N. A WAY OF LIVING WITH ELEGANCE OR GRACE; IMPECCABLE TASTE
They're designers, artists, and the interiors-obsessed. Your home is where their hearts are.
Priscilla Carluccio Few and Far
As the sister of Terence Conran and for years the driving force behind Habitat and The Conran Shop, seventysomething Priscilla Carluccio has finally opened her own shop, selling a quirky mix of homewares. Read more
Unique Hits
Few and Far Shop Opens
Happy leap year. Use and abuse this extra day to the max, because February 29s are few and far between.
As are the objects for sale at Few and Far. The shop, which officially opens tomorrow, comes from Priscilla Carluccio — wife of restaurateur Antonio and younger sister of Terence Conran. Now in her 70s, Carluccio has been a driving force behind The Conran Shop and Habitat stores for years; finally she’s focusing her magpie eye on her own Aladdin’s cave.
Find trinkets for the home alongside jewellery, handmade clothing, vintage toys, quirky stationery, scented candles, baskets, hand-blown glass and silk flowers, all of which are offered in limited quantities. And fresh chocolate cake is sold on Fridays.
Few and Far may be a small step for a woman. But in this current mass-produced universe?
It’s one giant leap for mankind.
Few and Far, 242 Brompton Road, SW3 2BB (020 7225 7070 or fewandfar.net).
Pierre Matussiere Au Nom de la Rose
City banker Pierre Matussiere has a romantic side. His Kensington florist – the first London outpost of a French chain – specializes in all things roses, including candles, chocolates, jams and beauty products. Read more
Coming Up Roses
Au Nom de la Rose Lifestyle Florist Opens
Text messages instead of love letters? A one-night stand before dinner a deux?
Someone needs a crash course in romance.
Au Nom de la Rose, the new London outpost of the Parisian florist, offers fresh ways to sweep someone off his or her feet. Exquisite roses imported from Europe, Ecuador, Kenya and Tanzania are presented in stunning bouquets, chic arrangements and unique baskets and trees.
Modern-day paramours looking for a twist on tradition can choose from other products, including rose-scented candles, fragrances and soaps. Or opt for rose-flavoured chocolates, jams and candies, or crystallized rose petals.
Hoping all of this lot will transform your love into a true romantic?
You’ll probably need rose-tinted glasses for that.
Au Nom de la Rose, 23 Gloucester Road, SW7 4PL (020 7589 0776 or aunomdelarose.com).
Charles Bethell The Inflatable Pub Company
Twenty-six-year-old entrepreneur Charles Bethell started his career at the tender age of 14, selling novelty hats in a local market. Now of legal drinking age, he has launched The Inflatable Pub Company – the perfect venue for a serious blowout. Read more
Pump It Up
Portable Life-size Pubs
The Dog and Duck doesn’t float your boat. The Ferret and Slipper is full of hot air and The Rose and Crown always lets you down.
Do you need to blow off some steam?
Get ready for a serious blowout with a Portable Pub. Available to buy or for hire, the inflatable life-size numbers are ideal for pumping up the volume and rolling out the barrel in your own backyard.
Choose from four styles: The Firkin is the smallest (on offer at a mere £4,379), while The Hogshead is the largest (holds up to 50 people). Erect the building when and where you want and make sure your night goes out with a bang — keeping in mind this is not the best place for a drunken game of darts.
Disclaimer: A night of overindulgence may lead to a feeling of deflation.
Available to buy online at amberiris.co.uk or for hire at inflatablepubs.com.
