The British fashion icon comes up North
PAUL SMITH TAKES ON MANCHESTER A-MAGAZINE| 62
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Spinningfields Liverpool Leeds Birmingham Nottingham Cardiff Plymouth Solihull Sunderland Metrocentre Gateshead Swindon Southport Silverburn Douglas Isle of Man Meadowhall Hereford Shirebrook Middlesbrough Stratford Kids Opening Soon Altrincham www.flannels.com A-MAGAZINE| 2
invites you to
T H E C H A N E L EV ENT
Join us for an exclusive reader experience this New Year Discover a brand new you with a one-to-one CHANEL makeup masterclass on:
Friday 26th & Saturday 27th January 2018 Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd February 2018 Enjoy: A personal, one-hour consultation Advice from CHANEL makeup artists and fragrance experts Products and fragrances hand-picked for you A complimentary gift of appreciation from CHANEL to take home Spaces are limited so book early* To book your exclusive CHANEL makeover, call the CHANEL counter in Selfridges Manchester Exchange on 01618380630 or Selfridges Trafford Centre on 01616291119. *ÂŁ45 booking fee redeemable against any purchase of CHANEL products on the day of the event
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A-MAGAZINE
EDITORIALS
6. A-Family Letter
with NEXT
5. The A-Family
30. Into The Woods
MANCHESTER
FASHION & BEAUTY
8. MCR Social
12. The Principal Experience
24. Style Her
14. A-Mag Visits the Lowry
26. A-Mag’s Ultimate
Outlet Makers Market
Beauty Essentials
91. What’s On?
28. The Hair Care Guide
94. Manchester Events
40. Winter Trends 42. Style Him
INTERVIEWS
44. The Grooming Guide
16. That’s So Megan Ellaby 46. Paul Smith Takes
LIFESTYLE
Over Manchester
52. Cool Tech
56. Find Your Inner Elf
58. The Winter Wish List
78. Riding High with Fitbit Ionic
FOOD & DRINK
80. Gymology
82. Ross Worswick:
64. Winter Spirit
The Couture Club
66. San Carlo’s Winter Warmers
96. 5 Minutes with Pixie Lott
86. Let’s Eat Manchester
A-TRAVELS
COMPETITION
70. The Story of The Ned 74. Stockholm
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13. National Art Pass 97. Grand Pacific
THE A-FAMILY What’s your dream winter break? Here are ours…
SPECIAL THANKS Editorials
Richard Lister Karl Collins
Jade Kewley
BETHANY LEE Content Writer
CAROLINE JONES Designer
Narita Savoor
OLIVER LILLEY
Content
“Ever since watching Home Alone 2, I’ve wanted to go to New York to see the Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree.”
“I’d love to see the Northern Lights and take a dip in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.”
“As much as I love the snow, open fires and hot chocolate, I’d love to seek out some winter sun in Bali.”
MR P. STRIPED COTTON TSHIRT
ZARA HIGH HEEL LEATHER ANKLE BOOTS
H&M SWEATSHIRT WITH PRINT MOTIF
GRAEME WILSON Photographer
STEVEN SPENCER Stylist
LOUISE MCCANN Makeup Artist
“Snowboarding in British Columbia is definitely my dream winter break.”
“Going to Bora Bora and staying in a hut suspensed above the sea would be incredible.”
“My dream winter break would have to be spending Christmas in Berlin with my family.”
Ellie Danson
Ingrid Lisman Ash Howson
Editor
Sales sales@a-magazine.co.uk
www.a-magazine.co.uk © Copyright 2017/2018 Snap Crackle Popular Limited For advertising and marketing media enquiries please contact SALES@a-magazine.co.uk For editorial enquiries please contact info@a-magazine.co.uk
Snap Crackle Popular Limited cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Snap Crackle Popular Limited take no responsibility for omissions or errors. All rights reserved. HOXTON MINI PRESS x PENGUIN BOOKS REALLY GOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
SIMBA HYBRID OUTLAST PILLOW
THE WHITE COMPANY SUPER BALM DEEP GENTLE DAYILY CLEANSER
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A - FA M I LY L E T T E R W
e’ve always known the North’s got it going on, but for issue thirteen, everyone else is finally catching on as well. Whilst the number thirteen leaves the superstitious among us quaking in their boots, issue thirteen has treated us pretty well: we spent the day with British fashion icon, Paul Smith, as he opens his first Manchester store (page 46), we were whipped into shape with Olympic cyclist, Becky James, at Fitbit’s Mallorca boot camp (page 72), and we got some serious style inspo from Manchester’s favourite fashion blogger, Megan Ellaby (page 16). Not too shabby, eh? So many exciting things are in the A-Mag pipeline for 2018. Keep your eyes peeled for our new website (trust us, it’ll be worth the wait). Join us in saying “sod off” to stuffy new year’s resolutions and kick start your 2018 with a new look courtesy of CHANEL at their first ever beauty event outside of London in collaboration with A-Mag (page 2). Have a wonderful winter and a fabulous new year! Much love,
@Amagazineuk
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TERRARIUM WORKSHOPS AT FORM LIFESTYLE STORE 6 Bradley Street, M1 1EH 0161 236 3334 form-shop.com/workshops
Come and get your hands dirty at these fun, gardening workshops hosted by GeoFleur. With one-to-one tuition, you’ll make a beautiful terrarium (a glass container for growing and displaying plants) to bring a touch of nature and style to your home.
MCR SOCIAL The best of Manchester this winter
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MANCHESTER ICE RINK
15 November - 23 December First Street, M15 4GU manchestericerink.ticketsolve.com Get your skates on and unleash your inner Torvill or Dean as a magical outdoor ice rink returns to the city centre. Beginners, fear not - penguin skating aids are available for hire to give you a helping hand (or should that be flipper). If you don’t fancy taking to the ice, watch the action from the Street on 1st terrace with some festive food and drink.
WHISTLE PUNKS URBAN AXE THROWING
Unit 20, Atrium Level, Great Northern Warehouse, 235 Deansgate, M3 4EN whistlepunks.com
Looking for a way to let off some steam after a stressful day? We think slinging axes for an hour and a half with your mates might just do the trick. Throwing coaches will get you up to speed before organising a tournament to find the axe slinging champ among you and your mates. After this, you’re bound to be feeling zen again.
BBC TOUR AT MEDIACITYUK
BBC MediaCityUK, Salford, M50 2EQ bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/tours/ media_city Get a glimpse into life at the BBC with this behind-the-scenes tour. BBC Breakfast, Match of the Day, and Blue Peter are just some of the popular shows that this site is home to. You’ll get an insight into how the world of TV and radio work, whilst walking in the footsteps of some of your favourite celebrities.
SIOP SHOP 53 Tib Street, M4 1LS @siopshop
Move over Greggs, the beloved bakers of Blawd are bringing affordable bakes to the Northern Quarter. The stars of the show are their doughnuts with creative flavours like peanut butter and jelly, rhubarb and custard, and mince pie making Siop Shop your go-to place for a sweet treat this winter.
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VELVET HOTEL 2 Canal Street, M1 3HE 0161 236 9003 velvetmanchester.com
The owners of the popular Light ApartHotel have taken over the iconic, boutique hotel, Velvet, and given it a whole new look. We’re due to get our first peep at the newly renovated rooms in December, with a brandnew restaurant opening in the new year.
WINTER WONDERLAND MANCHESTER
9 December 17 - 1 January 18 EventCity, Phoenix Way, Stretford, M41 7TB winterwonderlandmanchester.com With over seventy family rides and attractions, there’s plenty of festive fun to be had at the UK’s largest indoor Christmas theme park, Winter Wonderland Manchester. Enjoy colourful shows including the spectacular Christmas Circus and a visit from the big man in red himself. Look out for fairies, elves and real reindeer too that are sure to make this a truly magical experience.
THAIKHUN COOKING SCHOOL
17, 3 Hardman Street, M3 3HF 0161 819 2965 thaikhun.co.uk/cooking-school
SALFORD LAD’S CLUB
St Ignatius Walk, Salford, M5 3RX 0161 872 3767 salfordladsclub.org.uk
Delve into Thai cuisine with this intimate cooking class. Enjoy a welcome drink, learn how to make one starter and one main dish, and take home a goody bag in this two hour experience. They’ll even supply your apron. Classes cost £50 and are held every second Sunday of the month from 11am-1pm.
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Thousands have flocked to Salford to visit the place where The Smiths nowfamous album cover photo was taken, and to re-enact it themselves. Step inside Salford Lad’s Club, and take a look at ‘The Smiths Room’; brimming with band memorabilia, it’s a must-see for any Smiths fan. Salford Lad’s Club is free to visit and still runs nightly events for local children. You can even pick up a Morrissey t-shirt that funds the running of the club.
LIGHTWAVES 2017 8 – 17 December Salford Quays quaysculture.com/2017projects/lightwaves-2017
The skies over Salford Quays will be lit up this December by the UK’s biggest digital light festival. Incredible digital light art pieces will take over public spaces across Salford Quays for ten days, and a selection of the much-loved pieces from Blackpool Illuminations will once again migrate to Manchester for Lightwaves. Look out for the suspended illuminated structure that will displays 100 faces and places of Greater Manchester - 10 images from each of the 10 boroughs - to create a visual story of Manchester. The one’s certainly got the green light from us!
MANCHESTER BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL 2018 24 – 27 January 17 Manchester Central, Windmill Street, M2 3GX 0161 834 2700mancbeerfest.uk
Take on the quest to find the perfect pint at Manchester Beer & Cider Festival. Expect over 750 brilliant beers and sensational ciders from some of the UK and Europe’s best brewers. Drawing visitors from all over the world, and boasting new street food stalls as well, this festival is a great way to get merry this winter.
BAR HÜTTE
10 November – 27 December Spiningfields Square, Quay Street, M3 3AP barhutte.co.uk Step into a world of traditional Christmas magic with the mini village of Alpine hüttes at Spinnginfields. Enjoy a festive tipple in the indoor après ski bar, or prebook a ten-seater hütte for you and your friends to get stuck into some carol-oke and cocktails surrounded by festive lights. Look out for street food from KerbEdge, Blue Caribou Poutine, and ArtiSam, at Spinnginfield’s Christmas Market too, as well as Christmas crafts and quirky gifts.
The
Principle Experience What
Celebrating its first birthday as The Principal this year, the building itself has been around since 1891 with its red brick clock tower becoming a famous feature of Manchester’s skyline. The building’s original Victorian Gothic features are still intact today, giving a sense of grandeur to Oxford Road.
Where to eat
Not ones to shy away from risk-taking, The Principal chose the boys behind the Volta in West Didsbury, Luke Cowdrey and Justin Crawford, to curate The Refuge by Volta. It definitely paid off, with the DJs turned award-winning restauranteurs pulling in a younger crowd and, of course, providing great playlists for diners as well.
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The buzz
Rundown hotel, The Palace, got a brand-new look last year when it was transformed into The Principal. The A-Mag team headed there to find out if the £25 million makeover was really worth it.
Best for
Laidback luxury in the heart of Manchester, packed with Victorian Gothic charm. Opposite Oxford Road train station and just a ten-minute walk from Piccadilly train station, The Principal is great for an extra special weekend whether you’re a Mancunian or not.
What to order
During the week, tapas is the way to go. The spiced lamb chops and salt cod croquettes were some of our favourites. Small bites like the fireroasted Padrón peppers are great to nibble on too whilst enjoying a glass of champagne. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, the ‘roast platter for two’ is a real showstopper, with roast beef, suckling pig, chicken, and all the trimmings.
T H E V ER
DICT
The Princip le hasn’t co me to play… come to slay it’s every other Mancheste hotel. It’s al r l about soci alising here Whether yo . u’re a youn g couple w a special ni anting ght in the ci ty, or work colleagues planning yo ur next big move, the refurb is a real knocko affirms the ut and hotel as a he avyweight the Manch on ester hotel scene. phcompan y.com/princ ipal/ mancheste r-hotel
GET YOUR FAVOURITE DON GIOVANNI DISHES AT PER TUTTI THIS CHRISTMAS!
Authentic Italian eats, authentic Italian atmosphere – head down to enjoy the season’s eatings, Italian style. Manchester’s original Italian restaurant Don Giovanni has taken over at Per Tutti in Castlefield, with a special Christmas pop-up that will run to the end of 2017. The pop-up showcases a selection of Don Gio’s Oxford Street favourites, with a variety of authentic a la carte dishes on offer alongside wood-fired sourdough pizzas and a weekly-changing list of fresh seafood specials. They have created a set list of delicious festive dishes to dig into throughout December – with five starters, five mains and five desserts to choose from, all for just £29.95 per person. Then on Christmas Day itself, there will be a festive feast including an Italian take on turkey and all the trimmings plus Italian Christmas pannetone pudding for those in the mood for something traditional!
Get a dose of culture this winter with a National Art Pass. Enjoy free entry to over 240 museums, galleries and historic houses across the UK as well as 50% off entry to major exhibitions including those at the Tate Modern, the V&A, and the British Museum. Every National Art Pass sale directly supports UK museums and galleries through Art Fund, a national charity which helps museums buy and share works of art for everyone and helps curators fulfil their ambitions. artfund.org/national-art-pass To be in with a chance of winning one individual National Art Pass just answer the following question… What is the name of the charity which helps museums buy and share works of art? A. Art Fund B. Start C. British Heart Foundation Submit your name and answer to competitions@a-magazine.co.uk
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N
ot ones to say no to the current street food trend, the A-Mag team jumped on the tram to Media City to take a bite of the action at The Lowry Outlet Makers Market. Every last Saturday and Sunday of the month, the piazza outside The Lowry outlet becomes home to some of Manchester’s best foodies and craftspeople. When we popped down, what should catch our eye but a stall selling mulled wine right by the entrance. Ignoring the early hour, we decided to get into the festive spirit anyway and indulge in a cup of warming, spicy goodness. Why not make the afternoon a little merrier? The delicious smell of foods from all over the world drew us further in. Thick, indulgent brownies were stacked up to one side and veg sizzled on a skillet the other. There was one scrumptious smell that we just
A-Mag visits the Lowry Outlet Makers Market
couldn’t ignore though: the paella from ‘Spanish Tapas’. We’d definitely recommend this for a good, hearty lunch. Make sure you add The Lowry Outlet Makers Market to your Christmas shopping hit list. We found so many brilliant gifts ideas there, from candles and cakes, to woodcrafts and art prints, all hand-made by Manchester’s talented makers. We got chatting to stall keeper and artist, Andri Soteri-Proctor, about why she loves this particular market. She said, “It suits my audience, but I also learned to draw a couple of years ago in the Lowry Theatre, so for me to be able to sell outside where I learned to draw is fantastic.” It was great to have a shopping experience that really feels personal because, let’s be honest, how often do you get to talk to the person that actually made what you’re buying? We always knew Manchester had a wealth of talented creatives, but it takes a market like this to really showcase their talents and give the big stores a run for their money. themakersmarket.co.uk/ markets/lowery
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Introducing the
at E E R F
MAGICAL LO
WRY OUTLET
Festive crafts, artisan food and music nd LO T WRY O Saturday 2L - ESunday 3rd December UTL Saturday 9th -O Sunday 10th December W R th OUTL Saturday 16th - Sunday 17Y December
ET
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That’s so Megan Ellaby Manchester’s favourite fashion blogger spills her style secrets
PHOTOGRAPHY Karl Collins fashionphotographyuk.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Oliver Lilley STYLIST Steven Spencer stevenspencerstyling.com MAKEUP & HAIR Louise McCann louisemccann.com MODEL Megan Ellaby meganellaby.com LOCATION FourFive Studios fourfivestudios.com WRITER Bethany Lee
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WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD TO BE A MANCUNIAN? It’s where I’m born and bred. My family are all from here and we’ve all just stuck around so I’m very proud of being from Manchester. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE CITY? I love its individuality; each area of Manchester is very different, like the architecture. One minute you’ve got the grimy, rough and ready parts of Northern Quarter, then you just go down the road and there’s the most beautiful architecture ever by Gotham and the library and the town hall. But then of course, I love the music scene, I’m very proud of that.
Gucci Silk Midi Skirt, Dolce & Gabbana Bouquet Blouse from Flannels, Sophia Webster Lilico Floral-embellished Velvet Sandals from Harvey Nichols
WHAT MANCHESTER MUSIC ARE YOU A FAN OF? I love Oasis; I was brought up on listening to them. I’m very in to The Smiths. The Courteeners, there’s something about them that makes me really proud to be from Manchester because of their pride too. WHAT’S YOUR IDEAL CHILLED SUNDAY IN MANCHESTER? It would be revolving around food, always. Probably brunch at Federal in the Northern Quarter, ideally the Makers Market will be on in Stevenson Square too. WHERE DO YOU AND YOUR BOYFRIEND GEORGE [CRAIG, FROM THE BAND ONE NIGHT ONLY] GO ON DATE NIGHTS? George and I had our first date at Hawksmoor, so that tends to be our go-to for special date nights. We like to do a bit of a bar crawl around the Northern Quarter, ending up in Jimmy’s [owned by Craig], of course. WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB? I love being my own boss and being able to decide what I do on a daily basis. I love the creativity that comes with the job and that it’s different all the time. Creating a career through a hobby is just a dream come true.
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Isabel Marant Eloise Embellished Denim Jacket, Bow-Embellished LamĂŠ dress by Dolce & Gabbana, Sophia Webster Embellished Velvet Sandals from Harvey Nichols
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Gucci Panther Blouse, Gucci Tiger Face Skirt, Victoria Beckham Velvet Coat from Flannels; Alexander McQueen Rivet Ankle Boots from Harvey Nichols
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Gucci Contrast Sleeve Knitted Jumper, Gucci Chain Print Pleated Skirt from Flannels OPPOSITE: Pinko Floral Georgette Maxi, Balmain Dogtooth Cardigan, Alexander McQueen Rivet Ankle Boots from Harvey Nichols
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DO YOU THINK PEOPLE HAVE MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT BLOGGERS? I think people are definitely getting better and more understanding about it all. A few old-school men just think I shop for a living, which is fine. A lot of people just think you take pictures of yourself all the time but there is a lot of behind-the-scenes that people don’t see and don’t expect about running a blog as a business. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS THAT BEING SELF-EMPLOYED HAS TAUGHT YOU? To be motivated and driven every day because I work from my dining room table at home so the distractions are there. It’s taught me a lot about grown-up things like accounting and boring stuff like that that I had no clue about. It’s also taught me to just be myself and that you can’t fake it. There’s so many other people doing what I’m doing that the only person I can be is me and it’s working, so that’s good! IS BEING YOUR OWN BOSS A CHALLENGE? In part. You do have to be strict but I wouldn’t have it any other way, really. I’ve been doing it full-time for two years and [before that] I balanced it between a full-time job as a stylist for ASOS so that was harder. Now, I feel like it’s levelled out and I’ve got my sh*t together. WHAT STYLE RULES DO YOU LIVE BY? I don’t believe in rules, as long as you feel great then it doesn’t matter. You’ve just got to dress for yourself and let it out. Be one person one day and another person the next, like a persona depending on the mood, or the weather - in Manchester, it’s normally based on the weather. WHAT ARE SOME PIECES THAT YOU’RE LOVING THIS SEASON? Anything corduroy. I’m obsessed with corduroy right now, it’s becoming a bit of a problem. Colourful faux fur jackets I’ve always had a bit of a thing for but, again, that became a problem [laughs]. They’re so big I can’t fit anymore in my wardrobe! I love the whole 70s trend; I’m so glad that’s sticking around for another season because that’s definitely something I’m very inspired by. DO YOU HAVE A GO-TO CHRISTMAS PARTY OR NEW YEARS EVE, LOOK? I like a good two-piece suit. That’s when I feel the sexiest and the most powerful, being completely covered up. There’s something very structured and tailored and very stereotypically masculine [about a suit], and the chances of someone else rocking it are quite slim. WHAT ARE YOUR CANT-LIVE-WITHOUT PIECES? A leather jacket and a biker jacket - I couldn’t live without them! Some form of black ankle boot. I love a straight-legged blue jean with a ripped hem at the minute; I’m wearing them all the time. I love a cheeky slogan t-shirt, and probably a faux fur jacket because you can wear absolutely anything underneath. A jacket just does all the talking. WHAT ITEM OF CLOTHING WOULD YOU RID THE WORLD OF IF YOU COULD? I’m a big believer in ‘each to their own’; I don’t judge
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Gucci Navy Embroidered Cashmere Blend Jumper, Dolce & Gabbana Floral-jacquard Mini Skirt, Aquazzura Powder Puff Flat Shoes from Harvey Nichols
Pinko Jacquard Fabric Skirt with Baroque Motif, Alexander McQueen Rivet Ankle Boot, Pinko Twill Top with Nautical Scarf Print from Harvey Nichols; jumper is stylist’s own
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anyone by what they’re wearing but there’s one thing that I just have never personally gotten on board with and I just really don’t understand – and that’s because I’m not a very sexy person – and that’s bodycon dresses. I just don’t get it. IF YOU GOT THE CHANCE TO RAID THE WARDROBE OF ONE FAMOUS PERSON, LIVING OR DEAD, WHO WOULD IT BE? David Bowie. Probably his costume wardrobe more than anything. You can just imagine there’s going to be star print, metallics, platform boots - everything that I love. DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVOURITE BRANDS AT THE MOMENT? I’m always a high street girl, so I love Topshop. For winter, I’m really loving Chinti & Parker, I know that’s not high street but they do amazing quite quirky, novelty cashmere pieces. I love everything that Gucci is doing in this new direction. I guess ASOS never really get it wrong. ASOS and Topshop for the high street for sure, then Gucci! WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN? My mum has always said, ‘Never let anyone dull your sparkle’. It’s hard to live by but it’s a good one to try and remember. IF YOU HAD TO BE ON A GAME SHOW OR A REALITY TV SHOW, WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE? ‘The Chase’; I’d be mint at ‘The Chase’! Reality TV I’d be terrible at. I wouldn’t be able to eat anything on ‘I’m a Celebrity [Get Me Out Of Here’]. I can’t sing so I can’t go on ‘X-Factor’. ‘Love Island’ makes me hurl and I’m not that interested in ‘Big Brother’. I’m not that good at dancing but I would do ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. WHAT’S THE BEST COMPLIMENT YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? I like it when people say I’ve got a dirty sense of humour because it’s quite a Manc thing, so when people from down South go ‘Oh God, you’ve got a dirty sense of humour’, or ‘a dirty laugh’, I like that. WHAT ARE YOUR HAIR CARE TIPS? Lee from Vidal Sassoon in town cuts it and he’s amazing. Grace does the colour. I never blow dry it. I always sleep with it wet. That’s probably not a good tip but that’s what I do! I wriggle it with a curling iron - well I try! I use loads of texturizing spray and hairspray until I get somewhere with it. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING CAMPAIGN WITH L’OREAL? It’s something big that’s coming out in January but that’s all I can say. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2018? I’m moving into a house! Me and George have got our own house in Prestwich – near my family - and we’re moving in November. So yeah, it’s just making it a home. It’s our first house so it’s nothing ridiculous but I’m just very proud to have my own property so I guess that’s going to be a big one for the early part of next year. I’m well excited! We bought an orange velvet sofa, which is bold, but I love it. We’re currently trying to get the retro contemporary vibe balanced, so it’s not like a time warp, but I do love 70s furniture. WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRAVEL TO SOON? There’s loads! I really want to go to San Francisco and New Orleans; they’re the top two. San Fran, it’s always been somewhere that I’ve been intrigued by and really wanted to visit. I recently watched a documentary about New Orleans and the whole music scene over there so I’m just itching to go. And then I’d love to go to Iceland to see the Northern Lights.
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THE Christmas Jumper
Selfish Mother founder, Molly Gunn, and stars including Poppy Delevingne and David Gandy, have created a Christmas slogan jumper collection in aid of Save the Children. 50% of each purchase is donated to Save the Children, so don’t be a Scrooge and grab one this festive season.
Alexa Chung Designs Her First Bag
The limited-edition gingham canvas bag comes from a collab between American Express and the Small Business Saturday Initiative designed to promote independent business and encourage people to “shop small”. The £25 bag is typically Alexa-esque featuring her signature ‘A’ logo.
Burberry Becoming Super Luxury Brand
The iconic British brand ascends to new heights with chief executive, Marco Gobbetti, taking Burberry more upmarket than ever before. Gobetti’s plan is to raise the premium and put the fashion label on par with the likes of Dior and Gucci.
FC Returns to Manchester ASOS: Pay Later
Forget about waiting until payday to buy that faux fur coat you’ve been eyeing up on ASOS get it now and pay later with Klarna. Receive your purchases straight away and just pay the price of whatever you decide to keep within 30 days of it being shipped.
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The slick, new concept store opens at Royal Exchange eighteen months after French Connection closed its original Manchester flagship last year. Modern and minimalist, and designed with sustainable materials and ‘honeycomb’ shelving, we can’t wait to get shopping.
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7 1 ALAÏA Studded Lace-Up Leather And Suede Ankle Boots, £1,000. 2 MICHELLE MASON Leopard-Print Faux Fur Coat, £850. 3 JENNIFER FISHER Bolt Ear Crawler Gold-Plated Earrings, £175. 4 REDVALENTINO Knitted Wool Mini Dress £415. 5 ALEXA CHUNG Big Face Jumper £270 6 VETEMENTS Leather Ankle Boots, £1,140. 7 HOUSE OF HOLLAND Beaded CottonJersey T-shirt, £140. 8 MIU MIU Crystal-Embellished Satin Sandals, £1,470. 9 ALEXA CHUNG Embroidered Cotton-Velvet Straight-Let Pants, £480. 10 JIMMY CHOO Lockett Petite CrystalEmbellished Velvet Shoulder Bag, £1,350. 11 PERCOSSI PAPI 24-Karat Gold-Plated Multi-Stone Earrings, £1,365. 12 ASHISH Striped Sequined Silk-Georgette Mini Dress, £1,295. 13 THEORY Wyndora Intarsia Wool and Cashmere-Blend Turtleneck Sweater, £395
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GIORGIO ARMANI LUMINOUS SILK FOUNDATION £40 (30ML) Reveal your glow with this lightweight foundation inspired by charmeuse silk. With 24 shades, you’re sure to find your perfect match.
JO MALONE LIME BASIL & MANDARIN SHOWER OIL £32 (250ML) Let the twist of lime in this invigorating shower oil wake you on up those chilly winter mornings.
SISLEY EXPRESS FLOWER GEL £85 (60ML) This refreshing cream-gel mask is sheer bliss for dehydrated skin, and promises to leave your face and neck feeling smooth and toned in only 3 minutes.
BENEFIT HOOLA BRONZING POWDER £24.50 (8G) Dust this bronzer over your chin, cheeks and forehead for a sun-kissed glow all year round. A soft, natural-bristle brush is included. LAURA MERCIER TINTED MOISTURIZER SPF20 (40ML) £34 Perfect for all skin tones, this sheer, lightweight formula adds a healthy glow to your complexion, leaves a dewy finish, and provides SPF 20 protection.
ALL YOUR BEAUT Y MUST-HAVES CHANEL BLUE SERUM £81 (30ML) Chanel have used three natural ingredients found in people’s diets from regions with long life spans (blue zones) in this ultimate face serum.
CLINIQUE FRESH PRESSED DAILY BOOSTER WITH PURE VITAMIN C 10% £58 (40ML) Brighten your complexion by adding two drops of this life-saving booster to your moisturiser morning and night.
BOBBI BROWN LONG-WEAR GEL EYELINER (3G) £19 This water-resistant eyeliner offers the precision of a liquid liner and the ease of a gel-based formula.
DOLCE & GABBANA VELVET CYPRESS EXTRAIT DE PARFUM £165 (50ML) A homage to summer in the Italian countryside, the woody, citrusy notes of this fragrance echo scents of the Mediterranean.
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SACHAJUAN NORMALIZING SHAMPOO £20 (250ML) Developed to restore, condition and eliminate common scalp issues, this balancing formula brings the hair and scalp back into perfect harmony.
ADVANCED STYLE
1 Marsden St, Manchester M2 1HW
0161 827 7140
WWW.SASSOON-SALON.COM A-MAGAZINE| 27
THE
HAIR CARE GUIDE WORDS: Bethany Lee
LEE NUNN CREATIVE DIRECTOR I’ve been with Sassoon for ten years. I started in Leeds when I was fourteen for work experience. At sixteen I got a full-time job. The first three years was training, and for the first five years I was building a clientele. I came into the position of Assistant Creative Director in Leeds and then became Creative Director in Manchester in February 2017. CHLOE THOMPSON SENIOR COLOUR DIRECTOR I started hairdressing thirty-one years ago in London. I took a job in Harrods in Knightsbridge, then I decided to travel a little bit, so I worked in the South of France for a while. I’ve been a Senior Colour Director for Sassoons now for about ten years. During that time, I’ve travelled with Sassoons – I’ve been to Brazil, to Russia - I’ve been very lucky.
Chloe Thompson and Lee Nunn
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USE DRY SHAMPOO WISELY Lee “Dry shampoo is great for adding texture, but it can be really bad if you’re using it to replace washing your hair. It can build up and clog your scalp.”
ike a lot of women, I’ve been on a life-long quest for the hairdresser of my dreams, but after my visit to Manchester’s Sassoon Salon, I think I’ve found the one…well, two – Creative Director, Lee Nunn, and Senior Colour Director, Chloe Thompson. They gave me a fabulous new look and answered all of those burning hair care questions that are the only thing standing between you and luscious locks.
HAIR MYTHS
FRINGES Lee “Everyone has the ability to suit a fringe. The fringe needs to work with the proportions of the face; if it’s a generic fringe it can look awkward.”
HAIR DOS
NOURISH & PROTECT Lee “Opt for a more nourishing conditioner like the Sassoon Intense Restore to help battle winter dryness. Use a light coat of Sassoon Illuminating Oil after finishing your hair to create a barrier to external aggressors.” THE SIX WEEK RULE Lee “Your cut should last around six weeks, and it shouldn’t take hours to achieve what we’ve done in salon at home. At Sassoon, we like to work with the natural texture of your hair to ensure a low maintenance finish. I recommend visiting the salon every six weeks. To encourage this, we offer 10% off your next visit if booked within six weeks.” Chloe “If you have coloured hair, the best thing to do – especially if you’ve had a red tint – is to make sure that you use shampoo and conditioner that’s specifically for coloured hair, so in the Sassoon range we do Illuminating Clean and Illuminating Condition.” HEAT PROTECTION Lee “For me, heat protection for hair is the same as using sun cream while on holiday. Invest in a good quality heat protector like Heat Shape by Sassoon, otherwise you’ll end up buying more products trying to fix what the heat protector didn’t do.” CONSIDER BEFORE YOU COLOUR Chloe “It’s really the tone of your skin that determines what colour suits you best. Sometimes, if people have got quite pale skin with dark hair then they don’t suit warmth. If you’ve got quite dark skin then you’re best to go with warmer, darker tones. You need
GREY HAIRS Lee “One of my favourite hair myths is that if you pull out one grey hair, five more will grow. That doesn’t happen!” to make sure that your lifestyle goes with the colour. If you want to go blonde, make sure that you do a treatment once a week to keep the best quality of hair whilst you’re at home. CURLY GIRLS Lee “Curly hair doesn’t like foamy, frothy products. A lot of curly hair products are sulphate-free so you don’t get foam when you wash your hair which reduces frizz.” CHANGE IT UP Lee “Be open to change, I think we can easily become slaves to trends. At Sassoon, we create hair for you, not mass produce. A comprehensive consultation is key: assessment of bone structure, hair texture and growth patterns all contribute to this, but it’s such a personal thing – your lifestyle, interests and career all impact these decisions.”
OVER CONDITIONING Lee “You can’t over condition your hair. If its limp or overloaded after conditioning, its due to the wrong product being used.” BRISTLE BRUSHES Lee “Bristle brushes aren’t the best for your hair. The kindest are plastic; the teeth are smoother so won’t produce tension based damage.” OVER WASHING Lee “Essentially, the skin on your scalp is the same as your face. The scalp produces natural oils, just like the face, so I think washing your hair every day is healthy.” To book your appointment at Manchester’s Sassoon Salon, call 0161 827 7140
HAIR DON’TS
HOME HAIRDRESSING Chloe “Some of the kits that you can buy in the shops make people think you can get the same result that you would as coming into the salon. When people try to get the colour off their hair themselves, that often causes the most damage.” OVERUSE HEAT Lee “Don’t use too much heat. I am big fan of letting the hair do what it does naturally. The tongs and irons should enhance a blow-dry, not fix it! If you need to use heat, then you need to use a heat protector.” Lightening Kits Chloe “Don’t use lightening kits and sit in the sun with them on your hair as it’s really damaging. The same goes for lemon juice because it’s an acid.”
before
STRESS Lee “The worst thing for hair is stress. If you’re unwell, your skin shows it and it’s the same with your hair.” NOT WASHING HAIR Chloe “If you don’t wash your body, it smells: it’s the same thing with your hair. People say that it will start to self-cleanse – I am not into this, especially if you have coloured hair.”
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INTO THE WOODS Sponsored by NEXT PHOTOGRAPHY Narita Savoor naritasavoor.co.uk CREATIVE DIRECTOR Oliver Lilley STYLIST Steven Spencer stevenspencerstyling.com ASSISTANT STYLIST Jade Kewley MAKEUP & HAIR Louise McCann louisemccann.com MODELS Sonny at Boss Ellie at Industry LOC ATION Macclesfield Forest 30 | A-MAGAZINE
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WINTER ZUHAIR MURAD
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN JOSEPH ALTUZARRA DRIES VAN NOTEN CASELY HAYFORD ROLAND MOURET
IN FULL FEATHER
MICHAEL KORS
TOPSHOP
QUILTED QUEEN
MAX MARA GUCCI
FEELING BLUE
HEAVY METALS
70s REVIVAL
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TR ENDS Our favourite runway looks to inspire a perfect winter wardrobe
HUSSEIN CHALAYAN
LOUIS VUITTON CHRISTOPHER SHANNON ASHISH OLIVER SPENCER CRAIG GREEN
ROLL WITH IT
TOPMAN DOLCE & GABBANA
SLOGAN SAVVY
LOU DALTON TOPMAN
GOING GREEN
FLORAL FANCY
FAST TRACK
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Flannels x MCM
High-end retailer, Flannels, has come together with MCM to create a collection that captures their take on new school luxury. If MCM’s famous monogram isn’t enough to make you want in on the action, each piece is engraved with a personalised number making it uniquely collectable.
Pleased to Meet You, Mr. P
Mr Porter has launched its very own line, Mr P. Inspired by well-dressed men, past and present, expect cashmere knitwear and double-breasted overcoats to be the stars of the show in the November launch capsule collection.
Seeing Burberry: Augmented Reality
The Omega Speedmaster
This watch really is out of this world! Certified by NASA after passing their rigorous testing process, the Speedmaster was the first watch on the moon, worn by astronaut Buzz Aldrin. With its timeless design and incredible history, the Speedmaster is definitely worth the investment.
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Give your Insta a Burberry twist with the latest feature on the fashion brand’s app. Add ‘Burberry-inspired’ drawings created by London artist, Danny Sangra, to your iPhone camera views with the new augmented reality feature, then share your graffiti-enhanced snaps online.
Rag & Bone x Star Wars
Rag & Bone have teamed up with Star Wars to create a futuristic yet functional collection. Coinciding with the launch of the latest Star Wars film, the designs reference some of the franchises’ most memorable on-screen moments.
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1 MIANSAI Single Casing Cord Stainless Steel Bracelet, £85. 2 GUCCI Square-Frame Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses, £215. 3 GUCCI Printed Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt, £285. 4 CLUB MONACO Slim-Fit Stretch-Cotton Corduroy Trousers, £110. 5. AMI Wool-Blend Overcoat, £520. 6 BEGG & COFRINGED Degrade Cashmere Scarf, £360. 7 ADIDAS ORIGINALS Intack Spezial Faux LeatherTrimmed Suede Sneakers, £85. 8 ACNE STUDIOS Nylon Matt Satin Bomber Jacket, £480. 9 GIVENCHY Leather-Trimmed Shark-Print Canvas Backpack, £825. 10 MR P. Jacquard Wool-Blend Rollnecck Sweater, £195. 11 TOM FORD Navy Shelton Slim-Fit Velvet Tuxedo Jacket, £2,350. 12 BERLUTI Leather-Trimmed Cashmere Baseball Cap, £290. 13 PAUL SMITH Valentine Rabbit Cotton-Blend Socks, £17.
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PERRICONE MD SUPER CLEAN FACE WASH £29 (150ML) Soothe oily, stressed-out skin with this gentle gelto-foam face wash that’ll cleanse your complexion and soften stubble as well.
LAB SERIES FUTURE RESCUE REPAIR SERUM £50 (50ML) This high-performance serum is your skin’s first line of defense against ageing. Use daily for nourished skin.
GIORGIO ARMANI CODE COLONIA EAU DE TOILETTE £52 (125ML) Combining fresh citrus and aromatic lavender with long lasting tonka bean, this easy-to-wear fragrance is irresistible.
TONI&GUY SMOOTH DEFINITION MASK £6.49 (200ML) Forget dry, frizzy hair thanks to this deeply nourishing hair mask. Apply to wet hair, leave for five minutes, and then let your locks shine.
THE
GRO OM I NG GU I DE KIEHL’S AGE DEFENDER CLEANSER £9 (75ML) Moroccan lava clay is the key ingredient in this cleanser that helps remove dirt and oil to leave your skin looking restored and refreshed.
MOOSEHEAD SMOOTHLY DOES IT HYDRATING MOISTURISER £4.99 (75ML) This blend of argan and jojoba oil acts like a smooth operator, helping your skin stay soft and conditioning those facial hairs for a polished look.
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MOLTON BROWN COASTAL CYPRESS & SEA FENNEL DEODORANT £20 (150ML) With top notes of fig leaf and bergamot, and a splash of salt-sprayed cypress, this refreshing men’s deodorant spray will keep you feeling cool all day long.
TOM FORD SHAVING CREAM FOR MEN £52 (165ML) With an air-whipped texture and a herbal citrus scent, this cooling shaving cream protects the skin and provides immediate relief from irritation.
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PHOTO: Richard Lister
As a Paul Smith store finally arrives in Manchester, we spend the day with the British fashion icon himself to see him get his first dose of our city
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PHOTO: Richard Lister
estled between “great neighbours” on the popular New Cathedral Street, is Paul Smith’s first Manchester store. As we arrive, Smith sits in a patterned fabric clad chair – one of his own designs – wearing a checked suit – another of his designs – in the corner of his new store. This particular corner is marked out from the rest of the shop with white flooring; it represents the size of Smith’s first ever ‘store’, a 3 x 3 metre space in Nottingham called ‘Paul Smith Vetements Pour l’Homme’. This small, white square is a reminder of how far Paul Smith, the man and the brand, have come. But with all the big businesses that have taken root in Manchester over the last few years, we had to ask, what’s taken Smith so long to get here. The answer’s simple. “We’ve wanted to have a shop here for a long time. It’s just finding the location really.” Every Paul Smith store has its own distinctive character – his bright purple LA store is now one of the most Instagrammed places in California – but for the Manchester store, rather than a quirky set up, it’s what’s on offer inside that counts. Smith says, “I like to find places with character, and if I can’t find places with character – like this one is a typical rectangle – then your character comes from objects and art, not just fashion.” When you visit the Manchester store, expect plenty more to tempt you than just the clothes. “For this one, I wanted to make sure that we got a selection of the clothes, but also artworks, objects, and books as well – like my cycle book.” With stores across the globe, and a long-standing fashion career, if anyone’s ‘made it’, surely, it’s Smith. But as we’ve come to expect from his designs, there’s always a twist with Paul Smith. “I’ve made it in terms of down-to-earthness, continuity, love of life, but in terms of business, you’ve absolutely never made it because it’s always moving. You just have to understand that nobody needs you. You have to find a point, or a point of view, but in couple of years, loads of people will have imitated you, and then you have to change and start again. You’ve never made it – that’s the key thing.” He warns us, “Never put your back in the chair”, tapping the arm of a chair covered in fabric he designed himself. This endlessly energetic approach seems to come naturally to Smith as he guides us and his team out of his new store and onto his next stop: The University of Manchester. As we wait for our
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taxi, Smith swings one long leg up onto a railing and stretches, seemingly limbering up for his next appointment whilst getting a good look at Selfridges and the Corn Exchange. At The University of Manchester campus, in the Gothic surroundings of Christie’s Bistro, Paul perches on an armchair. Two white marble busts sit on shelves either side of Smith, looking on like the MBA students Smith has been invited here to address. Smith is quick to say that he doesn’t feel qualified to be giving such advice, but moments later dispenses gems to the Manchester students who dream of having businesses as successful as Smith’s own. When asked by one student how he runs his business, Smith simply says he and his team “know how to say please and thank you”. He gives a glimpse into this relaxed, collaborative world when describing what he was up to the day before: “I got all my main designers in one room, put on Joy Division, opened a box of chocolates, got about forty books out, and we just started coming up with ideas. That really wets the appetite.” An idea that keeps cropping up throughout the day is that “nobody needs another designer”. Smith quickly clarifies that this isn’t a negative but a call to action. He tells his listeners: “You’ve got to immerse yourself in the industry – photography, journalism, whatever it is. You’ve got to really understand that just because you’re successful now, doesn’t mean you’ll be successful tomorrow. You have to flow with the river. You have to keep readjusting.” And Smith has done just that. “Over the last two years, we’ve had to do quite radical things to the company just because e-commerce is a lot more popular than it used to be. A lot of the little shops that I used to sell to across Europe have closed down because of big, fast fashion companies coming to their town.” Despite the changing fashion climate, Smith’s famed suits are still selling incredibly well. He puts this down to the suit being “very practical.” Smith taps his suit pockets in turn “spectacles, phone, notebook, house keys.” Smith was “ahead of [his] time in making the suit look more casual” in the 1980s by creating a softer, comfier version. He references a suit he designed in 1982 paired with a white t-shirt and tennis shoes that’s on display in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Some of the students listening to Smith were likely looking for a step-by-step guide to success, but Smith champions a willingness to reinvent above all else. As Smith modestly puts it “so far, so good”.
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PHOTO: Richard Lister
It’s from one huge Manchester institution to the next as we head a little further up Oxford Road to The Whitworth Art Gallery where Smith is giving a talk about his fashion career. The hall is full to capacity with aspiring designers, Manchester creatives, and fans of the brand and the man himself. As Paul gives an oral history of his career, gesturing wildly, and at one point even getting down on all fours to impersonate a Merino sheep, it seems that the playfulness and humour in Paul’s designs stem naturally from the man himself; however, Smith admits that his trademark “classic with a twist” style was “never a big plan”, but was actually born out of insecurity. “Originally, I didn’t feel very confident about my design work,” he says, “If somebody wanted to look nice in a simple suit, I thought, ‘How can I make them feel a bit special?’, so I put in a flowery lining or a different coloured cuff on the shirt.” Smith goes on to talk about the oversaturation of the market: so many fashion students, so many designers, so many collections, but that doesn’t seem to have affected his design process too much. He tells his captive audience, “You have to be very aware of what other people are doing these days. In my case, you don’t take influence from other people, but you need to know what they’re doing.” His designs come from “the head and the heart, but it’s very much based on practicality, paying the rent, so you have to have good, basic things,
“IN TERMS OF BUSINESS, YOU’VE ABSOLUTELY NEVER MADE IT.” as well as things that are more intriguing, more special.” Even the move towards gender neutral clothing hasn’t phased Smith as he feels it’s something his brand have “always basically done without any effort. I’ve always liked that sort of androgynous look.” He wonders whether other designers who create gender neutral collections are motivated by “making cash, or whether it’s something that comes from the heart and will stand the test of time.” We’ll have to wait and see. Despite the gorgeous dresses, blouses and heels currently on sale in Smith’s Manchester store, he says womenswear has been “very tough” for him. He attributes this to the fact that his “interests are mostly in architecture, sports, graphic design, [and] photography” and he “doesn’t have a very strong feminine side”. He credits his team for the success of his womenswear. “I’ve got a girl from Céline, and another girl from Balenciaga who work with me. They help me out on the bits I’m not so good at”. Another woman who Smith credits his success to is his wife, Pauline. Having been there since the start of his career, Pauline’s influence is described by Smith as “massive”. Simply put, he “wouldn’t be here without her”. The couple have been together since Smith was twentyone and married on the same day that Smith was knighted. Of Pauline, Smith says, “She’s very well read. She’s helped me with understanding architecture and art. She’s studied History of Art as well, so I can stand in front of a painting in The National Gallery in London, and she’ll know the iconography of that painting. That makes you feel special.” Smith is always on the look out for something special to inspire a new design. During his talk at The Whitworth Art Gallery, he explains how various photos he’s taken (have a look on Instagram @paulsmith) have translated into new designs: a colourful set of ink pens becomes a striped sock; traditional Guatemalan dress becomes a patterned jumper. As Smith heads back to London for more brainstorming with his design team, he tells us he’s working on “something like spring 2019 – if you can believe it,” adding, “It’s all about tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow. Waking up every morning being really positive, and just getting on with it”. All day long, Smith has been taking photos of Manchester: a few snaps of Deansgate from the taxi as we wait at traffic lights; the autumn leaves outside the expansive glass windows of The Whitworth Art Gallery, taking a little bit of our city home with him. We hope Smith found Manchester as inspiring as we do, and who knows, maybe the Paul Smith 2019 collections will have a touch of Manc about them.
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AMAZON ECHO DOT (2ND GENERATION) If you’ve been searching for a helping hand, look no further! With built-in Alexa, the Echo Dot gives you access to music, news, information, weather and more, all at the sound of your voice. £49.99, amazon.co.uk
ONEBUTTON VR-WOW ACTIVE HEASDSET
FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI 9
Get ready to transport yourself to another world thanks to the VR-WOW Active Headset. With fullHD display, a breath-taking experience is waiting for you. The multimedia headset is fully mobile, so sit back, relax and watch your favourite films (3D or not) in your very own virtual cinema. £199.99, tekzone.co.uk
In five stylish colours, the Fujifilm Instax Mini allows you to take Polaroid pictures instantly. A selfie mirror helps you get the perfect snap, and lets you to take photos up to 35cm away with a close-up lens. Producing instant credt card-sized pictures, it’s perfect for a night out, a festival or a gig. Take it with you everywhere to capture that perfect moment, and you will literally hold it in your hand in seconds. Say cheese! £79.00, urbanoutfitters.com
IGLOOHOME SMART LOCK DEADBOLT 02
Stay safe and connected with the Smart Lock Deadbolt 02. Pairing with your device through Bluetooth, the Deadbolt 02 turns your phone into a key. Don’t worry if your phone battery dies, just enter a PIN on the Deadbolt’s sleek keypad instead. Compact in size and price, it comes with more than enough features to rival the big boys. Version 02 is new and improved, making it even greater value for money. £299.99, selfridges.com
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FITBIT IONIC
With the Ionic watch, your fitness experience never stops! Get a motivating timepiece packed with fitness guidance, health insights, music storage, apps and more. It comes in three stylish colour combinations: charcoal/smoke grey, slate blue/burnt orange and blue grey/silver grey. Upgrade your Ionic by pairing it with the Fitbit Flyer wireless fitness headphones or add a Fitbit sport band. £299.99, fitbit.com/uk/shop/ionic
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FIND YOUR INNER ELF When oversized elf, Buddy, discovers he’s actually a human, he leaves his life in the North Pole to find his birth father in New York and restore some Christmas cheer to a city that’s lost its heart. We chat to theatre star, Ben Forster, and Atomic Kitten, Liz McClarnon, ahead of their performances as Buddy and his love interest, Jovie, in Elf - The Musical.
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WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT FROM ELF? Liz: Definitely expect some kick ass vocals, and some magical moments where you’re just thinking ‘wait, how did they do that?’. It’s definitely a laugh a minute too. Ben: It really gets you into the Christmas spirit. The moral of the story is finding out what Christmas means to you. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT PLAYING BUDDY AND JOVIE? Ben: Buddy’s just crazy. In real life, you never really get an excuse to just act like a big kid but for that period where I’m playing Buddy I get to be ridiculous every day. Liz: I like playing comedy parts, but normally they’re a little bit more slap stick or naïve characters - Jovie’s totally got her head sorted though. I definitely enjoy her deadpan humour. At one point, Buddy says to her ‘Would somebody like a hug?’ and she replies,
‘Would somebody like a punch in the throat?’ She’s one of those cynical people that really need a little bit of magic. IF YOU COULD KEEP AN ASPECT OF YOUR CHARACTERS’ PERSONALITY, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Liz: Probably Jovie’s quick wit. I am basically the female version of Buddy. I am crazy about Christmas. I’m like a kid, so I’d like to have Jovie’s calm, quick wit. And her hair! Ben: Buddy’s innocence and absolute joy. Watching your kids, or your nieces and nephews play, it’s the innocence of children that we love, and Buddy definitely has that. IF BUDDY AND JOVIE WERE EXPLORING MANCHESTER TOGETHER, WHAT WOULD THEY GET UP TO? Ben: They would definitely go to a toyshop, probably Hamley’s in the Trafford Centre.
Liz: They’re obsessed with snow, so they’d have to go to Chill Factore, and China town too just because that’s my favourite part of Manchester. WHICH CHARACTER HAS THE BEST COSTUME? Ben: Jovie probably has the best costume. She looks gorgeous! Her wig is beautiful. Liz: It’s the first wig I’ve had for a show that looks better than my own hair. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SONG FROM THE SHOW? Ben: I think the opening song is a pretty good one. It’s about being born an elf and Buddy living in the North Pole. I’m on stage with all the elves and it’s such a beautiful, bright opening to the show. Liz: I’d say Jovie’s biggest song which is ‘Never Fall In Love’, but there’s a really magical bit at the end where everybody sings the Christmas song and that’s pretty good too. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CHRISTMAS? Liz: I love when it gets dark outside and you’re still Christmas shopping, that’s just the best thing ever. Planning the Christmas dinner is good too. In my family, there’s a lot of talented chefs so we all just jump in. I’ll be at the family home in Liverpool this year. A lot of my family is coming to see the show. The tickets are selling really, really well, but I have this little suspicion that it might just be all my family buying them. [Laughs]. Ben: For me, it’s a family time. I’ve lived away from London since I was sixteen, when I went to drama school, so it’s definitively the one time of year where no one can change the plans; you can’t move Christmas Day! DO YOU MAKE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS? Ben: Always. It’s always ‘go on a diet” and “go to the gym’, but I literally never do. Liz: Yeah, I always do, but I don’t remember them by half twelve. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR? Liz: In late January, I’m going to the Grammy’s and then to Nashville as well! I’m writing some of my own music there, but I do write for other people too. I’m into country crossover artists. Maren Morris is one of my favourite artists at the moment, and Lucie Silvas. Ben: Hopefully, I’ll be working on my album; it’s kind of a crossover with pop and musical theatre. WHAT DO YOU THINK JOVIE’S FAVOURITE ATOMIC KITTEN SONG WOULD BE? Liz: Probably one of the dark ballads because she’s always really unlucky in love. At the beginning, it would be something like ‘Last Goodbye’, and then, by the end, it would be ‘Whole Again’ because she’s with Buddy again. That’s so cheesy, isn’t it? [Laughs]. DO YOU HAVE ANY PRE-SHOW RITUALS? Liz: Yeah, if I do something on the first night
and the show goes well, I have to do it again for the whole run. For the last show I did, I was putting my left shoe on first, my left earring on first, and things like that. It does sound a little insane, but it made sense for me at the time [laughs]. WHO DO YOU THINK WILL LOVE THIS SHOW? Liz: You have the silly jokes for the kids because Buddy has that childish mentality, but then you’ve got the jokes that totally go over the heads of all the children but have got the adults giggling. It’s like SM:TV in that way.
Ben: The brilliant thing about the show is that you see the different generations of people all laughing together. You can’t watch it and not get a little tear in your eye at the end because of what the Christmas message is about. DO YOU THINK THERE’S ANYTHING THAT WILL SURPRISE US ABOUT THE SHOW? Liz: The set and special effects. They’ve gone above and beyond with them which has made it even more magical. I think people will be wowed. 24 November 2017– 4 January 2018. Buy tickets at thelowry.com/events/elf-the-musical.
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MIU MIU CRYSTAL-EMBELISHED PYTHON BELT £595 BURBERRY FRINGED CHECKED CASHMERE SCARF £350
MONICA VIANDER NURA ROSE GOLD VERMEIL DIAMOND EARRINGS £1495
CARINE GILSON EMBROIDERED CHANTILY LACE-TRIMMED SILK-SATIN ROBE £1720
FORNASETTI LABBRA SCENTED CANDLE £140
KARL LAGERFELD K/IKONIC RUBBER LUGGAGE TAG £40
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN SILKY-SATIN LIP COLOUR ROUGE LOUBOUTIN METALISSIME £70
The GLAMAZON
GUCCI QUILTED LEATHER GLOVES £355
RIZZOLI CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BY CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN HARDCOVER BOOK £85 DKNY COLD-SHOULDER RUFFLED KNITTED SWEATER £90
CAMI NYC THE RACER LACE-TRIMMED VELVET CAMISOLE £150 MARC JACOB ENAMORED HI-SHINE NAIL LACQUER TRAX £16
FORNASETTI LA CHIAVE NERO DIFFUSING SPHERE £355
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SAINT LAURENT OPYUM PATENT-LEATHER ANKLE BOOTS £1110
GIVENCHY ANTIGONA LARGE PRINTED COATED CANVAS TOTE £890
MASTER & DYNAMIC MH40 LEATHER OVER-EAR HEAPHONES £370
FRESCOBOL CARIOCA TRANCOSO WOODEN BEACH BALL AND BAT SET £150 CZECH & SPEAKE LEATHER-BOUND MANICURE SET £450
LORO PIANA SUEDE-TRIMMED CASHMERE-BLEND EYE MASK £295
THOM BROWNE STRIPED CABLE-KNIT WOOL BEANIE £250
GUCCI EMBROIDERED AND APPLIQUED WOOL SWEATER £1220
JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN RIBBERD CASHMERE LOUNGE SET £250 ABRAMS DAVID BOWIE IS HARDCOVER BOOK £35
The CITY SLICKER
SOHO HOME FLEECE HOODED ROBE £60
GREY GOOSE VODKA £30
MULBERRY RABBIT BURNISHED SILVER-TONE CUFFLINKS £135
LEICA T 701 SILVER COMPACT CAMERA £1350
TIMEX SCOUT STAINLESS STEEL AND WEBBING WATCH £120
DEREK ROSE RANGA PRINCE OF WALES CHECKED BRUSHED COTTON PYJAMA SET £210 TOM DIXON WATER CHARCOAL SCENT DIFFUSER £85
MIANSAI SINGLE CASING CORD STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET £85
SONIC EDITIONS FRAMED ROBERT REDFORD 1975 PRINT 17” X 21” £250
SAINT LAURENT PEBBLE-GRAIN LEATHER ZIPPED CARDHOLDER £180
CONVERSE JACK PURCELL SIGNATURE CANVAS SNEAKERS £80
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DRESS UP TRAVIS PEACOCK FAIRY DRESS UP COSTUME SET 3-8 YEARS £30
ARMANI JUNIOR GEO-BOMBER JACKET 4-16 YEARS £200
SMARTWAY LAMBORGHINI URUS RIDE-ON CAR £75
STAR WARS DELUXE STORMTROOPER OUTFIT 9-10 YEARS £25
DISNEY PRINCESS ARIEL LIGHT-UP JELLY SHOES £13
RALPH LAUREN TARTAN CHECK SHIRT DRESS 2-16 YEARS £75
The MUNCHKINS LEGO STAR WARS ADVENT CALENDAR £30
ANIMAL ANTICS RIDE-ON GIRAFFE £27
BANDITS GIRL CLASSIC FAUX-FUR CAPE XS-M £120
JELLYCAT MAGICAL UNICORNDREAMS STORYBOOK £12
THE LITTLE WHITE COMPANY TWO-PIECE PYJAMA SET 1-6 YEARS £29 FABRIC FLAVOURS MINIONS COTTON PYJAMA SET £30
JELLYCAT BASHFUL BUNNY 31 CM SILVER £18
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RALPH LAUREN BEAR COTTON JUMPER £109
HUNTER KIDS FIRST CLASSIC WELLIES 2-7 YEARS £32
LEGO DUPLO NUMBER TRAIN £13
CHAOS LUGGAGE TAGS £120
STELLA MCCARTNEY OVERSIZED CHECKED VIRGIN WOOL SWEATER £745
JOHN SMEDLEY LUNDY SLIM-FIT MERINO WOOL SWEATER £150
SACHAJUAN OCEAN MIST TEXTURISING SPRAY £18
CHINTI AND PARKER INTARSIA CASHMERE EYE MASK £55
EUGENIA KIM BUNNY SEQUIN-EMBELLISHED STRAW SUNHAT £355 GLOBE-TROTTER SAFARI 20” LEATHER-TRIMMED FIBERBOARD TRAVEL TROLLEY £1260
The LUXURY TRAVELLER THE BUBBLE WORLD’S SMALLEST BOTTLE OF SPARKLING WINE £12.99
BUMBLE AND BUMBLE SURF SPRAY £22
GUCCI TWISTED PRINTED SILK-SATIN HEADBAND £215
POLAROID ORIGINALS 600 INSTANT CAMERA IN BLACK £119 BURBERRY PEBBLE-GRAIN LEATHER AND CHECKED CANVAS BACKPACK £795 ASPINAL OF LONDON REPTILE EFFECT LEATHER LUGGAGE TAGS SET OF 2 £40 GUCCI ROUND FRAME TORTOISESHELL ACETATE AND GOLD-TONE SUNGLASSES £390
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Winter spirit
What better way to warm up this winter than with these creative cocktails
or thick caramel
300ml whole milk
100g milk chocolate, chopped
Pinch of sea salt
METHOD
80ml gin
40ml elderflower liqueur Juice of ½ lemon
Fresh cranberries
METHOD
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the cranberry
60ml single cream Squirty cream
Mix together the rum and the dulce de leche in a
small bowl until smooth, and then set aside. In a
saucepan, warm the milk
over a medium heat until simmering. Remove the saucepan from the heat
and stir in the chocolate until melted. Put the saucepan back over
medium heat until warm,
then add the rum mixture and a pinch of sea salt.
Pour into a mug to serve.
Pear Punch
A twist on classic
warming winter drink. Serves 5
ginger, and cinnamon, then a small plate. Pour a little
water onto another small
INGREDIENTS
plate and dip the rims of
3 clementines
off the excess water. Dip
1l pear cider
the glasses into it. Shake
250ml pomegranate juice
the glasses into the spiced
an extra splash
GINGERBREAD MARTINI
2 star anise
ice and add the vodka, Irish
200ml dark rum, plus 60g caster sugar ½ tbsp whole cloves 1 cinnamon stick
sugar to coat the rim.
Fill a cocktail shaker with
cream liqueur, single cream, and gingerbread syrup.
Shake well and then strain
METHOD
into the glasses. Top with a
a large pan. Squeeze the
sprinkle with ground ginger
Pour the pear cider into
juice from the clementines, keeping the peel, and
then add both to the pan. Add the pomegranate juice, dark rum, caster
gentle simmer. Cook on a
chilled tumblers, then
then add a splash of rum.
few fresh cranberries.
and ladle into glasses.
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METHOD
SPICED SUGAR RIM
spread out the mixture onto
centre stage in this
Shake for approximately
garnish the drinks with a
Ground ginger
Mix the brown sugar, ground
sugar, star anise and whole
30 seconds. Pour into
biscuits
mulled wine, pear takes
juice, gin, elderflower
liqueur, and lemon juice.
2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground cinnamon
Crushed gingerbread
4 tsp dulce de leche
100ml cranberry juice
Spiced Sugar Rim
8 tbsp dark brown sugar
a run for their money.
50ml dark rum
INGREDIENTS
INGREDIENTS
60ml gingerbread syrup
INGREDIENTS
Serves 2
Serves 2
a grown-up twist that’ll
Serves 2
cranberry, packs a punch
at your festive gathering.
60ml vodka
certainly give Starbucks
in this gin-based cocktail.
martini is just what you
need to impress the guests
60ml Irish cream liqueur
The hot chocolate gets
Popular winter fruit, the
Creamy, boozy bliss, this
Gingerbread Martini
Rum Riot
Ruby Red
Gingerbread Joy
cloves, then bring to a
low heat for 40 minutes, Keep over a low heat
swirl of squirty cream and
and crushed gingerbread.
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San Carlo's
Winter warmers Discover the secret ingredients behind San Carlo’s delicious winter dishes
CRISPY GIANT GNOCCHI WITH TRUFFLE AND GRANA PADANO CHEESE SAUCE
60ml truffle oil
A real showstopper, this gloriously cheesy dish is bound to impress your guests this festive season. Serves 8
For the cheese sauce 1l double cream 600g grated Grana Padano cheese 2 egg yolks 25ml Worcester sauce 8g salt 5g nutmeg 5g white pepper 20g fresh truffle to top
INGREDIENTS For the gnocchi 2 kg potatoes 350g polenta flour 2 eggs 10g salt 90g grated parmesan cheese 5g nutmeg 150g flour
METHOD • Wash the potatoes and add to a pan of cold water, add 2 dessert spoons of rock salt, add to the heat and bring to the boil. Boil the potatoes until they’re cooked through and soft. Drain and remove from the pan while the
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potatoes are still warm, peel and mash until smooth. • Prepare a mixture of truffle oil, nutmeg, parmesan, salt and black pepper, eggs and polenta flour and add the mixture to the mashed potato, mix together well. Add the flour gradually in small quantities and mix together, creating a dough. • While the dough is still warm use a cold spoon and form each giant gnocchi, toss in polenta flour so the flour covers fully. To make the cheese sauce • Pour the double cream into a pan and add to the heat, as the cream heats through and comes to the
boil add the Grana Padano cheese, salt, black pepper, Worcester sauce and egg yolks, whisk all the ingredients together and leave to cool slightly. To finish, add the mixture to a blender, blend until smooth and transfer back into a pan to heat through before serving. • Finally to cook the gnocchi, add vegetable oil to a pan and heat through, take each gnocchi and add to a hot pan, cook through, turning frequently until they turn a light brown colour. • Serve the cheese sauce warm with the gnocchi and finish with a drizzle of truffle oil.
LAMB IN HAY
Dried hay, berries and herbs add aromatic, smoky flavours that perfectly compliment the lamb in this easy to make dish. Serves 2 INGREDIENTS Rack of lamb cut into 4 thick sections A few handfuls of rinsed and dry hay 200ml white wine 40ml extra virgin olive oil A few sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme 5g juniper berries 5g fennel seed 20g crushed garlic with the skin left on 5 bay leaves 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 5g black pepper Salt and pepper to season
BUTTERNUT SQUASH RISOTTO Full of warming winter colours and flavours, this baked butternut squash is filled with a creamy risotto of onion, red pepper, white wine, parmesan and saffron. Serves 2 INGREDIENTS Butternut squash, medium size, one per person Two red peppers, sliced One large onion, finely chopped Extra virgin olive oil Salt & Pepper to season Fresh sage Vegetable tock 180g risotto rice (90g per person) 60ml white wine 0.5g saffron 30g butter 30g grana padano Fresh truffle (shaved) or truffle oil METHOD • Cut off the top half of the butternut squash and scoop out the seeds inside and make into a bowl shape. • Put the top half of the squash in the oven for 1 hour at 160 degrees until the squash is soft. • Take the second half (bottom part) of the squash and split in
METHOD • Place all ingredients except hay together in a bowl and mix • Remove and place in a dish, layer by layer, with hay between each layer • Place in the fridge to marinade for 24 hours • Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees • Remove the lamb and hay from the bowl, leaving the liquid behind
• Place the lamb in a roasting pan with a small amount of hay on top and underneath the lamb • Heat on the hob until the hay begins to smoke • Cover with a lid or foil • Place in the oven • Cook at 200 degrees for 10-12 minutes to suit your taste • Remove from the oven, drizzle with a little olive oil and serve with mash, celeriac or potato gratin and green beans.
two horizontally. Cut and peel the top half into cubes and saute in a pan with olive oil, sage, red peppers and a pinch of salt and pepper. • With the remaining bottom half, peel and cut into cubes and cook in a pan with a touch of oil, sage, and vegetable stock for about 20 minutes or until soft. • Take the mix and blend all together to make a sort of pumpkin stock (broth). To make risotto • Place finely chopped onion in a pan with a touch of oil and after 3 minutes, add the risotto rice with half a gram of saffron. • Add 30ml of white wine for every 90g of risotto (1 portion). • Heat all together and gradually add the pumpkin broth before continuously stirring until the risotto is cooked. • Remove from flame, add 30g of butter, a touch of olive oil and 30g of parmesan, or to your liking. Pour all of the mix inside the pumpkin bowl and place in the oven for 5 minutes at 180 degrees to make everything uniform. • Serve in a pumpkin bowl and add some black truffle shavings to finish the dish.
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EXPLORE T HE GL OBE IN S T Y L E
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LON DON THE STORY OF THE NED
STAY WHAT
Soho House, a group of uber-glam private members’ clubs, has come together with US boutique hotel group, Sydell, to create a luxurious one-stop shop for a weekend in London. The former Midland Bank building is named in tribute to its designer, Sir Edwin ‘Ned’ Lutyens. A grand marble lobby, original architectural features, and British Art Decoinspired décor make The Ned elegantly cool, and with 252 rooms, 9 restaurants, 2 pools, and, of course, its own members club, The Ned really does have it all.
THE BUZZ
We know that Soho House do members’ clubs like no one else, but pulling off a multimillion-pound transformation of an incredible building that stood empty for nearly eight years is a tall order by anyone’s standards. The A-Mag team went to see if Soho House have risen to this epic challenge.
BEST FOR
Everything! The whole concept of The Ned is that with everything on offer, there’s really no need to leave – and we certainly didn’t want to. From slick gentleman’s eateries like Lutyens’ Grill, to the beautiful Roof Bar, and hearty British comfort foods at Millie’s Lounge, The Ned has something to satisfy everyone.
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EAT LUTYENS GRILL
Only for members and hotel guests, this steakhouse is set in the former Bank Manager’s office. Wood-panelling and traditional trolley service give an old-school club feel to the grill. When there, make sure to ask for the pastry of the day.
KAIA
Kaia is the place for you if you’re after sociable evening dining. We recommend ordering the lamb cutlets and a gorgeous cocktail like the Yuzu Splash to add a tropical touch to an evening with friends.
MILLIE’S LOUNGE
Serving up comforting, British dishes, breakfast at Millie’s is a must. Warming porridges, hearty breakfast baps, and eggs virtually any way you like, are some of our favourites from the Millie’s menu.
DO
COWSHED
A great place to shake off the stresses of the week is the Cowshed Spa. Produced in England using organic ingredients, the Cowshed products make for a really indulgent spa experience. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, head to the skin rejuvenation bar to have your winter complexion revived.
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DO... CONT. THE ROOF BAR
No stay at The Ned is complete without a visit to The Roof Bar. Home to an infinity pool, this stylish drinking spot is only open to members and hotel guests. Enjoy your G&Ts with incredible views of London that even the winter weather can’t put a damper on thanks to a retractable roof and heaters.
THE VAULT
One of London’s best-hidden secrets, this subterranean all-hours bar and lounge is the perfect place for a night cap…if you can get in that is – The Vault is members only and lies behind a 20-tonne circular door. Sip your drink quite literally surrounded by the building’s banking heritage as the walls are embedded with over 3,000 original safety deposit boxes.
THE VERDICT
No longer just a business hub, the Financial District is very much alive and kicking thanks to The Ned. Whether you’re travelling to the city for business or are weekend visitors looking for a quick dose of London luxury, The Ned is a must-visit. Soho House’s founder, Nick Jones, has done the UK proud for creating his global luxury British brand, and now, one of the most innovative hotels that London has seen in a very long time. thened.com
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STOCK HOLM WE EXPLORE SWEDEN’S CAPITAL IN STYLE
DO ABBA THE MUSEUM
One of the world’s favourite Swedish exports is, of course, ABBA: no trip to Stockholm would be complete then without visiting the ABBA Museum. Not only can you see their legendary stage costumes and loads of memorabilia, but you can actually take the stage with ABBA themselves... well, 3D avatars of the famous foursome. Sing your heart out to your favourite ABBA jams and come away with a video of your epic performance. abbathemuseum.com/en
FARMERS MARKET
Every Saturday from August to October, the Södermalm district plays host to a farmers’ market. Live like the locals and see traders selling organic, locally produced fruit and vegetables. Why not buy some homemade honey or jam as a scrumptious souvenir from your time in Stockholm? visitstockholm.com/see--do/shopping/ farmers-market/’
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SIGHTSEEING BY BOAT
Forget jumping on a packed bus like we might do here in Manchester, in Stockholm, you get around by boat. The city is built on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges, so to really see Stockholm, you’ve got to take to the water. We were after a dose of history, so opted for the ‘Historical Canal Tour’: starting at City Hall, passing by Långholmen and Reimersholme, and ending at the second largest island in the city, Kungsholmen, you’ll learn all about how Stockholm has evolved over the years. stromma.se/en/stockholm/sightseeing/ sightseeing-by-boat/
VASA MUSEUM
The city is home to a fascinating piece of nautical history. In 1628, the Vasa ship capsized and sank in Stockholm. After 333 years on the seabed, the Vasa was salvaged. Shipworm and other microorganisms that usually cause ships to decay weren’t present in the water where the Vasa sank, meaning that it’s incredibly well preserved. Even the once colourful carvings of warriors and Roman emperors are still visible for visitors of the Vasa Museum to take in, along with coins, tools, and personal belongings of the crew that were recovered from the site where the Vasa sank. vasamuseet.se/en
MOOD
This stylish galleria is home to a great mix of niche boutiques, like Rodebjer and Posh Living, as well as international brands like Ralph Lauren, along with loads of cool restaurants. Make sure to save time to look at the gorgeous modern art around the building too. http://moodstockholm.se/?lang=en’
EAT HOTEL AT SIX
One thing you must try in Stockholm is the seafood. Thanks to the city’s location, you know that what you’re eating is incredibly fresh, and it’s safe to say, it was some of the best seafood we’ve ever had. What better place to tuck into some seafood than in the elegant surroundings of At Six’s Dining Room. On offer there is a host of internationally inspired cuisine cooked by executive chef, Andreas Askling, and his talented team. The fresh prawns and lobster are great to start with, but it was the main course that really wowed us. We recommend the baked pikeperch from Hjälmaren. This delicious dish is for two people to share and comes with fried cauliflower, pickled tomatoes, almond butter, and boiled potatoes. hotelatsix.com/restaurant-bar/
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STAY
HOTEL AT SIX
In the heart of Stockholm’s Brunkebergstorg Square, sits Hotel At Six. Sleek, sophisticated, and cool, this hotel is somewhere that you want to be seen. From the blackened steel and sawn stone features, to the white marble head sculpture by Juame Plensa in the lobby, this 5-star hotel feels like an extension of the contemporary art pieces that are dotted around its interior. For our stay, we were lucky enough to try out one of At Six’s suites. The marble desk, and the crisp, white sheets on the kingsized bed continued the clean, modern design that had welcomed us in the lobby. Our favourite part of the suite, without a doubt, was the balcony. From there, Stockholm’s streets spread out below us, and the Baltic Sea shimmered in the distance. At Six’s central location makes it a great hub from which to explore the city. The hotel is surrounded by streets just waiting to be explored. A whole host of independent shops are nearby and are definitely worth a morning browsing, before heading into a café for a well-deserved coffee break. There are plenty of fantastic restaurants nearby too: French and Swedish influences inspire an eclectic menu of seafood at Sturehof; Oaxen, with origins in Stockholm’s archipelago of the same name, offer a 6 or 10 course menu of Swedish cuisine;
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Ubran Deli Nytorget serves a great range of charcuterie, along with a delicious seafood platter including lobster, crab, shrimp and oysters. Be warned though, don’t expect to be fed in Stockholm between 2 - 5pm as even though many restaurants are open, during these hours they won’t be serving food. Make sure to pop into At Six’s neighbour and sister hotel, Hobo. Inspired by a love of nature and local flavours, this boutique hotel establishes itself as an urban hub where people can meet to eat, talk, and relax. We recommend renting a bike from Hobo and cycling to Stockholm’s Old Town. Hidden within this multicultural city is a small glimpse into Stockholm’s past. Narrow cobblestone streets filled with quirky shops and independent restaurants open out into squares with churches that have stood there since the Medieval Era. Old buildings painted in shades of gold fill the area with unique character reminiscent of a fairy tale. If you have time, stop off at Österlånggatan 17. Set beside a fountain, surrounded by trees and oldfashioned street lamps, dining here has a touch of magic about it. Rooms start from £112 at hotelatsix.com
Seema Malhotra
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BECKY JAMES
Olympic Cyclist, Becky James, and A-Magazine take the new tech for a spin at Mallorca boot camp
T
G N I D I R IGH H H T T I I W FITB C I N IO
he A-Mag team flew out to Mallorca to join retired Olympic cyclist, Becky James, at Fitbit’s boot camp. As a former double world cycling champion and Olympic silver medalist, James certainly had a thing or two to teach us about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We took to the streets of Mallorca on a bike tour with James to find out about her incredible career and get her top fitness tips. NOW THAT YOU’VE RETIRED FROM CYCLING, WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS? I’m setting up my cake business, and a little coffee business alongside. The long-term plan is to have a coffee shop too,
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but it’s quite hard because my boyfriend, George [North], plays rugby, so we’re not really settled in one place. I’m going to be doing some coaching with my sister and the Welsh riders going to the Commonwealth Games. I feel like I’ve got so much to give back. I’m also in the middle of planning a health, fitness and wellness retreat with one of my good friends. WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CYCLING CAREER? Definitely my two Olympic medals. I had
three highs along the way that’ll stick in my memory. In 2010, at the Commonwealth Games, that was my first step into winning medals at a senior level, and I got a bronze and a silver there and I was only eighteen. Representing Wales was absolutely amazing, and that was the only chance that I got to actually represent them in the end. Winning my two world championship titles in 2013 was just incredible. I had a bit of a dip after that, and then I finished on a high winning those two Olympic medals, and having my family there to support me was absolutely amazing. £299.99, fitbit.com/ uk/shop/ionic
HOW DOES FITBIT IONIC HELP YOU WITH YOUR WORKOUTS? For cycling, it has a bike session and GPS which is accurate to one metre, so, for me, to be able to just go out on my bike, turn that on, see what route I’ve done, and my average heart rate, makes it really great for my training. It’s got a coach session too where it takes you through a couple of workouts. I’ve done the core workout quite a lot because it’s quite nice to have something set that shows you what to do for the exercises, and tells you how many reps to do. It really pushes you. HOW HAS USING THIS TECH CHANGED YOUR APPROACH TO EXERCISE? It makes me think about what I’m doing throughout the day. When I’m sat down for a couple of hours it tells me to get up and move. Before, when I was training, I didn’t need to think about how many, or how few, steps I was doing a day, but now I’m retired, it’s definitely about how many steps I can actually do. DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THOSE OF US LOOKING TO ADOPT A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE? It’s really good to have a training partner because I know how hard it can be to motivate yourself, especially if it’s just you going to the gym. I find that when you go with someone else, you’ve got that bit of extra motivation. Try and find yourself a training buddy to push yourself along, and make improvements with. HOW CAN FITBIT IONIC HELP US LEAD A HEALTHIER
‘I’VE BEEN A SPRINTER SINCE I WAS THIRTEEN, I’M GLAD I CAN INSPIRE’
LIFESTYLE? Monitoring your heart rate is a massive tool to see how you are in both body and mind. If my heart rate is getting higher, then I’m usually picking up an illness, so then I try to take it easy for a day or two until my heart rate starts coming back down. I’ve definitely used Fitbit Ionic for the stress side of things as well. If my heart rate rises, then I try to do something to change it and bring it back down. HOW CAN WE NOTICE OUR FITNESS LEVELS IMPROVING? On the heart rate section on the
app, it’s got a guide to show you where you are in terms of fitness. You enter your weight, your age, your height, and then it’ll tell you what your resting heart rate is. Usually, you’ll do a run so it can work out how fit you are. It’s got different levels from poor, fair, average, good, to very good, and excellent, so it gives you a scale, and it tells you how to get yourself fitter. If your weight’s a bit higher, and your weight starts coming down, and your cardio fitness score starts coming up, that’s a really good sign, so it’s great for keeping track of where you’re at.
WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE OF YOUR CYCLING CAREER? I’d say getting back from my knee injury. I kind of lost all hope, all motivation. I was in a really emotional place. I couldn’t ride my bike for more than fifteen minutes without being in absolute agony. Not racing for a year and half was so hard. Going for my first race [after the injury], I was absolutely terrified. You kind of expect to perform where you finished off, but it doesn’t work like that, and having to start again and build my way up was really tough, but it was all worth it in the end. HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO RECOVER FROM YOUR SETBACKS? It’s just having such a good support network around me. My family, my boyfriend, and British Cycling were amazing. They sent me off to an intensive rehab unit at Bisham Abbey, and I stayed there for six months. It was really helpful to be out of a cycling environment and be around different people. Once I got back to British Cycling, they were so supportive, the coaches, the physios, everyone around was just trying to keep me upbeat all the time. HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE A ROLE MODEL TO YOUNG PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY YOUNG WOMEN? I love giving advice because I’ve experienced it [cycling] for such a long time. I’ve been a [cycling] sprinter since I was thirteen, so I’m glad I can inspire the younger riders coming through. If I can help someone in just a small way, it’d make me really happy.
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Self-confessed fitness freaks, Jon Worsnop and Katie Booth, What is Gymology? Gymology is a lifestyle business for anybody who has a fitness goal or wants to be healthy. We have three categories, which are called build, balance, and burn so we don’t do shoebox meal prep. Build is for anybody who wants to build muscle. Balance is for anyone who wants to maintain or manage their weight. Burn is for anyone who wants to lose some extra fat. What made you want to set up the business? I’ve been involved in sport now for 20 years and my business partner, Katie, has been involved in triathalons. We’ve always tried to eat healthy and train hard in the gym, but we found that the hardest part was eating healthy because it’s too easy to pick up junk food. We tried certain meal prep companies in and around Manchester and we thought that we could improve on what they were doing in terms of taste, actual health, and helping people achieve their goals. We set out with a task to try and make Gymology the Marks & Spencer version of healthy eating and meal prep. Who are your customers? We decided to have drop-off points, and where better to start than gyms where people actually
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go to be healthy and train hard, so they can pick up their meals after they’ve finished in the gym. We contacted various gyms in and around Manchester and said ‘look, we’re prepared to put a fridge in your gym and fill it with meal prep so your clients can grab and go and they can get to their goal faster.’ The gyms snatched our hands off. We came up with the concept of putting fridges into outlets, whether it be an office block, a gym, or a supplement store. We’re at the grand total of 22 outlets at the moment.
‘WE SET OUT WITH A TASK TO TRY AND MAKE GYMOLOGY THE MARKS & SPENCER VERSION OF HEALTHY EATING AND MEAL PREP.’
Is Gymology just for people who are really into the gym? No, anybody can enjoy our food. It’s for people who want a healthier way of living rather than dining out on pizzas and junk food. They can benefit that way and see a difference by just eating healthy. They’ll have more energy, more willingness to do things, and actually lose a few pounds along the way as well. How would you describe Gymology’s meals? There’s so much variety in our meals. We didn’t want to give people the same meals over and over again, so we’re constantly changing the menu to keep everyone on their toes. The meals are full of taste and full of health. What we wanted to get across was that you can eat tasty food and eat well at the same time. What do you think makes Gymology different to its competitors? We spend a lot of time looking for quality over quantity. When we’re buying our products, we’re not scared of spending a few extra pounds on quality meat, fish, and vegetables, and that makes a difference. We’ve got a great Norwegian chef who is ex-Tattu and ex-Australasia, and he’s been on a cruise ship as the head chef for the last twelve months. He’s come in and he’s really thrown some ideas
bring a new kind of healthy meal prep to Manchester. around, and his food is fantastic. If I could employ him at home full-time, I would. Why do you think Gymology has grown so quickly? The demand. The health and fitness market is worth a billion pounds and we feel like we’ve found a gap in the market. We’re offering convenience, and people have taken the time to say ‘look, this is a great product. I like everything you do and it’s helping me.’ How much does it cost? So, for the standard size, it’s £4.50 per meal, and for the large – which is very large – it’s £6 per meal. We also offer healthy snacks, like protein balls and protein muffins, and they’re £2.50. Do you offer vegetarian and vegan options? At the moment, we ask that you pre-order vegetarian and vegan meals. We do put one or two meals in each fridge regardless as an option, but if anyone does want an actual tailormade program then we need them to make a request. We’ve got quite a few clients who are vegan. We have one gym in Wigan called Powerbeck Gym, and the owner and his partner are both vegans. He gave me a few
recipes and then we extended that and now people are driving forty miles to get our vegan meal prep there. What are some of your favourite Gymology meals? I love the chicken teriyaki which is a chicken breast in teriyaki sauce, with quinoa, sweet potato cubes, spring onion, red onion, peas and radish. What do you think you both bring to the business? Well Katie is very much the tough side of the business: numbers, facts, figures. She keeps the business glued together. At the moment, we’re in Manchester, Cheshire and Liverpool, so we want to go into Yorkshire, Birmingham and then eventually hit London. What are your goals for Gymology in 2018? We have our kitchen in Salford, which is our HQ, and now what we’re trying to do is grow each area. At the moment, we’re in Manchester and Cheshire so we want to go into Merseyside, Yorkshire, Birmingham and then eventually hit London. We really see it as a brand, and if we can start franchising it off into different countries then fantastic. That’s the long-term plan. gymologyuk.com @gymologyuk
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ROSS WORSWICK The Couture Club Our Manchester lad’s done good
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W
HO IS THE COUTURE CLUB MAN? Our ideal customer is eighteen to thirty. The clothes are fashionable enough and cool enough for people who can afford to wear anything, but it’s affordable so younger people can wear it as well. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PIECES FROM THE A/W COUTURE CLUB COLLECTION? We do a silk bomber. They’re a huge seller for us and one of my favourites. The Colman tracksuit has been a huge hit. Day to day, that’s one of my favourites because it’s comfy. You might go to the cinema, or for a casual meal, or shopping in it. TELL US ABOUT YOUR POP UP STORE IN THE TRAFFORD CENTRE. It’s open until the fifth of April. Because it’s our first store, and we’re putting our reputation on the line, we’ve fitted it out to a level that’s the same as the other stores in The Trafford Centre. WHAT SHOULD WE KNOW ABOUT THE COUTURE CLUB’S WOMEN’S COLLECTION? Well the women’s clothing is Yeezy-esque. So, oversized denim jackets, slightly oversized hoodies. We’ve got a few tracksuits in there as well, and a few shirts. HOW HAS THE BUSINESS GROWN OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS? A year ago, it was just myself and my business partner Scott. We were packing in the warehouse, doing the customer service on the phone, doing Instagram, doing the photoshoots - everything, just the two of us. Now, I bring clothes out every single week for the menswear. Luckily, we know a lot of influencers and bloggers, and they’ve been really supportive and helped with opinions along the way. I love someone to tear my business apart; I’m all for it because it means that I can fix my weaknesses. WHAT DID YOU FIND MOST CHALLENGING ABOUT SETTING UP THE COUTURE CLUB? The hardest thing was the year and a half I spent before I even launched it getting messed about. Initially, I borrowed £1,000 from my Mum, so I had £5,000 to build a website, and to manufacture, and everything else. In the space of two years, I’ve come from one t-shirt to now having two-hundred-andeighty-eight items on my site. WHO WOULD YOU LOVE TO SEE WEARING THE COUTURE CLUB? Bieber, or Beckham. I don’t feel like they’re out of reach. You’ve just got to put yourself in the right place for it to happen.
DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT JACKET. I’m quite big on oversized satin bomber jackets, so it’d probably be one of those with embroidery all over it. When I was in Dubai, I saw one for £25,000. I was just like ‘yeah, that’s never going to happen’. WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO EAT IN MANCHESTER? I absolutely love Tattu. Pan-Asian is my favourite type of food so it’s got to be one of my favourite restaurants. I remember when it was just a name on a piece of paper, before it was even a full business plan. I love Menagerie, Neighbourhood – there’s so many! WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE REALITY TV SHOW AT THE MOMENT? I’m going to say everyone’s favourite really - it’s got to be ‘Love Island’. Obviously, I’ve done reality TV, but I don’t really watch reality TV. [Laughs]. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO WATCH ON TV THEN? My favourite TV show is Dragon’s Den. On a Sunday, I love getting on the couch and watching it. I like ideas, and you always see people who have come up with an idea, and someone picks a flaw in it, so then it can be made into something amazing. WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES A GOOD REALITY TV SHOW CONTESTANT? I just think genuine people. I like nice people that say their opinion if they don’t agree with something. I hate it when people have arguments for no reason, but they do seem to do quite well. I love Chris and Kem. They just had a laugh. There’s nothing better than watching someone having fun and appreciating the experience they’re having. IS IT POSSIBLE TO FIND TRUE LOVE ON A REALITY TV SHOW? It’s not happened to me yet, [laughs] but I would never rule it out. I think sometimes that stereotypes and friendship groups in the real world can limit you. When you’re put in a situation like that where there’s people from all different walks of life, you’ve got a chance of finding something that you wouldn’t normally find on the outside. WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN? Believe in yourself, and one day others will have no choice but to believe with you. I’ve got that tattooed on me. It’s one of the things my grandma said to me when I was younger. It’s so true. Because I’ve worked so hard and not given up, now everyone else believes with me. I think it’s about the sacrifice as well. When I first started, I didn’t get a wage for a year. Everyone thought because I’d done a reality show I must be doing alright [financially], but I was absolutely skint because I’d put everyone penny I had into my business.
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‘I LOVE SOMEONE TO TEAR MY BUSINESS APART; I’M ALL FOR IT BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT I CAN FIX MY WEAKNESSES’
WOULD YOU GO ON A REALITY TV SHOW AGAIN? I would do. If it was the right show for me, and the right time. I enjoy it [reality TV] each time I do it. It improves my business, and I enjoy meeting amazing people, some not so amazing, but you don’t have to hang around with them afterwards. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATION? I love LA. I’m going again for my birthday in April. I’ll do a photoshoot, celebrate my birthday at Coachella, and then I’ll chill for a week. I went to Thailand this year for the first time and I genuinely thought it was amazing. I want to go to Bali and The Bahamas - just have that island life with the white sand and the blue sea. WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TALENT? Driving [racing] cars. Not many people know that I used to race cars when I was younger, and I raced go karts before that. WHAT CELEBRITY WOULD YOU RATE AS A PERFECT TEN? Olivia Culpo. She’s a model. WHAT WOULD YOUR PERFECT DATE BE LIKE? I’d get a helicopter and fly us to the top of a mountain overlooking the sea and the sunset. I’d get all her favourite foods from whatever restaurants she wanted flown up, like UberEats helicoptered up there. We’d have a drink, and a little picnic, and then just relax and chat.
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WHO OR WHAT WILL FINALLY BREAK THE INTERNET? I think it’s going to be the next big celebrity having a breakdown, or releasing a sex tape. I hope it doesn’t happen. Think about it, if the Internet breaks, then what would everyone in the world do because no one can work. I think at some point, when everyone’s on it, they’ll just stop it, and then they’ve got us all. It’s a good job I’m opening a shop really. WHAT’S THE BEST AND WORST PURCHASE YOU’VE EVER MADE? My best purchase is my new car. It’s amazing. It’s a Merc GLE Coupé. It’s got everything so I can drive to work dead happy now. My worst
purchase is probably alcohol which happens every weekend. For some reason, I’m not learning. I’ll always buy it, then I’ll always drink it and wake up feeling terrible. WHAT’S YOUR DRINK OF CHOICE? I always start with a vodka Red Bull for a bit of energy, and then I have a vodka lime soda, but I don’t mind throwing a few Sambucas in there. I say a few, I’ll probably have about five. [Laughs]. Maybe an amaretto and coke too. WHAT’S YOUR HANGOVER CURE? Well it’s not a cure, but ten pence crisps that you get from the corner shop; the little onion rings. I buy five packets of each, and I get a pot noodle as well. I buy a Lucozade Orange Energy when I’m hungover – I think it makes me feel better – a Pepsi or a Fanta Fruit Twist, then I see a milkshake and think ‘Oh, I’ll throw that in there too’. I always have to get Mr Freeze ice lollies. I’m all for a bit of ice when I’m hungover.
HOW DO YOU STAY IN SHAPE? I’ve got a gym at home. So, I get up [at] about six, just jump on the treadmill in the garage for about twenty minutes, and then I’ll go to work. I eat quite clean. And then I try and do my weights in the evening. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A GIRLFRIEND? A best friend who I fancy. What makes me happy is when you can actually have fun, and a real laugh with someone all the time. If you’ve got the same mind set, then you’ll get on. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE? I’ve just booked a holiday to Dubai for Boxing Day. I’m going with a girl I’m seeing, and a group of friends. Next year, we’ll have the womenswear. Hopefully, if the pop-up shop goes well, then we’ll open a few more shops. I want to develop the womenswear so it’s as big as where the guys’ is now really. Our
biggest client base is London, so after The Trafford Centre, London is the next big place, and then Birmingham. I want to take our guys’ clothing to the next level too and push the American market. WHAT’S THE BEST COMPLIMENT YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? People saying that I don’t give up, or that I’m an inspiration. That sounds like a bigheaded thing to say, but that is one of the most common messages I get each day, and it probably means the most to me. DO YOU HAVE A HERO? I don’t have anyone that I really fanboy off, but I have people that inspire me. Fashion wise, I look up to Jerry Lorenzo; he owns Fear of God. I get inspired by what Bieber’s done. I met him recently at a private party at Tattu, and he was lovely. I think everyone’s got to respect what Lewis Hamilton’s done in racing. I look up to Jordan Belfort – the real wolf of Wall Street. I try to take a bit of advice from my mum too.
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LET’S EAT M NORTHERN SOUL GRILLED CHEESE
10 Church Street, M4 1PN Great grilled cheeses – need we say more? Enjoy an eclectic, upbeat soundtrack as you tuck into Northern Soul’s killer three-cheese combination with a load of tasty fillings. ‘The Pestorella’ is one of our favourites: sun blushed tomatos, mozzarella, and a drizzle of pesto. If you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, their cream-topped milkshakes are sure to hit the spot. Look out for Northern Soul Grilled Cheese at the Christmas Markets in Albert Square until 22 December.
comfort food LORD OF THE PIES
5559a Barlow Moor Road, M21 8AN 0161 860 5475 If you’re looking for some good Northern scran, then Lord of the Pies is the place to go. Their hearty pies come with a thick crust and a good helping of fluffy mash, topped off with onion gravy. For a truly British meal, try the confit pork and Bury black pudding pie, washed down with a pint from local brewers ABC, Blackjack, and Ilkley Brewery.
HOME SWEET HOME
49-51 Edge Street, M4 1HW. 0161 244 9424 Deansgate, M3 4EN. 0161 300 8121 Serving up tasty treats and hearty homestyle dishes cooked better than your mum could ever dream of, Home Sweet Home have pretty much all the comfort foods you can imagine. We’re talking waffles, fried chicken, milkshakes, tacos, toasties, and bacon, not to mention their colourful cakes that are sure to lull you ever so sweetly into a food induced coma. With locations in the Northern Quarter and Deansgate, there’s really no excuse not to pop in for a slice of home.
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THE WHARF
6 Slate Wharf, M15 4ST 0161 220 2960 This canal-side pub serves up good, British grub that changes with the seasons. Expect burgers, steaks, and thick sandwiches, as well as the ‘Manchester Platter’ with Northern-inspired dishes like Vimto chutney, and black pudding sausage rolls. Eat with a bigger group in the larger central spaces, or hide away in a cosy nook with a beer and a few friends.
ANCHESTER GRINDSMITH
231-233 Deansgate, M3 4EN. 07496798220 Unit 5&6, The Garage, MediaCityUK, Salford, M50 2EQ. 07495 850032 Greengate Square, Victoria Bridge Street, M3 5AS. 0161 408 4699 It’s the smell of brewing coffee that beckons droves of sleepy customers into their sweet, wooden pod on Greengate Square for a drink that’s certain to kick start their day. For some incredible food to go with their brilliant coffee, head to their MediaCityUK site, and be on the lookout for intimate gigs happening there too.
TAKK POT KETTLE BLACK
Unit 14 Barton Arcade, M3 2BW Their coffee hatch is a lifesaver when you need to grab a good coffee on the go. If you’ve got time to stay a while though, Pot Kettle Black’s location in Barton Arcade makes it the perfect place to do some people watching whilst sipping on a cup of their finest.
6 Tariff Street, M1 2FF 07989583576 Selling more coffee-making apparatus than you can shake a stick at, TAKK are serious about their coffee. On a never-ending journey to find the best blends in Europe, this artisan coffee house takes inspiration from Scandinavia and Iceland. Their fussfree space is a great place to hunker down, take advantage of the free Wi-Fi, and get some work done powered by one of the best cups of coffee in the city.
coffee break FEDERAL
9 Nicholas Croft, M4 1EY 0161 425 0974 Taking inspiration from the Aussies and Kiwis, Federal serves up great coffee and delicious breakfasts to boot. Pick up one of the magazines dotted around this laidback space, and while away the afternoon with a reading session and a delightfully Instagram-able brew. Almond, soya, and oat milk are on offer here too so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
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the christmas party REVOLUCION DE CUBA MANCHESTER
11 Peter Street, M2 5QR 0161 826 8266 Swap the sprouts and eggnog for a Latin American feast and a mojito at Revolucion de Cuba this winter. Mostrador, Cuban dishes served buffet style, is the perfect way for a group to dine here. The live salsa band is sure to drag even the office Grinch out of his seat.
SAKANA
23 Peter Street, M2 5QR 0161 884 1291 Sakana brings a dose of Japan to Manchester. With a teppanyaki area, a fresh sushi counter, and a Robata grill, there’s sure to be something to keep even the fussiest work mate happy. The huge bar area is the perfect place to hang out with your colleagues and debate who’s the furthest behind on their Christmas shopping, or head upstairs to their mezzanine restaurant if you’re after a more intimate feel. Rest assured, even if the conversation with your office crush isn’t flowing, Sakana’s signature cocktails certainly will be.
THE OAST HOUSE
The Avenue Courtyard, Spinngingfields, Crown Square, M3 3AY 0161 829 3830 Fire pits, fur throws, fairy lights and warming drinks make for festive fun at The Oast House this winter season. Their cosy teepee returns for a winter escape in the heart of Spinningfields. Tuck into a turkey hanging kebab or hog dinner with your work mates for a unique Christmas get together.
D O N
G I O V A N N I
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PROUDLY FEEDING MANCHESTER FOR OVER 30 YEARS DON GIOVANNI
DON GIOVANNI
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
MOST ROMANTIC R E S TA U R A N T
WINNER
WINNER
C E L E B R AT E T H E F E S T I V E S E A S O N I N S T Y L E AT M U LT I -AWA R D W I N N I N G R E S TA U R A N T D O N G I O VA N N I . E S TA B L I S H E D I N 1984, A L L O W U S T O TA K E Y O U O N A C U L I N A R Y J O U R N E Y T H I S C H R I S T M A S T I M E . W H E T H E R Y O U ’ R E L O O K I N G F O R A Q U I E T C A N D L E L I T TA B L E F O R T W O O R A L A R G E P R I VAT E S PA C E F O R A N O F F I C E PA R T Y, W E H AV E S O M E T H I N G T O C AT E R F O R A L L . W I T H B E S P O K E M I C H E L I N S TA R D I S H E S F R O M C H E F J E A N - C H R I S T O P H E N O V E L L I , P R I VAT E D I N I N G FA C I L I T I E S A N D A VA R I E T Y O F C H R I S T M A S M E N U S O N O F F E R Y O U W I L L B E S P O I LT F O R C H O I C E .
3 COURSE CHRISTMAS PA R T Y M E N U S F R O M £3 2 .9 5 P P
Private Dining
AVAIL ABLE FOR PARTIES AND PRIVATE DINERS UP TO 50 PEOPLE
OXFORD STREET, MANCHESTER, M1 5AN
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0161 228 2482
WWW.DONGIOVANNI.UK.COM
CHRISTMAS D AY S E T MENU £54.50 P P
RESERVATIONS@DONGIOVANNI.UK.COM DONGIOVANNIMCR
MACKIE MAYOR
Eagle Street, M4 mackiemayor.co.uk The Grade II listed building has undergone a complete makeover thanks to the team behind Altrincham Market. Long wooden bench tables make Mackie Mayor a real social hub and the choice of grub from the likes of Honest Crust, Fin, Baohouse and Little Window means that there’s something for everyone
MASONS RESTAURANT BAR
36 Bridge Street, M3 3BT masonsrestaurantbar.co.uk Housed inside Manchester Hall, a newly restored Grade II listed former Freemason building, Masons offers a modern twist on traditional club dining. Expect classic British flavors and ingredients, with organic Irish salmon from Ireland and Dukesmoor steaks from Wales on their a la carte grill menu. If you’re after something special, then book Masons’ private dining booth that seats up to four people for an added touch of luxury.
LILY’S BAR
2 Booth Street, M2 4AT 0161 714 0414 Greeted with Lily Bollinger’s image as you walk in, drinking champagne when you’re happy and when you’re sad is obligatory. Why not hire out Lily’s Library, a secret drinking den with its own bar, projector and fireplace for a sophisticated Christmas celebration.
what’s new? D O N
DON GIOVANNI
WINNER
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
G I O V A N N I
DG
M A N C H E S T E R
NEW YEARS EVE
DON GIOVANNI
WINNER
MOST ROMANTIC R E S TA U R A N T
I TA L I A N N E W Y E A R S E X T R AVA G A N Z A £69.5 0 P E R P E R S O N 6 COURSE SET MENU
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L I V E E N T E R TA I N M E N T
P R E- O R D E R Y O U R C H A M PA G N E F O R M I D N I G H T
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DON GIOVANNI SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR EVER,
THE AT TENTION TO DETAIL AND FRESHNESS OF THEIR
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SERVING AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE, WITH FRESH FISH
PRODUCE IS OUTSTANDING. I AM EXTREMELY IMPRESSED WITH
A SPECIALIT Y. DON GIOVANNI HAS ALWAYS ADAPTED TO MODERN TRENDS, OFTEN WITH ITS OWN TWIST.
THE JEWISH TELEGRAPH
THE WHOLE TEAM AT DON GIOVANNI AND IT ENCAPSUL ATES EVERY THING THAT AN AUTHENTIC INDEPENDENT ITALIAN RESTAURANT SHOULD BE.
JEAN-CHRISTOPHE NOVELLI
OXFORD STREET, MANCHESTER, M1 5AN
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0161 228 2482
WWW.DONGIOVANNI.UK.COM
RESERVATIONS@DONGIOVANNI.UK.COM DONGIOVANNIMCR
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ESTER
• LO ND O N NEW
• EDIN BURG H
YO R K
C IT Y
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N A PL E S
10 November – 20 December MANCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKETS Albert Square
2 December – 27 January GUYS AND DOLLS Royal Exchange Theatre
24 November – 30 December LANTERNS AT CHESTER ZOO Chester Zoo
3 THE EDGELEY PARK STADIUM ANTIQUES, COLLECTABLES & VINTAGE FAIR Edgeley Park Stadium, Stockport
D EC EM B E R 1 GORILLAZ Manchester Arena
4 BENJAMIN CLEMENTINE O2 Ritz
8 – 17 AJ BELL PSA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Manchester Central Convention Complex
1 ORBITAL Apollo
9 CARA DILLON - CHRISTMAS TOUR The Stoller Hall
1 MANCHESTER POETRY AND FICTION PRIZE GALA Chetham’s Library
1 - 2 CRAZY FOR YOU Opera House 1 THE TWANG O2 Ritz 1, 4 – 8, 11– 15 MATERIAL REMAINS Cavendish Street 2 AWAAN RIZWAN: TWERK IN PROGRESS Contact
7 – 9 JINKX MONSOON & MAJOR SCALES: THE VAUDEVILLIANS Contact
8 HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS™ - LIVE CONCERT Manchester Arena
1 BRYSON TILLER – SET IT OFF TOUR Victoria Warehouse
1 THE WAREHOUSE PROJECT PRESENTS: SASHA AND DIGWEED Warehouse Project Manchester
7 THE MOUSE OUTFIT Band on the Wall
7 – 30 RED RIDING HOOD AND THE WOLF HOME
1 – 2 THE CHOCOLATE MEN Liquid & Envy, Oldham
1 – 3, 7 – 10, 14 – 17 ALADDIN Bolton Little Theatre
7 MICHAEL BALL & ALFIE BOE Manchester Arena
9 WHP PRESENTS: THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS, DANIEL AVERY, PAUL WOOLFORD Manchester The Warehouse Project 5 SCOUTING FOR GIRLS O2 Ritz 5 MOULETTES Band on the Wall 5 December – 10 January JULES VERNE’S AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS The Lowry 6 MEOW MEOW HOME 6 BANANARAMA Manchester O2 Apollo
9 QUEEN AND ADAM LAMBERT Manchester Arena 9 BBC PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA RENAUD CAPUCON Manchester Bridgewater Hall 9 WELTSCMERZ – CLUTCHING AT STRAWS 2017: FISH Manchester O2 Ritz 9 ECCLES MAKERS MARKET Church Street, Manchester 9 – 10 THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT Bowlers Exhibition Centre
2 PARTY ON THE DANCE FLOOR TOUR: STEPS, THE VENGABOYS, MAX RESTAINO Manchester Arena 2 CHEADLE MAKERS MARKET Cheadle 2 – 31 CINDERELLA Albert Hall Bolton 2 – 3 STEPS Manchester Arena
6 December – 7 January THE GRUFFALO Lowry Theatre 6 – 9 EVITA Palace Theatre 7 THE TIGER LILLIES: A COLD NIGHT IN SOLO HOME
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9 December – 1 January WINTER WONDERLAND INDOOR THEME PARK EventCity
14 PETE TONG PRESENTS IBIZA CLASSICS Manchester Arena
17 November – 13 January A CHRISTMAS CAROL Bolton Octagon 22 KIM WILDE - THE WILDE WILD XMAS SHOW O2 Ritz 23 IAN SHAW The Cinnamon Club, Altrincham
15 ROY ‘CHUBBY’ BROWN Manchester O2 Apollo 9 December – 7 January DICK WHITTINGTON Manchester Opera House
15 RNCM BAROQUE SOLOISTS Manchester RNCM
9, 13 THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS HOME
15 THE FOUR SEASONS Manchester Bridgewater Hall
10 MARIAH CAREY’S ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS TOUR Manchester Arena
16 LIAM GALLAGHER Manchester Arena
20–21 THE HALLE - THE SNOWMAN The Bridgewater Hall 23–24 THE JUNGLE BOOK Civic Hall Uppermill 26 MINCE PIE SPECIALS Bolton Street Station 26 THE WAREHOUSE PROJECT PRESENTS: SOLARDO SESSIONS Warehouse Project
27 MUSICALS IN CONCERT – LEADING LADIES Manchester Bridgewater Hall
10 THE MANCHESTER FESTIVE HAPPENING: A GOSPEL CHRISTMAS Albert Hall 11 – 23 PETER PAN Oldham Library
17 UB40 Manchester O2 Apollo 17, 18 THE HALLÉ CAROL CONCERT The Bridgewater Hall
31 NEW YEARS EVE IN VEGAS: MANCHESTER CAMERATA, THE DEFINITIVE RAT PACK Manchester Bridgewater Hall
12 – 23 HOT BROWN HONEY HOME 12 December – 6 January BEAUTIFUL THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL Palace Theatre
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28 – 29 STEAMING DAYS AT BOLTON STEAM MUSEUM Bolton Steam Museum 31 NEW YEARS EVE BALL The Longfield Suite
11 CHINEKE! ENSEMBLE Royal Northern College of Music
13 – 20 CONTACT AND SLUNG LOW: THE SIEGE OF CHRISTMAS Contact
27 THE WORLD’S PREMIER BON JOVI TRIBUTE: BON GIOVI Rebellion
31 NYE PARTY NIGHT Exchange Square, Manchester 19 CLASSIC CAROLS: ALAN TITCHMARSH The Bridgewater Hall
31 ULTIMATE POWER NYE Albert Hall
JANUA RY 1 NYD CLOSING PARTY The Warehouse Project 6 REVOLUTION TRACK CYCLING The National Cycling Centre, Manchester 11 CHRIS ROCK Manchester Arena
26 January – 3 February HAMLET Lyric Theatre, The Lowry
14 – 17 GOODNIGHT MR TOM Hyde Festival Theatre
26 PROSECCO FESTIVAL Victoria Warehouse
16 – 18 CHINESE NEW YEAR Manchester City Centre
27 JAKE MITCHELL The Dancehouse Theatre 31 January – 3 February GRAND FINALE HOME
FE BR UARY 1 JEFF TWEEDY Albert Hall 2 THE MENZINGERS, PUP, CAYETANA O2 Ritz
19 – 24 THRILLER LIVE Palace Theatre
3 THE SCRIPT Manchester Arena
12 VAMPIRES ROCK: THE GHOST TRAIN Palace Theatre 22 – 25 HEAVEN ON EARTH – THE LIVE ARENA SPECTACULAR Manchester Arena
13 THE TRANSPORTS: A TALE OF EXILE AND MIGRATION The Dancehouse Theatre
24 DANE BAPTISTE: G.O.D. (GOLD. OIL. DRUGS) The Lowry Theatre
16 – 28 SHREK THE MUSICAL Palace Theatre 19 TOUR THREE: PARAMORE Manchester Arena 24 LEE FIELDS & THE EXPRESSIONS Gorilla
5 – 10 STRANGERS ON A TRAIN Opera House 8 ALIEN ANT FARM O2 Ritz 12 – 17 FLASHDANCE Palace Theatre
25 – 28 MANCHESTER BEER AND CIDER FESTIVAL 2018 Manchester Central 25 ICONS OF THE 80S – GO WEST, NIK KERSHAW & CUTTING CREW Palace Theatre 27 HALFWAY TO PARADISE: THE BILLY FURY STORY Palace Theatre 28 CIRCUS OF HORRORS Palace Theatre
25 – 27 MANCHESTER BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL Manchester Central
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MANCHESTER
WORLD OF JSKY Fashion Night in association with Forever Manchester
STAR BALL
at Hilton Deansgate
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event s WORLD OF JSKY MTV Stayling Alive x Keihl’s Charity Fundraiser
MCR Fashion Industry IMAGES: MCR Fashion Industry, DN Imagery
MCR FASHION INDUSTRY x DEAD LEGACY
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minutes with... The pop songstress ings h t l l a s k l a t music and er Manchest
Pixie Lott Why did you choose to launch your new single ‘Won’t Forget You’ in Manchester? Because I love Manchester! I’ve had lots of good times up here. I think Manchester crowds are amazing. I think it’s nice to come up North first [before London] because I wanted to do this for fans, and I always see a lot of great support on Twitter from up here. What are your favourite places in Manchester? I love The Lowry [Hotel]. When I was here last year doing a play [Breakfast at Tiffany’s] in Salford, we stayed at The Lowry. It’s got good vibes…and I like their shampoo, shower gel, and conditioner. [Laughs]. I’ve just had a great time here, especially when I did Manchester Pride. Would you like to do theatre again? I will do it in my life again, but not for a while because it takes up such a big chunk of time. It’s nice to be back doing just music. When I played Holly Golightly [in Breakfast at Tiffany’s] last year, that was a complete dream role. I absolutely loved that, and she’s such a strong, but such a complex character, so anyone that’s sort of in that same vein I’d love to play again. What are some of your career highlights? I would definitely say my ‘Crazy Cats Tour’. It was the first tour I did where I could meet fans from all over the UK, and have everyone there just to see my show. It was really special. I think festivals in other countries are highlights too: the Springroove Festival in Tokyo. The
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biggest show I’ve done was to half a million people in Madrid – it was like a street party. I just felt so lucky writing with John Legend, and working with Stevie Wonder because they’re two of my all-time favourite people. What’s the recipe for a perfect pop song? I do think there’s some sort of formula that everyone follows. At the moment, it’s either an instrumental part that’s catchy, or a tag which is a repeated word over and over. I think a good pop song always has to have lyrics that people can relate to, so you can find some emotion in it. It either has to make you feel something or make you dance. You wowed us when you were on Strictly Come Dancing. Who would you like to win this year? I’m rooting for Molly [King] and Aston [Merrygold]. How was being a judge on The Voice Kids UK? Amazing! Definitely one of the best thing I’ve done. I was in awe and they [the contestants] were so inspiring.
“I THINK A GOOD POP SONG... EITHER HAS TO MAKE YOU FEEL SOMETHING OR MAKE YOU DANCE.”
What are some of your favourite ways to keep fit? At the minute, yoga’s my favourite. I have the most amazing teacher. The classes are in a hot room, and once you’re in the flow, you don’t even realise you’re doing it. She works your core really hard. At the end, we lie down, and she comes over with this oil, and she gives your neck this massage. It’s the best thing ever. If you had to describe yourself in three emojis, what would they be? I’m going to go with the pineapple one first. I love pineapples because they’re fresh, and fruity, and fun. When you type ‘confused’ on your phone, there’s a girl that’s just going like that [shrugs with arms up], and I feel like that’s me because I’m just confused all the time. My other one would be the cat with the love heart eyes. Can you see yourself and your fiancé, Oliver, collaborating together? I think it would have to be the right thing – something special. We both love fashion... we could collaborate in having children one day maybe [laughs]. What are your plans for next year? Well they’ll be more music, more singles, and the wedding’s going to happen next year. I’m doing a charity ball with my sister in March for Alzheimer’s Research UK, but mainly just more music; that’s what I’m always going to be focusing on.
English classics and exotic flavours are a match made in heaven at Manchester’s Grand Pacific. Offering a range of options including a ‘Classical Sunday Lunch’ at the weekend with roast beef carved at your table and live music, and high tea with sweet treats from distant lands and champagne cocktails, Grand Pacific is the place to go for an extra special dining experience.
To be in with a chance of winning a meal for two and a bottle of wine at Grand Pacific, just answer the following question. Which fruit is found on Grand Pacific’s logo? A. Banana B. Pineapple C. Strawberry Submit your name and answer to competitions@a-magazine.co.uk
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