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PRICELESS
www.affinitymag.co.uk AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
ISSUE 99
AFFINITY TRAVEL Follow the Foodie Trail in Brecon Beacons
Time to be a Flamingo in a Flock of Pigeons
WWW.AFFINITYMAGAZINE.CO.UK
AUTUMN INTERIORS MADE EASY
A Little Rock ‘n’ Roll with the latest Afternoon Tea at The Gore, London
ISSUE 99
When it's not working anymore Learn to leave
6 Things Your Make-Up Artist Wished You Knew
New Season Fashion Edit
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Welcome...
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I’m loving...
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This issue we’re bursting with inspiration for the change in season, from adding a little luxe to your interiors (page 43) to the latest styles you need to add to your wardrobe (page 23), we have it all.
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If you enjoy the great outdoors and all it can offer, then Brecon Beacons is the ideal place to visit, whether it’s for a few days or a week or two, a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure it has it all and more. But it’s not all about mountains, rivers and waterfalls, it’s also perfect for a foodie adventure, there’s so much choice from 5-star fine dining, to fresh from the farm, turn to page 52 to read about our adventure. Talking of food, I ’m loving this months’ recipes, they’re so easy to make and are perfect for those autumn evenings when you can’t be bothered to spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner (page 36) and if we twist your arm you can always open one of the wines from this months’ selection (page 41). Have you got your tickets to our Annual Charity Ball in November, this year’s theme is ‘The Greatest Showman’ - what’s not to get excited about? We only have a few tickets left and we want this to be a sell-out - tell your friends and family and help us achieve this, page 4 gives you all the details.
1. Tropical Parrot Earrings, £125, www.katespade.co.uk 2. Cowshed Replenish Candle, £38, www.cowshed.com 3. The Regina Boot, £325, Fairfax & Favor 4. Geo Print Jumpsuit, £55, Very 5 . Water Bottle, £17.50, www.sassandbelle.co.uk
Until Next Month
Jane x Cover River Island
Don’t forget to join us on social media, we love getting to know you!
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Editor: Jane Fry jane@affinitymag.co.uk 01234 962106 - 07507 602401 Advertising: Jane Fry jane@affinitymag.co.uk 01234 962106 - 07507 602401 Graphic Design and Photography: David Zita dave@affinitymag.co.uk
@affinitymagz
All adverts are printed in good faith. Affinity cannot take responsibility for the content of adverts. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are accurate. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
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CONTENTS 31
10 14 20 25 28 32 35 40 44 52 58 62 66
Beauty Updates Learning to Leave MUA Tips Chic in Camel Fancy Florals A Hidden Gem A Little Rock ‘n’ Roll WIN! Italian Tea Warm Tones Follow the Foodie Trail Great British Journey 9 to 5 Weekend Starts Here
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Advanced Hydration
Take hydration to an intense new level with MONAT Advanced Hydration, the latest collection injecting unparalleled moisture into vegan haircare brand MONAT’s luxury portfolio. The MONAT Advanced Hydration Collection features four new products bursting with hyaluronic acid and MONAT unique Rejuveniqe STM technology, to quench hair’s thirst and restore lustre and vitality to length. Hair feeling parched? Reach for these hydrating innovations and enjoy smooth, soft and supple hair with healthy body, bounce and improved shine. Starting from £35 and available from www.monatglobal.com/uk
Moisture Rich
GLAMGLOW’s new MOISTURETRIP, (£53) is an omega-rich moisturizer, creamy and lightweight that instantly hydrates, calms and soothes dry skin. Your new daily must-have, MOISTURETRIP features a powerhouse trifecta of ingredients. Omega-rich cannabis sativa seed oil* from hemp and chaga mushroom soothes skin stress and visibly reduces redness, while hyaluronic acid floods skin with a dose of lasting moisture to instantly replenish depleted skin. Available from www.GLAMGLOW.co.uk.
Luxury Skincare
Luxury skincare brand Elemis have launched the Pro-Collagen Rose Facial Oil (£67). This ultralightweight dry oil smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a fresh, dewy look. The oil uses a trio of nourishing rose extracts from up to 17 different rose varieties, Mediterranean algae and Padina Pavonica to leave the skin feeling soft and looking radiant.
BEAUTY UPDATES
Bright Eyes
Shiseido have launched its new Ultimune Power Infusing Eye Concentrate (£58), a product that defends the eye area by helping to reduce the effect of friction and improve skin condition. Counter-acting damage and accelerated signs of aging that can be caused by rubbing and intensive makeup removal.
Soft as Silk
MAC Cosmetics has announced the launch of its Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick. The pocket-sized lightweight foundation stick is easy to blend and pairs with existing MAC Studio Fix cosmetics. MAC's Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick is available online at maccosmetics.co.uk, priced at £27.
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ail It
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Autumn’s just around the corner which means it’s the perfect excuse for a mani and pedi with one of these gorgeous new nail colour shades
Leighton Denny Nail Polish in Fedora, £12, www.leightondennyexpertnails.com Mavala Nail Polish in Maputo, £5.50 John Lewis Chanel Le Vernis in Sargasso, £22, Debenhams Chanel Le Vernis in Rouge Noir, £22, John Lewis
Nails Inc My Kind of Bliss Duo, £15, www.nailsinc.com
Leighton Denny Nail Polish in Smoking Jacket, £12, www.leightondennyexpertnails.com
Leighton Denny Nail Polish in Kinky Boots, £12, www.leightondennyexpertnails.com
Mavala Nail Polish in Quito, £5.50 John Lewis
Nails Inc in Cambridge Mews, £15, www.nailsinc.com
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Learning to
Leave
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There is a line in a song that says something like “the secret to a long life is knowing when it’s time to go”
Many of us can probably look back to times when we have stayed too long, in an area, a job, a relationship, an aspect of business or even a habit when with hindsight we can see that while aspects of it may have been comfortable in essence it was holding us back. But how on earth are we to know when something that might once have been good stops being good and starts to be like an anchor that stops us going forward.
Reasoning The problem often is that it is all about balance, many things are not wholly good or positive or on the other hand wholly negative, the difficulty is knowing when the balance shifts, so the overall impact is negative. Let’s look at the example of a job – it is normal to have some aspects that we like less than others but if we start to dread going to work or feel that almost every aspect of the job is something we begin to dislike, then that is usually a prompt for us that we need to change. Instincts Our instincts can be useful in helping us to identify when something is becoming less useful for us. Often, we will have a feeling that something isn’t right or maybe find that things we used to look forward to we don’t any more or we just have a nagging feeling that we need to change something. Often that feeling is worth listening too and responding to in some way.
Mindset I must confess that I am amazed at the number of people who seem to put up with things that they can acknowledge simply don’t make them happy – in fact the opposite, they erode their happiness. People who have hated their jobs for years or stay in unhappy relationships, for example often feel stuck, because of their mindset or more specifically their limiting beliefs. People who somehow have the idea that they don’t deserve to be happy or be loved, or that a job is not something they should enjoy. This kind of belief means that we put up with things. Contrast this to a mindset that actively seeks happiness in life because the belief is that you deserve to be happy, successful (however you might define that) and live a life that you love. Fear of Change There are also people who stay in situations because of various duties they may have, staying in a job to provide for the family for example and
obviously we do all have some responsibilities. But there are also people who find change very daunting and would often prefer to put up with something they don’t like, but that is familiar than risk the challenge of something new and for them the notion of responsibilities could be a get out.
Drift Another reason people tend to just put up with things is because they get into a drift mentality. That can happen very easily in life or business if we don’t have much of a vision. People who achieve are often those who have a clear sense of where they want to go in life and this can translate into specific goals. Part of that is often reviewing progress and regardless of what the goals or ultimate achievement might be simply having the goals or overall vision means it is much less likely that you will settle or drift. Endings Usher in new Beginnings There are also people who dread endings they find it hard to let go and move on whether it is relationships, jobs, business decisions or anything else, very often something has to end before something new can begin. But if you see endings as altogether negative that can mean you are never prepared to allow the endings at the right time and that means it’s hard to start the new beginnings.
Attitude to Life People who have an idea that being out of the comfort zone and trying new things can be exciting are much more likely to find it easier to leave situations that they feel have stopped working for them, than people who find new situations a challenge or something to be feared. And of course, we must remember that often leaving is not a choice but something that is forced upon us in some way, a relationship that breaks down, a death or a redundancy or the collapse of a business. Again, there are people that will see this as something that opens the door to new possibilities, even though they may grieve the loss they will have an attitude that looks for new possibilities, opportunities or the chance to change their life in some way. One thing we can be certain about is that life is a series of changes, if we can accept this and understand that sometimes we must respond positively to changes thrust upon us and other times actively create the change, we will be the people who are most adaptable and able to keep on enjoying life and living it to the full. For more information, visit www.attunededucation.com.
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Midlife Madness Like many families a decade of austerity has had its impact and while we have been lucky enough to remain generally in employment, with a roof over our heads, food on our table and even the occasional holiday we are not against the idea of making an extra ‘buck’ on the side, if it is legal and doesn’t require too much effort.
So, began our adventure in the world of eBay, marketplace, gumtree and internet selling. The tale begins quite literally in the darkest recesses of a garage (yes there were cobwebs) rooting out everything from potential family heirlooms to long forgotten childhood toys, sporting equipment, household goods, unwanted gifts and even a few things we’d borrowed – don’t worry a lot of other people’s garages are filled with stuff they borrowed from us – it kind of all works out evenly in the end. Then we progressed to the loft (small in our house) but it yielded its treasures of baby clothes, outgrown toys and random long forgotten unwanted gifts.
As a family the words ‘so when did we last use this’ became something to dread with the owner having to jump to a justification of why the item(s) shouldn’t be sold – let’s be honest, most homes have a lot of stuff that simply wouldn’t be used every day but you’d miss them, the Halloween fancy dress outfits, the Christmas baubles, the picnic basket, the blow up bed, even the tent (used once for a child’s sleep over) which frankly I’d be glad to see the back of – getting rid of it could rescue me from untold harassment- I really am more of a 5 star en-suite kind of person.
Then the process of downloading apps and ‘listing’ began. It is not without excitement when an item gets a lot of interest and a ‘bidding war’,as the seconds tick by and you can see the offers rise, became our new adrenalin rush - well it’s a change from the television anyway. Unintended consequences are that the house gets very
messy, yes I know the aim is to get rid of junk and make money but in the process random items abound! Luckily, we had a room affectionately known as the eBay room filled with anything that might possibly sell, but in other areas of the house we have varying sizes of envelopes and parcel bags, Sellotape and packing tape in all sorts of varieties and all sorts of labels. Then, of course, we had a place to keep all our posting receipts! At one point someone suggested creating spread sheet, but I absolutely drew the line at that. One of the rules must be that while you sell you absolutely do not also buy! Let’s be honest we’ve all been to a car boot or a jumble sale where we have ended up taking home more ‘jumble’ (yes, I know it was all a bargain), than we actually got rid of.
But there have been a few adventures along the way, the person who arrived at 11pm to collect a windsurfing board, the time we got lost trying to deliver a drum kit to a farm in the back of beyond – which had 3 Dobermans who all seemed interested in drums and a very deaf old chap who seemed to have forgotten he’d bought the lawn mower.
As with any venture there have also been a few irritations, the people who say they want an item, ask hundreds of questions - so you measure it from every angle and take a hundred photos then they never bid on it, or even more irritating the folk who bid for it, buy it, then don’t pay! They don’t message to say they don’t want it – they don’t even respond to messages they simply never pay – very irritating. But perhaps the most interesting aspect of the venture (not counting the various parcelling paraphernalia), is the house has assumed a new order of tidiness. Why? Quite simply everyone knows that if something’s left lying around for more than the shortest time, then someone else will assume it is no longer needed and it will be listed! Beware!
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Jo Malone Poppy & Barley Cologne, £98, www.jomalone.co.uk
Pandora Dream Catcher Charm, £55, Pandora
AFFINITY HOT PICKS
Baileys Almande, £20, Waitrose
Floral Heels, £311, J.Crew
Most Instagrammable Bouquet, £39.99, Serenata Flowers,
Dartington Crystal Finbar Vase, £45, www.dartington.co.uk
This month’s must have gifts and accessories
Gin Book, £6, TK Maxx
Going Places Watch, £189, www.katespade.co.uk
Heart Drop Earrings, £55, J.Crew
Ruark Audio R 1 £220, www.ruarkaudio.com
Necklace, POA, River Island
Star by Julien Macdonald Jumper, £39, Debenhams
Fur Lined Bag, £80, Dune London
Agate Photo Frame, £60, Amara
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The Top Ten Foods that are Damaging to your Teeth 1
Leading celebrity dentist Dr Richard Marques, shares his list of top 10 foods that are damaging to our teeth
Tomatoes are surprisingly acidic, causing tooth erosion and damage to the enamel. If eating them raw, always consume with other foods such as in a salad, so as not to directly expose your teeth as much.
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to your teeth for longer than a hard sweet. Always wait at least an hour after eating sweets before brushing to give the enamel a chance to re-harden.
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Crisps are full of starch that ultimately turns into sugar in the mouth. This then gets trapped between the teeth and creates bacteria causing plaque. Always be sure to floss after eating!
Balsamic vinegar is particularly damaging to your teeth as it is deeply pigmented and full of acid, so will stain the teeth and cause erosion. Drink a glass of water after you eat anything containing vinegar to help clear any lingering acids.
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Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons have high acid contents which damages the tooth enamel. Try swapping citrus fruits for bananas and watermelons which are much less acidic and always drink fruit juices through a straw. Popcorn, much like crisps, can get stuck in the spaces between your teeth causing a build-up of plaque. You should also be wary of un-popped kernels that can chip the teeth. If you do choose to snack on popcorn, avoid adding salt or sugar.
White bread contains simple carbohydrates, including sugar which dissolves in the mouth, creating erosive acids when you chew. Food particles also get trapped easily between the teeth. Rinse with an anti-bacterial mouthwash and use dental floss to prevent build ups.
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Sour sweets contain several types of acids and tend to be chewy, meaning they are likely to stick
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Dried fruit often contains a surprising amount of sugar, which we all know is damaging to teeth. The sticky consistency also acts as an adhesive, causing remnants to get stuck in tiny holes and between the teeth.
Pickles are another food alarmingly high in sugar and acid, depending on what they have been pickled in. Eating a piece of cheese after a pickle can help reduce damaging effects as the calcium in the cheese will neutralise the acid in the vinegar.
Breath mints are designed to stay in your mouth for a long time, effectively coating your teeth in sugar. Always choose sugar-free options and make sure you brush your teeth and rinse with mouthwash afterwards. www.devonshireplacedental.com
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6
Things Your Make-Up Artist Wished You Knew
Make-up artist Viorela Coman, who has worked with the likes of Chanel, Burberry, Adidas, Umbro and Heidi Klein, shares the 6 things everyone should know.
1. Highlighter is not the same as concealer – One of the biggest misconceptions about highlighters is that they can conceal the undereye area, making your dark circles simply vanish. Sadly, the truth is highlighters, with their radiant particles, will actually draw attention on them and not really fix the issue. What you do need is to use a full coverage concealer which will erase any kind of discoloration and darkness. Match it exactly to your skin tone, anything lighter will draw attention to this area and bring any imperfections forward. If you really want to use both, I would try using your illuminator on top of your concealer to perfect the area. You will find that dabbing it with your ring finger or a soft brush around the eye area is best, and focus on the inner corner of your eye and a bit on the lid too. The ideal texture should be hydrating, light-radiating and lightweight. (Delilah Take Cover Radiant Concealer, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Illumination Concealer)
2. Exfoliating is a must – most clients think that exfoliating is optional but this is a required step in the skin care routine and of course, make-up sits and looks way better on fresh skin. The build-up of dead skin cells will make skin appear blotchy and uneven. Any scrubs, glycolic peels, exfoliating products used regularly are safe to use, leaving skin looking fresher and smoother. (Caudalie Gycolic Peel Mask, Peel and Polish by Pixie Beauty)
3. Make-up wipes are not recommended for everyday use - they clog up the pores and do not clean your face effectively. Use micellar water and cotton pads, they are your safest bet. (Bioderma, H2O Micellar Water, Nivea MicellAir Water to remove waterproof makeup)
4. Sun damage is real – 90% of skin aging is due to the effects of the sun, so make sure you protect your skin using a broad-spectrum and noncomedogenic sunscreens containing SPF 30 or 50. They are the most effective in preventing the long-lasting effects of sun exposure. (La Roche Posay La Roche Posay Anthelios Lotion, Bioderma Photoderm Aqua Fluid) 5. Choosing the right foundation is actually easy - always see the closest matching foundation in natural sunlight and not in artificial drugstore lights that can cause confusion. Dab a tiny bit of foundation on your jaw line and notice if it blends perfectly with your skin tone and voila! You found your match! 6. You are beautiful! Every single face has its unique and special features and make-up is there to support you and bring your best features out and show them to the whole world! Image Credit: Raluca S Photography www.viorelacoman.com
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FASHION
M&Co
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Blouse Beautiful Amp up your autumn wear with an on trend blouse, Style with slim trousers or a skirt for work wear and jeans for evening wear.
Savannah Miller Broderie Blouse, £39, Debenhams
Gold Spot Blouse, £35, Very Dorothy Perkins
Studio by Preen Blouse, £49, Debenhams
Pearly Queen Print Blouse, £45, Monsoon
High Neck Blouse, £28, Very
Blouse, POA, Marks & Spencer
Leopard Print Satin Blouse, £26, Dorothy Perkins
Savannah Miller Blouse, £39, Debenhams
Blouse, POA, Marks & Spencer
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Chic in Camel Add a splash of camel, a classic colour that looks chic whatever you wear
Longline Cardigan, £55, Monsoon
A-line Skirt, £26, M&Co Trousers, POA, Next
Suedette Bag, £19.99, New Look
Cape, £69, Debenhams
Trainers, POA, River Island
River Island
Roll Neck Jumper, £18, M&Co
Ankle Boots, POA, Next
Jumper, POA, Marks & Spencer
Cardigan, POA, Marks & Spencer
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Pretty in Pleats Look pretty in pleats with our favourite pleated skirts. Wear it with a crisp shirt for the ultimate workwear look or pair it with a cute camisole for date night.
Bottle Green Pleated Skirt, £35, Very
Pleated Skirt, £35, JD Williams
Animal Print Pleated Skirt, £35, Roman Originals Marble Print Pleated Skirt, £49, Monsoon
Primark
Pleated Knitted Skirt, £55, Oliver Bonas
Shimmery Pleated Skirt, £35, Dorothy Perkins
Pleated Skirt, £39, Elvi
Two Tone Skirt, £49.50, Marks & Spencer
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Animal Print Loafer, POA, Marks & Spencer
Chain Loafer, £69, Office
Loafing Around Whether it's a tassel, buckle, chain or regular style loafer, know one thing they'll go with anything.
Check Loafer, £39, Next
Pink Patent Loafer, £35, Debenhams
Checked Loafer, £85, Dune London
Leopard Print Loafer, £58, Next
Grey Loafer, £85, Dune London
Silver Loafer, £42, Very Red Loafer, £28, Very
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Fancy Florals
Floral styles are a must for your wardrobe, they’re great for weddings, brunch and date night. Add a jean jacket for a casual feel or heels for an autumn evening.
Floral Shirt Dress, £35, M&Co
Floral Dress, POA, Dorothy Perkins
Very
Pink Floral Dress, POA, Next
Floral Skirt, POA, Marks & Spencer
Midi Floral Dress, £35, Principles
Floral Trousers, £25, Bonmarche
Headband, £2, Primark
Blouse, £22, M&Co Studio by Preen Floral Polo, £29, Debenhams
Embroidered Ankle Boot, £16.99, TK Maxx
Studio by Preen Dress, £69, Debenhams
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food & drink
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Murrays Restaurant
A Hidden Gem hittlebury Park, situated in the beautiful rolling countryside of Northamptonshire is known as a relaxing retreat with an indulgent spa and championship golf course, just perfect for a leisurely getaway. But that’s not all, hidden away from the main hub of the hotel is a hidden gem, Murray’s Restaurant, boasting two-AA rosettes, the restaurant offers guests a fine dining experience at the hands of Head Chef, Harvey Lockwood, where carefully sourced, local ingredients are served in an intimate, relaxing atmosphere.
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We began our dining experience with pre-dinner drinks served in the private cosy lounge, accompanied by some expertly created appetisers including barbecued pork with apple purée which was utterly delicious, if this was a start of things to come we were in for a real treat.
It is clear from the start that the staff have been trained to a high standard, attentive without being overbearing. After a little perusing of the menu we decided on the tasting menu, which meant we could experience a selection of dishes from the main menu, all of which looked an absolute treat. An amuse bouche of apple and leeks with a chicken veloute began our culinary journey, followed by Loch Duart salmon with crème fraiche and cucumber, both dishes were perfectly presented and it was evident with each mouthful how fresh the ingredients were.
Wood pigeon followed, the rich flavour of the pigeon was complimented effortlessly by the artichoke and baby onion, creating a dish rich in texture and taste.
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Next up was the wild halibut with fennel, raisins and squid, the flavours of the fennel combined with the halibut and squid was a combination of wonderful tastes, with the raisins adding a slight fruity kick to the palette. Cotswold 35-day aged beef with asparagus and ox cheek was next, the beef literally melted in the mouth, an absolute delight, leaving me trying to savour every mouthful. The ambience in the restaurant only adds to your dining experience, soft lighting, smooth music and tables perfectly placed so as not to be intrusive to other diners.
Desserts were strawberry and cream, and tiramisu. The two dishes offered a nice contrast with the strawberry dish giving light fruity flavours, a perfect summery dish, while the tiramisu was slightly richer, with a strong coffee taste and soft texture, both were as delicious as each other.
We finished our culinary journey with coffee and homemade petit fours, the perfect end to a faultless evening. The succession of outstandingly executed modern ideas and vivid new takes on the classics was a dining experience which was truly divine, innovative and balanced - it was fine dining at its absolute best. To find out more about Murrays or to book, visit www.whittlebury.com
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Pirouette Perfection
Tea Time at Burberry
Burberry has launched its Classic Afternoon Tea at its all-day café Thomas’s, located within the Burberry flagship store on 121 Regent Street. The Classic Afternoon Tea comprises a selection of sandwiches, scones and English cakes alongside a passionfruit and milk chocolate Burberry bar which features the house’s Monogram. The Monogram celebrates the house’s founder Thomas Burberry and its heritage through a signature house code of interlocking TB initials. First unveiled in August 2018, the Monogram was designed by Riccardo in collaboration with British art director and graphic designer Peter Saville. On his appointment at Burberry, Riccardo discovered a selection of 20th-century Thomas Burberry logo motifs in the house’s archive which inspired him to create a new house code. For reservations, please contact Thomas’s at Burberry on +44 (0)20 3159 1410 or book via OpenTable: www.opentable.co.uk/thomass
Black Label Bubbles
Whether you’re hosting a BBQ with friends, a picnic with your other half, or as a celebratory cheers McGuigan Black Label Sparkling Rosé adds a touch of sparkle to any plans. What’s more, the chic and stylish bottle design makes the perfect centrepiece for entertaining. A bright and refreshing wine with flavours of strawberry, red currant and citrus, pairs beautifully with grilled lamb or fish, marinated chicken thighs and light salads, available form Sainsbury’s, for £7.50
Whirl your way into the Royal Opera House shop and discover the Ballerina Biscuit: a beautifully decorated biscuit iced with an exquisitely hand-piped duck-egg and baby blue tutu. The perfect sweet treat for any budding ballerina and a gorgeous gift for anyone especially those with a sweet tooth! Available to purchase for £18 exclusively at the Royal Opera House shop and online at shop.roh.org.uk
FOODIE NEWS 30-Minute Meals
WW, the new Weight Watchers, has launched a new addition to its Healthy Kitchen cookbook range, 30-minute meals from WW. Proving that fast food doesn’t have to be unhealthy food, the new cookbook offers over 60 delicious and easy-to-follow recipes that are simple to cook in just half an hour. Whether you’re time-poor or looking for a healthy meal in a hurry, 30-minute meals is full of inspirational ideas to keep the whole family satisfied. Priced at £9.95, 30-Minute Meals from WW is available exclusively in WW Wellness Workshops across the UK and online at www.weightwatchersshop.co.uk.
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A Little Rock ‘n’ Roll quintessentially British hotel since 1892 The Gore London is the epitome of authentic elegance.
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Built as a serviced residence for visitors to London's Great Exhibition, under the patronage of Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria, it welcomed guests who wanted to stay in the heart of "the most fashionable area of the city", that is to say in the houses at 189 and 190 Queen's Gate, which form The Gore today.
In 1968, the Rolling Stones picked the hotel for the launch party of their Beggars Banquet album, and to this day The Gore’s Bar 190 still pays homage to the event, and so it seemed only fitting when event planners La Fête partnered with The Gore to bring guests an afternoon tea with a difference - The Rock ‘n’ Roll Afternoon Tea, drawing inspiration from legendary artists including The Rolling Stones, Guns N’ Roses, Queen and David Bowie among others.
This unique afternoon tea is aesthetically fabulous, the attention to detail is amazing and we couldn’t wait to see if the tastes were just as delightful. Served in the restaurant (190 Queen’s Gate), we were seated in a cosy corner surrounded by Regal colours of blues, reds and gold, dark wooden furniture and a chandelier that sparkled more than the crown jewels! Savoury and sweet arrive together, a rainbow of colours served on a glass platter, dotted with vinyl record discs, guitar spoons and a mini drum kit taking centre stage – creativity is definitely in abundance here.
Starting with the savoury delights all appropriately named ‘The Woodstock’ (a mini chipolata hot dog), ‘The ‘Popping’ Stones’ (Paprika popcorn) and ‘Queens of Noise’ (a smoked salmon sandwich & chilli and avocado sandwich), an amazing selection so thoughtfully put together in presentation and taste.
The sweet selection was just as impressive with an array of delicately designed treats that included ‘Goodbye Ziggy’ (a divine chocolate ganache cake), ‘The Lizard King’ (a mango and chocolate mousse that was a zesty mouth-watering treat and definitely my favourite), ‘Whisky A Go Go’ (mini madeleine with whiskey ganache and chocolate heart, served on a guitar shaped spoon), ‘Sweet ‘Choux’ O’ Mine’(Choux pastry filled with raspberry cream and topped with a chocolate guitar, another genius treat).
Finally, the scones, but of course these aren’t ordinary scones they’re titled ‘Under Pressure’ referring to Queen and David Bowie’s iconic pairing on the 1981 hit song and what a delicious pairing it was, scones, jam and cream. Not only is the Rock ‘n’ Roll afternoon tea a real feast for your taste buds, it’s also a feast for your eyes, creative and vibrant and so definitely worth tasting. The Gore & La Fête Rock ‘n’ Roll Afternoon Tea is priced at £35 per person. To book, visit www.starhotelscollezione.com/en/our-hotels/the-gorelondon/dining/rocknroll-afternoon-tea.html or call 020 7584 6601
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Spicy Turkey and Avocado Burger These delicious Turkey burgers are not only quick and easy to make, they’re also a healthy alternative to a regular burger.
Ingredients
2x 40g slices wholemeal bread 500g minced turkey 4 spring onions, thinly sliced 2 red chillies, finely chopped Handful of fresh coriander, chopped Salt and black pepper Frylight 4 crusty wholemeal rolls 8 Little Gem lettuce leaves 4 slices of tomato 1 medium avocado, skin and stone removed, flesh mashed
Method
Blitz the bread briefly in a blender or food processor to make fine breadcrumbs.Using your hands, mix together the turkey, breadcrumbs, 3 of the spring onions, the chilli and half the coriander in a bowl. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Again, using your hands, divide the mixture into 4 portions and shape each one into a burger approximately an inch thick. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Lightly spray a large frying pan with Frylight and place over a medium to high heat. Cook the burgers for 8-10 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked right through. Cut the rolls in half and add two lettuce leaves and a slice of tomato to each base. Place a burger on top and add 1 tablespoon of mashed avocado, a sprinkling of spring onion and a few sprigs of fresh coriander to each. Sandwich together with the top of the roll and enjoy. www.nutracheck.co.uk
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Lemon Garlic Roasted Broccoli Salad Taking broccoli to a whole new level with delicious flavours, texture, and colour that are a mouthwatering delight
Ingredients 3 heads broccoli, florets and stems roughly chopped 1/3 cup pine nuts 4 tablespoons olive oil 4 cloves garlic minced or grated Kosher salt and pepper 1/4 cup chopped fresh parley Juice from 1 lemon 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes 1-2 cups baby kale Arils from 1 pomegranate 1 avocado, sliced 6 ounces feta cheese crumbled Method Preheat the oven to 220C / 425F / Gas 7. On a large baking sheet, toss together the broccoli, pine nuts, 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, and a large pinch of both salt and pepper. Transfer to the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes or until the broccoli is just beginning to char. Remove from the oven and stir in the parsley. Meanwhile, make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Taste and season lightly with salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the roasted broccoli. Add the baby kale and pomegranate arils. Gently toss to combine. Transfer the salad to a bowl and top with feta and sliced avocado. Enjoy!
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Passion Fruit Key Lime Pie BACOFOIL® teams up with celebrity Masterchef Lisa Faulkner to create this fresh and zesty dessert
Ingredients
For the base: Bacofoil® Non-Stick Baking Paper 110g/4oz butter 225g/8oz digestive biscuits For the filling: Juice of 4 limes Pulp of 2 passion fruit Zest of 3 limes 3 large egg yolks 14oz condensed milk
Method
Preheat the oven to 180C / 350F / Gas 4. Line the base of a 23cm loose bottom tart tin with Bacofoil® Non-Stick Baking Paper (this will ensure the pie won’t stick). Place the biscuits in a Bacofoil® All Purpose Zipper Bag and seal. With a rolling pin, crush the biscuits until you have fine breadcrumbs Melt butter in a pan. Add the crushed biscuits and mix together. Then press the mixture into the prepared tin. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes. Whisk egg yolks and lime zest together until yolks are pale and thick. Whisk in the condensed milk for a further few minutes then whisk in the lime juice. Lastly, add the passion fruit and stir. Pour the mixture onto the cooked biscuit base. Bake for 15-20 minutes until it is just set Let the pie cool, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Decorate with lime pieces (optional)
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Apple Tarte Tatin
Whittlebury Park’s Head Pastry Chef, Ben Clark, is this month sharing a delicious and seasonal recipe for an apple Tarte Tatin. As the weather turns slightly colder, it’s a great warming treat, which is best served with a delicious vanilla ice cream or sorbet.
Method:
Ingredients:
200g caster sugar 60g butter 4 Braeburn apples, peeled cored and quartered 320g pre-made puff pastry (keep the leftovers to make another dessert or pie) 2.5g cinnamon Small 8-inch frying pan
Begin by peeling, coring and quartering the apples, then make the dry caramel in the frying pan by slowly caramelising the sugar until golden brown - Tip: try to avoid making it too dark as it will taste bitter.
Once at caramel stage add the butter and cinnamon and then mix to emulsify. Arrange the quartered apples around the frying pan with the core side facing up. Cut out the pre-made puff pastry using a similar sized small plate, or ring. Place the pastry on top of the apples, pressing in to the edges. Cook at 175C / 350F/ Gas 3 for 20-25 minutes.
Once cooked, leave to rest for 5 minutes and then turn out onto a plate.
Whittlebury, Towcester NN12 8QH www.whittlebury.com
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WIN!
An Italian Afternoon Tea for FOUR People at The Sharnbrook Hotel
Afternoon Tea, one of our favourite pastimes, a quintessential English tradition, and one that is now offered in all sorts of curious guises, has now come to Vesuvio at The Sharnbrook Hotel in Bedfordshire, adding a quirky twist they bring to your palette ‘The Vesuvio Italian Afternoon Tea’. As the name suggests there is a definite Italian influence, the finger sandwiches and mini cakes have been replaced with traditional Italian favourites that include paninis, bruschetta and arancini, along with sweet treats of tiramisu, chocolate lobster tail, limoncello posset and Nonna’s chocolate tartufo, along with, of course, traditional warm scones.
Priced at £18.50 per person or £27.50 per person for bottomless prosecco this is an afternoon tea that’s well worth indulging in. We’ve teamed up with The Sharnbrook Hotel to give one lucky Affinity reader the chance to win an Italian Afternoon Tea for FOUR people, all you have to do is tell us: Which one is a sweet option on the Italian Afternoon Tea? A) B) C)
Choux Bun Custard Tart Tiramisu
Please send your answers to jane@affinitymag.co.uk
Competition closes 30th September 2019 Good Luck!
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These wines are the perfect additionto a cosy autumn evening French Night
13th September 9 dishes and a glass of wine only £20 per person
Pudding Night
20th September Main course and all you can eat desserts only - £16
Fill up Night
18th October Bottomless Food, Prosecco and Beer only £25 per person
Pudding Night
25th October Main course and all you can eat desserts only - £16 Every Week
Light Bites Lunch
Over 30 Dishes between £4 and £10, Served Monday to Saturday 12-5 pm
Two for Tuesday
Buy one get one Free on all Main Courses served 12-9
Thirsty Thursday
Half price drinks every Thursday 4pm-6.30 pm with free nibbles
01234 781 678
info@millhouse-riverside.co.uk www.millhouse-riverside.co.uk millhouse_hotel
Millhouse Hotel and Riverside Restaurant Mill Road, Sharnbrook, Bedford MK44 1NP
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INTERIORS
Audenza
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Warm Tones
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Keep your home warm this autumn with earthy tones of terracotta, forest greens, golden mustard and berry-redd.
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Scalloped Oyster Chair, £375, Audenza Footstool, £99, Atkin and Thyme Armchair, £399, Cult Living Stool, POA, Covet House Throw, £85, www.moons.co.uk Cross Frame Stool, £275, Artisanti Velvet Cushion, £44, Artisanti Rug, £235, Shimu Sofa, £899, Cult Studio Velvet Wall Clock, £49, Audenza Tulip Glass Pendant Lamp, £29, Cult Furniture Two Seater Sofa, £299, www.made.com Planter, £119, Amara Curvaceous Velvet Armchair, £529, Audenza Vase, £52, Audenza Cushion, £59, Abode Living Chair, £350, John Lewis Plant Pot, £29, Abode Living
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Be a Flamingo in a Flock of Pigeons
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Add a splash of colour to your mug collection with one of these pink flamingo mugs
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Annabel James
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Be a Flamingo Mug, £12.50, Amazon Don't Give a Flock Flamingo Mug, £5, Debenhams Flamingo Mug, £7.99, www.iwantoneofthose.com Flamingo Mug, £15.50, www.Saramiller.london Sophie Allport Flamingo Mug, £11.50, www.sophieallport.com Flamingo Mug, £7.50, The Contemporary Home Flamingo Mug, £9.95, Annabel James Flamingo Mug, £19, Perky Royal Worcester Flamingo Mug, £8, John Lewis
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TRAVEL
Brecon Beacons
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Follow theinFoodie Trail
Brecon Beacons
f you enjoy the great outdoors and all it can offer, then Brecon Beacons is the ideal place to visit, whether it’s for a few days or a week or two, a relaxing getaway or an actionpacked adventure it has it all and more. With its lush landscapes, mountains, moorlands, waterfalls, meandering streams, traditional quaint market towns, and so much more, you won’t ever tire of finding something to do.
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As you make the transition into Brecon the whole aspect changes, gone is the polluted air and flat landscape, instead you can feel the freshness as you breathe in the mountains and their surrounding beauty, the views are glorious and you feel the stress of life slowly evaporate from your body. There are so many places to stay, whether it’s a self-catering cottage, luxurious hotel, a glamping pod or a historic country house, the choice is yours.
I always like to imagine myself in an episode of Downton Abbey, sipping tea in the drawing room like Lady Grantham, and thus the elegant country house hotel Llangoed Hall seemed the perfect choice for us to use as our base for a few days of exploring the Brecon Beacons.
Steeped in history this stunning house is believed to have been the legendary ‘White Palace’ - home to the first Welsh parliament. Having been won in a card game by the MacNamara family it stayed with the family for two generations until 1847. In 1912 Clough Williams Ellis re-designed it into a country house and in 1987 it was bought by Laura Ashley’s family who in 1990 opened it as a Country House Hotel. The Laura Ashley influence is of course evident as is the elegance and style that appears everywhere, from the fine art collection gracing the walls through to the Grand Piano at the foot
of the elegant wooden staircase (that hubby felt the need to ping every time we walked by!) this certainly is the perfect place to retreat after a day exploring, ideal for a little peace and relaxation.
Our room, a Master Suite, reached via the solid wooden staircase with its intricate detail and the most amazing mural on the wall had Laura Ashley fabrics adorning the King Size bed, sofa and chairs. Crisp fresh bed linen, antique furniture, Penhaligon products in the bathroom, and tall, arched windows that gave views of the croquet lawn and the idyllic Wye Valley beyond. That’s without the finer details - a crystal decanter of sherry, crystal glasses, fresh fruit and a selection of waters - nothing is left to chance here, it is all carefully thought out to ensure you feel as if this is your country house home not a hotel.
Food & Drink As well as its awe-inspiring scenery and opportunities for great outdoor activities, Brecon Beacons is a foodie’s paradise, from elegant restaurants, to family run smokehouses, quaint village pubs and fresh farm food, you certainly won’t be short of places to visit. We, of course, started our culinary treats with a fine dining meal in the elegant dining room at LLangoed Hall.
The food is sourced from the freshest and finest local ingredients with fruit and vegetables from the hotel’s very own kitchen garden. It’s clearly evident from the dishes we ate that Head Chef Nick Brodie has a flair for both flavours and presentation. We dined on his six-course tasting menu, all the dishes were creatively presented, divinely delicious and a real treat to the taste buds, this is fine dining at its best, the langoustine was fresh and meaty and paired perfectly with foie gras and coffee bisque and the lamb (welsh of course) was a meat eaters dream, succulent and
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flavoursome with a slight kick from the tartare and pickle creating an explosion of tastes that definitely made this my favourite dish. If fine dining’s not your thing then take a visit to the Welsh Venison Centre and Farm Shop, an award-winning, family-run farm established as a venison farm by the Morgan family in 1985, here you’ll see deer, sheep and cattle roaming freely around the land, shop the fresh butcher’s cuts or deli products, there’s even a farm shop café where there’s a whole array of freshly cooked food including Venison burgers and, of course, homemade cake. The Angel Hotel a luxurious, four-star hotel, built in the middle of Abergavenny as a coaching inn in 1829, is a minute’s walk from Abergavenny Castle and Museum, just perfect for a lunchtime feast. Be sure to try the mussels in a Thai green curry, the flavours are amazing as is the leek and wild mushroom risotto, there’s an array of great food as well as a three-course set menu that’s well worth its £32 price tag.
The Three Horseshoes in the small village of Groesffordd is another must, don’t be fooled by the façade, walk inside and it’s like Alice walking through the looking glass into a mix of traditional and contemporary chic. On a cold day a roaring log-burner adds to the cosy ambience and when the sun shines there’s a welcoming beer garden ideal for soaking up the rays, with quirky beach huts that seat 8, all with a table, heater and lighting. Food is just as impressive with starters that include warm spiced hummus with chorizo and flat bread, crispy squid served with chilli jam, salted peanuts and pineapple. Mains can be traditional pub grub such as beer battered fillet of Cornish haddock, chips and mushy peas or as elaborate as lamb loin crispy rack with turnips, hazelnuts and salt baked beetroot, whatever you choose you’re guaranteed fresh, flavoursome, inventive food.
Brecon Beacons wealth of food just keeps coming, hidden off the beaten track – literally, (think of the thrillers where the car breaks down on a deserted country lane, no phone signal, no lights, nothing in sight) surrounded by the rolling hills of the Black Mountains is Gliffaes, a true country house and fishing hotel. The food served here is very much in keeping with its surroundings: classic and ingenious, you begin your experience with a drink in the bar and are then shown to your table once your food is ready.
In the spacious dining room, we had starters of scorched cod served on a bed of seaweed and cockle quinoa and a crab and Welsh ale tartlet, the flavours and presentation were divine. The Assiette of lamb was heavenly, and if you only choose one dish it would have to be the fillet of sea bream served with crab ravioli, the explosion of flavours on the taste buds was heavenly. When your hubby’s a lover of Baileys it’s only natural he chooses the Baileys panna cotta for dessert – the verdict, can I have another? Black Mountains Smokery is a family-run, gourmet food business, if you have time be sure to pop in for a tour and taste of some of the award-winning products.
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If all this food has made you thirsty, then a must visit is a Tour of Penderyn Whisky Distillery, set in the foothills of Brecon, it’s the only commercial whisky distillery in Wales and one of the smallest distilleries in the world, a great informative tour followed by tastings - and don’t worry if you’re not a connoisseur of whisky there’s gin and vodka as well as Merlyn Cream Liqueur (think Baileys but creamier), presented in a black matte bottle with hand drawn calligraphy reflecting its smooth and mellow flavour, and looked far too pretty for us not to take a bottle or two home!
If you only visit one other place whilst you’re in and around Brecon it has to be the quaint olde worlde market town of Hay-on-Wye, often described as ‘the town of books’ it’s like one gigantic library! Amble through the cobbled streets, with your book shop map in hand, it’s a literacy dream! Most of the bookshops have their own genre, including ‘Horror’ ‘Thrillers & Crimes’ ”Sc-Fi” “Murder & Mayhem” choose your interest, pop in, browse the books, sit down on one of the comfortable armchairs and enjoy. Everything is so laid back, no hard sell – this town is about embracing a love of books and enjoying every moment you can – purchase made or not you’re made to feel so welcome, and the knowledge that each book store owner has is better than google! Of course, hidden between the book shops are quaint tea rooms and what could be more ideal that flicking through your purchase over coffee and cake!
Each year, the annual Hay Festival is held here, a celebration of all things books. Bill Clinton once called it the ‘Woodstock of the Mind’. Attracting book lovers, writers, and artists, from all over the world, this usually quiet town, becomes a buzzing hive of literature, live performances, food stalls and entertainment, an adventure of literary proportions (literally!)
The sky at night in Brecon is a star gazers dream, Brecon Beacons National Park has some of the highest quality dark skies in the whole of the UK. Unfortunately for us the conditions were a little wild for us to enjoy an evening gazing at the starlit sky, which is such a shame, but on the positive it does give us an excuse (not that we need one) to visit this beautiful part of the UK again! To plan a visit to Brecon Beacons, visit www.breconbeacons.org
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An Idyllic French Getaway at
Château de Mercuès, France
hose looking for an idyllic French getaway need look no further than wine estate Château de Mercuès in France’s Lot Valley, which has an array of exciting new additions.
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From a temporary exhibition by famed Portuguese artist Mario Chichorro, and a new electric car partnership with BMW, to the launch of a decadent Tea Time Menu, Tasting Menu and an exclusive Rooftop Soiree event, there are a plethora of reasons to visit the stunning chateau in 2019. WHAT’S NEW
Château de Mercuès opens Mario Chichorro Exhibition The chateau is delighted to announce that from now until the 11th November it will be hosting an exhibition of works by famed Portuguese artist Mario Chichorro. Chateau proprietors Bertrand and Christine Vigouroux are avid art lovers, and each year they select one artist to exhibit their work.
From historical bas-reliefs exuding humour to colourful painting featuring an array of techniques, including oil on canvas and acrylic on chipboard, visitors can interact with 81 of the modern contemporary artist’s paintings and sculptures. Pieces are exhibited throughout the chateau in the reception, corridors, stairs, bar, lounge and dining room.
The exhibition is open daily from 2pm to 6pm and is free to visit. Explore the Lot Valley in a 100% Electric BMW i3 Until 13th September guests can take to the road and explore the beautiful Lot Valley in the new BMW i3 for free,
courtesy of an exclusive new partnership between BMW and Relais & Châteaux (Château de Mercuès is a member).
The electric car provides guests with the freedom to visit the picturesque villages and stunning castles of Occitania and visit one of the many wineries in the region, all just a short drive from the chateau. The car is available to all guests staying at Château de Mercuès, but pre-booking is required. Terms and conditions apply. Château de Mercuès launches Time for Tea Menu Decadent pastries featuring the finest ingredients and an array of beautifully infused tea and aromatic coffees; as Lewis Carroll wrote ‘it’s always teatime’ and that’s why the chateau’s English pastry chef Steven Bott has developed an exclusive Tea Time Menu.
Served daily from 3pm to 5:30pm, Bott’s menu features delights such as almond and coffee layered cake with a dark chocolate glaze, elegant meringue swan filled with a bellefleur sparkling rose wine mousse, cream and strawberries, and muffins with raspberry filling and vanilla cream. The Tea Time Menu costs from €25 per person and includes three delicious pastries and a beverage of your choice.
Michelin Star Chef launches new Tasting Menu Opuscule de Juillet Chef Julien Poisot’s has developed an exciting new Tasting Menu for the chateau’s fine dining restaurant Le Duèze. Available Tuesday to Saturday for dinner, the Opuscule de Juillet Tasting Menu showcases the finest ingredients from the region. Guests can expect courgette flower stuffed with
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girolles and Melanosporum truffle accompanied by a Gascon black pork pig’s trotter confit, fresh crab and gourmand green peas served with royal caviar from Patrossian and crunchy potato, and roasted sweetbread grenobloise “style”. The menu is available throughout summer but is subject to change.
Château de Mercuès Develops Chef Table Concept Those looking for a gastronomic experience with a difference now have the opportunity to sit down in the kitchen of chef Poisot and dine at the exclusive five-seater Chef’s Table. Poisot has develop nine exceptional dishes that showcase the delights of the Occitanie region and its quality seasonal produce, from Quercy Lamb and Aubrac Beef to the Tuber melanosporum of Lalbenque, mushrooms and chanterelles. Sommelier Maude Fortin has gathered a superb wine list and pairings, which includes an array of vintages from the Cahors vineyard and Georges Vigouroux’s great Malbecs.
Current menu is available until 11th November 2019 and costs from €200 per person. Wine supplement €110 per person.
Château de Mercuès awarded Gold Grand Prix Earlier this year Château de Mercuès was awarded a prestigious Wine Tourism Trophie, the Grand Prix d'Or in the category "Stay at the property". A globally recognised award, the trophies are organized by the tourist development agency Atout France and the famous magazine Terre de Vins and highlight the chateau’s commitment to developing strong oenotourism solutions. Just 30 properties from 14 French wine regions received a trophy with over 350 applications. Classic rooms at Château de Mercuès start from €270 a night in August 2019. For more details or to book, visit www.chateaudemercues.com
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A Great British Journey with
Rocco Forte Hotels Follow Emily Williams’ heritage tour from the heart of London’s Mayfair to the Scottish Capital on a delectable dual city break. Indulge in afternoon tea and award-winning Italian Bistro at Brown’s, then travel north to discover Edinburgh’s best city sights with The Balmoral.
ust a five-minute stroll from Green Park station, the Royal Academy of Arts and the ritzy thoroughfare of Bond Street, Brown’s Hotel is set amongst a luxurious succession of A-list fashion boutiques opposite the entrance to the historic Royal Arcade. The patriotic flags, solid marble pillars and smartly dressed doormen make a grand entrance and I just couldn’t wait to see what was inside Mayfair’s most coveted address.
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Dating back to its establishment by Lord Byron’s valet in 1837, premium hospitality was woven into its foundations. From then on it has grown in status and scale; it’s 115 bedrooms and 33 suites now span across eleven adjoined townhouses, and it has hosted a star-studded list of royal and parliamentary figures, from Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill to the marriage of Theodore Roosevelt. Brown’s has also sparked the minds of literary luminaries and inventors: the dame of detective stories, Agatha Christie, based ‘At Bertram’s Hotel’ on Brown’s; Rudyard Kipling penned his all-time classic ‘The Jungle Book’ in the fabled Kipling Suite; and the hotel is famed for Britain’s first telephone call by Alexander Graham Bell. History seeps through its walls, and I could only wish that I’d been there to witness these iconic moments in hotelier history. Check-in was a glamorous affair, the Belvedere glass sky lantern floods the reception hall with natural light, illuminating the showstopping wisteria wallpaper by Adam Ellis, and simulating the feel of a blooming British garden in Spring.
Upstairs, branching out from the warren of corridors, each room has a different viewpoint, most either overlooking Dover or Albermarle Street. My room was light and sophisticated with contemporary red accents in the seating area and stylish striped upholstery. There were lots of hospitable touches on hand too, including a curated collection of English novels on the bookshelves, tomorrow’s weather report on my bedside and even a jogging map for all of London’s best routes nearby.
The English Tea Room on the ground floor is a quintessential gathering place for families, couples and special occasions with
friends. Brown’s exemplifies how the British custom should be experienced, all accompanied with a lively pianist tinkering on the keys, cosy fireplaces, and glasses of champagne on gleaming tablecloths. The tiered spread was delicious, with a remarkable seventeen teas to choose from, including their own bespoke blend. The indulging doesn’t end here, as in the evening, the plush Donovan Bar comes to life, fitted with a glamorous golden bar where its pièce de résistance drinks menu set by cocktail maestro, Salvatore Calabrese, never fails to startle. Forest green velvet seats and brushed brass table lamps speckle the room and the illustrious Naughty Corner displays some of Sir Terence Donovan’s raunchy fashion photography from the 1960s. At the end of the week, live music adds an extra buzz to this glitzy drinking establishment, which holds a Guinness World Record for selling the world’s most expensive cocktail for £5,500. At a more reasonable price point, I recommend the gin-based colour-changing ‘Flower Power’ cocktail, a psychedelic potion instilled with lavender honey and butterfly pea tea.
A natural transition from the Donovan Bar is a meal at Beck, the hotel’s Italian upscale bistro set in the first public dining room in London. At the culinary helm is Heinz Beck, the man behind the three Michelin-starred La Pergola restaurant in Rome. The cuisine was exceptional, and I chose to delve into his Fagotelli Alla Carbonara for my main course. Unlike the conventional style, Beck presents the buttery yolk sauce inside delicate frilled pasta pockets, which burst and melt onto your tongue - simply delicious!
Before setting off for the Scottish borders, exploring the famous Royal Arcade is a magical diversion. In the centre of the Grade II listed arcade sits the opulent perfume house, Ormonde Jayne. It’s here you can get a Perfume Portrait, a fun immersive experience. It enables you to find a suitable scent, which is bottled into a beautiful cut glass flacon with your desired message or name engraved on the cap. The smooth journey from King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverley brought glorious views of the British countryside. As the train
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slowed into the Scottish capital, a doorman from Rocco Forte’s British sister hotel, The Balmoral, stood on the platform with a golden luggage cart. The Balmoral hotel is adjoined to the station, and although its secret direct passageway is now only used for its most esteemed guests, the alternative route is very short and easy. The Balmoral hotel is a treasured landmark building seen from all viewpoints in Edinburgh, and its clock tower famously runs three minutes early to keep travellers’ time in check!
On the upper floors, taupe woven carpets lead into spacious suites, a couple of them have bright eccentric doors to mark a significant occupant: for instance, the purple door with the brass owl knocker is dedicated to J K Rowling, as it’s the room in which she completed The Deathly Hallows novel.
Adventurous urbanites might be interested in a city excursion, and I was very impressed with Ian G Black’s photography tour in partnership with The Balmoral. Another must-see attraction was The Royal Yacht Britannia, the interior is preserved in its original fashion, complete with intimate family holiday photographs and the Queen’s handpicked furniture. The Balmoral’s prime location on Princes Street also guarantees easy access to gastro pubs, museums and parades of shops.
The hotel is like a resort in itself, with a well-equipped gym, spa, sauna and steam room, a fully stocked whisky parlour and three principal dining options to choose from. On the ground floor, Palm Court is Edinburgh’s most established Scottish Afternoon Tea institution located in a colonnaded atrium. Its twelve pastry chefs provide moreish treats to guests sitting beneath the central Venetian glass dome and a harpist playing from its Juliet balcony. Second, The Prince Italian Brasserie is another sophisticated eatery, I recommend the wild smoked salmon cured on whisky chips, their secret pâté recipe created by the chef’s grandfather, and the scrumptious Mille-fueille for dessert. But as the name suggests, Number One restaurant tops the list of The Balmoral’s gastronomic go-tos. Its Michelin starred culinary combinations include experiential dishes like Hand Dived Scallop with Black Garlic Ketchup, Highland Wagyu Beef paired with earthy beetroot and a delicately crafted Pink Lady tart served with a refreshing yogurt sorbet. Booking in advance is essential, so that one of the exclusive tables will be yours to savour for the entire evening. It’s a fitting final toast to your great British journey with Rocco Forte, the purveyors of true first class living.
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Fry’s Footie Corner At the time of writing this column, we are literally just three weeks into the new campaign and already a manager has lost his job. Gary Johnson was the unfortunate man who was given the boot after just four league games which saw him pick up one point. Gary is someone that I know well, he was the manager at Peterborough United and works his socks off for the club he represents. Whilst I understand that Cheltenham didn’t’ have a brilliant season last year, they gave him the opportunity to reshape his squad for the new campaign in the summer and you have to give him the chance to see what the players can achieve over a longer period of time. I feel very sorry for him, but hopefully he can get another chance in the game because he has a lot to give. Of course, sacking a manager so early is a regular occurrence. There are a whole host of managers under pressure after below par starts and that is just the way of the world these days. It is such a tough job.
At Peterborough, we have had a really good start to the season with four straight league victories including a hard fought 10 away win at Charlton Athletic. Long may that run of form continue! We had a very busy summer with a lot of new players coming into the building and 19 players departing the ABAX Stadium.
The management deserve a lot of credit for the way they have gelled the players together, they are socialising together and it reminds me a lot of the first squad we had under Darren Ferguson. They are a tight knit bunch and team spirit can be a really important factor in a successful squad. In the Premier League, the big teams have all made good starts including Manchester City and Liverpool and I think it will be between those two for the title. City have lost the services of Kevin De Bruyne to injury, but they have a whole host of options to bring in including David Silva so I am sure they will be fine! Enjoy the month!
Barry Fry
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Get Shirty Every man's wardrobe needs at least one go-to shirt, cue our favourite shirts for this autumn
Koi Print Shirt, £55, White Stuff
Printed Shirt, £95, Ted Baker
Paul Smith Live Faster Shirt, £135, www.Paulsmith.com
Animal Shirt, £49, Joules
Woodland Shirt, £45, Debenhams
Pineapple Shirt, £24, M&Co
Hawes and Curtis
Quizman Blue and White Flower Print Shirt, £26.99, Debenhams
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Girls Just Wanna Have Fun ake an Aussie road movie; turn it into a Broadwaystyle extravaganza; add a healthy dose of plot that explores issues of sex, gender, love and ageing; finish with a bus-load of sequins and what do you get? Priscilla, Queen of the Desert!
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Starring Strictly Come Dancing winner Joe McFadden as Tick and Mitzi, Priscilla is the hilarious but heartwarming adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for the Outback to put on the show of a lifetime. On the way there’s plenty of time for self-discovery, the celebration of diversity and a dawning understanding of human nature.
With more glitter and sassiness than ever before, this smash hit show features a dazzling array of stunning costumes, fabulous feathers and a non-stop parade of dancefloor classics starting, of course, with It’s Raining Men! Priscilla wouldn’t be the same without that Oz (and now Brit) national treasure, Jason Donovan. And though he’s hung up his ‘flip-flop’ mini dress, Jason is back, this time in the producer’s chair. Jason says: “Having spent years performing and always harbouring the desire to become more involved in the creative process, I am delighted to be joining Mark Goucheras, producer on this wonderful show. Priscilla is such a wonderful Australian story about diversity. It is a modern musical with a great heart.” Joining Joe McFaddenin the cast are Miles Western, who plays Bernadette, and Nick Hayes as Adam and Felicia. It’s gonna be Hot Stuff!
Priscilla Queen of the Desert is appearing at Milton Keynes Theatre from Monday 30th September – Saturday 5th October. Tickets are available from www.atgtickets.com
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What a Way to Make a Livin’
Tumble outta’ bed and stumble to Dolly Parton’s riproaring musical - starring Louise Redknapp, Brian Conley and Amber Davies!
Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture, 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL was originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt in April 2009. This production opened in the West End in February 2019, where Dolly Parton attended the premiere and joined the cast on stage at the finale.
Telling the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy - three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the women manage to reform their office - or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit? Inspired by the cult film this hilarious new West End production is about teaming up, standing up and taking care of business!
Direct from the West End smash-hit production, Louise Redknapp and Amber Davies will reprise their roles as ‘Violet Newstead’ and ‘Judy Bernly’ and Brian Conley will be making an appearance as Franklin Hart Jnr’
With an Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by the Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton, and a book by the iconic movie’s original screenwriter Patricia Resnick, this hilarious new production is about teaming up, standing up and taking care of business! So grab your ‘coat of many colours’ and make your way to Milton Keynes for a your very own 9 to 5!
9 to 5 The Musical is appearing at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday 24th – Saturday 28th September 2019. Tickets are available from www.atgtickets.com
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STARS Manish Kumar Arora (K.P. Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Card Reader & Vastu Consultant) reveals what’s in store for you this month
Virgo (23 August – 22 September) Finances are looking up, and you are feeling more positive and idealistic. Travel may bring benefit in work or gain through new associations. Friendships are changing and new friends can bring new opportunities for travel and social experiences. For some there may be a new affection that grows while for others there could be a growing disenchantment with your current situation or a loved one. You finish out the month with warm and intense family connections. Favourable Dates: September 4, 8, 13, 17, 22, 26 Favourable Colours: Red & Blue
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Libra (23 September – 22 October) This is a time to work towards the transformation of your working conditions. You may need to put in the extra effort to shift yourself up the ladder or into a new line of work. The advent of a new relationship could change the state of things, your life direction and perhaps even where you're living. Some of you may have to leave a lot behind in order to pursue something new. Unusual ideas or understanding may come with the package. Favourable Dates: September 2, 8, 11, 17, 20, 26 Favourable Colours: White & Blue Scorpio (23 October – 21 November) This may be a good time to learn new skills or advance your education. You may find new or unusual associations develop through your work situation or you may find that new associates lead to different avenues of work. Some of you may make a romantic connection through a working situation. You and a partner may put money and effort into a business. You may embrace new diets, new forms of treatment or new modalities in healthcare practice. Favourable Dates: September 1, 5, 10, 14, 19, 23 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Blue
Sagittarius (22 November - 21 December) This marks the beginning of a cycle of new romance or the renewal of love. There will be parties, gatherings, creativity, children and interesting people all around you. You will have the best of partners and friends if you put yourself out there. In this way you'll get the best from yourself as well. Planning, education and communication skills are watchwords to guide you along the path this month Favourable Dates: September 5, 8, 14, 17, 23, 26 Favourable Colours: White & Red Capricorn (22 December – 19 January) This can be a fortunate period for you and you can flourish through new ideas and connections. Useful ideas and methods will be there at need and you can have the assistance or advice of experienced professionals as you navigate the road ahead. If you're in a relationship, do something that adds texture or interest to your lives. Recreational activities, creative endeavours or gatherings with friends can enhance your quality of life. Favourable Dates: September 3, 6, 12, 15, 21, 24 Favourable Colours: White &Yellow Aquarius (20 January – 18 February) This month can be a journey where you have to face fears or break past patterns. You may be on the verge of a big domestic or emotional shift, one that takes you into a new framework of living. There could be advancement. There certainly will be change and political or religious ideas may play some role in the process of change. Health issues will also be important on the path of change. Favourable Dates: September 3, 4, 12, 13, 21, 22 Favourable Colours: Red & White
Pisces (19 February – 20 March) There could be surprises or unexpected elevations in work that may change your financial situation with some speed. You may develop new attributes, adding them to your operating style by giving form and method to latent abilities. You will do quite well from current circumstances as increased responsibility or authority brings more coin to the family coffers. If you work for it, you'll get it.
Relationships and the changes they bring will have a profound impact on your life.. Favourable Dates: September 2, 7, 11, 16, 21, 28 Favourable Colours: Purple & White
Aries (21 March – 19 April) This is a time to open to wider horizons and to study or learn whatever it is you need to set you on the upward road. Your path is well expected for rewards both through money and fellowship. A new cycle may be in preparation because of changes with your associates, connections and partners You may also make a decision relative to a relationship, but it will be hard to keep your relationships consistent this month. Favourable Dates: September 1, 3, 10, 12, 19, 21 Favourable Colours: Blue & Red Taurus (20 April – 20 May) Your mental processes are energized. Filled with many new ideas, you have an urge to read more, gather all kinds of information and learn new things. It's time to come to grips with negotiations or dealings with others from a more human point of view. Some may take up the cudgel and get involved in the wider community, striking blows for new practices and ideas. Others may conceive a new and fascinating purpose that marks a turning point. Favourable Dates: September 2, 6, 11, 15, 20, 24 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Red Gemini (21 May – 20 June) This is a time to be cutting back or putting money aside so that you can improve your situation in the long term. You will need to keep a weather eye on your budget and personal spending. New ideas will come for some and there will be new ways of communicating and thinking. Education may play a role for some, taking you in new and different directions. Outmoded lines of thought will have to go. Favourable Dates: September 3, 5, 12, 14, 21, 23 Favourable Colours: Blue & Red
Cancer (21 June – 22 July) There may be new horizons or new ventures. The ride won't always be comfortable but if you think on your feet and make adjustments, life will have a different quality down the track. Some of you may opt for a new personal direction because of such changes. Some of you will be called to a more spiritual life and may find that people with strong spiritual interests play a part in your emotional life this month. Favourable Dates: September 2, 3, 11, 12, 20, 21 Favourable Colours: Purple & White Leo (23 July – 22 August) You may immerse yourself in creative projects or spiritual activities or you may develop a project in secret for a time. You may simply step back from life to get a new perspective. Issues of love or money that have troubled you in the past may flare up again, requiring further attention. There could be an unexpected reversal or change with finances or love life. New and interesting projects or social activities will be on the cards for some. Favourable Dates: September 4, 9, 13, 18, 22, 27 Favourable Colours: Red & Green
manishastroconsultant manish@manishastrologer.com
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Weekend Starts Here.... The Perfect Wife by JP Delaney
"There's something I have to explain, my love," he says, taking your hand in his. "That wasn't a dream. It was an upload." Abbie wakes in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there. The man by her side explains that he's her husband. He's a titan of the tech world, the founder of one of Silicon Valley's most innovative startups. He tells Abbie she's a gifted artist, a doting mother to their young son, and the perfect wife. Five years ago, she suffered a terrible accident. Her return from the abyss is a miracle of science, a breakthrough in artificial intelligence that has taken him half a decade to achieve. But as Abbie pieces together memories of her marriage, she begins questioning her husband's motives - and his version of events. Can she trust him when he says he wants them to be together for ever? And what really happened to her, half a decade ago? A gripping psychological thriller, perfect for fans of The Woman in the Window and The Wife Between Us.
Ready or Not READY OR NOT follows a young bride (Samara Weaving) as she joins her new husband's (Mark O'Brien) rich, eccentric family (Adam Brody, Henry Czerny, Andie MacDowell) in a time-honored tradition that turns into a lethal game with everyone fighting for their survival. Release Date: 27th September
John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum In this third instalment of the adrenaline-fuelled action franchise, super-assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) returns with a $14 million price tag on his head and an army of bounty-hunting killers on his trail. After killing a member of the shadowy international assassin's guild, the High Table, John Wick is excommunicado, but the world's most ruthless hit men and women await his every turn. Release Date: 16th September
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PRICELESS
www.affinitymag.co.uk AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
ISSUE 99
AFFINITY TRAVEL Follow the Foodie Trail in Brecon Beacons
Time to be a Flamingo in a Flock of Pigeons
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AUTUMN INTERIORS MADE EASY
A Little Rock ‘n’ Roll with the latest Afternoon Tea at The Gore, London
ISSUE 99
When it's not working anymore Learn to leave
6 Things Your Make-Up Artist Wished You Knew
New Season Fashion Edit