LUX Spring 2018

LUXLIFE MAGAZINE | 121 Spring 2018 unique, one of a kind designs to the shop for her discerning customers. Using only the finest fabrics, Lucy has learnt from her heritage and is able to create wearable classics for every occasion. With her shoes being presented in the range of shops around Connaught Village, Lucy Choi London is at the heart of the thriving community which continues to demonstrate itself as a hub for excellence in both quality and customer service. As lunch time came around, the hospitable and friendly staff at Stuzzico were delighted to produce some Italian classics with a modern twist for us to try. When you walk through the door, you immediately feel a positive vibe emanating from staff, and are welcomed by Luca, the warm and friendly Co-Owner and Manager, who ensures that customers and guests receive excellence. Having eventually made the choice of the Linguine Cacio e Pepe and Linguine alla Bolognese, LUX cannot praise the food highly enough, as the taste buds were left salivating at the thought of more, and it is an establishment that leaves you hungry for more. Stuzzico’s warm and friendly atmosphere has established it as a local Italian favourite in Connaught Village. Additionally, Luca was more than keen to explain that he loves being a part of the area, with the locals regularly coming in to try the various options on offer, and is also eager to explain how the local owners and shops around are more than happy to communicate and help each other out. Sincerely, words do not do Stuzzico and the rest of Connaught Village justice. What else do you need after such an enjoyable lunch? Well, the answer is a relaxing, professional and unbeatable massage right next door at Fé Hair and Beauty Salon. Offering specialist hair, beauty and make-up services, the professional and highly qualified staff deliver on their promises of making you feel truly relaxed. Welcomed by Samira, we were offered refreshments and a variety of magazines to keep us relaxed, before being treated to a massage which makes you feel right at home. Providing everything you need, from music which creates the perfect atmosphere to all the refreshments needed, the staff at the salon go out of their way to guarantee excellence. A full client book of eager clients requesting appointments on a daily basis is indicative of the reputation and standing that the salon holds within the community and beyond. Leaving no stone unturned, Samira and her team work incredibly hard to gain an understanding of the client’s requirements, and in turn can adapt and tailor specific requirements to suit. Utilising the best oils, sumptuous products and taking the utmost care, the only word that can sum up the venue is luxury. Furthermore, the clients within the salon can only praise and talk up the staff and the services, and Connaught Village would not be the wonderful location it is without this salon. Still feeling relaxed from the glorious massage, the next stop on the journey was the interesting Mud Australia, featuring handmade porcelain kitchenware which caters for all events. Exploring the shop, there are some remarkable designs for teapots, bowls and plates, and many would consider these the perfect wedding gift. Boasting a global presence, the unique designs and materials are suitable for the dishwasher, oven and microwave, and as such are both beautiful and functional. Upon entering the shops, the team lay out certain table sets in a range of colours, giving you the entire range to choose from. Maintaining a strong belief in the values of craft and community, this friendly business places an emphasis on putting the customer first, and as such the team build long-term relationships with customers, the local community and beyond. For those looking to explore the blooming area of Connaught Village, a must visit is Buchanans Cheesemonger. Proud of their bespoke approach, staff at Buchanans ensure that they put the customer first, placing their focus firmly on delicious food and personal service. Taking the opportunity to sample the variety of artisan cheeses on offer, all of which are sourced and matured from the UK and Europe, a favourite of the LUX team was the Mimolette, which was exquisite. A real staple of the community, they offer a monthly cheese and wine pairing masterclass in addition to occasional supper clubs and Meet the Maker evenings. After sampling some delicious cheese, the day called for an exploration of one of the finest ranges of unique, carefully selected wines from France and Italy. Thankfully, located opposite the cheesemongers is Connaught Cellars, and we took a step inside this French style wine shop, admiring these prestigious bottles of wine, and taking some tips from the knowledgeable member of staff on what to choose. Supplying wine from acclaimed wine makers, Director David Farber possesses a wealth of experience in wine portfolio management, and can advise customers on the best wine, whether it be for a formal occasion or a simple dinner with friends. Ultimately, exploring this gateway to luxury is highly recommended, with the friendly, knowledgeable staff and designers all happy to help with any queries or customers. Perhaps Connaught Village’s most striking feature is the friendly atmosphere, with shop staff and experts all exchanging information and advice with each other, and providing support to ensure that this unique community continues to thrive. The surrounding areas are also something to be admired; with Hyde Park just a short trip down the road, making Connaught Village the perfect stop during an engaging trip to England’s capital city. If you are looking to learn more about this remarkable community, visit: www.connaught-village.co.uk