Ben Everson has many years experience in compiling and compering quizzes, and has a great reputation for hosting fun, entertaining evenings.
Ben ensures that the questions will be tailored to your audience, and ensures that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to their team, as well as providing informative and amusing context to some of the answers.
A great quiz doesn’t just happen, it needs careful planning and research, so if you are looking to hold a successful Quiz Night and would like to someone to create a memorable quiz and host the evening for you, please call Ben Everson on 07921 694823, or email beneverson@hotmail.com
EATING OUT
Bistrot at Wild Honey
8 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5NG
Any new restaurant in London has to compete with all the other existing restaurants for patrons, but very few have to compete with a restaurant in the same room, but that is what chef Anthony Demetre has done at the 5-star St James Hotel, where Bistrot at Wild Honey has opened in the same room as his Michelin starred restaurant Wild Honey.
The restaurant has taken over the old bar area of Wild Honey and more than ably holds its own with its illustrious neighbour, as Anthony’s attention to detail is very evident here, as is his passion for this new venture. Many well-known chefs give their name to a restaurant, but are rarely there, but here at Bistrot at Wild Honey, Anthony is not only there in the kitchen to ensure standards are exacting, but he also presents the food to tables himself, making the dining experience more special and personal.
The Bistrot side of the room is light and airy and lit by 3 large circular Art Deco lights, with two large contemporary paintings bookending the bustling bar. Seating is either green velvet chairs surrounding high marble tables in front of the bar, or vibrant red leather chairs and banquettes, giving an innovative eclectic mix of American diner and high-end London restaurant bar. The menu at Bistrot at Wild Honey is a wonderful mix of bistro classics spanning many different cuisines, and will certainly have something for every diner.
To start our culinary journey, we selected whipped silk smooth Cod’s Roe with grilled flat breads (£9) and the Croquettes (£8). The cod’s roe had a fresh bite to it and had a crisp salty and slightly fishy flavour, and was served with fluffy flat breads. Usually croquettes on a menu are either ham or cheese, but we selected the special of the day, that was the croquettes with a cod
filling. There are croquettes and then there are Bistrot croquettes, as here they are just spectacular, as the indulgent cod was encased by a light and crispy breaded outer layer. The word croquette comes from the French word croquer, which means ‘to crunch’, and they certainly lived up to that translation!
Between 5pm and 7pm you can also experience these wonderful croquettes along with a glass of the wine of the day, for just £9, delightfully called Cinq a Sept.
After these snacks we moved on to the starters that take their inspiration from Italy, England and France, and my wife selected the Tempura of Courgette Flowers, Ricotta and Lemon (£14), and I was intrigued by the Crisp Pig’s Head (Tamworth), mashed potato, sweet and sour onions (£16).
Tempura of courgette flowers is a delicate and beautiful summery starter, and here the delicate battered courgettes were filled with the subtle sweet and nutty ricotta mixed with a hint of lemon, giving a little sharpness. My starter doesn’t, on the face of it, sound very appetising, and where else would you have mashed potato as a starter?, but I must urge you to overcome any reticence you may have and order this dish. Tamworth pigs are known for their wonderful taste, and the preparation that goes into creating the dish (3 days) ensures that all the wonderful flavour bursts through, and the meat just melts in your mouth. The mashed potato is silky smooth and the jus rich and warming, and the icing on the cake was the crunchy sweet and sour onions that give great texture.
Bistrot at Wild Honey offers a number of specials each day supplementing the regular selection that are written on a blackboard by the bar, but our eyes were turned by the Scottish Beef Burger, ‘smashed’ fried onions, cheese and fries (£20), and Rabbit simmered in white wine and mustard à la moutarde (£26). Many burgers are filled with what I call fluff, namely lettuce, tomato etc., that makes the
burger look more impressive than it actually is, but when they are all removed what is left is less than inspiring. Here, inspired by Anthony’s sons lack of interest in the usual extras, there is no fluff, just the burger, onions and cheese, letting the burger be the star of the show. This succulent burger is housed in a potato brioche bun (the potato gives the bun a little more stability) and is served with perfectly crispy fries. I have tasted many dishes in my life, but few hold a candle to the rabbit dish I was served here. Rabbit a la moutarde is a very traditional French dish, and rabbit is in fact one of the healthiest meats you can eat due to its low fat content, and here the braised rabbit just fell off the bone, and although many say it has a similar taste and texture to chicken, that really doesn’t do it justice, as it has a much gamier and earthier flavour. As well-cooked as the rabbit was, the star of the show was the sauce it was bathed in. I have not tasted a richer and more full-blooded flavoured sauce than this, and I am struggling to find words to explain just how good it was, so all I can say is try it for yourself, you will thank me!
The delights just kept coming in the form of desserts, and again the selection is wide, making it difficult to make one’s choice. Eventually we selected the Custard Tart and the Classic Choux Craquelin Bun with English strawberries (all desserts at £9). The custard tart is again something of wonder, and just showcases all of the skills that Anthony has, as it is hard to believe that something so light and almost runny can stay as a slice. It is not only creamy, it just oozes flavour and is truly a fitting end to this spectacular meal. If the tart wasn’t on the menu the classic choux craquelin bun would be the star, as the sweet craquelin topping (created by adding a thin layer of biscuit into the choux pastry) on the crisp round puffs of choux pastry, along with fresh cream and sweet strawberries, explodes with taste whilst remaining light, which is perfect at the end of a meal.
What makes a great evening out is a stylish location, quality food and good wine, and Bistrot at Wild Honey ticks all these boxes, and what takes this restaurant to an even higher level, is that every diner feels truly welcome, and they go that extra mile to make your meal special. The service is simply exceptional, and it is clear that Anthony’s enthusiasm and desire to create a special experience has rubbed off on all of the staff, and it will ensure that this restaurant will go from strength to strength. www.wildhoneylondon.co.uk/ bistrotatwildhoney
The Counter Soho
15 Kingly Street, Carnaby, London, W1B 5PS
‘If it aint broke don’t fix it’ could be the mantra of Turkish Chef, Kemal Demirasal, as he opens his second restaurant in Soho, where he has taken a number of the favourites on the menu from his successful Notting Hill restaurant, of the same name, and added to them to create a restaurant that fits right in to its new jazzier environment.
Soho has a plethora of restaurants, and Kingly Street has numerous well-known eateries, so any newcomer really does have to be special to stand out, and The Counter has this ‘Je ne Sais quoi’ in spades, from its stripped back, but warming décor with the exposed brick and terracotta palette, the trendy vibe, excellent service and even a trendy bar downstairs (obviously called Under the Counter!!), as well as outside seating for those occasional sunny days London is treated to.
Amazingly, the weather behaved on the night of our visit, (well for the majority of our meal as we were treated to a thunderstorm!), and despite the wonderful smell emanating from the restaurant, we opted for the charming outside area with light metal tables and comfy chairs decorated with colourful, thick cushions, where you can watch the hustle and bustle of this busy and buzzy street that is parallel to the world famous Carnaby Street, whilst relaxing with treats from the Aegean region.
The concept at The Counter is based around sharing plates, and the dishes celebrate the vibrant cuisines of the countries surrounding the Aegean where Kemal enjoyed his childhood, with strong influences from Turkey to the east and
Greece to the west, along with a few other nearby Mediterranean regions. Many of the dishes take their influence from ocabkasi – a traditional Turkish method of open fire grill cooking which is heavy on the olive oil, sumac and pistachio - and they are accompanied by a varied wine list sourced from the same regions.
The menu comprises of a selection of hot and cold mezze to start, and my suggestion is to order a few dishes at a time, as although the concept of The Counter is small plates to share, the portions are generous, and by spacing them out you not only ensure that you don’t over or under order, you also have more time to enjoy the rich flavours on offer.
Our first selections were the Whipped Tarama and crackers (£7), the White Chocolate Babaganoush (£10) and the gently Marinated Tuna (£15) and a portion of flat bread (£3). Many believe tarama or taramasalata as is better known, should be pink, but in fact the less pink it is the better the quality, as the pink colour comes from a dye and suggests it is processed rather than natural. Here the tarama was white and had a subtle fishy flavour, topped by salmon roe which popped delightfully in the mouth. The tuna tartare was mixed with tomato pulp, cherry, lumpfish roe and avocado, and this large portion was clean and fresh and was bursting with flavour. The white chocolate babaganoush was smooth and aromatic with the rich and nutty flavour of the Tahini and the slight crunchiness provided by the dukkah which went perfectly with the flat breads that were slightly oily and served warm. In fact, all of our dishes went well with the flat breads meaning we had to order another portion!
The temptation of the Saffron and Salmon Orzo (£18) and the Grilled Octopus (£26) were resisted, and our final small plate was the Cheese Saganaki (£15) with wild thyme, truffle honey, mango chutney and pistachio. This circle of halloumiesk cheese had a slight crispy outer layer and an almost meaty interior, and was covered by the slightly sweet mango and the rich truffle honey sitting on a bed of crumbled pistachio, and the saltiness of the cheese competed nicely with the sweetness of the mango and honey.
After this we decided to choose only one ‘larger’ dish and chose the Slow Roasted Lamb (£45) and a portion of thin cut chips (£8). The lamb says it is for 1 to 2 people, but the portion was again large and could probably stretch further. The lamb was super succulent with a slightly crispy exterior from the grill, and the thin cut chips are exactly that and are almost shard like, and again the one portion comfortably satisfied both of us.
Desserts are limited to three choices, but despite the small selection you won’t be disappointed with any of them. The Tahini Ice Cream (£8) is nutty and light, the sage infused burnt Rice Pudding Hazelnut (£9) a little heavier, but still bursting with nuttiness, and a Baklava Cheesecake (£14 for 2 people) where the cheese cake is encased in crispy filo pastry.
The service is efficient and friendly and do ask for their help and advice on the dishes to select as they can help you to get the most from your visit.
Soho is overflowing with restaurants to choose from, but I suspect The Counter will quickly become a firm favourite, as few provide the quality and value that The Counter does.
www.thecounterlondon.com
Peter Pan Afternoon Tea, Aqua Shard
31 St Thomas St, London, SE1 9RY
With only a few months until Pantomime season is upon us, (oh yes it is), what better way to celebrate all that is fantasy and fun, than a Peter Pan inspired Afternoon Tea in London’s, and the UK’s, tallest building, The Shard. One of its restaurant’s, Aqua Shard, that is hosting this fabulous experience in a restaurant that has amazing views of London, and from where you can almost imagine Peter Pan, Wendy and Tinkerbell, flying past you whilst you enjoy the delights that are included in this special themed Afternoon Tea.
Aqua Shard is situated on the 31st floor of The Shard, a stone’s throw from London Bridge Station, and has its own lift to ‘fly’ you upstairs. Offering fantastic views of the Capital, including a fabulous view from our table of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, just the opposite side of the Thames, this restaurant is a beautiful setting to enjoy this creative culinary experience.
Once seated, we were offered a glass of champagne, and then the creative backdrop of Peter Pan’s Neverland was placed on the table and was the surround for the savoury courses of the Afternoon Tea, and set the scene perfectly, and literally!
To start, we enjoyed the savoury treats with a creative twist, including a Baked Pig (a hot sausage roll), a Mushroom Tart, comprising several varieties of mushrooms, and Neverland Lagoon, a light brioche with cream cheese and smoked salmon. These were accompanied by two sandwiches, Lost Boys Fire - barbecue chicken thigh, and Little Bird - egg mayonnaise with
watercress and truffle. Personally, I find a plate of sandwiches a little uninspiring with some Afternoon Teas, so the addition of the sausage roll, tart and brioche was very welcome and a great idea.
Once we had enjoyed the savoury side of the Afternoon Tea, our Neverland backdrop was removed, and replaced with an incredible custom-made Jolly Roger tea stand, inspired by Captain James Hook’s Pirate Ship, which symbolised pirate ships in the 18th Century. It is quite substantial, and beautifully made, and is a imaginative way to present all the sweet delights of this Afternoon Tea, along with a few surprises, that I won’t tell you about so that they do remain a surprise for you. Needless to say the word ‘wow’ was used several times, and one of the surprise’s creates a very special, theatrical and magical effect for the Pirate Ship itself.
To start the sweet selection, we had delicious, home-made vanilla scones, that truly were some of the best I have had, served with the traditional clotted cream and jam. Adorned on the Jolly Roger, were several other delights, that included Tick Tock, a tasty raspberry trifle, Peter Pan’s Hat, a choux pastry with lemon curd, chantilly and buttercream, Peter Pan Secret Entrance, an indulgent dark chocolate sponge, and Tinker Bell, a sweet pastry biscuit with white icing and gold fairy dust. There are also a couple of extra surprises hidden in the ship, but the entire concept is really clever and very well put together, and includes most of the characters from this well known and loved J M Barrie novel.
To accompany the Afternoon Tea, there is unlimited tea and coffee on offer, and guests can try two special tea’s that have been created specifically for Aqua Shard. The Darling Tea celebrates Wendy Darling,
a Black Tea infused with rose petals and vanilla to create a beautifully floral and mellow cup of tea, and the Adventure Tea which is inspired by the colourful and exciting adventures of Peter Pan; a delicate and sunny black tea that balances citrus flavours and a hint of fiery ginger.
For something lighter, the Never Grow Up punch is a non-alcoholic combination of pineapple, pear purée, elderflower tonic and grenadine, and the Fairy Dust cocktail is made with mint and cucumber Ketel One botanical, apple liqueur, ginger switchel, Kaffir lime, absinthe and gold dust.
The Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard has been created in partnership with GOSH Charity (Great Ormond Street Hosptal). In 1929, J M Barrie unexpectedly and generously gifted his copyright in Peter Pan to GOSH and the relationship between the hospital and Peter Pan has continued ever since. A percentage of the proceeds from each ticket sale will go towards helping the hospital’s most urgent needs, which could include funding support services for patients and families, for example, parent accommodation and the play team; pioneering research to find treatments for the most complex childhood illnesses; providing advanced medical equipment; and supporting the rebuilding and refurbishment of the hospital to provide state-of-the-art facilities to match the hospital’s world-class care.
So why not kick off your Christmas celebrations early, and enjoy this pantomimeinspired Afternoon Tea, whilst supporting a great British charity. Afternoon Tea starts at £70 per person (£90 including a glass of champagne), and £55 per child (under 12).
www.aquashard.co.uk/peter-panafternoon-tea
Francatelli
7-8 Park Place, St James’s Hotel And Club, London, SW1A 1LS
In a quiet cul de sac perfectly located just a stone’s throw from theatre land and the exclusive shopping areas of Bond Street, Jermyn Street and Burlington Arcade, nestles the St Jame’s Hotel And Club, a luxurious 5-star hotel which seamlessly manages to maintain that oldy-worldy London Club feel whilst offering the most modern of décor.
The St James’s Club has opened its doors to the great and the good of London for hundreds of years, and its new restaurant Francatelli’s is named after Charles Elme Francatelli, who in the early 1800’s was the Gordon Ramsay of his day, and was Head Chef at the St James’ Club before leaving to become Queen Victoria’s Chief Chef. Charles authored a book in 1846 called ‘The Modern Cook’, and Head Chef, William Drabble, has taken these recipes and used them as inspiration for the new menu rooted in one of my favourite ethos’, namely ‘simplicity with quality’.
The restaurant flows through from the stylish bar and cocks a snoop to the current trend of minimalistic décor as it is chic and luxurious with plush carpets, furniture covered in sumptuous materials and delightful art deco touches. The tables are well spaced which allows the diners the space to enjoy an intimate meal and are covered by crisp white tablecloths. Even the lighting is striking with many long tubes of glass dangling from the ceiling which, when the sun sets and the lights are dimmed, gives the effect of sparkling stars.
The weather was very close the evening we visited Francatelli’s, so we started our evening with two of their long signature cocktails, the wonderfully named ‘For He is a Gentleman’ and ‘Fly to Barbados’.
The ‘For He is a Gentleman’, is dedicated to Sir W.S. Gilbert (he of Gilbert and Sullivan fame), a famous St James’ Club member, and mixes vodka, elderflower, mint and apple juice, providing a cool refreshing appetiser, and the ‘Fly to Barbados’ cocktail mixes Barbados rum with mint, lemon and champagne, and is equally refreshing.
The menu is selective and full of classic dishes, but my suggestion is to go for the tasting menu that enables you to sample a wider selection of the dishes on offer. This menu is 6 courses for £65, and if you want the wine pairing that will be a very reasonable £49 (5 glasses).
We were first served a generous portion of Sourdough that is freshly baked on the premises (£4.50), which was warm and accompanied by salty butter (just as it should be).
We moved onto a Ragout of Chicken Wings, potato gnocchi, Scottish girolles
and broad beans. Girolle mushrooms although small, pack lots of fruity, peppery flavour, and along with the slightly crispy gnocchi accompanied the succulent, deboned wings perfectly, but the true star of the course was the rich chicken jus which was so flavoursome I regretted not having more sourdough to mop it up!
Our second course was Red Mullet, spaghetti of courgette with a bouillabaisse sauce. Red Mullet is a wonderful fish as it is also packed with flavour due to its high fat content, and it was good to see that all this flavour wasn’t overpowered by any overbearing accompaniments, and was cooked simply, served with crunchy strips of courgette and the light sauce.
Lobster Ravioli followed, where the king of the sea was encased in slightly al dente pasta with a sprinkling of sauce cardinal, a classic sauce which cleverly brought out the lobster’s flavour.
One way to know a restaurant is good, is when it happily amends a course on its tasting menu if a diner doesn’t like a course, so whilst I had the St James’ Ham glazed with Madeira, foie gras sauce with spring vegetables, my wife was served a beautifully cooked piece of Plaice instead. My ham was so succulent it melted in my mouth. In my view, and I know it is contentious, it is impossible to dislike anything that includes foie gras as it is just so indulgent, and here there was no exception, as the foie gras sauce was rich and totally moreish.
Our first dessert looked like an upside down ice cream cone which had been dropped onto a bed of fruit, but that really doesn’t do this dessert justice. The cone was crispy and the fruit succulent, but what made this dessert so special was the ‘ice cream’ part, which was in fact a pineapple sorbet, so rich and creamy and bursting with flavour that I could have eaten so much more of it!
The second dessert was a Filbert Tart with an amaretto glaze, that combined the sweet nutty Italian liqueur flavour with the hazelnut-based tart - a perfect combination.
The service at Francatelli’s is efficient and welcoming, and waiters aren’t afraid to talk with the diners, providing their expert knowledge of the dishes and wines without intruding on the diner’s time together.
I can’t claim to have read the 1846 cookbook ‘The Modern Cook’, and I am sure that this isn’t ‘Modern’ anymore, but classic combinations never age, and in the hands of Chef, William Drabble, the dishes coming from it have been given a new lease of life eighty years on for the patrons of Francatelli’s, and it isn’t surprising that Queen Victoria secured Charles Francatelli’s services all those years ago. www.stjameshotelandclub.com/en/ restaurant-francatelli
PROPERTY
Garrett Mansions
As the nights begin to draw in and the temperature drops, we are all tempted to skip the gym after work and head to the warmth of home instead. However here is a property that can offer you the best of both.
Garrett Mansions is a newly built apartment block comprising 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom homes, nestled in-between Little Venice and Marylebone. Part of the Landmark West End Gate development, it is a modern classic architecturally with a plethora of resident amenities. Every resident has access to the boutique, fully equipped gym with state-of-theart fitness equipment as well specialist weekly classes including yoga and Pilates. After a hard work out, or even just a hard day in the office, you can relax and recharge in the 25m swimming pool or relax your weary muscles in the sauna and steam room. There’s even a treatment room where you can organise a massage or pamper session.
After that, it’s a short lift ride up to your interior designed, fully furnished apartment to kick back for the evening and unwind. Or, if you’ve still got a bit of energy, then head down to the residents’ lounge for a change
of scene or to catch up with your neighbours. For the big occasions, or if you just want to push the boat out a bit, you can book the private dining area for a special meal with friends or family. And for the ultimate in luxury, book the cinema room and kick back with a classic film, your favourite series or watch a sporting event on the big screen.
On the (admittedly rare) day that it’s dry and bright outside in autumn and winter, Garrett Mansions offers stunning, landscaped gardens complete with water features. Perfect for getting a bit of tranquillity and nature in the heart of London.
The entire building is managed by an on-site team who can assist with everything from helping you move in through to maintenance and repairs on your property. Also provided are 55 inch Smart TVs, Wi-Fi, linen, towels and full kitchen sets, so all you need to bring is your toothbrush! A selection of apartments are also available on a short-tomid term basis giving renters a wide range of rental options. This end-to-end, turnkey and fully flexible services offers a unique rental service in London.
Garrett Mansions central location is also one of its most significant draws, with a blend of bustling city and riverside village. Marylebone is one of the most desirable locations in the city and is itself is a cultural and social hub. The area is known for its charming streets, lined with independent shops, cosy cafés, and gourmet restaurants. The famous Marylebone High Street offers a delightful shopping experience with its mix of designer stores, bookstores, and organic food markets. The district also boasts a rich cultural scene, with attractions like The Wallace Collection, a national museum in a historic London townhouse, offering worldclass art and artifacts.
A stone’s throw away sit some of London’s most famous landmarks, making it an ideal base for both work and leisure. Hyde Park, one of London’s largest and most beautiful parks, is just a short walk away. This sprawling green space offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, with opportunities for jogging, picnicking, and even boating on the Serpentine.
To the north, Regent’s Park provides another stunning outdoor space, complete with formal gardens, sports facilities, and the world-renowned ZSL London Zoo. The park is perfect for a morning jog, a leisurely stroll, or simply enjoying the lush scenery. For culture vultures, the park also has its own outdoor theatre which plays host to a variety of plays and music concerts throughout the year, come rain or shine!
Little Venice and Paddington are also on the doorstep and provide further vibrant shopping and dining scenes. The area is home to an array of boutique shops, artisan markets, and larger retail outlets. Little Venice is renowned for its picturesque canals, offering a peaceful escape from city life. The area is perfect for leisurely walks along the Regent’s Canal, boating, or simply enjoying the scenic beauty of the waterways. In addition to outdoor activities, the area has a rich
cultural scene - The Canal Cafe Theatre and Puppet Theatre Barge provide unique entertainment options, while the nearby West End is easily accessible for more traditional theatre experiences.
A little further afield you’ll also find the bustling streets of Westbourne Grove and Notting Hill, known for their eclectic mix of fashion boutiques, antique shops, and gourmet food stores. For dining, residents can enjoy everything from cosy canal-side cafés to upscale restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. Sheldon Square and Paddington Basin are particularly popular for their trendy eateries and bars, providing a perfect setting for socialising after work or on weekends.
Garrett Mansions is also ideally located for arguably the best transport connectivity in London. Paddington Station is a major transport hub, providing access to multiple Underground lines (including the Bakerloo,
Circle, District, and Hammersmith & City lines), national rail services, and the Heathrow Express, which connects you to Heathrow Airport in just 15 minutes. The arrival of the Elizabeth Line has further enhanced connections, making it even easier to reach destinations across London and beyond. For those who prefer cycling or walking, the area is also well-served by London’s cycle routes and pedestrianfriendly streets.
So, for those seeking a sophisticated urban lifestyle in one of London’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, in a fully furnished apartment complete with incredible amenities- Garrett Mansions is the perfect choice.
To book a viewing or to find out more about other Residential Land apartments across London contact +44 (0)20 7408 5155 or email enquiries@residentialland.com.
WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Considerations Ahead Of The First Labour Budget Statement On 30 October
The first Labour Budget Statement will be delivered on 30 October which is anticipated to bring about much needed clarity on the upcoming UK tax changes that have been discussed over the course of 2024. For Americans living in the UK, this date will be very important to pay attention to, to understand how changes may impact their UK onshore and offshore assets and income. Some changes are known already, while others lack enough detail at this point to allow affected individuals to begin taking distinct action from a planning and structuring standpoint. Below we continue to set the scene and flesh out the planning areas to consider in light of the information that we know to date.
As everyone is likely aware by now, a series of changes are set to take place from 6 April, 2025, to the long-standing ‘non-dom’ regime impacting non-UK domiciled individuals. These changes were first announced earlier this year by the prior Tory government, and a policy paper since published by the now Labour government has confirmed the intention to see these changes through with some tweaks to the original announcement. The existing non-dom regime along with the remittance basis of taxation, will be entirely scrapped and replaced with a system based on tax residence. The changes as we know them at the time of writing are summarised below:
• All new arrivals from 6 April, 2025, will be entitled to receive full tax relief on foreign income and gains (FIG) for the first four tax years that they are resident in the UK provided they have been a non-UK tax resident for the previous 10 years. All FIG, along with foreign capital earned during this period will be allowed to be brought onshore to the UK without an additional tax charge
• Any existing non-dom tax residents, who have been tax resident for fewer than four tax years as of 6 April, 2025, will benefit from full relief until the end of their fourth tax year of residence
• Individuals who have been tax resident in the UK for more than four tax years as of 6 April, 2025, will be subject to UK taxation on an arising (worldwide) basis, meaning that all FIG will be taxed annually in the UK, similar to other current UK domiciled or deemed domiciled individuals
• Any ‘protected’ trusts settled before 6 April, 2025, will be subject to UK tax on income and gains that arise from that date forward
• Labour have indicated in their policy paper that the government intends to change the way Inheritance Tax (IHT) is charged on assets held in non-UK resident settlor interested trusts regardless of when the trusts were settled. However, the government acknowledges that existing trust structures which were put in place under the current rules will need special consideration, and outlined that it is undergoing external engagement to determine what adjustments may be appropriate to account for this. The paper further notes that the new rules and any transitional arrangements for affected settlors will be published on 30 October, 2024
Any ‘protected’ trusts settled before 6 April, 2025, will be subject to UK tax on income and gains that arise from that date forward
• All UK residents’ worldwide assets will be within scope of UK inheritance tax once they have been resident in the UK for 10 years, and will remain within the scope of UK inheritance tax for 10 years after leaving the UK. The government is currently engaging further with stakeholders on the operation of this new test and will consider refinements if warranted
• Given the scale of the announced changes, the government intends to offer the following transitional arrangements for existing non-doms previously taxed on the remittance basis:
• Capital assets owned as of 6 April, 2025, have the opportunity to be ‘rebased’ to their market value as of a currently unknown date. The original proposals suggested a date of 5 April, 2019, but Labour has indicated that
they are reconsidering this date and will officially announce their deemed appropriate date on 30, October
• Any untaxed FIG earned prior to 6 April, 2025, will have the opportunity for a limited period of time to be remitted at a reduced rate of tax once remittance basis taxation has ended. The rate and length of time the opportunity will be available will be confirmed at the Budget. For reference, the original proposals outline a flat rate tax of 12% would be on offer for tax years 2025/26 and 2026/27. One can assume that the new flat rate of tax will likely be higher than the initial 12% but lower than the normal tax rate on a particular type of income. Labour have also indicated it is exploring expanding the scope to include historical income and gains within overseas structures which would be a welcome development.
In addition to the non-dom changes, there are a few other areas where we may see some changes be announced. In prior statements, Labour has said that its government will not increase income tax, national insurance or VAT. Outside of tweaking reliefs available in different areas of the UK tax code, this leaves two notable other areas of potential change: capital gains tax and inheritance tax.
With respect to capital gains tax, there is wide expectation that Labour will seek to increase the current 20% rate to a currently unknown figure. There have been open calls to increase the current 20% rate to align with income tax rates (up to 45%), but in reality any announced change may fall somewhere in between the current rate and income tax rates. There is a high probability that an increase will happen, and will be part of the Budget announcements, although it is unknown whether any changes will take place with immediate effect or from the start of the new 2025/26 tax year.
Inheritance tax is an area that has received increased airwaves in recent times. While an increase in the inheritance tax rate is probably unlikely, it is entirely possible some changes to existing reliefs on offer may be announced, such as a change to business property relief, agricultural property relief or even the IHT exemption on UK pensions. There could also be additional scrutiny around the role of lifetime gifting and how it intertwines with inheritance tax. Currently, in
the UK, generally lifetime gifts of any amount are completely exempt from inheritance tax provided the donor lives the requisite 7 years following the gift being given. Tying lifetime gifting to the inheritance tax system, similar to what is in the US (or the imposition of a gift tax separate from inheritance tax), could potentially be on the cards.
Separate from the above, another area of relief which has received some attention in the press during recent times is tax relief received on UK pension contributions at the time of funding. There is speculation that instead of receiving relief at whatever marginal tax band you fall into, relief may move to a flat rate of something like 30%. While this idea has been floated, it should be noted that Chancellor Reeves has been seemingly seeking inspiration from other countries pension systems such as Australia and Canada, so if changes are made, we may see aspects of other pension systems adopted.
So, in light of the above, what areas of planning could be considered ahead of the upcoming anticipated changes?
• Undergo modelling to understand the impact of the proposed changes on your specific circumstances
• For individuals who previously settled an excluded property trust that is also considered a settlor interested trust under UK rules, the policy paper states that income and/or capital gains will become in the scope of UK tax on an arising basis from April 2025. This prompts the need to consider both the legal structuring of the trust and the underlying investment structuring of assets held within the trust to assess whether anything can be done to manage the recognition of income or gains on a more efficient basis
• For individuals who are still paying tax in the UK on a remittance basis, review any offshore UK investments to ensure future income or gains realised while on an arising basis will be as tax efficient as possible (i.e. if you retain any assets that will attract offshore income gains in the UK as opposed to more attractive capital gains tax rates you may want to consider restructuring)
• Think about the timing of realising GBP gains over the short-term versus in the future
o If you believe that capital gains tax rates will be increased at the Budget Statement on 30 October, it would be worth reviewing your current unrealised gain position in GBP terms and decide if you want to accelerate gain recognition for any existing positions. This would apply to all assets that are taxable to you personally (including a settlor interested trust which will no longer be protected from attracting income and capital gains tax on an arising basis after April 2025)
o For individuals where remittance basis of taxation remains available to
them, you will want to assess whether realising gains in 2024/25 under the remittance basis and potentially taking advantage of the Temporary Repatriation Facility (TRF) next year makes more sense, or whether the potential opportunity to rebase will be more attractive. One strategy would involve making sales this tax year and one would involve holding off until the 2025/26 tax year
o Similarly, for individuals who will still be within their first four tax years in the UK during 2025/26, any offshore restructuring could be done in 2025/26 when FIG will be tax exempt.
• To the extent you would benefit from having additional clean capital available in the UK, begin to undergo an exercise to determine the component parts of previously untaxed income and realised gains within a particular account given that there is an anticipated window of a reduced tax rate assigned to remittances. We know that this will apply to personally held assets outside of trust, but it is entirely possible based on the recent policy paper that there may be an opportunity available for some overseas structures as well.
Given the moving pieces and the gaps in information such as the exact rebasing date or the TRF tax rate that will be on offer, for many items, it is best to develop a plan early but hold off on executing anything just yet. That being said, considering any acceleration of gain realisation ahead of 30 October may be a prudent step. You should work with your tax advisor and wealth manager to consider the application of these proposed rules as they relate to your individual situation and how best to optimise your asset structuring going forward.
Reference: Pioneers of US-UK Wealth Management –MASECO (masecoprivatewealth.com)
Further information please contact Andrea Solana: andrea.solana@masecopw.com
The Legal Stuff
This document may not be forwarded, copied or distributed without our prior consent. This document has been prepared by MASECO LLP for information purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax or any other type of advice and should not be construed as such. The information contained herein is subject to copyright with all rights reserved.
The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of MASECO as a whole or any part thereof.
All investments involve risk and may lose value. The value of your investment can go down depending upon market conditions and you may not get back the original amount invested. Your capital is always at risk. This article does not take into account the specific goals or requirements of individuals and is not intended to be, nor should be construed as, investment or tax advice. Information contained in this article is based on MASECO’s understanding of current tax law and legislation which is subject to change. MASECO Private Wealth is not a tax specialist. Your ability to benefit from any of the tax mitigation planning mentioned in this article will depend on your personal circumstances. The levels, and bases, of tax relief is subject to change. You should carefully consider the suitability of any strategies along with your financial situation prior to making any decisions on an appropriate strategy. We strongly recommend that every client seeks their own tax advice prior to acting on any of the tax mitigation opportunities described in this article. MASECO LLP is not a tax adviser and we recommend clients consult their professional tax adviser regarding the tax consequences of any financial planning or investment strategy.
MASECO LLP (trading as MASECO Private Wealth and MASECO Institutional) is established as a limited liability partnership under the laws of England and Wales (Companies House No. OC337650) and has its registered office at The Kodak, 11 Keeley Street, London WC2B 4BA. The individual partners are Mr J E Matthews, Mr J R D Sellon, Mr A Benson, Mr D R B Dorman, Mr H Q A Findlater, Mr T Flonaes, Mr E A Howison and Ms A L Solana. For your protection and for training purposes, calls are usually recorded.
MASECO LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the conduct of investment business in the UK and is registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission as a Registered Investment Advisor.
LEGAL MATTERS More Haste Less Speed
In today’s fast-paced world, patience is at a premium. Everyone wants instant gratification. Five-day cricket matches are being replaced by a 100-ball thrash. 18-hole golf rounds are being supplanted by a super 6. The same trend is evident in both residential and commercial transactions, where the ability to move quickly is increasingly important. Gone are the days of legal secretaries’ formal hard copy letters (remember those?) and indeed even telephone calls (who still uses a landline?). Furthermore, your legal representative is now just as likely to be working from home, or perhaps even from an idyllic beachside resort, as they are from an office. To be contrarian the days of qualified staff are also on the wane.
However, the public does not just “expect” quick progress, there are also very good reasons for that demand. It could be driven by tax considerations (CGT, SDLT or IHT), impending changes in the budget, or other statutory impositions. With an estimated 17 buyers for every residential property, buyers want to move fast, while sellers are eager to capture the opportunity and then move on, probably to a related purchase.
Bear in mind, each jurisdiction is different and has its own nuances. In England, land ownership dates back for centuries, indeed to feudal times – when kings, nobility, clergy, lords and others divided up land and gave out rights of occupation. Over the years ownership has been further divided and leased – creating freehold and leasehold properties, rights reserved or granted over neighbouring land, restrictions on use and other, sometimes devious, mechanisms to create some control. A long and proud history comes with a price.
Solicitors at Russell Cooke are familiar with explaining and resolving these issues for overseas investors who may not be familiar with the system. We have had conferences and meetings cross the Continents to assist the process and to arrange sales or purchases of portfolios whilst abroad. The world is now a much smaller place for those willing to move away from their desk.
In these circumstances why do we always hear complaints about the outdated English Conveyancing system, slow progress, delays and associated frustration?
Firstly delays are not always inevitable, and secondly, there can be legitimate reasons for slow progress.
Common reasons for delays include:
• Backlogs at HM Land Registry and at the Probate Registry. In some instances it can take two years for registration of title at the Land Registry and for a year to register a Grant of Probate
• Problems encountered with Local Authority Searches. We recently experienced a nine-week delay from one of the London Boroughs
• Defective Land Registry title. In some cases the property may not be registered in the name of the contractual seller, or there may be adverse entries revealed which need to be cleared up
• Leases. There can be requirements for obtaining Landlord’s consent to the transfer of a leasehold title, problems with unauthorised alterations which have been undertaken without Landlord’s consent, or service charge disputes
• Building Safety Act requirements. This relates to cladding, fire safety and liability for repair, maintenance and service charge payments – topics that could fill not just a separate article but an entire book!
• Stringent lending requirements. Banks are more cautious with their requirements these days, often wanting to see extensive documentation, such as references, details of family arrangements, the basis of occupation and similar. This often causes frustration with a formal mortgage offer
• Strict anti-money laundering and Know Your Client procedures. These require up-to-date proof of identity and address, not only for the direct parties, but often also for family members and others who may be indirectly involved.
Not all of these challenges are insurmountable. At Russell-Cooke, my colleagues and I have over the years exchanged Contracts on the same day as receiving instructions. Often where there is a will…
To proceed at speed requires some of the following:
a) Commercial experience and a constructive approach.
b) Having the contacts to arrange for “personal” searches rather than waiting for more formal results.
c) Being well connected to arrange for a single premium insurance/indemnity policy where appropriate to cover some of the challenges. A seller’s Solicitor should be forewarned and have all relevant paperwork prepared on or before the property is put on the market and be ready to go as soon as a sale has
been agreed. A buyer should have his Surveyor and mortgage broker lined up in advance – so that likewise they can proceed as soon as they receive the green light.
d) A willingness by all parties to engage, talk and where appropriate sit around a real or virtual table to agree on how best to proceed. Of course it takes two parties to co-operate. We will be happy to advise further. The advantages of a swift transaction are obvious: certainty, less stress and a reduced risk of deals falling through.
As the adage goes, “Cheap is not always good and good is not always cheap”.
Arnold Isaacson, Partner Russell-Cooke LLP
Arnold.isaacson@russell-cooke.co.uk
T: 020 8394 6511
Rachel Stewart, Partner Russell-Cooke LLP
Rachel.stewart@russell-cooke.co.uk
T: 0208 394 6532
CHARITABLE GIVING
How To Benefit From Dual Tax Relief On Your Giving This Year
At the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), our role is to assist and encourage charitable giving in all its forms. Through our CAF American Donor Fund, we offer specialised assistance to dual US and UK taxpayers to ensure that their donations are seamless and tax-effective in both countries.
This year, CAF is celebrating our centenary, and we are proud to lead the way in innovative approaches to giving. From our offices in the UK, US, and Canada, in 2023/24, thanks to the generosity of our donors, we distributed a record £1.132 billion to charities worldwide.
Throughout the 25 years that we have been operating the American Donor Fund, donors in the US and UK have generously supported charities that are making a vital difference around the world, and throughout the Covid 19 pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, we have seen unprecedented levels of giving. Our team has been busier than ever, proudly working alongside our clients to facilitate donations to charitable organisations. In the past year, the CAF American Donor Fund has made 1,488 grants totaling £112m, up from £86m the previous year.
As we approach the end of the US tax year, many individuals and families will want to support the charities that they are passionate about whilst also making the most of the charitable deductions available to them. At CAF, we help to make the process easy, safe and convenient for you. Whether you wish to donate to urgent crisis relief, arts organisations or other charitable causes, in the US, UK or beyond, we can facilitate and support your tax-effective giving.
Tax Efficiency
Giving through our dual-qualified American Donor Fund enables dual US and UK taxpayers to receive tax relief in both jurisdictions on their donation, and also includes an extra 25% Gift Aid payment from the UK government for eligible donors. We do recommend that clients also receive specialist tax advice from a trusted adviser on their situation before proceeding.
Gift Aid is an incentive for charitable giving brought in by the UK Government in 1990 to encourage more private support for the voluntary sector. Essentially, if you are an eligible UK taxpayer and donate to a UK
charity, the Government will effectively add 25% to the value of the donation, which is paid straight to the charity. Further, if you are a higher or additional rate taxpayer, you can also claim back the difference in personal tax relief between the rate you pay and the basic rate of tax on the value of your donation. This can be done through your Self Assessment.
It is important to remember that Gift Aid only applies when you give to a UK charity, and the amount cannot exceed the tax you have paid in the UK.
Gifting A Range Of Assets
You can gift a range of assets to charity, though it is important to seek advice from a tax specialist to ensure your gift qualifies for eligible income tax relief. Other than cash, HMRC also enables qualifying gifts of listed shares, property, and in some exceptional cases, artwork.
Donating shares is one of the most taxeffective ways to give to charity, yet the vast majority of UK charities can’t accept gifts of shares. CAF managed approximately £45 million-worth of share donations on behalf of clients in 2023; 31% of the value of total gifts made by private clients through the charity last year.
Giving HMRC qualifying shares (i.e. listed shares) to charity means you get Income Tax relief on the value of the shares as well as exemption from Capital Gains Tax.
Donors can also donate multiple securities to a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), offered by organisations like CAF, in one transfer, then decide later which charities to donate to. You can even leave your shares to CAF in your will, which CAF will then sell and give the proceeds to the charity or charities of your choice.
Getting Started
Starting is easy - simply establish a Donor Advised Fund with us by applying online, make a gift into the Fund, and then nominate your favourite charities to benefit from the donation. For those who have not worked with us before, we can help you create a Donor Advised Fund for either oneoff or long-term charitable giving, and as soon as you donate into your fund you will be issued with the appropriate tax receipts
for both your UK and US donation, allowing you to suggest onward charities to support or alternatively letting the fund build up for future donations.
You can benefit from legacy giving and investment options to enable growth of the funds - making your gift do more for the causes you support.
To help clients maximise their impact, CAF also offers our unique and innovative Impact Accelerator service which brings together strategic advisory, grant-making and social investment expertise into one impact-focused team.
We are here to help with your charitable giving and look forward to speaking with you. Please visit www.cafonline.org/cadf for more information or contact our team at cadf@cafonline.org.
Joe Crome, CAP Head of Business Development and CAF
American Donor Fund
Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy
Joe is responsible for leading the growth of CAF’s Giving and Impact products, including working closely with professional advisers to provide philanthropy support to equip them to better assist their clients with charitable giving. As Head of the American Donor Fund, Joe assists dual US/UK taxpayers with philanthropy and leads its strategy, generating over £100 million yearly. Joe holds the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) designation, and the ICA Advanced International Anti money laundering certificate. He has a background in philanthropy, grantmaking and fundraising.
T +44 3000 123 150 (CADF Team) E jcrome@cafonline.org W www.cafonline.org/cadf
TRAVEL
Postcard From Pembrokeshire - West Wales Featuring Roch Castle & Twr y Felin Hotel
The natural beauty of the UK is breathtaking, and it is a shame that many people don’t venture just a little bit further away from the main attractions and sample what else the UK has to offer. Somewhere that is a little off the beaten track is Pembrokeshire on the very Southwest of Wales, which is rated by National Geographic magazine experts as the second-best coastline in the world, with its 186 miles of magnificent and varied coastline, boasting dramatic rocky outcrops to large sandy beaches, providing something for everyone. Whether you have come for outdoor activities, sightseeing, or just to relax and let the world go by, Pembrokeshire has it all, and it is well worth the effort to travel here (it is a 4 hour journey by car from London or Birmingham).
Once you pass the end (or start depending on your view point) of the M4, you start to venture into a more rugged landscape, and once there I found it to be a welcoming place as the way of life is a little bit slower and more friendly, a place where people have time to wish you a good day and are genuinely interested in you, which is a trait that has certainly been lost in London and other large cities.
Pembrokeshire has lively Tenby in the South, a historic town surrounded by medieval walls
rich with culture and local cuisine, and the thriving harbour town of Fishguard in the North, the site of the last foreign invasion of Britain when in 1797, 1,400 French troops landed, but surrendered two days later after the Battle of Fishguard. It is also from where you can get ferries over to Ireland from, but for our visit we based ourselves in the quieter St David’s Peninsular that is situated more in the centre.
For all you quiz aficionados, St David’s is the smallest city by population (1,751 in 2021) in the UK, although not the smallest in size, as that accolade goes to the City of London, and was granted city status in the 12th Century. It lost that city status in 1886, but regained it in 1994 at the request of Queen Elizabeth II. The town is named after the Patron Saint of Wales, David, who was born there around 500 AD. It rose to prominence as a famous pilgrimage site, and at its height welcomed many noblemen and Kings, including William the Conqueror in 1077, Henry II in 1171, and Edward I in 1284. In fact, St David’s was so important it was even decreed that if you took two pilgrimages to St David’s it was the equivalent of one to Rome. This enabled vast incomes to be raised that enabled the Cathedral and Bishops Palace to be built,
and expanded on the site where St David founded his initial church and monastery.
There has been a church on the site dating back to the time of St David, but the present cathedral was started in 1181, and has had a number of modifications over the years. It is a striking building with many architectural quirks, including a pronounced slope in the nave of nearly four metres between the east and west ends, and the building is still shifting today (albeit minutely!). Along with the sheer majesty of the building inside, there are many other things to see, including the shrine of St David, a carved stone screen separating the nave from the quire, and a stunning carved wooden ceiling from the 16th century showing all the mastery of the Renaissance craftsmen.
St David’s is unlike any other city I have visited, as it has much more of a village feel, with little traffic and many places to eat, and well-known branded clothes shops rubbing shoulders with local shops, all in the same local stoned small stores and, I may have missed them, but not even a bank or any wellknown supermarket, enhancing that local feel.
As well as the Cathedral and Bishops Palace I have listed a few other sites around St David’s which are worth a visit:
Beaches
As mentioned before, Pembrokeshire has a number of wonderful beaches with something for everyone, and just outside of St David’s there are a number of note. For the budding geologist, Abereiddy Bay Beach is the one for you, as its black sand is full of tiny fossils to find. Caerfai Bay Beach has a cliff of purple sandstone and a sandy beach, but do note it is only reached by steep steps so is quieter than its near neighbour Whitesands Beach, that has a wide expanse of fine white sand and a car park right next to the beach (£6 for a day ticket), so it is easily accessible. Whitesands is also a good place to surf, and so this increases its popularity even more, so get there early to get a good parking space. If you like large sandy beaches then Newgale is another option, and much quieter than Whitesands, stretching almost two miles, and is reached only by climbing over a large pebble bank formed after a big storm in 1859.
Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm
This is an all-weather visitor and research centre for all things creepy crawly, whose main focus is on wildlife conservation. There is a tropical Bug Zoo, British Bug House, farm trails and a walled garden, and for the more adventurous it has the UK’s first full-time edible insect restaurant to satisfy your inner ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’ desire to eat insects (although there are many noninsect dishes available as well). www.thebugfarm.co.uk
Pembrokeshire Coast
National Park
There are 186 miles of coastal paths to experience providing not only fresh air and bracing breezes, but amazing views and picturesque small villages, with welcoming inns serving local beer and food.
Abercastle
This picturesque village has grown in popularity because it has a sheltered harbour and is ideal for kayakers and boats, along with divers, but its main claim to fame is Carreg Samson, an impressive Neolithic burial chamber dating back 5000 years. It is so named as it is alleged that Saint Samson of Dol placed the capstone (4.7m by 2.7m) on 6 stones up to 2.2m high with his little finger. The burial chamber used to be covered with earth, but this was removed to enable the sheep to shelter there!
www.stone-circles.org.uk/stones/ carregsamson
Ramsey Island
Just off the coast of St David’s is the stunning Ramsey Island, a protected RSPB reserve. There are two ways to enjoy Ramsey, either by a round island boat trip which circumnavigates the whole island allowing you to marvel at the towering western cliffs, home to a myriad of birds including peregines, buzzards, razorbills and Auks depending on the time of year of your visit, as well as the fluffy seal pups on the beaches and caves. Alternatively, the best way to see everything is to disembark and take the 3 ½ mile trail around the island (please note take good footwear as some parts are rugged). Here you can take in the spectacular views from the summits of Carn Ysgubor and Cain Llundain, as well as walking through the southern heathlands with the heather and gorse, the home of stonechats, linnets and skylarks.
Boats leave from St Justinians for the short crossing to Ramsey from 10am, and many operators will take you to the boats from St David’s.
Skomer Island
Less than a mile off the Pembrokeshire coast is Skomer Island, home to 35,000 puffins (March to August), Manx shearwaters, dolphins, seals and much more. This is a must do, and any trip will be talked about for years to come, as whatever the time of year you are guaranteed to see an abundance of uncommon and rare wildlife as well as wonderful scenery. To protect this rare and special environment, the number of visitors allowed on the island is capped at 250, so do book your visit in advance to avoid disappointment.
As well as there being a lot to see and enjoy, the golfers amongst you can also enjoy a few holes near to St David’s. Just inland you can enjoy a warm and family welcome from Phil and Joy Evans and their family at Priskilly Forest Golf Club. The 9-hole parkland course is well maintained and challenging, but still playable for all levels of golfer, and is well kept with lovely views, and if you fancy playing 18 holes there are different tees for your second 9. The 9th/18th is also one of the best closing holes in the county, and after navigating this challenging hole you can relax with a drink and some home cooked food in the aptly named Cabin Café Bar. There are also accommodation options at this Club, so for further information please visit www.priskillyforest.co.uk
Along with Priskilly, I would also make a journey to play St David’s City Golf Club as well, as it is a links golf course with truly stunning views of Whitesands Bay and Ramsey Island. The course is again 9 holes and again has two very different tees if you play 18 holes, that makes the holes very different the second time round, but its charm is that it takes you back to a previous
time where honesty and trust were not only expected, they were normal. There are no bookable tee times, and visitors just turn up and are expected to pay online before playing or leave money in an honesty box, as there is no pro-shop to monitor payment which is so unusual in this day and age. The members that are there are welcoming and extremely friendly, and will happily explain the course layout, as it is slightly confusing in places. The course is in immaculate condition with the greens true, and as with all links courses its defence is the wind which just adds to the fun of playing. You must also ensure that you have your camera with you as some of the views from the tees are stunning, and if you are not playing well it will take your mind off your golfing woes! There are no buggies for hire, but if you need a trolley just go to the changing rooms where there are a number of pull trolleys you can borrow for no charge (how refreshing is that?).
For further information please visit: www.stdavidscitygolfclub.co.uk
When you are visiting the St David’s Bay region there are a wide range of options to choose from when looking for accommodation, from campsites up to hotels, but for me the best located and most luxurious places to stay are one of the three boutique hotels, Roch Castle, Twr Y Felin or Penrhiw Hotel, that form part of the Retreats Group. We were staying two nights in Pembrokeshire so were lucky enough to be able to stay at two of these hotels, as they each have their individual charm and offer something a little different whilst maintaining equally high standards.
Our first stop was a night at Roch Castle, a spectacular Castle just brimming with history perched on a volcanic outcrop with 360-degree views over Pembrokeshire. The castle was built in the late 12th century, so has over 800 years of stories to tell within its solid walls, and formed part of the border between the Anglicised Wales and the independent Welsh to the North. Over the years there have been a number of battles to claim ownership of the Castle, including an attack from Cromwell’s troops in 1644,
but from the 1800’s it appears the Castle only changed hands because it was sold rather than conquered, and eventually in 2008, it was turned into the six bedroom luxury hotel that you see today. As it is only 6 bedrooms, you really do have to book in advance to ensure you are not disappointed, and please note that as this was a 12th century Castle there are no lifts, and the stairs to the bedrooms and also to the dining room, lounge and the glorious glass roofed sun room, require navigating steep steps, so if you are not so agile on your feet you may want to go to the Twr Y Felin hotel instead. The rooms are spread over the four floors of the Castle, and each have their own little quirk. Ours was that the room was circular as it formed part of the turret, and although it is a Medieval Castle all the rooms have mod cons, including TV’s, coffee makers, fluffy towels, slippers and bathrobes, along with super comfy beds and modern bathrooms.
Roch Castle is a delightful throwback to a previous time as the staff leave early evening and you are left alone with your fellow guests until the morning when they serve a lovely Welsh Breakfast. There is however, a wellstocked honesty bar available if you want to stay in and relax in the comfy lounge, but if you want an evening meal you will need to go out to one of the surrounding restaurants. Roch Castle does however, serve a sumptuous Afternoon Tea (£29 per person), where you can marvel at the extensive views over the Pembrokeshire countryside and coastline whilst feasting on fresh finger sandwiches, opulent cakes and fresh scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, all washed down with your selection of leaf teas.
For our second night we stayed at the Twr Y Felin Hotel which is a very short walk from the centre of St David’s and was a former windmill in a previous life. It now has 41 luxurious rooms including 2 unique suites many of which have lovely views across the water to Stomer Island in the distance. The décor is contemporary and stylish and the walls are adorned with specially commissioned art work evoking the Pembrokeshire landscape in a myriad of ways. The rooms are generous and well apportioned
with lovely large bathrooms with a separate bath and shower and luxury toiletries. There is a Nespresso coffee machine and fresh milk in the fridge (is it just me who can’t stand those sachets of milk or creamer that many hotels offer?) along with slippers and a dressing gown.
Twr Y Felin also has a 3 AA rosetted restaurant, Blas, which offers contemporary flavours inspired by the seasons and local produce, in a stylish, but simple space. The menu evolves with the seasons which enables the chefs to continually offer the freshest dishes whilst continually showcasing the best of Welsh produce. For our evening meal my wife and I both selected the Chicken Parfait, cherry, granola and brioche for the starter (£14) and were treated to a silky smooth and indulgent parfait accompanied by the lovely buttery brioche and the slight sweetness of the cherry and crunch from the granola. The mains offer the diner all that Wales can offer with Welsh Lamb, Beef as well as Cod and John Dory (£32 to £38) to choose from. My lamb was cooked to medium that enabled the flavour to burst through, and my wife’s cod was flaky and a brilliant white showing how fresh it was.
Desserts are equally innovative and range from a more substantial and gooey Chocolate Ganache flavoured with coffee caramel and miso (£15), to a Passionfruit Cremeux with pineapple, rum and coconut (£14). Cremeux literally means ‘creamy’ in French, and was soft and smooth, and the marriage of the sharpness of the passionfruit with the sweetness of the pineapple along with the punch from the rum was heavenly.
You may think a trip to Pembrokeshire maybe a step too far, as on the map it is at the most Westerly point of Wales, but you do need to ignore that doubt and bite the bullet and go, as there is so much to do and see. The air is clean and fresh, and what I think makes Pembrokeshire extra special is its people. They are so friendly and helpful and have a real pride in where they live, which makes you, as a visitor, feel right at home.
For further information please visit: www.rochcastle.com
www.twyrfelinhotel.com
The American Hour
HOTEL REVIEW
Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa
From Camber in the east to Chichester in the west, Sussex has over 140 miles of coastline to enjoy, and nestled between Littlehampton and Bognor Regis is the perfect place to enjoy all that Sussex has to offer, namely Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa.
The hotel has a wonderfully eccentric mixture of styles and décor taking inspiration from the original owners love of everything medieval.
Despite its look, Bailiffscourt was actually built in the 1920’s by a Lord from the Guinness family who wanted a grand retreat by the sea to entertain guests, and out of this desire and obsession with everything medieval arose this eclectic mixture which actually works remarkably well. I think the mixed styles works because the architect has used salvaged stone, beams, windows, archways etc., from other derelict buildings, so truly an architectural phoenix from the flames. As you drive up the grand gravel driveway you can just imagine the excitement of guests coming to the grand parties that must have been held here, as you pass through the old outbuildings and 13th Century church (brought from the Abbey of Seez in Normandy) taking you to this luxury country retreat.
The hotel is perfectly situated down a secluded lane, a stone’s throw from Climping Beach (It is stoney so if you do want a sandy beach you do need to travel a little further afield), and has 39 rooms and suites spread across a number of houses and cottages in the grounds. Many of the rooms in the outer buildings are more modern, whilst still retaining a few medieval touches, but the rooms and suites in the main building are more medieval and wouldn’t look out of place at Hampton Court providing accommodation for Henry VIII. The passageways are oak panelled with tapestries and embroidery samplers adorning the walls, in the perfect character of a 15th /16th Century building rather than a 1920’s one. The layout is higgldy piggldy, creating many private niches where guests can relax on a squishy sofa and enjoy a wide range of drinks and food, or play one of the many games the hotel provides for free for its guests.
Our room was situated on the upper floor of the house and was an authentic medieval room individually decorated with an imposing four poster bed under a high vaulted wooden beamed ceiling with two chunky sofas in front of a wood fire that can be lit in the winter. Despite the
medieval feel there are also all of the mod cons that you would expect, including a wide screen television complete with Sky, Netflix and countless other media apps I have never heard of!, and a Nespresso machine that created wonderfully rich cups of coffee. The real surprise however, came when I went into our bathroom. I have been in many hotel rooms in my time, but the twin bathtubs attached together here was a first.
Having settled into our room we made our way over to the Spa which has not only won a number of awards for the quality of the treatments etc., it has also won a design award, as the indoor pool is housed in a building built in the style of a traditional Sussex barn. As well as the indoor pool, which is large enough to do lengths, there is a sauna and steam room along with loungers to sit by the pool. Luckily for us the English weather was behaving on the day of our visit, so we were able to sit outside on one of the many sun loungers alongside the outdoor infinity pool and the hot tub where we enjoyed a cool glass of bubbles and a tub of Jude’s ice cream (there is a wide drinks selection and a day time menu for those wishing to have lunch by the pool).
There is plenty of room for sun lovers as well as those who prefer a little bit of shade. and the staff are very attentive, seamlessly attending to all of your needs.
If you are looking for a bit of fun rather than just relaxing, you can play croquet or quoits on the lawn, for more energetic guests there are two tennis courts, and for more sedentary guests a selection of board games.
As it was still summer we were determined to make the most of the early evening sun, and so we sat on the terrace looking out over the views of the cottage garden and beyond the unspoilt Sussex countryside whilst drinking a glass of local sparkling wine, something Sussex is renown for, and just enjoyed the peace and tranquillity.
Dining can either be in the restaurant or in the charming rose-clad courtyard
which is surrounded by the rooms of the main house, and a regular 3 course menu (£65) is served along with a number of daily specials. The ingredients are locally sourced making the most of all that Sussex has to offer, and there are also many bottles of Sussex wines to accompany these gems. Starters include a Langoustine Soup, Beetroot marinated Salmon and a light and fresh Heritage Beetroot with whipped goats curd and sesame croutes, and the mains are varied and include a wonderful Butternut Squash Wellington which could almost turn me vegetarian! My wife’s Strawberry Souffle was so light and airy and packed with that slightly sweet strawberry flavour it was well worth the 20 minute wait, and my Cheese Board was not only large, but it was also packed with many English
delights. For those who prefer something a little less formal, the hotel also owns The Black Horse Pub a short walk up the road, where you can enjoy a wide range of craft beers, fine ales and pub classics.
The staff are welcoming and really go that extra mile to make your visit special, and it is not only two legged guests that are made to feel special, your four-legged friend is also very welcome, and there is even a special experience solely for them, the Bailiffscourt Sandy Paws experience.
If you are looking for a base to enjoy all the nearby sights, or just a relaxing spa break, the Bailiffscourt Hotel is the place for you, as its award-winning Spa and warm homely welcome combined with its relaxed atmosphere will allow you to recharge those batteries in comfort.
www.hshotels.co.uk/bailiffscourt/about
ARTS & ANTIQUES
Asian Art in London 2024
The world’s first city-based Asian art season, ‘Asian Art in London’, returns this Autumn for its 27th edition, from 30th October to 8th November.
A varied and extensive programme of specialist exhibitions and auctions will be offered for sale by Asian Art in London’s Participants: respected dealers, galleries and auction houses focusing on Asian art.
For the first time ever, three of London’s major auction houses, Bonhams, Christie’s and Sotheby’s, will host commercial Dealer and Gallery exhibitions. Fourteen of Asian Art in London’s Participants will exhibit in these first-class central London locations, providing visitors with a wealth of exhibitions and auction viewings within short walking distance of each other in Mayfair and St James’s.
On Wednesday 30th October, the opening day, Asian Art in London celebrates its 27th edition with a Gala Party at the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A). The V&A was the location of the first ever Asian Art in London Gala Party in 1998 and has hosted several times since. The event is a celebration of London as the key global player in the Asian art market, gathering curators, collectors, press, industry players, and influencers in one historic space. With around 350 guests attending, the evening will be filled with curator-led talks and the presentation of the Art Awards.
Asian Art in London is thrilled to announce a new initiative: the inaugural one-day Symposium with its Education Partner, SOAS-Alphawood. This will take place on Sunday 3rd November. Showcasing
the best of expertise gathered in London, this Symposium will integrate pan-Asian historic and contemporary art. The Symposium will focus on a range of disciplines, with panel discussions on Ceramics, Textiles and Asian Art in London 2024.
At Sotheby’s, three prime ground-floor galleries will host twelve Asian Art in London Participants, including first-time Participant, the blue-chip Contemporary gallery, Sundaram Tagore Gallery, with Eastern Exposure: Meaning & Materiality in Contemporary Asian Art. In Sotheby’s Wemyss and St George Street galleries, 11 Participants (ArtChina, Raquelle Azran Vietnamese Fine Art, Hanga Ten, Ming Gu Gallery, Susan Ollemans, Simon Pilling,
Runjeet Singh, Jacqueline Simcox Ltd, Schoeni Projects, Slaats Fine Art, Anastasia Von Seibold Japanese Art) will exhibit an exceptional wide-ranging presentation including Vietnamese Fine Art, Japanese Works on Paper, Rare Chinese Silk Textiles, Contemporary Chinese Art, Asian Arms and Armour, and Japanese Design
Alongside their previews, Christie’s will host returning Taiwanese Gallery, Mo Hai Lou’s contemporary Chinese and Japanese exhibition, Sublimation. In addition to their Asian Art auctions, Bonhams New Bond Street will host first-time Participant Thang Long Art Gallery, with their post-French colonial era (1954) exhibition: A Glimpse of Vietnam.
Elsewhere in Mayfair, Eskenazi will be celebrating blue and white porcelain from the Yuan and early Ming dynasties, including a magnificent Yuan dynasty guan jar - one of the rarest porcelain objects ever shown at Eskenazi.
In St James’s, first time Asian Art in London Participant Paul Ruitenbeek Chinese Art will showcase Objects of the Tang and Song at Rupert Maas Gallery. Feng-Chun Ma will hold a book launch and lecture at The Royal Overseas League. Returning to Asian Art in London, Lam & Co UK will present Shades of Serenity: Light and Shadow in Chinese Art. Auction House Participant, Roseberys, will hold a view of their Chinese, Japanese and South East Asian Works of Art auction at Bowman Sculpture.
In Kensington Church Street, Marchant will present two special exhibitions ahead of their move to Mayfair in 2025: Blanc de Chine and Kosometsuke. Rolleston join Asian Art in London for the first time, with Cultural
Harmony: Artistic Exchange Between China and the West.
Bonhams Knightsbridge, Bonhams New Bond Street, Christie’s, Dore & Rees, Lyon & Turnbull, Roseberys and Sotheby’s are hosting no fewer than 21 auctions between them, with auctions spanning Indian & Islamic Art, Modern & Contemporary Middle Eastern and South Asian Art, as well as Works of Art and Modern and Contemporary Art from Japan, China, Korea and South East Asia.
Tsukimi Gallery, based in Paris, specialises in Japanese ceramics, metalworks, cloisonné
enamel from the 20th century to contemporary
Looking ahead to the next generation, Asian Art in London welcomes two Emerging Dealers in 2024. Tsukimi Gallery, based in Paris, specialises in Japanese ceramics, metalworks, cloisonné enamel from the 20th century to contemporary. Ming Gu Gallery, based in London, specialises in Contemporary East Asian paintings, rooted in tradition. Late Night Openings will take place in Kensington Church Street, St James’s and Mayfair on Saturday 2nd November, Sunday 3rd November and Monday 4th November respectively.
For further information please visit www.asianartinlondon.com
DAYS OUT WITH THE FAMILY
Discover The Wonder Under London
At Sea Life London Aquarium
Located on London’s South Bank, close to Waterloo station, is Sea Life, a venue where families can stare in awe at and marvel at sea creatures including sharks, stingrays, huge turtles and a large array of fish and other beautiful underwater creatures.
Following a path from beginning to end, you will walk over a glass gangway where sharks will swim underneath you, and another gangway, or Ocean Tunnel as it is called, where the sea creatures will swim around you, so you can literally be a nose and glass panel away from huge turtles, stingrays who, if close to the glass, almost smile at you and are personally one of my
favourite sea creatures. You will also see the largest turtles I have ever seen, sharks of varying sizes that are so close to you that you can see their teeth, and huge fish.
Throughout your visit you can read educational facts about the sea creatures. I learned that turtles have been around for 200 million years and shared the planet with the earliest dinosaurs,
In smaller tanks along the trail you can see clown fish (also known as nemos if you are a Disney fan!), and beautiful jellyfish that are mesmerising and can be found through three unique interactive zones. Allegedly, according to Scientists, jellyfish are older than all the
ancient reptiles and are believed to have been in the ocean for over 500 million years!
In the Coral Kingdom, the UK’s largest coral reef, you’ll spot clown fish amongst the anemones, real tangs and the foureyed Anableps.
Towards the latter end of the trail the temperature suddenly drops and you feel the chill as you enter Penguin Point, where you can watch these delightful creatures, also one of my favourites, waddle around, although the smell can be slightly pungent!
Our Polar Adventure brings the frozen North and South together with animation and fascinating augmented reality, which
fascinated our 20 month old Godson Bill for about 10 minutes, even though the animation was repeated several times!
And, if you’re brave enough, you can get just millimetres away from the goliath bird-eating tarantula and red-bellied piranhas snapping in a feeding frenzy the Rainforest Adventure.
The aquarium offers interactive zones specially designed for young visitors. Children can touch certain marine creatures and participate in educational activities that make the visit even more memorable.
SEA LIFE London is located on the South Bank close to Waterloo and Westminster stations. There are more than 40 Sea Life Centres located across the world including Birmingham, Sydney, Paris, Oberhausen, Bangkok and Orlando. They care for more than 180,000 creatures living in incredible themed habitats and welcome more than 20 million guests each year to our 50 aquariums and six sanctuaries.
Sea Life London Aquarium is open 7 days a week. For further information and to book tickets, please visit www.visitsealife/london
AMERICAN CLUBS’ NEWS
KCWC - Kensington & Chelsea Women’s Club
KCWC is a vibrant community of friendly, dynamic women from over 50 countries who enjoy London life to its fullest! Join us this Autumn to fill your diary with exciting events in the company of new friends, such as the ‘Know before you go’ group, prior to visits to art exhibits. We also have multiple masterclasses e.g. pairing food and fine wines, book clubs, tennis clubs etc. Our garden group has just spent the day exploring Highgrove gardens (with kind permission of H.M. The King). We all know exploring London’s most historic, architectural secrets with a fun group of kindred spirits makes it more fun!
You’re also invited to be our special guest at our speakers events – We just had a wonderful talk given by the Sarah Duchess of York.
And have others coming up with leading designers, historians and entrepreneurs such as the talented and beautiful Sophie Conran and the gloriousness that is Julie Montagu, the American girl that became Viscountess Hinchingbrooke!
You can also view our events calendar and learn how to join KCWC, London’s premiere international women’s social club for over forty years.
Now the fun and friendships start! We can’t wait to meet you.
Reach us at https://www.kcwc.org.uk
Junior League Of London
Ready to make a difference? Join the Junior League of London and become part of a network of empowered women dedicated to creating positive change in our communities. From impactful volunteer projects to leadership development opportunities, we’re committed to Developing Women to Do a World of Good.
Learn more about how you can get involved by sign up at our website at https:// london.jl.org/ – if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to join@jll.com.
AWBS International Women’s Club
AWBS is a vibrant international community with 300+ women from 46 countries. Whether you are new to the UK, a returning British expat, or seeking international friendships, AWBS extends a warm welcome. With more than 25 monthly activities, we cater to all passions and interests. From tennis, golf, country walks, glorious gardens, English history, and Art appreciation to exploring all that London and Europe has to offer – there’s something for everyone. Our signature General Meetings feature renowned speakers, and local vendors, creating unique experiences every month in some of Berkshire and Surrey’s most stunning venues. Guest speakers have recently included The Duchess of York; The Countess of Carnarvon; and Robert Hardman, Royal Biographer, with his new book, Charles III. AWBS organises many special events for members. This summer we arranged a private tour of St. George’s Chapel led by the Governor of Windsor Castle. After the tour, AWBS members enjoyed delicious canapes in the beautiful Moat Garden, Windsor Castle. We also arranged an amazing day at Royal Ascot in June for AWBS Members, as well as, a visit to Blenheim Palace. This autumn we are looking forward to a special lunch at Cliveden, as well as Afternoon Tea at Coworth Park.
AWBS has lots of wonderful activities coming up this autumn, so please visit www. awbs.org.uk to find out more.
If you are interested in joining AWBS, we are delighted to invite you to the next GM on Monday, 14 October. We have a special
guest speaker, Terry Pendry, CVO, BEM, and Military Knight of Windsor. Terry Pendry was Stud Groom and Manager to Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth 11. He retired from his role in The Royal Mews in March, 2023 and was installed as a Military Knight, St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, where he continues with ceremonial duties.
AWBS International Women’s Club celebrates inclusiveness and friendship. Please contact membership@awbs.org. uk to register to attend the AWBS Guest Speaker event on Monday, 14 October. For more information on activities, philanthropy, events, and membership, please visit our website www.awbs.org.uk.
American Women Lawyers In London –AWLL
AWLL is an organisation of Londonbased women with ties to the American legal community. Our aim is to provide professional development support to members through educational events, networking and mentoring opportunities. AWLL has also partnered with several top companies to offer exclusive discounts and benefits to members.
Visit awll.org.uk to learn about membership benefits, upcoming events and to join our group. For more information about AWLL, please visit our website at www.awll.org.uk or contact AWLL President Eryn Hanlon at eryn@awll.org.uk. You can also connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. We look forward to seeing you!
Please email ben@theamericanhour.com to share your news and events
FREE ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION TO
AMERICAN IN BRITAIN
USEFUL CONTACTS
CHARITABLE GIVING
CAF AMERICAN DONOR FUND
10 St Bride Street
London
EC4A 4AD
Contact: Joe Crome, Senior Manager, CAF American Donor Fund
Telephone: +44 (0) 3000 123 150 (Telephone lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm excluding UK bank holidays).
Email: cadf@cafonline.org
Website www.cafonline.org/cadf
With over 20 years’ experience, we are the smart, tax-effective way for dual UK and US taxpayers to achieve greater impact with their charitable giving.
The CAF American Donor Fund is a dual qualified Donor Advised Fund which can help you maximise the value of your gifts to charitable organisations. If you pay tax in the UK and the US, the CAF American Donor Fund enables you to claim eligible UK and US tax relief on your global giving, including adding 25% through UK Gift Aid where applicable.
We have a range of flexible products available, starting at one-off giving through to long-term invested funds. We accept donations of cash (any major currency); stocks and shares as well as non-cash gifts.
Whatever stage you’re at with your philanthropy journey, we can help. Our specialist team of Relationship Managers will be with you every step of the way to guide you quickly and efficiently throughout the management and administration of your giving, using our established and trusted service.
EDUCATION - SCHOOLS
TASIS THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN ENGLAND
Coldharbour Lane, Thorpe, Surrey, TW20 8TE
Contact: Sarah Travis
Telephone: 01932 582316
Email: ukadmissions@tasisengland.org
Website www.tasisengland.org
The educational pathways TASIS England offers to day (3-18) and boarding (13-18) students include a broad-based American curriculum, AP courses, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, and EAL support. Taught in small classes, every student in our diverse community from 50 nations is encouraged to reach their academic potential. Participation in co-curricular activities, the arts, athletics, and leadership programs provides balance, fosters curiosity, and develops Individual talents. With excellent exam results and one-to-one college counseling, 97% of TASIS graduates
gain acceptance to their first- or secondchoice university in the US, the UK, and worldwide. Extensive summer opportunities are also offered to students from all schools. Located close to London on a beautiful and historic 46-acre estate.
TAXATION
EXPAT LEGAL SERVICES GROUP
Website: Expatlegal.com
Telephone: +1.888.502.8579
Contact: Roland Sabates
Email: roland@expatlegal.com
Expat Legal Services Group, with its background in international taxation, offers unique legal services for American expatriates and foreign nationals with financial interests in the United States. We leverage a suite of modern technology solutions that enable us to bring our international expertise directly to you no matter where in the world you might be living.
USTAXFS
3 Harbour Exchange Square, London, E14 9GE
Telephone: +44 20 7357 8220
Contact: Joni Trulock
Email: j.trulock@ustaxfs.com
Website: ustaxfs.com
Twitter: @ustaxfs
With over 35 years’ experience, our US/UK expat tax specialists provide US and UK tax return preparation, planning, compliance, and expatriation as well as all US business tax services, wherever you are in the world.
WEALTH MANAGEMENT
LONDON & CAPITAL
Two Fitzroy Place, 8 Mortimer Street, London, W1T 3JJ
Telephone: +44 (0) 207 396 3200
Email: invest@londonandcapital.com
Website: londonandcapital.com
The core of our expertise at London & Capital is managing investments for wealthy families and our clients generally share similar requirements; they have amassed wealth or capital and now need it to be structured and invested in a way that preserves and grows it for the future. We build investment strategies that are designed to be resilient and help clients achieve their long-term financial goals. Many of our clients are international, with finances, business interests, property and family across multiple countries. We provide clear comprehensive financial strategies and global reporting regardless of currency or location.
US CONNECTED FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS
We are also one of the few wealth managers who actively welcome US clients and are both SEC (US) and FCA (UK) regulated, with a dedicated team looking after the wealth of international American families since 1989. Whether you are a US Citizen or Green Card holder living abroad, a British expat in the US or a foreign entity with US reporting, we are uniquely positioned to work you to organise your wealth into a coherent global strategy, invest with a focus on capital preservation and provide clear, concise global reporting.
MASECO LLP
The Kodak, 11 Keeley Street, London, WC2B 4BA
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7043 0455
Email: enquiries@masecopw.com
Website: www.masecoprivatewealth.com
MASECO Private Wealth gives peace of mind by providing expert guidance to US families on how to simplify their cross-border wealth management needs. We serve and care for Americans living at home or abroad through the planning and implementation of rational, practical and tax efficient wealth management strategies.
To discuss advertising or annual print & digital promotional packages in American in Britain magazine and www.theamericanhour.com, please email Helen at helen@theamericanhour.com
If you haven’t signed up to receive our free monthly email newsletters or invitations to the events we organise for Americans living in the UK, please email helen@theamericanhour.com
The Only Ball Marker for Golfers in Stormy and Inclement Weather
Not only can it be used to mark balls in bad weather, it can also be used as a Nearest the Pin Marker, a Longest Drive Marker and a Locker Key Ring
Looking for a New, Fun and Innovative Golf Gift for the golfer in your life? Tired of buying novelty golf presents they won't use?
Why not buy a gift that he/she can use over and over again, but also has that fun factor?
Be the first to buy the golfer in your life Stormarker, the New, Unique, Innovative and Exciting Multi-Purpose Marker, designed and created by Helen Elliott, Founder & CEO of American in Britain!
Stormarker’s main purpose is to mark your ball if you have to leave the course mid-round due to bad weather, but it can also be used as a Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive Marker, and when not being used on the course its striking design make it a fun Locker Keyring.
Stormarker is lightweight and easily portable, and as it is 20cm in height and distinctively shaped as a lightning bolt (with its own name tag attached) will clearly mark the place of golf balls if golfers have to leave the course. Because it is so visible from a long distance, it can also be used as a Nearest the Pin or Longest Drive marker.
It is available in five bright, attractive, vivid colours - Red, Yellow, Pink, Orange and White.
Golfers love nearest the pin and longest drive challenges, and if groups of friends, societies, charity days etc., want to add a bit of extra fun to the round, then all they need are Stormarkers, rather than the large, unwieldly, heavy metal markers that damage your golf bags when carried.
Stormarker will provide a fun and useful alternative to golf balls, towels and tees for those looking for stocking fillers as well as Birthday, Christmas, Father's Day and Mother's Day presents. They are also great for charity day, golf day and society day gifts and prizes.
Price: £9.99
For further information, or to purchase these markers, please email helen@theamericanhour.com
The recipient of your gift will be delighted with this product, as it has only just been created, so they will be the first to own one and will be the envy of their golf friends.
