’s the perfect production to accompany a picnic, as is A Comedy of Errors. If you’re looking for a special evening out then opt for the VIP Packages that include a bottle of Prosecco and sharing picnic for two.

www.grosvenorparkopenairtheatre.co.uk for tickets.

Royal Opera HouseThe Royal Opera House have teamed up with BP to bring you BP Big Screens, a unique experience projected on large screen in 21 different locations around the UK, including London’s Trafalgar Square showcasing Lat traviata, La boheme and Rigoletto until 17th September. Each screening will bring exclusive backstage films, competitions and the best performances live for the public to enjoy.

If you’ve never been to an opera before, this is the ideal place to start by enjoying Puccini’s La boheme, a winter’s tale of bohemian artists living in squalor in Paris in the 1830s. For a more up market representation of Parisian living, opt for Verdi’s La traviata, a voyeuristic look at the life of a Parisian courtesan. If you’re a Verdi fan then be sure to catch Rigoletto, a bloody and revengeful tale of the corruption of innocence.

www.roh.org.uk/about/bp-big-screens for more information.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (pictured below) will be showcasing Anthony & Cleopatra, King Lear, Doctor Scroggy’s War and Pitcairn until the end of September.

The Globe Theatre is a must for Shakepeare fans and this summer has a

vast array of performances suited to all tastes. Standing tickets start from £5 or seats are available under the shelter. The Globe is certainly one of your safer outdoor theatre options to shy away from the rain should the sun not be out.

You can take in your own drinks in plastic bottles or containers but the Globe’s Swan Bar shouldn’t be missed out on.

www.shakespearesglobe.com/theatre/whats-on

Regent’s Park Open Air TheatreRegent’s Park famous Open Air Theatre returns until the 13th September with performances of To Kill A Mocking Bird and Hobson’s Choice Porgy and Bess.

This is a must-do summer event as experiencing theatre in this truly idyllic setting is something everyone should experience. Go early for an outdoor BBQ or a picnic on a blanket with a bottle of wine while you enjoy the great British Summer! Opt for an evening show as watching the drama unfold while the sun sets would be a hard act to follow.

www.openairtheatre.com

By Haydn Squibb

L O N D O N ’ SOpen Air Theatres

03-Outdoor Theatres pp22.indd 22 23/07/2014 08:54

www.hamblegroup.com 23

The British Monarchist brand is growing as a name, growing as a movement and welcoming many new members and patrons alike into the cause to “Support Tradition, Promote Heritage and Defend the Crown”. In subscribing to this mentality we are able to cumulatively make a great contribution to the lasting legacy of the Monarchy on behalf of the people of this great nation. In our desire to further promote the work of the Crown, the British Monarchist Foundation has been conceived and launched to help meet the needs of growing British and international charities which matter to the people of not only the United Kingdom, but the world.

Many charities are championed by Her Majesty and the Royal family, to which duty, commitment and a lasting legacy for future generations, is what the British Monarchist Foundation strives to build on with our support of those in need. As charity has always been at the forefront of our cause, the British Monarchist Society has now become a subsidiary of the British Monarchist Foundation, which will allow money raised from our commercial enterprising within the British Monarchist Society to be donated directly into our own foundation – the British Monarchist Foundation. You can become involved in making a difference for Crown and Country by becoming a member of the British Monarchist Foundation*. In launching the Foundation, we have devised four new levels of membership, which makes membership affordable and attractive to all financial positions. Each tier of membership allows supporters to choose their level of interaction with the Foundation, based on the tier of membership they purchase.

*Existing members of the British Monarchist Society will automatically become members of the Foundation, to which renewal will be directly into the British Monarchist Foundation.

Our introductory Pearl membership is a superb way to become involved with the Foundation at an entry level priced at just £14.99 per year, which gives you access to the British Monarchist Foundation, news and our quarterly magazine.

We also offer Sapphire and Ruby membership tiers (further details on our website), to which our Black Diamond Membership (invite only) will be an exclusive ticket into a Royal calendar of events and offers.

In 2015, Her Majesty will celebrate another historic milestone which sees her become the longest reigning Sovereign in British history, overtaking Queen Victoria for this coveted title. In marking this unique and historic event, now is the best time to launch such a promising and helpful endeavour as the British Monarchist Foundation. We look forward to welcoming you to our ever growing family in the near future. For further information on the benefits of membership in the British Monarchist Foundation, please visit www.britishmonarchistfoundation.org.uk

“God Save The Queen”

Yours sincerely,

Thomas Mace-Archer-Mills Chairman, British Monarchist Foundation and Society

Tweet us @monarchysociety

As Chairman of the British Monarchist Society I would like to warmly welcome you to our first page in H Edition magazine, a soon to become permanent feature where you can be kept up to date on

all of our news, charity work and, of course, the British Monarchy.

04-BMS Welcome pp23.indd 23 24/07/2014 15:33


EDITION | TRAVEL

Where to eatMasaJapanese cuisine

Treat yourself to a sublime experience at this exclusive Japanese restaurant. Chef Masa’s no menu experience is the epitomy of deliciousness and luxury; expect 2 hours of an incomparable omakase evening.

10 Columbus Circle, Time Warner Center, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10019

Where to Stay The WesThouse hoTel This beautiful luxury hotel is located in the heart of Manhattan. A walking distance from Central Park, Times Square and the business district, The Westhouse Hotel is a mixture of sophistication and modernity. Designed by the highly acclaimed Jeffrey Beers International, expect the highest level of amenities and service with scenic and elegant architecture.

201 W 55th st, New York, NY 10019, united states

What to doalibis: sigMar Polke 1963-2010Don’t miss out on closing days of this Sigmar Polke exhibition. This comprehensive retrospective showcases a variety of mediums of the German artist’s best work.

1-3 august, Museum of Modern art, 11 West 53 street, New York, NY 100

kiNg leahFeaturing King Leah, one of Shakespeare’s classics right in the heart of Manhattan, experience one of New York’s most treasured summer traditions

1-17 august, Delacorte Theater, Central Park at 81st street

MosTlY MozarT FesTival orChesTra With a range of dynamic and classic pieces from Mozart, Beetoven, Osmo Vänskä and Yuja Wang, the Lincoln Center presents outstanding performances by stupendous worldwide conductors.

July 25-august 23, lincoln Center, 10 lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, united states

NEW YORK

Where to eatal MaharaSeafood – À la carte cuisine

Al Mahara, ‘The Oyster Shell’ in Arabic, doesn’t just tantalise your palate; it’s a dining experience that will stimulate all your senses. The stunning floor to ceiling aquarium inside the restaurant sets the scene for a meal where only the best will do.

burj al arab, Dubai, united arab emirates

Where to StayDar al MasYaF aT MaDiNaT JuMeirahAmazing hotel with five star service, the entire resort of Madinat Jumeirah offers everything you need for both a fun and relaxing holiday.

al sufouh road, Madinat Jumeirah resort, Dubai 75157, united arab emirates

What to doDolPhiN baYDolphin Bay in Dubai is one of the world’s largest and most sophisticated dolphin habitats in the world. Here you can select from a range of dolphin interactions suitable for all ages and swimming abilities.

Crescent road Palm Jumeirah, atlantis The Palm, Dubai, united arab emirates

Dubai MariNa YaChT ClubEnjoy beautiful views over the marina whilst enjoying the live music on offer. The seafood as expected is also a must have.

street h, District 4, Dubai, united arab emirates

MiraCle garDeNDubai Miracle Garden is the most beautiful and biggest natural flower garden in the world. Fresh flower in the middle of the desert just shows you the beauty that Dubai has to offer.

Dubailand, al barsha, Dubai, united arab emirates

DUBAI

Where to eatle louis Xv – alaiN DuCasseFrench cuisine

A pure cuisine which turns simple into good. Real taste is returned to its truth, without any superfluous ingredient. Inspired by the Salon de la Paix at the Château de Versailles, the room majestically imposes itself: antique mirrors, Crystal chandeliers, bronzes, marble, and frescoes... Romantic elegance, refined timeless décor.

hotel de Paris, Place du Casino, Monte-Carlo 98000, Monaco

Where to StayhoTel MeTroPole MoNTe-CarloThe Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo is a modern, illustrious hotel, blending a glorious past with a Mediterranean freshness.

4 avenue de la Madonne, Monaco Cedex, b.P. 19, MC 98007 Monaco

What to doMuseo oCeaNograFiCoBoasting world-renowned expertise, the Museum presents more than 6000 specimens in their faithfully reconstructed natural habitat. Come and discover the amazing species of the Mediterranean, the incredible diversity of the inhabitants of the coral reef and the monumental Shark Lagoon, all under the same roof.

av. st-Martin, Monte-Carlo, Monaco

JarDiN eXoTiqueThe Exotic Garden of Monaco has managed to stay unique in its genre since it opened to the public in 1933. It brings together a wide variety of plants known as ‘succulents’ in outstanding open-air surroundings.

62 boulevard du Jardin exotique

The CasiNo, MoNTe CarloMonte-Carlo has been a legend for almost 150 years, and its Casino has been a cornerstone in its legendary success. Its architecture, history and the people who came here to gamble have all played their part in making the Casino de Monte-Carlo a myth in the eyes of the entire world...

Casino de Monte-Carlo, Place du Casino, MC 98000 Principauté de Monaco

MONACO

Where to eatequiNoX resTauraNTEuropean cuisine

Make sure to book a table by the window, when the lights show in front of Marina Bay the view is sublime. The food was exquisite, the service is amazing.

2 stamford road, level 70, equinox Complex, swissôtel The stamford, singapore 178882

Where to StaysoFiTel so hoTel Expect the unexpected when stepping through the doors of Sofitel So Singapore’s heritage building. Pioneering design and service await at Singapore’s top luxury boutique hotel, where timeless French elegance blends with modern Singapore chic, with special touches from fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld.

35 robinson road, 068876, singapore

What to dosiNgaPore garDeN FesTival 2014Singapore goes into full bloom this August with the grandest gardens and finest floral displays. Singapore Garden Festival 2014 returns to town as a must-see event on the international horticultural calendar..

16-24 aug, gardens by the bay, 18 Marina gardens Drive, singapore 018953

esPlaNaDe, TheaTres oN The baYDon’t miss the free performances at the Outdoor Theatre. The breath-taking view of Marina Bay, Be sure to visit the rooftop terrace so you can fully take in the beauty of your surroundings.

1 esplanade Drive, singapore 038981

WaTerFroNT ProMeNaDeA must see when visiting Singapore. Amazing 360 degree spectacular views of Marina Bay and the waters, always busy and exciting with many great bars and restaurants close by.

Marina bay, singapore

SINGAPORE

03-Travel DPS pp24-25.indd All Pages 24/07/2014 14:49


EDITION | TRAVEL

Where to eatMasaJapanese cuisine

Treat yourself to a sublime experience at this exclusive Japanese restaurant. Chef Masa’s no menu experience is the epitomy of deliciousness and luxury; expect 2 hours of an incomparable omakase evening.

10 Columbus Circle, Time Warner Center, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10019

Where to Stay The WesThouse hoTel This beautiful luxury hotel is located in the heart of Manhattan. A walking distance from Central Park, Times Square and the business district, The Westhouse Hotel is a mixture of sophistication and modernity. Designed by the highly acclaimed Jeffrey Beers International, expect the highest level of amenities and service with scenic and elegant architecture.

201 W 55th st, New York, NY 10019, united states

What to doalibis: sigMar Polke 1963-2010Don’t miss out on closing days of this Sigmar Polke exhibition. This comprehensive retrospective showcases a variety of mediums of the German artist’s best work.

1-3 august, Museum of Modern art, 11 West 53 street, New York, NY 100

kiNg leahFeaturing King Leah, one of Shakespeare’s classics right in the heart of Manhattan, experience one of New York’s most treasured summer traditions

1-17 august, Delacorte Theater, Central Park at 81st street

MosTlY MozarT FesTival orChesTra With a range of dynamic and classic pieces from Mozart, Beetoven, Osmo Vänskä and Yuja Wang, the Lincoln Center presents outstanding performances by stupendous worldwide conductors.

July 25-august 23, lincoln Center, 10 lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, united states

NEW YORK

Where to eatal MaharaSeafood – À la carte cuisine

Al Mahara, ‘The Oyster Shell’ in Arabic, doesn’t just tantalise your palate; it’s a dining experience that will stimulate all your senses. The stunning floor to ceiling aquarium inside the restaurant sets the scene for a meal where only the best will do.

burj al arab, Dubai, united arab emirates

Where to StayDar al MasYaF aT MaDiNaT JuMeirahAmazing hotel with five star service, the entire resort of Madinat Jumeirah offers everything you need for both a fun and relaxing holiday.

al sufouh road, Madinat Jumeirah resort, Dubai 75157, united arab emirates

What to doDolPhiN baYDolphin Bay in Dubai is one of the world’s largest and most sophisticated dolphin habitats in the world. Here you can select from a range of dolphin interactions suitable for all ages and swimming abilities.

Crescent road Palm Jumeirah, atlantis The Palm, Dubai, united arab emirates

Dubai MariNa YaChT ClubEnjoy beautiful views over the marina whilst enjoying the live music on offer. The seafood as expected is also a must have.

street h, District 4, Dubai, united arab emirates

MiraCle garDeNDubai Miracle Garden is the most beautiful and biggest natural flower garden in the world. Fresh flower in the middle of the desert just shows you the beauty that Dubai has to offer.

Dubailand, al barsha, Dubai, united arab emirates

DUBAI

Where to eatle louis Xv – alaiN DuCasseFrench cuisine

A pure cuisine which turns simple into good. Real taste is returned to its truth, without any superfluous ingredient. Inspired by the Salon de la Paix at the Château de Versailles, the room majestically imposes itself: antique mirrors, Crystal chandeliers, bronzes, marble, and frescoes... Romantic elegance, refined timeless décor.

hotel de Paris, Place du Casino, Monte-Carlo 98000, Monaco

Where to StayhoTel MeTroPole MoNTe-CarloThe Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo is a modern, illustrious hotel, blending a glorious past with a Mediterranean freshness.

4 avenue de la Madonne, Monaco Cedex, b.P. 19, MC 98007 Monaco

What to doMuseo oCeaNograFiCoBoasting world-renowned expertise, the Museum presents more than 6000 specimens in their faithfully reconstructed natural habitat. Come and discover the amazing species of the Mediterranean, the incredible diversity of the inhabitants of the coral reef and the monumental Shark Lagoon, all under the same roof.

av. st-Martin, Monte-Carlo, Monaco

JarDiN eXoTiqueThe Exotic Garden of Monaco has managed to stay unique in its genre since it opened to the public in 1933. It brings together a wide variety of plants known as ‘succulents’ in outstanding open-air surroundings.

62 boulevard du Jardin exotique

The CasiNo, MoNTe CarloMonte-Carlo has been a legend for almost 150 years, and its Casino has been a cornerstone in its legendary success. Its architecture, history and the people who came here to gamble have all played their part in making the Casino de Monte-Carlo a myth in the eyes of the entire world...

Casino de Monte-Carlo, Place du Casino, MC 98000 Principauté de Monaco

MONACO

Where to eatequiNoX resTauraNTEuropean cuisine

Make sure to book a table by the window, when the lights show in front of Marina Bay the view is sublime. The food was exquisite, the service is amazing.

2 stamford road, level 70, equinox Complex, swissôtel The stamford, singapore 178882

Where to StaysoFiTel so hoTel Expect the unexpected when stepping through the doors of Sofitel So Singapore’s heritage building. Pioneering design and service await at Singapore’s top luxury boutique hotel, where timeless French elegance blends with modern Singapore chic, with special touches from fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld.

35 robinson road, 068876, singapore

What to dosiNgaPore garDeN FesTival 2014Singapore goes into full bloom this August with the grandest gardens and finest floral displays. Singapore Garden Festival 2014 returns to town as a must-see event on the international horticultural calendar..

16-24 aug, gardens by the bay, 18 Marina gardens Drive, singapore 018953

esPlaNaDe, TheaTres oN The baYDon’t miss the free performances at the Outdoor Theatre. The breath-taking view of Marina Bay, Be sure to visit the rooftop terrace so you can fully take in the beauty of your surroundings.

1 esplanade Drive, singapore 038981

WaTerFroNT ProMeNaDeA must see when visiting Singapore. Amazing 360 degree spectacular views of Marina Bay and the waters, always busy and exciting with many great bars and restaurants close by.

Marina bay, singapore

SINGAPORE

03-Travel DPS pp24-25.indd All Pages 24/07/2014 14:49


EDITION | INTERVIEW

When did you decide to undertake this career?

I’ve always enjoyed cooking but I guess I really decided to take it seriously when I was about 16 years old. I moved to London and enrolled in a cooking college and that was the start of it.

What’s your favourite childhood food memory?

Making beans on toast with HP sauce in my family kitchen; it’s still my favourite comfort food today.

If you could cook a meal for anyone, who would it be and what would you cook?

Escoffier – the world’s first ever celebrity chef. I’d love to spend an evening with him talking about food and his life and I’d love to understand how someone as talented and respected as him died without a penny to his name – it’s crazy. I’d probably try to recreate a dish from one of his cookbooks but I’d put my own modern twist to it and hope he would approve.

How did it feel being awarded a coveted Michelin star just six months after opening your flagship restaurant ‘Pollen Street Social’ in April 2011?

It was amazing, a Michelin star is a real seal of approval that your cooking food to a very high level, it’s an international

recognition and I was truly honoured to receive such an award.

In 2013 you launched three new restaurants in London, including ‘Little Social’ Mayfair and ‘Social Eating House’, Soho which became your second Michelin Starred restaurant, looking back as a child talking of your future dreams; could there have ever been a different career path for you?

I don’t think so, I think I was always going to be a cook. I’ve always loved hospitality, my parents had a guest house and then a small hotel and it was sort of drilled into us how to look after people.

Autumn of 2013 you launched Berners Tavern located in The London EDITION Hotel in Fitzrovia with a contemporary British menu, if there’s one British dish you believe everyone should experience, what would it be?

Yes – the Sunday roast. All across the world everyone gives the Sunday roast a hard time but I think done properly this is an amazing dish. In Britain and Ireland we cook Sunday roast every Sunday and done well with beautiful roast potatoes and fluffy mashed potato, perfectly cooked beef, gravy flavoured with garlic, a nice Yorkshire pudding and some good red wine it’s unbeatable! It’s an amazing dish and we should appreciate it more.

What is the most memorable food city in the world for you?

New York City because I think it’s got such diversity, there’s always a new and exciting chef coming through, there’s always a new cuisine to discover. It’s full of young, crazy and inspiring people and it’s a great place to try food that’s not so accessible everywhere else.

What restaurants do you like to eat at other than your own?

Barraffina – both the original and their newest opening which I ate in just last week – we just love it there.

If you could prepare only one last meal, what would it be?

It would be with my family and it would be something simple like beautiful salads, some roast chicken or steak and a good bottle of wine.

In June we attended the successful launch of your latest book, hosted at Social Eating House, ‘Social Suppers’(commissioned by Absolute Press and published by Bloomsbury), any more exciting new ventures you would like to share?

We are launching in Dubai early next year followed by New York in late spring, two massive launches next year so we’re heads down getting everything ready for those at the moment.

This is a lovely autumnal dish featuring a mixture of humble but delicious root vegetables, all of which have a nutty, earthy sweetness that goes beautifully with the duck breasts.

Serves 44 duck breasts

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper3 tablespoons duck or goose fat2 small garlic cloves, peeled and

finely crushed4 sprigs of thyme, leaves only

1 teaspoon sea salt? teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

12–16 mini potatoes, rinsed4 small golden beetroot

4 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced8 baby turnips

200ml Duck Jus 2 tablespoons olive oil

First, roast the potatoes. Preheat the oven to 200°C/Gas Mark 6. Melt the duck fat in a saucepan, then add the garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Take the pan off the heat. Place the potatoes in a roasting tray, pour

over the duck fat mixture and toss to coat. Roast the potatoes in the hot oven for about 45–60 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Roast the golden beetroot on a baking tray in the same oven, for around 25 minutes or until soft. Remove and allow to cool before removing the skin. Cut each beetroot into 4 or 5 pieces and set aside.

Next, make a carrot purée. Put the carrots into a pan and pour in enough cold water to cover. Add a generous pinch of salt to the pan then bring the water to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the carrots for about 15–20 minutes until they are soft. Drain the carrots, reserving a little of the cooking water, and tip them into a food processor. Blend to a smooth purée, adding a tiny splash of cooking water if necessary. Pass the purée through a fine sieve into a bowl. Cover with cling film and refrigerate if making in advance.

Wash the turnips well and place in boiling salted water for 10 minutes or until soft. Drain and set aside until needed.

Lower the oven temperature to 190°C/ Gas Mark 5. Score the skin of the duck breasts then season well with salt and pepper. Put the breasts, skin side down, in a cold ovenproof pan then place the pan over a very low heat. Gently cook the breasts for about 8 minutes until the fat beneath the skins has been rendered and the skins are golden brown and crisp. Flip the duck breasts over to cook the flesh side for about 2 minutes until golden brown. Place the pan into the hot oven to finish off cooking. Roast for about 3–4 minutes until the breasts are cooked to medium-rare. They should feel slightly springy when pressed. Remove the pan from the oven and rest the breasts for 4–5 minutes.

Heat the duck jus in a small pan. Reheat both the turnips and the beetroot in separate pans with a little olive oil. Gently reheat the carrot purée in a small pan.

Slice the duck breasts. Place spoonfuls of carrot purée on plates and top with duck slices. Arrange the roast potatoes, beetroot and turnips around them and spoon over the duck jus.

www.jasonatherton.co.uk/

JASON ATHERTONSocial SuppersJason Atherton is a world renown chef hailing from Sheffield. He runs Pollen Street Social that gained a Michelin Star in 2011, its opening year. He was the Executive Chef at Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin starred Maze in London until 2010. Most recently he co-hosted the Sky Living TV series My Kitchen Rules. Rebecca Cowing finds out more.

Jason’s tipAfter roasting your duck breasts for about 3-4 minutes they should be medium/rare and feel slightly springy when pressed.

SOCIAL SUPPER RECIPE Roast Duck Breast with Mini Roast Potatoes,

Turnips, Beetroot and Carrot Purée

Jason Atherton pp26-27.indd All Pages 29/07/2014 14:05


EDITION | INTERVIEW

When did you decide to undertake this career?

I’ve always enjoyed cooking but I guess I really decided to take it seriously when I was about 16 years old. I moved to London and enrolled in a cooking college and that was the start of it.

What’s your favourite childhood food memory?

Making beans on toast with HP sauce in my family kitchen; it’s still my favourite comfort food today.

If you could cook a meal for anyone, who would it be and what would you cook?

Escoffier – the world’s first ever celebrity chef. I’d love to spend an evening with him talking about food and his life and I’d love to understand how someone as talented and respected as him died without a penny to his name – it’s crazy. I’d probably try to recreate a dish from one of his cookbooks but I’d put my own modern twist to it and hope he would approve.

How did it feel being awarded a coveted Michelin star just six months after opening your flagship restaurant ‘Pollen Street Social’ in April 2011?

It was amazing, a Michelin star is a real seal of approval that your cooking food to a very high level, it’s an international

recognition and I was truly honoured to receive such an award.

In 2013 you launched three new restaurants in London, including ‘Little Social’ Mayfair and ‘Social Eating House’, Soho which became your second Michelin Starred restaurant, looking back as a child talking of your future dreams; could there have ever been a different career path for you?

I don’t think so, I think I was always going to be a cook. I’ve always loved hospitality, my parents had a guest house and then a small hotel and it was sort of drilled into us how to look after people.

Autumn of 2013 you launched Berners Tavern located in The London EDITION Hotel in Fitzrovia with a contemporary British menu, if there’s one British dish you believe everyone should experience, what would it be?

Yes – the Sunday roast. All across the world everyone gives the Sunday roast a hard time but I think done properly this is an amazing dish. In Britain and Ireland we cook Sunday roast every Sunday and done well with beautiful roast potatoes and fluffy mashed potato, perfectly cooked beef, gravy flavoured with garlic, a nice Yorkshire pudding and some good red wine it’s unbeatable! It’s an amazing dish and we should appreciate it more.

What is the most memorable food city in the world for you?

New York City because I think it’s got such diversity, there’s always a new and exciting chef coming through, there’s always a new cuisine to discover. It’s full of young, crazy and inspiring people and it’s a great place to try food that’s not so accessible everywhere else.

What restaurants do you like to eat at other than your own?

Barraffina – both the original and their newest opening which I ate in just last week – we just love it there.

If you could prepare only one last meal, what would it be?

It would be with my family and it would be something simple like beautiful salads, some roast chicken or steak and a good bottle of wine.

In June we attended the successful launch of your latest book, hosted at Social Eating House, ‘Social Suppers’(commissioned by Absolute Press and published by Bloomsbury), any more exciting new ventures you would like to share?

We are launching in Dubai early next year followed by New York in late spring, two massive launches next year so we’re heads down getting everything ready for those at the moment.

This is a lovely autumnal dish featuring a mixture of humble but delicious root vegetables, all of which have a nutty, earthy sweetness that goes beautifully with the duck breasts.

Serves 44 duck breasts

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper3 tablespoons duck or goose fat2 small garlic cloves, peeled and

finely crushed4 sprigs of thyme, leaves only

1 teaspoon sea salt? teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

12–16 mini potatoes, rinsed4 small golden beetroot

4 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced8 baby turnips

200ml Duck Jus 2 tablespoons olive oil

First, roast the potatoes. Preheat the oven to 200°C/Gas Mark 6. Melt the duck fat in a saucepan, then add the garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Take the pan off the heat. Place the potatoes in a roasting tray, pour

over the duck fat mixture and toss to coat. Roast the potatoes in the hot oven for about 45–60 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Roast the golden beetroot on a baking tray in the same oven, for around 25 minutes or until soft. Remove and allow to cool before removing the skin. Cut each beetroot into 4 or 5 pieces and set aside.

Next, make a carrot purée. Put the carrots into a pan and pour in enough cold water to cover. Add a generous pinch of salt to the pan then bring the water to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the carrots for about 15–20 minutes until they are soft. Drain the carrots, reserving a little of the cooking water, and tip them into a food processor. Blend to a smooth purée, adding a tiny splash of cooking water if necessary. Pass the purée through a fine sieve into a bowl. Cover with cling film and refrigerate if making in advance.

Wash the turnips well and place in boiling salted water for 10 minutes or until soft. Drain and set aside until needed.

Lower the oven temperature to 190°C/ Gas Mark 5. Score the skin of the duck breasts then season well with salt and pepper. Put the breasts, skin side down, in a cold ovenproof pan then place the pan over a very low heat. Gently cook the breasts for about 8 minutes until the fat beneath the skins has been rendered and the skins are golden brown and crisp. Flip the duck breasts over to cook the flesh side for about 2 minutes until golden brown. Place the pan into the hot oven to finish off cooking. Roast for about 3–4 minutes until the breasts are cooked to medium-rare. They should feel slightly springy when pressed. Remove the pan from the oven and rest the breasts for 4–5 minutes.

Heat the duck jus in a small pan. Reheat both the turnips and the beetroot in separate pans with a little olive oil. Gently reheat the carrot purée in a small pan.

Slice the duck breasts. Place spoonfuls of carrot purée on plates and top with duck slices. Arrange the roast potatoes, beetroot and turnips around them and spoon over the duck jus.

www.jasonatherton.co.uk/

JASON ATHERTONSocial SuppersJason Atherton is a world renown chef hailing from Sheffield. He runs Pollen Street Social that gained a Michelin Star in 2011, its opening year. He was the Executive Chef at Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin starred Maze in London until 2010. Most recently he co-hosted the Sky Living TV series My Kitchen Rules. Rebecca Cowing finds out more.

Jason’s tipAfter roasting your duck breasts for about 3-4 minutes they should be medium/rare and feel slightly springy when pressed.

SOCIAL SUPPER RECIPE Roast Duck Breast with Mini Roast Potatoes,

Turnips, Beetroot and Carrot Purée

Jason Atherton pp26-27.indd All Pages 29/07/2014 14:05


We dive right in with the challenging questions and Mark’s answers are on the money letting us know that

too many businesses in today’s world are stagnated due to the principals, in owner managed businesses, of being too attentive to the everyday operations. This leaves the ship without a clear direction and the correct strategy and management to negotiate its way through growth, profitability and new markets.

Speaking of new markets we asked Mark where he envisions the most significant growth will occur in Hamble Group in the next 5 years, and without hesitation we are told securitisation and fund related structured products. The problems in europe today are very much one of liquidity and both for the high-net worth individual, small, medium and large cap organisations and even the financial institutions. A high percentage of the aforementioned has problems with devalued assets, non-performing loans due to regulatory changes after subprime and need a solution. especially when they are failing, there are no other vehicles in the market, as far as the Hamble Group are aware, which provide what they do with securitisation; they have created a type of securitisation company that is the first and is a demonstration of what the principles of the Hamble Group stand for since its inception

a number of years ago as a simple corporate service provider. Today it is a collection of real businesses as opposed to service offices and they have transformed themselves and the securitisation business will be indicative of that.

We veer away from talk of the company and focus on Mark himself asking if he would have done anything different; Mark is still young and states he had a ‘lack of educational upbringing’ but doesn’t think there is anything he would have done differently, but would definitely adopted a different attitude and approach. in the early days Mark says he was too idealistic and far to accepting of other peoples failings; he also saw the good in everyone which led to partnering with the wrong people and as a consequence he had to

compromise his own standards as a result. Mark summarises with ‘i would have had a harder, more realistic and aggressive attitude looking back.’

A leader must be equipped with a set of competences necessary to perform his role and Mark informs us that he thinks self-belief and to have the conviction in your decisions are the highest up his list of must haves. in Marks quest to become a high flying leader he has received a great deal of advice and he recalls that his wife is often at the end of this! He says it’s hard to imagine just one piece of advice but if he were to mention influences on his career he would pinpoint dennis Lavin his old CeO, dr Giorgio Antonini, a top class professional who is adored by his clients, Paul Maurice an old friend and partner but the most influential would, without a shadow of a doubt, be his close friend Roberto Pucciano who helped inspire him to another level as a professional and leader. Although Mark has had some great mentors, been given valuable advice he states it’s the philosophy of working and acting and Roberto is an example of a machine who not only has the ability to dream but also the ability to realise it.

We finished up with asking Mark if he had any quirky habits and he admitted that swearing is probably his worst habit, and with three young children he’s working on curbing it!

Tweet us @hamblegroup

“I would have had

a harder, more

realIstIc and

aggressIve attItude

lookIng back.”

EDITION | ENTrEprENEur

Mark Quirkthe h edition magazine is owned by the hamble group, an international consultancy with

global reach, which works across countries and continents with a team of experts, services and businesses to provide exceptional wealth protection services to our clients around the

world, and this month we talk to mark Quirk, our ceo, about his career.

Mark Quirk pp28.indd 28 24/07/2014 15:39

HAMBLE REAL ESTATE: FINE PROPERTIES, Smart Investments

[email protected] PRESENCE LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

[email protected] 3 09/07/2014 19:20


We dive right in with the challenging questions and Mark’s answers are on the money letting us know that

too many businesses in today’s world are stagnated due to the principals, in owner managed businesses, of being too attentive to the everyday operations. This leaves the ship without a clear direction and the correct strategy and management to negotiate its way through growth, profitability and new markets.

Speaking of new markets we asked Mark where he envisions the most significant growth will occur in Hamble Group in the next 5 years, and without hesitation we are told securitisation and fund related structured products. The problems in europe today are very much one of liquidity and both for the high-net worth individual, small, medium and large cap organisations and even the financial institutions. A high percentage of the aforementioned has problems with devalued assets, non-performing loans due to regulatory changes after subprime and need a solution. especially when they are failing, there are no other vehicles in the market, as far as the Hamble Group are aware, which provide what they do with securitisation; they have created a type of securitisation company that is the first and is a demonstration of what the principles of the Hamble Group stand for since its inception

a number of years ago as a simple corporate service provider. Today it is a collection of real businesses as opposed to service offices and they have transformed themselves and the securitisation business will be indicative of that.

We veer away from talk of the company and focus on Mark himself asking if he would have done anything different; Mark is still young and states he had a ‘lack of educational upbringing’ but doesn’t think there is anything he would have done differently, but would definitely adopted a different attitude and approach. in the early days Mark says he was too idealistic and far to accepting of other peoples failings; he also saw the good in everyone which led to partnering with the wrong people and as a consequence he had to

compromise his own standards as a result. Mark summarises with ‘i would have had a harder, more realistic and aggressive attitude looking back.’

A leader must be equipped with a set of competences necessary to perform his role and Mark informs us that he thinks self-belief and to have the conviction in your decisions are the highest up his list of must haves. in Marks quest to become a high flying leader he has received a great deal of advice and he recalls that his wife is often at the end of this! He says it’s hard to imagine just one piece of advice but if he were to mention influences on his career he would pinpoint dennis Lavin his old CeO, dr Giorgio Antonini, a top class professional who is adored by his clients, Paul Maurice an old friend and partner but the most influential would, without a shadow of a doubt, be his close friend Roberto Pucciano who helped inspire him to another level as a professional and leader. Although Mark has had some great mentors, been given valuable advice he states it’s the philosophy of working and acting and Roberto is an example of a machine who not only has the ability to dream but also the ability to realise it.

We finished up with asking Mark if he had any quirky habits and he admitted that swearing is probably his worst habit, and with three young children he’s working on curbing it!

Tweet us @hamblegroup

“I would have had

a harder, more

realIstIc and

aggressIve attItude

lookIng back.”

EDITION | ENTrEprENEur

Mark Quirkthe h edition magazine is owned by the hamble group, an international consultancy with

global reach, which works across countries and continents with a team of experts, services and businesses to provide exceptional wealth protection services to our clients around the

world, and this month we talk to mark Quirk, our ceo, about his career.

Mark Quirk pp28.indd 28 24/07/2014 15:39

Hublot_HMag_FerYel_210x297.indd 1 09.07.14 10:42

Documents

H Edition August 2014