Outings

The Double Club : a little corner of Africa in North London

Located in an old Victorian warehouse in Islington, the Double Club, a place where Western and Congolese cultures meet, has undoubtedly become the talk of the town for hip Londoners since its opening in 2008. This pop-up club, which includes a bar, a restaurant and a disco, should definitively close its doors in July: so don’t wait too long…
The Double Club Bar Patio (Photos Attilio Maranzano, Courtesy of Fondazione Prada)

The story so far…

The Double Club was set up on 21 November 2008 by the Prada Foundation and Belgium-born artist Carsten Höller, famous for its Tate Modern giant slides installation in 2007. This unique pop-up club consists of three distinct spaces -a bar, a restaurant and a discotheque- each divided into two different atmospheres (Western and Congolese).

It brings together contemporary western and Congolese cultures, through art, interior design, food and music: Congolese and Western DJs and live acts are showcased in the disco, which circular dance floor slowly revolves at about one turn per hour. read more

Chef's Addresses

Hélène Darroze, the Wonderwoman of Haute-Cuisine

Hélène Darroze (45) has been busy since she moved to London in 2008 to oversee the kitchens of the luxurious Connaught Hotel. Under her direction, the gastronomy restaurant has gained two Michelin stars in record time, as well as a new crowd of glamorous food lovers enamoured with its French Landes’ cuisine with a twist. She has also maintained her two Michelin stars in her eponymous restaurant in Paris, while working on the opening of another establishment under her name in Moscow. The heiress of a long line of chefs, she is also the mother of two little girls she adopted in Vietnam and one of the most popular public figures in France. Here, she talks to Chic-Londres about her favourite food addresses in London.

When and why did you decide to become a chef? I’ve always loved cooking and used to bake cakes a lot as a child. But because I was very academic, it didn’t cross my parents’ mind nor mine to stop school and go into apprenticeship to become a chef. Instead I studied business in Bordeaux, before ending up working at Alain Ducasse’s restaurant in Monaco, in the office rather than in the kitchen. However, he quickly spotted my passion for cooking and persuaded me to switch career to become a chef- which I did, first taking over my father at the family’s restaurant and then opening my own restaurant in Paris in 1999. read more

Chef's Addresses

Tom Aikens, the English Wiz Kid of French Haute-Cuisine

Tom Aikens (40), the son of a wine merchant from Norwich, is undisputedly one of the most exciting young chefs in Britain. Having trained and worked with several Michelin-starred chefs, from David Cavalier and Pierre Koffman in London to Joël Robuchon and Gérard Boyer in France, he went on to become, at 26, the youngest ever British chef to gain two Michelin stars. His eponymous restaurant, Tom Aikens, opened in 2003 in Chelsea, has held one Michelin star since 2004. His other ventures include the openings of Tom’s Kitchen in South Kensington in 2006, Tom’s Terrace and Tom’s Deli at Somerset House in April 2010, which will soon be followed by a second Tom’s Kitchen, also in Somerset House.

How would you describe the British approach to food and how its recent evolution? In 1989, when I first moved to London, there were very few notable restaurants. But by the mid-90s, London saw an explosion in the number of restaurants, thanks in part to Terence Conran who opened so many of them, but also because people seemed suddenly much more interested in dining out and in food, as shown by the popularity of TV shows and celebrity chefs. I would say that British food on the whole has changed massively in the past fifteen years, with London becoming one of the best cities in the world in terms of its restaurants’ offer. read more

My Style By

Nicole Farhi, the French Lady of British Fashion

Who could be more appropriate to inaugurate this new Q&A than Nicole Farhi, the epitome of French chic, London style? The famous designer, born in Nice in 1946 in a Turkish immigrant family, studied Fashion in Paris before moving to London in 1970. Two years later, she launched French Connection with then partner Stephen Marks (with whom she has a daughter, Candice), before branching out to create her eponymous fashion brand in 1982. Nicole is married with the Oscar-winning play and screen writer Sir David Hare and was made a CBE by the Queen in 2007, as well as a Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur in 2010. She received Chic-Londres around tea and home-made lemon cake in her very artist-y house in Hampstead, full of books, paintings and sculptures (her own) to discuss her style.

How would you describe your style in three words? Feminine, masculine and relaxed.

How has it evolved along the years? It hasn’t really evolved at all! I’ve always loved to dress in a pair of tailored trousers and a simple shirt: if you look at pictures of me as a teenager, my outfits are very similar to the ones I wear nowadays. The only exception dates from the 70’s when I wore a lot of hippy  long skirts. When it comes to beauty, my routine is quite simple: I’ve always kept long frizzy hair and never worn much make up. read more

Chef's Addresses

Alain Roux, English-Born Heir of the French Cuisine

Alain Roux -Chef Patron of the Waterside Inn in Bray- is part of the most renowned French cooking dynasty in England, his father Michel and uncle Albert having trained over 800 chefs and imprinted their unique turn on French food to former apprentices such as Marco Pierre White, Gordon Ramsay and Pierre Koffman. While Le Gavroche in Mayfair -opened in 1967 and now under his cousin Michel Junior’s management- became the first restaurant in Britain to win three Michelin stars in 1982, his own restaurant -also originally opened by Michel and Albert- is celebrating this month 25 years of holding three Michelin stars, the highest culinary accolade. Here, London-born Alain (42) talks to Chic-Londres about his cuisine and what it feels like to be a French-English chef.

Your family name is a symbol of Gallic cuisine, yet you were born here: do you consider yourself as a French or English chef? As an individual, I would say I consider myself as primarily English, but with a French background. As for my cooking philosophy, it is definitely French. My father’s influence is obviously very important, as we worked for ten years side by side in the kitchen, and he is still the first to try all my new dishes. Also I trained and worked in France for fifteen years, so this is definitely part of my education. Yet, having said that, I love to cook with British ingredients and love English specialties, such as puddings, pies or fish and chips. read more

Chef's Addresses

Ruth Rogers: co-founder of the River Café and ambassadress of the cucina rustica

Ruth Rogers, who forms with her husband Lord Richard Rogers -architect of the Pompidou Centre and the Millenium Dome- half of the most notable “power couples” in London, opened The River Café in 1987. Holder of one Michelin star since 1998, the restaurant has trained chefs like Jamie Oliver while becoming the unofficial canteen for London’s most prominent personalities. Here, Ruth, who was recently appointed a Member of the British Empire by the Queen, talks to Chic-Londres about the “cucina rustica” and her favourite places to buy and eat food.

When did you start your career as a chef?I opened The River Café with Rose Gray, my business partner and great friend, in 1987. Neither of us was a professional trained chefs and we only ever cooked for your own family and friends. But we both had spent a lot of time in Italy and knew we wanted to cook the kind of food we only ever had in Italian homes and that you couldn’t find at the time in London, like simple grilled meat and fish, much simpler than the kind of heavy dishes then on offer.

How would you describe the British approach to food and how its recent evolution?For a long time, the British seemed really underexposed to European continental food, while the old British culinary tradition all but disappeared, so the offer had become quite bad. Then, with the ascent of cheap airlines, they discovered how much they enjoyed food from France, Spain or Italy, and started to focus more on this kind of fresh, seasonal style of cooking. People also realised that eating out didn’t have to be formal, but that really good food could be served in a relaxed environment. read more

Other things

The Kids Festival Parents Want to Attend

With participants such as legendary illustrator Quentin Blake (its patron), ex-Pogues musician David Coulter and cult author and film director (Gainbourg) Joann Sfar, the 15th South Ken Kids Festival, devoted to children’s literature and organised by the French Institute in London, should appeal to adults as much as to their offspring. From Wednesday 21 to Sunday 25 November 2012, it will be staging more than 30 public events including drawing duos, workshops, talks, films, theatre performances, live music and book signings. Culture and fun for the little ones: as good as it gets to keep them -and their parents- entertained…

To celebrate its 15th anniversary as well as its patron Quentin Blake’s 80th birthday, the South Ken Kids Festival will be welcoming a huge array of talents from both sides of the Channel. Apart from the legendary illustrator of the Roald Dahl books himself, participants will include Axel Scheffler, the award-wining illustrator of The Gruffalo, Joann Sfar, the creator of Little Vampire and The Rabbi’s Cat, considered as one of the most important artists of the new wave of Franco-Belgian comics (as well as director of the recent Gainsbourg film), and Tony Ross, famous for his strong-minded characters such as Horrid Henry or The Little Princess. read more

Other things

Equestrian Chic in Kensington Gardens

It is set to be a Royal sporting affair… or at the very least a princely one. Organised by the Queen’s nephew on the ground of Kensington Gardens, a short walk from Will and Kate’s palatial residence, the Global Champion Tour will see the world’s top fourty riders, including the daughter of Princess Caroline of Monaco, compete for the prize.

June is always a good month for equestrian prowesses, with Royal Ascot starting the races season and Mint Polo in the Park at the Hurlingham Club. This year, London’s horse lovers can rejoice as they will have one more event to enjoy, as Kensington Gardens is set to host the world’s leading show jumping Championship series. Organised by Peter Phillips, son of Princess Anne and one of the Queen’s grandsons, the first ever UK event of the Global Championship will run from the 6th to the 9th of June and will see the world’s top 40 riders compete for the £640,000 prize fund. read more

In conversation with

Vincent Cassel, the French Movie Star Beloved by Hollywood

Since his appearance in La Haine (Hate) in 1993, Vincent Cassel has made a name for himself as one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation, having switched effortlessly from independent productions like the Mesrine and controversial Irreversible to big budget blockbusters such as Oceans’ Twelve and Thirtheen. To mark the release of his new film Black Swan, where he stars alongside Natalie Portman, Chic-Londres has decided to retrieve its exclusive 2009 London interview with the French star.

You have been honoured by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) which described you as the “golden boy” of French cinema, how do you feel about that? I am not sure I deserve to be described as a “golden boy”, although I am obviously delighted – especially considering how important the Academy is in Britain. I really didn’t expect it to happen, particularly since I am the first Frenchman at this event, which makes it all the more flattering. I knew I had some kind of following in the UK, but the fact that I have been recognised in such a formal way is very reassuring. I need reassurance just like everybody else. read more

In conversation with

Nicolas Anelka, the man behind the French star of English football

The talented Chelsea footballer is as famous for his brilliant game on the field -once again demonstrated by his recent double goals against Sunderland- as he is for his “difficult” reputation. Here, the notoriously secretive Nicolas Anelka (30) overcomes his usual reserve towards the press to welcome Chic-Londres in his Wimbledon’s home, for a candid and honest interview on work, family, friends… and his hate of spiders!

You have played so far for Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, as well as in Paris and for the French national team: how do you compare French and English football? My experience of both is totally different, as much because of the audience than because of the game: in France, people are mostly spectators, in the sense that they go to a football match to see a show, while in England, they are true supporters, who are here to really support their team, in good as well as in bad times. When it comes to the game, English referees give the players much more freedom, because they accept that football is a violent game, while any physical contact on a French field is usually considered by the referee as a fault. As a result, football in France tends to proceed in fits and starts and therefore appears much less spectacular. Personally, I prefer to play in England, even though it means I am less protected physically, as I believe that taking some beating once in a while is part of the job. read more

In conversation with

Roland Mouret, London’s French fashion star

Few designers have dressed as many A-list celebs as Roland Mouret (48), whose devotees include Scarlett Johansson, Cameron Diaz, Nicole Kidman, Demi Moore, Michelle Pfeiffer, Beyonce and Victoria Beckham, amongst others. The Frenchman, who moved to London in 1991 and launched the now familiar concept of the “It Dress” in 2006 with his iconic Galaxy, talks to Chic-Londres about his life, career and what inspires him.

Which memories do you keep from your Lourdes, the pilgrimage town, where you grew up?Lourdes has always been for me a city of lights, not so much because of its religious association, but because I have always thought it looks like a funfair. As a child, I was particularly impressed by all the windows full of illuminations, which seemed almost magical. It is a city where people come to find some hope, but it is also very commercial, with all the hypocrisy that this aspect entails.

What has been your training as a designer?I am a self made man, as I mostly learnt to design on my own. I did start studying at a fashion school in Paris, but I left after three months , in part because I felt quite insecure, and in a way felt more comfortable learning the trade by myself rather than with others. So as a result I have done all kinds of jobs in fashion, from model to artistic director in magazines, before starting as a designer. I consider this experience as a wonderful training ground, as it enabled me to consider fashion from all points of view and to really understand what women want. read more

In conversation with

Vincent Cassel, the unlikely Golden Boy of French cinema

Since his appearance in La Haine (Hate) in 1993, Vincent Cassel has made a name for himself as one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation, having switched effortlessly from independent productions like the controversial Irreversible to big budget blockbusters such as Oceans’ Twelve and Thirtheen. The actor, who received the 2009 Cesar award for Best Actor for his performance in the two Mesrine films (released in the UK in August), where he plays France’s most wanted criminal of the Seventies, talks exclusively to Chic-Londres.

You have been recently honoured by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) which described you as the “golden boy” of French cinema, how do you feel about that? I am not sure I deserve to be described as a “golden boy”, although I am obviously delighted – especially considering how important the Academy is in Britain. I really didn’t expect it to happen, particularly since I am the first Frenchman at this event, which makes it all the more flattering. I knew I had some kind of following in the UK, but the fact that I have been recognised in such a formal way is very reassuring. I need reassurance just like everybody else. read more

In conversation with

Alastair Campbell, from spin doctor to soul doctor

Once described as “the dark soul of Tony Blair” and “the real Prime minister” –as his influence on the government was deemed to be so powerful- Alastair Campbell (52) appears nowadays in much more relaxed form than during his Downing Street years. The former Spin Doctor in chief, who has turned to writing and fundraising for research into leukaemia, talks candidly about his career change, his old demons and his fear of dentists.

How did you decide to become a novelist?

I was cycling one day when I saw an enormous crowd attending a funeral, which gave me the concept for the novel. Also at the time, I was seeing a psychiatrist and was thinking a lot about depression and addiction, which also contributed to the creation of my characters. When I arrived home, I had already created in my mind two of the characters and the ending. I went straight to my computer and started writing. I wrote the novel quite quickly, in about six months, and didn’t tell anything to anyone, including my family, until it was finished. read more

Proust Questionnaire

Carole Bouquet: Buñuel’s Muse, Bond Girl, Chanel Icon and Wine Producer

In the UK, she might be more famous for being James Bond’s love interest in For Your Eyes Only, Carrie’s confident in Sex and the City: an American in Paris or as the former face of Chanel Number 5, but in her native France, Carole Bouquet (54) is much more than that: a living screen icon of such status that she can only be compared to Catherine Deneuve or Brigitte Bardot. Like her former partner of ten years, Gérard Depardieu, she has been directed by France’s leading film makers and has won countless awards, including best actress at the Césars (the French Oscars). During a recent visit to London to promote her wine she produces in the Italian island of Pantelleria, the passionate actress shared a long lunch with Chic-Londres at The Connaught. There she talked candidly for two hours about her personality, life, career and passions.

My main personality trait: As most people, I can be quite ambivalent. I guess others tend to form a stronger opinion about myself than I do.

My main quality: It is not up to me to tell- what might seem likeable in a person suddenly becomes much less so if she boasts about it- although I should probably say fearlessness. I tend to push boundaries as far as I can without thinking about the risk, which can be a good or a bad thing.

My main character flaw: There is a very long list of them! The one I dislike the most is melancholy- I don’t mind it in others, but hate it in myself. I am also quite sensitive to the climate, and my moods tend to change accordingly. read more

Proust Questionnaire

Jean Van Hamme, the Great Master of Graphic Novels

As the author of cult series Thorgal, XIII and Largo Winch, which have sold more than 33 million copies worldwide and been translated in 25 languages, Jean Van Hamme (71) is undoubtedly one of the most successful comics writers of his time. Born in Belgium, Van Hamme switched from a successful career in marketing to full time writing at the age of 37. Apart from graphic novels, which have also included two very successful episodes of Blake and Mortimer, the prolific author also wrote the script for Diva, the 1981 cult classic directed by Jean-Jacques Beineix. XIII has been aired as a TV miniseries in the US, while Largo Winch was made into a film.

My main character trait: Impatience.

My greatest fault: Impatience.

The trait I am most proud of in myself: Tolerance.

My favourite quality in a man: A pretty wife.

My favourite quality in a woman: A sense of humour.

What I most appreciate in friends: The fact that they are real friends, and have been here for me in tough times.

The fault that I am most likely to forgive: Weakness, when someone does something wrong because he or she is not strong enough to face difficult circumstances.

If I could change something in the way I look: I would get younger, grow some new hair, have a smaller nose and be taller. read more

Proust Questionnaire

Alastair Campbell, From Spin Doctor to Novel Writer

Once described as “the dark soul of Tony Blair” and “the real deputy Prime minister” -as his influence on the government was deemed to be so powerful- Alastair Campbell (52) appears nowadays in much more relaxed form than during his Downing Street years. The former Spin Doctor in chief has now has turned to fundraising for research into leukaemia, as well as writing, with a second novel, Maya, recently published.

My main character trait: determination

The trait I most deplore in myself: impatience

The trait I am most proud of: loyalty

If I could change something in my physic: my lungs because I have asthma

The quality I appreciate most in a man: a sense of humour

The quality I appreciate most in a woman: intuition

What I most value in my friends: honesty and loyalty

Faults in others or myself that I am most likely to forgive: temper

My favourite hobbies: watching football and cycling

My idea of happiness: a day which would include a family event, a football win and an electoral disaster for the Tories read more

Proust Questionnaire

Alain de Botton: Best Selling Author and Everyday Philosopher

The Cambridge and Harvard educated writer, who moved to England as a boarder at the age of eight, was born in 1969 in Switzerland in a prominent Jewish family. He is the author of ten bestselling books, has produced and presented five TV series -including the acclaimed BBC documentary Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness- and is a founding member of the School of Life and Living Architecture. Despite having inherited a fortune at the death of his father, a successful financier, he has made the choice to support himself solely from the proceeds of his work. He lives in Shepherd’s Bush with his wife Charlotte and their two young sons.

My main character traitA desire to understand the world, a curiosity about other people and the world around me.

The trait I am most proud of in myselfThe capacity to analyse situations and feelings.

My greatest faultI worry too much about everything.

The qualities I want to see in a manKindness and openness, an absence of machismo. I like men who cry and can admit to feeling sad, isolated and lonely.

My favourite quality in a womanKindness and sensitivity.

What I most appreciate in friendsBeing open about their worries. read more

Proust Questionnaire

Ron Arad, Design Maverick and Superstar of London Art

The London-based artist and architect, born in Israel in 1951, is without a doubt one of the most influential designers of our time, whose creations -from unique pieces of sculpture to everyday objects such as the iconic Bookworm shelves and Tom Vac chair- have already become modern classics. His work -which was shown last year at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris- is currently exhibited at the Barbican Art Gallery. Here, he reveals to Chic-Londres some of his personality traits.

The character trait that defines me the mostLaziness.

If I could change something in the way I lookI would have a head full of hair.

What I most value in my friendsBenevolent intelligence, which I define as the kind of intelligence that goes with being a good person, as opposed to nasty intelligence.

Faults that I am most likely to forgiveMistakes that come from good intentions.

My favourite hobbiesPlaying Snatch, which is like Scrabble on steroids, and the best game in the world. I also like ping pong. read more

Proust Questionnaire

Hélène Darroze : the «Wonder Woman» of French cuisine

Hélène Darroze (43), the most famous French female chef, surprised everyone when she moved from Paris to London 2008 to oversee the cuisine at the revamped Connaught hotel, which has just gained its second Michelin star under her direction. Despite coming from an old family of restaurateurs, she first chose to study business, before being discovered at the age of 25 by celebrated chef Alain Ducasse while she worked as a manager at his Monaco hotel. Since then, she has won three Michelin stars, inspired a Disney character in Ratatouille, adopted two little girls in Vietnam and wrote a bestselling book.

My main character trait: Generosity.

My worst character trait: The same. I tend to give too much, too quickly and some people take advantage of that.

My main quality: Honesty combined with fairness.

If I could change something in myself: I wouldn’t mind losing a stone and a half!

The quality I appreciate most in a man: Kindness.

The quality I appreciate most in a woman: Frankness.

What I appreciate most in my friends: Their honesty towards themselves and others.

The weakness I am most likely to forgive: A fondness of food. read more

Proust Questionnaire

Marc Lévy, the French literary sensation

With the combined worldwide sales of his nine novels -translated in 41 languages- exceeding the 19 millions copy mark, Marc Lévy (48) is the most read French author in the world. At 18, he joined the French Red Cross in Paris while studying Economy, before setting up two businesses, first in the States then in Paris. In 1999, he left his office architecture company to dedicate himself to writing and moved to London (where he lived until last year), after selling the rights of his first novella, If Only it Were True, to Steven Spielberg and Dreamworks, which adapted it to the screen in a film starring Reese Witherspoon. His new novel, The First Night, will be published in France on 2 December.

The character trait that defines me the most I wouldn’t have the slightest idea…

The trait I most deplore in myself An excessive fondness of food.

My main quality That is something you should ask to my friends and my wife.

If I could change something in the way I look I would change the way I look.

The quality I appreciate most in others A sense of humour and generosity.

The fault that I am most likely to forgive Fear.

My favourite hobbies Watching movies and flying.

My idea of happiness Being surrounded by the people I love. read more