East Kent Lifestyle Issue 23 by Barley House

issue twenty three november/december twenty-fifteen

Harrison Ford

ONE OF HOLLYWOOD’S MOST BANKABLE STARS IS BACK IN THE ROLE WHICH MADE HIM FAMOUS…

gifts galore INSPIRATION FROM REGIONAL RETAILERS

seafood, and eat it

alternative christmas menu

NAUTICAL NOSH AT HYTHE BAY

MICHAEL FOWLER’S CHRIMBO CRACKERS

Celebrate the .......... ...............

.......... ...............

T he early bird catches the worm!

[welcome ]

november/december twenty-fifteen

ISSUE twenty three

The nights are drawing in, the clocks have gone forward, and the major retailers are once again competing for the most expensively over-produced and mawkish television advert. That can only mean one thing – Christmas is coming! So we’ve got some fantastic festive features for your perusal including gift guides from Fenwicks and Papillon Interiors, top Christmas jewellery picks from Fitzgerald’s in Canterbury, some ideas for getting out an about over the holiday season, and an alternative Christmas dinner menu courtesy of resident Chef of the award winning Walletts Court, Michael Fowler. Talking of food, in this issue we’ve reviewed some tip-top restaurants; with Sarah Croft sampling the nautical delights of the beachfront Hythe Bay in Dover, while I was treated to some of the world-beating wonders at Dev Biswal’s ‘The Ambrette’ in Canterbury. Our resident healthy eating guru Renee Maguire offers up a recipe for gluten free banana bread, while Lee Behan’s Cottage Pie is the perfect winter warmer. With the much anticipated Star Wars: The Force Awakens hitting our screens in December, we profile the franchise’s biggest star, veteran Hollywood action hero, Harrison Ford. We also preview the upcoming exhibition of Star Wars vintage toys and cinema posters which will be running at The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge in Canterbury from December 5th. In our travel section this month, Jaillan Yehia takes you to Houston’s hotspots, and I review the glorious 5 star sumptuousness of The Stafford in London’s exclusive St James. So wherever you are the Christmas, don’t forget your free copy of East Kent Lifestyle to keep you company and we’ll see you all in the New Year.

Happy Holidays! Pete Nichols, Publishing Director

east kent lifestyle magazine

[contents ]

fabulous finds

ramsgate music hall

whAtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iNside...

food and drink

56 58 60 63 64 66 67 69

The Chef's Forum The Ambrette, Canterbury Alternative Christmas Menu Christmas at Eastwell Manor Hythe Bay Restaurant, Dover Cottage Pie Recipe with Lee Behan The Bench A Trip to Contino

home & interiors

33 35 37 38

Christmas Crackers Danish Collectables Makeover Expert - Bathroom Papillon Interiors

health & beauty

55 87 88 90 92 6

Growing Gluten Intolerence Fella's Male Grooming Tips Best Beauty Buys - Stocking Edition Hair & Make-Up by Jerome Keep Your Kids Fit For Free

harrison ford

[contents ]

christmas gift guide

planet thanet

fashion

77 Fenwicks Fashion 85 Christmas Jewellery at Fitzgerald's

regulars & features

10 12 20 25 28 45 93 96 98

Easy Kent News Fabulous Finds Christmas Picks for Planet Thanet Gardner Croft Fenwicks Christmas Gift Guide Harrison Ford Make Your Own Christmas Gifts What's Occurring? Odo's Barn

the stafford, london

days out

14 16 18 23 27 48 49 50 71

East Kent Walks East Kent Cycle Trail Ramsgate Music Hall CafĂŠ Culture at The Creative Quarter May The Toys Be With You Winter Gardens Aladdin at Leas Cliff Hall Whitefriars Christmas The Front

alternative christmas menu

education

95 St Lawrence College

travel

72 The Stafford, London 74 Hip Houston 7

BRAND NEW STUDIO

NOW OPEN SHOWING THE LATEST MODELS

www.clarkesfurnishers.co.uk 01622 753073 Sandling Road, Maidstone ME14 2RF

www.lenleys.co.uk 01227 766655

Roper Road, Canterbury CT2 7EL

[publication information ]

psapublishing East Kent Lifestyle magazine published by PSA Publishing Barley House, Sopers Road, Cuffley, Herts EN6 4RY tel: 01707 878026 email: sales@psapublishing.co.uk www.psapublishing.co.uk

Publishing Director

Creative Director

Pete Nichols pete@psapublishing.co.uk

Stuart Bennett stuart@bainesdesign.co.uk

Sales Executive

Managing Director

Sarah Croft sales@psapublishing.co.uk

Andrew Bennett andrew@bainesdesign.co.uk

Travel Editor

Distribution

Jaillan Yehia hello@savoirthere.com

www.fellahair.com

MEN HAVE 3 TYPES OF HAIRSTYLES:

PARTED, UN-PARTED & DEPARTED!

John Faull & Mary Jones

Contributors Jaillan Yehia, Lee Behan, Renee Maguire,Vicky King, Pete Nichols, Explore Kent, Bobby Gordon, Fenwicks Canterbury, Michael Fowler, Amy McManus, Sarah Croft, Joanna Costello, Melissa Gabbott, Daniel Sidders, Kim Foster, Nerissa Blower, Lorna Morris

Contributing Photographers Jaillan Yehia, Giles Toller, Renee Maguire, Lee Behan, Explore Kent, Julian Noone, Jo Doran, Sarah Croft, Giles Toller For all advertising enquiries please contact sales on 01707 878 026

The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the content of advertisements or contributed editorial in this magazine. Opinions expressed editorially are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher and no responsibility is accepted for loss, damage or injury incurred as a result of opinions, advice or comment.

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[news ]

east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east ken

Christmas Wonderland Is Just A 15-Minute Hop Across The Channel Enjoy Christmas shopping French style this year with a magical weekend in ‘Paris by the sea’.

The stylish French resort of Le Touquet is just a 15-minute flight away with Lyddair, based at Kent’s London Ashford Airport, which is now taking bookings for its scheduled Christmas flights to the jewel of France’s northern coast. Famous for its gorgeous illuminations, shops, restaurants and Christmas market in art deco surroundings, Le Touquet is transformed into a Christmas wonderland during December, with thousands of twinkling lights and a host of events and activities.

Flight time is just 15 minutes, with check-in only 45 minutes before departure – giving you more time to spend enjoying Le Touquet. Accommodation is not included but Lyddair’s reservations team can assist with hotel bookings, as well as provide restaurant recommendations. For more information about scheduled and charter flights with Lyddair, call 01797 322207, email info@ lyddair.com, or visit www.lyddair.com. To find out more about Christmas events and activities in Le Touquet, go to www.letouquet.com

Take a horse-drawn carriage ride, hop on the merry-goround, get your skates on for the outdoor ice rink or browse the stalls at the popular Christmas market. Spend the day shopping for gifts, dine at one of Le Touquet’s excellent restaurants, or simply wander through this chic seaside town and soak up the festive atmosphere. Return flights with Lyddair cost £149.94 adults, £138.54 children and £55.90 infants. Prices are based on an overnight stop, with scheduled departures from Lydd on Saturday December 5, 12 and 19 and return flights on Sunday December 6, 13 and 20.

PRaise for trAin derAilmeNt heRoes Local residents from the village of Godmersham, in Kent, and Southeastern employees have been commended for their actions after a train derailment earlier this year. The move follows the incident in July when a Southeastern train hit a herd of cows that had wandered onto the track late at night at Chilham. None of the 70 passengers on-board were hurt and they were taken to nearby Godmersham village hall afterwards while alternative transport was arranged. Now people from the village of Godmersham, along with Southeastern employees working on the night, have been given a special Executive Award after they sprang into action and opened their village hall to provide refreshments for those affected. The award forms part of a special employee award ceremony held annually by Southeastern and is usually used to reward those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their jobs. But the committee that picks the winners was so impressed by the caring and compassionate way that people in Godmersham acted they decided to include them as well. 10

Southeastern has also donated £2,000 for a storage container for the village hall to say thanks to its members for their efforts accommodating passengers throughout the night and into the early hours. The container will help to keep the hall’s equipment safely locked away. Barbara Thomas, Passenger Services Director at Southeastern, said: “We are so grateful to the local members of Godmersham village hall who helped to accommodate our passengers and are delighted to be awarding the residents with our special Executive Award. Similarly, the Southeastern team that dealt with the Chilham derailment exercised the highest degree of professionalism while acting calmly and responsibly to lead more than 70 passengers to safety.”

nt NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS

Thanet Council Pulls Plans to buy Manston Airport That’s UKIP led council has abandoned plans to use a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to take control of the site, breaking one of their key election pledges in the process. The announcement was made during a heated meeting on 29th October, as the council’s cabinet said they had based their decision on a report from officers recommending the idea be shelved based on uncertainty surrounding the finances of the RiverOak, the US-based investment company who were to underwrite the costs of the council buying the site. The report stated that: “There is insufficient evidence available to the cabinet to be satisfied that a proposed CPO is likely to be successful which would justify its entering into an indemnity agreement.” RiverOak, however, disagreed, putting in their own fivepage report challenging the councils claim that it would require a bond to be put in place to cover the costs of buying the site from the current owners at the same time as a CPO, stating; “There is no justification for a bond to be provided now. Until the CPO is confirmed, there is no way in which the council could be required to acquire the site in circumstances where the funds were not there for it to do so.” Ukip council leader, Cllr Chris Wells did, however, say that the council remained committed to re-opening Manston airport, and revealed that four other companies had approached the council interested in the airport – although he also said he would not name them until negotiations with RiverOak had been completed. The future of the airport has been uncertain since it was sold in 2014 by Stagecoach co-founder Ann Gloag to regeneration specialists Chris Musgrave and Trevor Cartner.

[news ]

Kent Crisps Go

International Just five short years ago Kent Crisps were launched from the offices of Quex Park under the stewardship of AMC Foods MD Angie Curwen. Angie had already begun the production of rapeseed oil using oil seed rape from the Quex Park Estate when she hit upon the idea of combining the oils with the abundance of potatoes from the estate to create the “Kent Crisps” brand. AMC Foods, based in Ramsgate have been exporting Kent Crisps to the Middle East and south Asia and expect some 15%-20% of its 2016 turnover to come from exports. In particular, the overseas business has helped grow sales of their 150g bags (the smaller, 40g bags are the big UK seller). Speaking to the KM Group, AMC’s commercial Director Laura Bounds said: “Our 150g business was tiny but exports have given us a big growth. All our Middle East and Singapore clients want 150g bags. So now our production has picked up. We needed a very focused strategy as we are a very small company with small resources and few people. We identified key markets we thought were emerging in the snacks sector.” AMC Foods has found gaining access to some markets has fallen into their laps after suppliers from other countries stumbled upon them at trade shows in their chosen export markets. Laura Bounds added: “We managed to enter some markets we weren’t expecting to. Some things we’ve quickly picked up and they’ve just happened. A lot of our export growth has been organic.”

[fabulous finds ]

Finds 

Snuffle Dog Beer

Now Fido can enjoy a festive tipple too with Snuffle Dog Beer (www.snuffle-dogbeer.com). Made in a real brewery in Belgium, Snuffle Dog Beer is a healthy, delicious alternative to a bowl of tepid water this Christmas. Snuffle’s specially formulated brew has none of the alcohol and gas content you’d find in your everyday lager, opting instead for chicken or beef with malt barley extracts, Vitamin B, oils and minerals.



ig Mouth Toys Wine B Bottle Glass

A detailed time and motion study conducted by the EKL staff have concluded that purchasing a single Wine Bottle Glass can save you both time, effort, and money. No longer will you have to strain your arm repeatedly having to lift that heavy bottle of wine when one simple pour will drain the bottle! You’ll also save money on washing up liquid for multiple glasses, and you’ll save precious seconds walking to and from the table/kitchen/ drinks cabinet. How has nobody not come up with this before? Price: £14.99 Available from www.amazon.co.uk

Price: From £2.50 available from leading independent pet retailers nationwide



Blake Shoe Shine Kit by Wolf

No more searching for that ancient tin of polish hidden somewhere under the sink the first day back at the office after the holidays. The Blake shoe shine kit, in black pebble leather with a super-stylish ultrasuede purple interior is an altogether classier affair. It incorporates a classic gentleman’s office or bedroom necessity with a bit of flair. Includes two polish applicator brushes, two shoe shine brushes, and two cotton flannel polishing cloths. Price: £90.00 Available online from www.wolf1834.co.uk 12

[fabulous finds ]



Kebab Rotisserie Grill

One or two of my colleagues have suggested that this rather stupendous item is perhaps not exactly suited to our lovely lifestyle magazine. If this is the case, and its presence here offends you then I’m afraid I offer no apologies. Personally, after a night of pre-xmas excess, the idea of a kebab-shop in my kitchen is the stuff of man-dreams! Alternatively, make your college-bound offspring the most popular kid on campus as he (or she) rocks back after the Christmas vac clutching the perfect post-party dream machine! Price: £79.00 Available from www.prezzybox.com



Root7 Whiskey Wedge If you’re more of a single malt man (or woman) then get this little beauty on your wish-list this Christmas. The Whiskey Wedge ensures perfect drinks every time. Simply, insert the silicone slope into the classic tumbler, add a little water and freeze for a couple of hours. Once frozen you'll be left with a slanted piece of ice that looks classic, pour over your spirit of choice and you'll be ready to unwind in front of the Christmas Bond movie. Price: £15.00 Available from John Lewis



Corkcicle Air

The Corkcicle Air is the perfect gift for wine lovers, be it white or red. Throw away that dribbling ice bucket and those soggy cooling sleeves, the Corkcicle Air is here to chill your wine to the perfect temperature time after time. Chills white wine and brings reds from room temp to cellular temp. Simply inset the device into the bottle to cool room temperature reds in 15 mins, or keep whites chilled for an hour. To refill glasses, simply use the pour-through feature which aerates your wine as your pour! Price: £19.99 Available from www.firebox.com

[days out ]

a walk through

east kent walk

Christopher Marlowe’s

cAnterbuRy This literary ramble takes you through the streets of Canterbury bringing to life the many medieval tales that make Christopher Marlowe’s life and legacy so captivating.

Born in Canterbury in 1564, the son of a shoemaker Marlowe’s groundbreaking use of blank verse and dynamic plotlines paved the way for William Shakespeare, yet he is remembered for scandal, religion and espionage. Although it is widely believed he met his end in a brawl in Deptford, the truth may yet turn out to be stranger than fiction…

Christopher Marlowe was baptised at the church of St George the Martyr on Saturday, 26 February 1564; the entry in the parish register is held at Canterbury Cathedral Archives. Christopher’s parents, John and Katherine Marlowe, were married here on 22 May 1561, a union that lasted nearly forty-four years until their deaths in 1605. The house, believed to have been the Marlowe family home and the workshop for shoemaker John Marlowe in the sixteenth century, was where Fenwick department store stands today. John became a freeman of Canterbury in 1564, the year of Christopher’s birth, which entitled him to trade in the city. Until leaving Canterbury for Cambridge, Christopher lived here with his parents who had nine children, six of whom survived into adulthood. From the clock tower, go down the High Street. After 160 metres, turn right into Butchery Lane towards the cathedral. Turn left at the end towards the Buttermarket. At the time of Christopher Marlowe’s birth, Canterbury was a small town of about seven hundred households, with wooden framed buildings like the Sun Inn. This was the home of Marlowe’s contemporary from the King’s School, the writer John Lyly. The city was crowded, dirty and full of disease. At this point, decide whether to enter the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral, where fees apply. 14

Continue straight ahead through the cloisters, where you will find Kent Archives through the third entrance. If you don’t visit the Cathedral, continue down Sun Street and into Palace Street. When he was fourteen, Marlowe became a King’s Scholar, one of “fifty boys both destitute of the help of friends and endowed with minds apt for learning”. Pupils were expected to speak in Latin at all times, even when playing. The school day began at six in the morning with a psalm and litany and ended at five in the evening. At the age of sixteen Marlowe won a scholarship to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, becoming Bachelor of the Arts in 1584. You can find documents containing information about Christopher Marlowe’s family and his education at the Canterbury Archives located in the Cathedral. At the end turn left again, out into the grounds of Kings School. Continue round the green towards the gate in the far-left hand corner. Leave the precinct and turn left down Palace Street. Once you reach the Bell and Crown pub, turn right to find St Alphege Church. The Marlowe Theatre and Marlowe Memorial Canterbury has a long theatrical tradition. In the early sixteenth century the city’s craftsmen could be fined or gaoled for not acting in religious plays. In Marlowe’s lifetime, players would have performed in

courtyards, inns and private houses. The Marlowe memorial, fondly known as Kitty, depicts the Muse of Poetry. The pedestal features characters from Marlowe’s plays: Tamburlaine, Dr Faustus, Barabas and Edward II. After the Marlowe Theatre continue to the High Street. Turn right towards the Westgate Tower. The Westgate Tower Westgate is the only gate to the city that still stands. At one time it had a portcullis and drawbridge, and in Marlowe’s time it was the city gaol. Retrace your steps back along the High Street to the Canterbury Pilgrims Hospital. Turn right down Stour Street to the Greyfriars guest house. Go right through the black gates and into the gardens. The sixteenth century was a dangerous time. People could be executed for heresy – holding religious beliefs that were not sanctioned by the state. Government informers claimed that Marlowe converted people to atheism and made jokes about the Bible, he was arrested on 18 May 1593 and released on bail. The Franciscan friars built their priory after their arrival in England in 1224. The friary was dissolved in 1538, four years after two of the friars were executed for treason after opposing Henry VIII. The King’s divorce resulted in a struggle for England’s soul between Catholics and Protestants that dominated Marlowe’s lifetime. The

[days out ] Location: Canterbury CT1 2JT Distance: 1.6 miles (2.57 km)

j

Time: Allow 1.5 hours

115 Metres

j j

Terrain: Canterbury town centre, cobbled streets and pavements.

Bus station 0

0 0

Metres Yards



150 150

j 1.6mile (2.6km) walk via Cathedral Alternative route 1.3mile (2.1km)

Start/ Finish

Train station

300 .

Christopher Marlowe came to Stour Street on 30 of September 1586 as a witness to the will of his aunt, Katherine Benchkin the will is the only surviving example of Marlowe’s signature and is kept at Canterbury Cathedral Archives. Housed inside a medieval poor priests’ hospital, the Museum of Canterbury has an interactive Marlowe exhibition where you can find out more about his life and work and investigate his mysterious death. Leaving the museum, follow Hawks Lane. Turn left at the end past The Canterbury Tales into the High Street. Turning left on the High Street you will see the Queen Elizabeth’s Guest Chamber which is now a coffee shop. Mercery Lane is in front of you. Queen Elizabeth’s Guest Chamber Adorned with elaborate plasterwork, this building was the focus of great excitement in 1573 when Queen Elizabeth stayed here for several days, including her fortieth birthday, which was celebrated with a feast at the Archbishop’s Palace. Christopher

how to get there: Two train stations Canterbury East and Canterbury West and park and ride from various places across Canterbury. Refreshments & facilities: Fantastic independent eateries, tea shops, restaurants and pubs. Parking: Pay and display is limited and very busy.

300 .

Greyfriars returned to Canterbury in the last century and now worship in the Greyfriars Chapel once more. Take a walk round the Franciscan Garden and relax in this peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Upon leaving the priory turn right towards the Museum of Canterbury.

OS Explorer Map: 150

Marlowe was then nine years old and the pageantry and majesty of the Queen’s visit would later provide inspiration for scenes of lavish wealth and power in Tamburlaine. The Queen would touch Marlowe’s life once again when he was recruited by the English secret service while a student at Corpus Christi College. His work for the government was acknowledged when the college attempted to withhold his master’s degree as punishment for mysterious periods of absence. The Privy Council wrote a letter informing them that Queen Elizabeth did not wish to see her agent penalised for serving his country and Marlowe was awarded his degree. Chequers of the Hope Inn and Mercery Lane The vast Chequers of the Hope Inn stretched ninety metres from the corner of Mercery Lane. Built to make money from the influx of visitors to the city, the ground floor contained shops selling all manner of goods. Poorer pilgrims were squashed into dormitories on the top floor, while rich pilgrims took suites on the first floor, overlooking the grand courtyard where players acted for their entertainment. A reckoning in Deptford On 30 May 1593, Marlowe spent the day with three fellow government agents in a house in Deptford, London. It was said that

Marlowe argued with one of these men, Ingram Frizer, over “the reckoning” – the bill for their meal. In the ensuing fight, Frizer stabbed Marlowe in self-defence. England’s most famous dramatist was dead at the age of twentynine. Some people believe that Marlowe did not die in Deptford and that, aided by powerful friends, he fled the country and lived in exile on the continent. He could have continued writing plays and sent them back to England to be published under the name William Shakespeare. It has been suggested that Shakespeare’s sonnets are a cryptic account of Marlowe’s life in exile. Whatever the truth behind the events in Deptford, no-one can doubt Marlowe’s tremendous impact on Elizabethan drama and his legacy to the English language. “If Shakespeare is the dazzling sun of this mighty period, Marlowe is certainly the morning star”. Alfred, Lord Tennyson More than four hundred years after his death, Christopher Marlowe’s star still burns brightly in the city of his birth. To find out about other walks in Kent or for information on cycling, riding and country parks in Kent, visit the brand new Explore Kent website www.explorekent.org. Follow @explorekent on Twitter and Facebook. 15

[days out ]

eAsT kenT CyCLe TrAIL

tHE CraB and wInKlE way go from cloisters to oysters on this fantastic bike ride taking you from historic Canterbury to the traditional seaside town of Whitstable. With seven miles of almost traffic-free cycling, the Crab and Winkle Way explores a delightful slice of east kent, packed with history and nostalgia.

[days out ] Location: Thanet

B2205

Whitstable

Distance: 7.5 miles (12 km) one way

Swalecliffe

Time: Allow 1 hour one way

" 

OS Explorer Map: 179

A2990

Terrain: A mixture of on and off-road tracks

Seasalter

9 A29

9 A2

How to get there: There are regular trains between Whitstable and Canterbury

Parking: You’ll find pay and display parking in both Whitstable and Canterbury and park and ride in Canterbury

Clowes Wood

Refreshments & facilities: Great pubs and eateries in Canterbury and fantastic seafood in Whitstable.

Victory Wood 1

9 A2 0 Blean Woods National Nature Reserve

0 0

Miles

0.5



Cycle Trail - On-road Cycle Trail - Traffic-free National Cycle Route Train Station

Canterbury

" 

The path, which caters for riders of all abilities, takes its name from the pioneering railway line which ran between Canterbury and Whitstable from the early part of the 19th century. It was one of the first to be built in Great Britain and was the first regular steam passenger railway in the world. But the steam locomotive couldn’t cope with the gradients and was soon replaced. The railway had connections with the 19th century’s most celebrated engineers; the plans were drawn up by William James, George and Robert Stephenson built the engine “Invicta” for the locomotive and Thomas Telford built the harbour at its Whitstable terminus- Brunel inspected it. With an area designated as a World Heritage Site, there is a lot to see and do in Canterbury. From visiting the cathedral, St Augustine’s Abbey and Canterbury museum, to exploring the city’s lanes and countless historic buildings, be sure to explore

Canterbury before you set out towards the coast. The route is signed from Canterbury West station and joins National Cycle Route 1 through the town near the river at Pound Lane. From Harbledown the route is mostly traffic free, following the old railway line from the Winding Pond (a great place to picnic) to the outskirts of Whitstable. On the way to Whitstable, the path passes through the Blean, with its 13th century Church of St Cosmus and St Damian, and Blean Woods, a delightful RSPB nature reserve covering more than 11 square miles. The journey also takes you through the coniferdominated woodland of Clowes Wood, one of the best places in the country to hear the remarkable song of the nightjar. Once in Whitstable, seafood is high on the agenda and places to consider include the Whitstable Oyster Fishery

Company, East Quay Shellfish Bar, Wheelers’ Oyster Bar, Birdies Eating House and the Crab and Winkle restaurant. Oysters and boatbuiding were the backbone of Whitstable’s prosperity throughout the 18th and until the 20th century. The diving suit was developed in Whitstable in 1828 and dollar row along the seafront is said to have been built on the treasure found form deep sea divers. Take in stunning views across Whitstable Bay and the Isle of Sheppey especially at sunset – these were so fantastic they enticed painters such as Turner who was inspired to paint many famous seascapes here. Whitstable’s vibrant contemporary arts scene has led to the growth of colourful craft shops in the town. Definitely worth a look is the Whitstable Museum and Gallery has permanent and touring exhibitions, many reflecting the town’s seafaring traditions. Top off you’re Kentish adventure with a stroll along the Saxon Shore Way and the cliff-top lawns of Tankerton Slopes, with their colourful wooden beach huts, offers perfect views of `The Street’ – a narrow shingle ridge stretching half-a-mile out to sea at low tide, then why not try a pint of Whitstable Bay at one of Whitstable’s lovely pubs before heading home on the train. For more information about this cycle route and more in Kent, or for information about walking and parks in Kent, visit www.explorekent.org 17

[days out ]

RAmsgate Music HAll NominAted for NME Best Small VeNue AwaRd For the second year in a row, Ramsgate Music Hall has been shortlisted for the NME’s Best Small Venue prize.

Considering the venue has only been open since 2013, this is quite the achievement. The Music Hall will face off against the legendary King Tuts in Glasgow (where Creation label boss Alan McGee famously courted Oasis after the Mancunian rockers muscled their way on stage), Think Tank in Newcastle, Guildhall in Gloucester and The Sugarmill in Stoke. Ramsgate Music Hall, situated on Turner Street close to the town centre may only have a capacity of 125 but that’s not stopped them bringing some big name acts to East Kent

including the likes of Neneh Cherry, Sleaford Mods, The Jungle Brothers, Adamski, and Mercury Music Prize nominee, William Doyle (better known as East India Youth) who’s manager has hailed the RMH as the best small venue in Europe! Also home to regular comedy and DJ nights, Ramsgate Music Hall is definitely a place which any true music fan should take the time to pay a visit.

Show your support for this outstanding East Kent venue by casting your vote for Ramsgate Music hall at:

http://jackrocks.nme.com/smallvenues

The Lighthouse Bar Margate Harbour Arm Margate CT9 1AP 07980 727668.

Milo Bar & Eatery 15 The Parade Town Centre Margate CT9 1EY

OPENING TIMES: Seasonal opening times. Please visit our Facebook page to keep up to date with our opening times.

FRESH WAFFLES WITH CHOCOLATE SAUCE LUXURY HOT CHOCOLATE StUNNING VIEWS LOCAL ARTISTS GALLERY FREE WIFI BOOK SWAP CORNER

OPEN EVERY DAY

@bschocbar facebook.com/bernieschocbar

2-14 High Street, Margate, CT9 1AT 01843 221 420

Pottery Painting • • • • • • • • •

Creative fun for all ages and all abilities

Children’s holiday workshops Adult evening workshops Children’s parties Commissions Clay workshops Willow Weaving School Workshops & Clubs Play ‘n Clay for pre-school children Hand & Foot Impressions & Outprints

16 Marine Drive, Margate, Kent CT9 1DH 01843-228228

A modern take on seaside tradition, serves lovingly handcrafted gelato just steps from Margate’s sandy beach. Made with delicious Guernsey milk, locally sourced cream and natural ingredients, our gelato offers a range of mouth-watering flavours for everyone to enjoy! Freshly prepared waffles, milkshakes, sundaes and beverages are also available in our vibrant and contemporary parlour.

Margate Art

6 Duke Street . CT9 1EP www.margateart.uk 01843 316042

as you’ve never seen it before...

01843-297778

www.picknpaintapot.co.uk 68 Northdown Road | Cliftonville | Kent | CT9 2RL 19

[feature ]

Chriﬆmas Picks FoR PLAneT THANeT

Photographer: giles Toller

To dAnCe THe nIgHT AWAy Morgan’s Margate

For PosT-Work drInks The Charles dickens, broadstairs You can’t beat The Charles Dickens on Broadstairs seafront for some festive warmth, cheer, beer, and good times, so this is our recommendation for anyone who fancies a few drinks with colleagues at the end of office hours on the “last day of term”. The award winning Gastro pub, one of the largest in Thanet, always enjoys a bustling festive atmosphere in the downstairs bar – the ideal place to meet before taking your party upstairs to the dining room or mezzanine bar, which can be privately hired out if you fancy making the party more official!

If you’re lucky you might get a table for Christmas dinner on the big day – but you’ll have to be quick.

Both upstairs and downstairs play host to a variety of dance classes, evenings, and events. Downstairs, the solid wood floors accommodate weekly Irish and tap dancing lessons, while upstairs houses a fantastic open dance space. Morgan’s philosophy that, “dance is a proven successor of inclusion, entertainment, community cohesion, health and wellbeing” is certainly backed up by the range of classes available which include; lindyhop, ballroom, salsa, Argentine tango Bollywood and rockabilly jive. All these classes are held with the bar open so if you want to just listen to the music and watch the dancing you are more than welcome. As well as the dancing, Morgan’s patrons can enjoy live music every weekend and tickets are currently on sale now for a charity fashion show on 7th December, showcasing independent shops in Margate. What better place to get your boogie on this holiday period?

book your space for £59.95pp by calling the team on 01843 603040 or email charlesdickens@thorleytaverns.co.uk

46 High street, Margate, CT9 1ds T: 01843 229009 e: info@morgansmargate.co.uk /MorgansMargate danceHubMargate

As well as the fine selection of beers, wines, and spirits on offer, the food in The Charles Dickens is also a cut above the average “pub-grub”, with all dishes being freshly prepared on site, ranging for the traditional festive fayre to the quirky modern Gastro cuisine. All while offering unrivalled panoramic views over Viking Bay and Broadstairs seafront. Throughout the Christmas period the Charles Dickens are offering a superb three course Christmas menu with plenty of choices to suit all tastes (the Hot Bloody Mary Soup is a must!) at just £24.95 per person.

Morgan’s Margate sits in a wonderful space overlooking the promenade and main sands of Margate. The lower ground floor, which can be accessed from Marine Drive, a literal stone’s throw from the beach, houses a coffee lounge with wood panelled walls, chandeliers and comfy sofas, while the top floor bar, which can also be directly accessed, this time from the High Street, also offers wonderful vintage décor and a beautiful terrace with spectacular views over the main sands. Morgan’s serve a variety of food and drink, ranging from traditional English cream teas in the afternoon, to tapas platters and Prosecco on the balcony at sunset. However, it’s for the myriad opportunities to dance the night (or day) away that Morgan’s makes our list today.

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Down in the Eastest of East Kent sits the Isle of Thanet, home to seaside towns, Ramsgate, Margate and Broadstairs. We’ve scoured “Planet Thanet” for our top picks for some seasonal hospitality by the sea!

for a good old knees-up The Belgian Café Ramsgate

for festive, family, fun The Captain Digby, Kingsgate It’s big, it’s bold, it’s on the edge of a cliff, and it looks like a castle – what better place to share some Christmas cheer with your loved ones than at the legendary Captain Digby overlooking Kingsgate Bay? A former winner of the prestigious “Family Pub of the Year” at the National Publican Awards, the Captain Digby has something for everyone; a large bar area with plenty of seating for parties of all sizes, a separate kids play area “Pirate’s Playground” with a gentle soft-play area for the under 4’s, and a slightly more adventurous yet equally safe play area for the bigger kids, and a large restaurant overlooking Kingsgate Bay. The food at the Digby is well worth a mention. It’s an unpretentious family menu, no airs and graces, but fantastic quality and value. In fact the Digby has recently been awarded the Open Table Diners' Choice Award 2015. It helps that the Digby is run by Head Chef Rob Bridger, who has spent 15 years at the Digby - quality and consistency is the hallmark of this historic pub. For £19.95 per person you can treat yourself (and your family) to a glorious three-course Christmas menu at the Captain Digby this year. Why not make a day of it? A walk on the beach, some drinks at the bar, some fun in the playground, and some top-notch food in the restaurant. Everything for the family under one roof! The Captain Digby Whiteness Rd, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 3QH 01843 867764 | www.thecaptaindigby.co.uk

The Belgian Café at the far end of Harbour Parade opposite Ramsgate Main Sands is many things to many people. Open from 7.30am every day of the week it serves breakfast and beer for early risers, dog walkers (it’s a pet friendly venue), and those coming off the night-shift; throughout the day a steady stream of regular patrons stop by for drink and a bite to eat from the superb menu, and by night the revellers come down to enjoy some of the 100+ Belgian beers on offer, to chat with friends, or to enjoy some live entertainment until 2.30am SundayThursday and 3am Friday and Saturday. The décor of The Belgian Café is part beer-hall, part vaudeville, and part shabby-chic continental café.Vintage and cult movie posters and gig listings cover the ceilings, local artworks (often for sale) cover the walls and instruments (guitars, mandolin, piano) hint at a love of live and impromptu music. At any time of day you might find someone tinkling the ivories with their freshly ground coffee atop the upright piano, or sitting at a table awaiting their Swedish Hash and a bottle of Leffe while strumming a ballad on an acoustic guitar. There’s no DJ booth or generic stereo system pumping out background noise in The Belgian Café. All the sounds you’ll hear will be organic, be it the chatter and laughter of a group of friends, a sing-a-long around “the old Joanna”, or one of the many live acts (folk music, local bands, bellydancers – you name it!) which grace the Belgian Café. If you’re after some old-school entertainment with some wonderful food and more Belgian beer than you can shake a stick at, at any time of the day or night – The Belgian Café is the place for you! The Belgian Café 98 Harbour Parade, Ramsgate CT11 8LP 01843 587925 21

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for cocktails, comfort, and a touch of class The Town Bar, Albion House Hotel, Ramsgate It’s only been a year since Emma and Ben Irvine first opened the doors to the wonderful Albion House Hotel atop the East Cliff of Ramsgate, but it is already renowned as the most sophisticated and elegant hostelry in the area. The sumptuous fourteen room hotel and restaurant aside, Albion House is worth a visit for its adjoining “Town Bar” alone. The building was added to Albion House in the 1950’s and was originally used as a civic chamber. In fact, the new bar was crafted from the huge, wide desk behind which the local Mayors and their colleagues held court. The Town Bar is elegance personified, all regal looking furniture and furnishings, highly polished parquet flooring, soft lighting, and floor to ceiling French windows with views across the sea. Open to the public from 9am to midnight, the Town Bar is the perfect place for a morning latte, afternoon tea, pre-dinner drinks, or to unwind for the evening with a bottle of red or one of their wonderful cocktails. On a crisp, winter’s evening in festive mood, why not try a few of the Town Bar’s specially created signature cocktails with friends to lift your spirits? We can heartily recommend “The South Coaster” (Gin, mint, lime and absinthe) or “The Albion” (Tequila, spiced pineapple syrup orange blossom flower water and nutmeg). The Town Bar also serves brunch from 10am-4pm with a sizeable lunch menu available from 11am-9pm. The Town Bar Albion House, Albion Pl, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 8HQ 01843 606630 www.albionhouseramsgate.co.uk/town-bar 22

for the office party Royal Harbour Brasserie, Ramsgate What do you need for the perfect office party? Plenty of space for fun and frollicks? Check! A well-stocked bar? Check! Good food? Check! Enough privacy to make an embarrassment of yourself? Check! Enter the Royal Harbour Brasserie at the far end of Ramsgate Harbour Arm. Housed in what looks at a distance to be a ship out at sea – the inside of the industrial looking building has been transformed into a welcoming continental style brasserie with panoramic 360 degree views back over Ramsgate, overlooking the harbour, and out to sea. Owned and run by seasoned Chef Adrian Mowl and his wife Larissa RHB offers great food and drink without pretention and a cracking Christmas party menu for just £25 per head. The sizeable venue has plenty of room for large parties to mingle, drink, dance, and be merry – and when you’re several hundred yards out at sea you can really let yourself go! As an aside, Adrian and Larissa recently opened a smaller, yet equally unique concern in Albion Street, Broadstairs which is well worth a visit this Christmas. A more intimate space than the RHB, Fish and Beer still manages to house an impressive 11 draught beers with brews from Faversham and London sitting alongside imported delights from Belgium, Hawaii, Spain, Bavaria, and Norway. You can also drop in and order pan-fried scallops, mussels, tiger prawns and oysters, and watch the being freshly prepared and cooked in the open kitchen. For meat lovers, Fish and Beer use a Mangal (a wood and charcoal fired grill) with the likes of Porterhouse Steak, Pork Loin, and Lamb Cutlets on offer. For more details on the venues go to www.royalharbourbrasserie.co.uk and www.fishandbeerbroadstairs.co.uk

cAfé cultuRe At the creAtive quArteR [days out ]

10 New Shops Open at Folkestone Creative Quarter! With the recently completed redevelopment of two key buildings, Folkestone Creative Quarter continues to develop rapidly.This month we are thrilled to announce the opening of 10 new businesses in The Old High Street and Tontine Street that both compliment and build on what the Creative Quarter has to offer.

We also welcome The Café Collective opening at 43 The Old High Street, with great coffee, art, music and a community focus.

We look forward to dropping in to Steep Street Coffee House at 18 -24 The Old High Street, a coffee shop inspired by the famous book cafés of Paris. Interesting and arty books will line the walls - poetry and local literature, classics and coffee table hardbacks. In the tradition of the first European coffee houses, the owners will create a hub for lively conversation, meetings, reading, writing, entertaining, coffee and cakes.

British womenswear brand Suzie Abbott opens at 25 The Old High Street and specialises in bespoke shift dressmaking in luxurious vintage and modern fabrics.The pair behind the Suzie Abbott label go the extra mile for their clients, creating not only a bespoke fit but also in fabrics of their customer’s choice.

The Old High Street becomes a beacon for all things fashion with three fantastic new shops providing the very best in designer and vintage clothing, interior design, jewellery and art.

The Congo Coffee Shop re-opens under new management of and will provide quality coffees and teas from around the world with homemade cakes and delicacies from their countries of origin, along with delicious hot chocolates from Madagascar and Brazil.

London-born artist/designer Jean Macdonald presents pop-up shop Maison Marine at 45 The Old High Street selling luxury pre-owned fashion for women and men, alongside individual pieces of art, design and furniture. Each item they promote is finite, due to the fact it is either produced using what is available, or is a very individual piece of design.

Another new exciting social hub coming to the Creative Quarter is Lime Bar on 46 Tontine Street. Lime is a dynamic and cultural bar cafe that takes its inspiration from wider European cafe bars. Lime Bar will serve good coffee anytime day or night, amongst good beers, wines and classically inspired food.

Interiors and accessories brand Kitty McCall joins the Creative Quarter at 48 The Old High Street.Working with local craftsmen and British products, Kitty McCall put emphasis on the quality and integrity of their goods. From limited edition prints to custom furniture, Catherine creates innovative designs in

sumptuous colour palettes. Claudine and Naomi Lentell launch Concept at 23 The Old High Street, offering a range of clothing, jewellery, bags and photographic works that bring together the worlds of art and fashion. We also welcome Iris and Isaac, a new hair salon opening at 52 The Old high Street.Toby Covill has a wealth of experience in cutting and colouring and has been working locally for much of his 20 year career. He is excited to open this salon in the heart of the Creative Quarter. Creative Quarter artist and frame-maker Wayne Reeves has moved from his studio on Tontine Street to launch his own shop and gallery space at 8A The Old High Street. Our second pop-up is the Folkestone Model Shop at 42 Tontine Street. Stocking a range of amazing remote controlled models as well as a great selection of kits, paints and accessories it is guaranteed to give you some present ideas. With late night openings and a wealth of food and drink options available, Folkestone Creative Quarter is moving forward in leaps and bounds and is proving to be the ideal place to eat, drink, shop and create.We invite you to explore, discover and enjoy! www.creativequarterfolkestone.org.uk

With silliness, laughter, stunning puppets and maybe a humbug or two, Pickled Image present a magical Christmas extravaganza! Sat 19 Dec, 11am & 2.30pm / Sun 20 Dec, 2.30pm / Tues 22 Dec, 2.30pm / Wed 23 Dec, 2.30pm / Thu 24 Dec, 11am & 2.30pm Adults £8 / Children £7 / Family £27 (2 adults & 2 children) www.quarterhouse.co.uk 01303 760750

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GardnEr Croft:

PUttING YoUR faMIly fIRSt

At gardner Croft, our expert Family Law team provide advice that is sensitive to the upset, uncertainties and upheaval that occur following the breakdown of a family relationship. We are particularly aware of the importance of ensuring that arrangements for children are addressed and resolved in a constructive and practical way. For every separated family, the most central consideration is likely to be where the children will spend their time. It is a painful fact that separated parents cannot always agree on arrangements for their children. Our experienced team will address your concerns and help you to resolve differences relating to arrangements for the children as well as other legal matters surrounding the separation as swiftly and constructively as possible. As part of this process, we provide: •

Objective and clear advice about the options available to you to

ensure that you can make the correct choices and consider your future and that of any children. •

Expert guidance from lawyers who have specialist qualifications, including those relating to children who will navigate you through the process every step of the way.

•

Tailor-made solutions which recognise the individual nature of each and every family.

We offer a wide range of legal support, including the process associated with arrangements for children, dealing with a formal separation or divorce and the

financial matters arising from this. If you are keen to talk to someone as soon as possible, we will do all we can to meet with you at a time that is convenient for you. We offer an initial meeting at a fixed fee of £100 (including VAT) at our offices in Canterbury. Contact us on 01227 813400 or e-mail enquiries@gardnercroft.co.uk or visit www.gardnercroft.co.uk and quote “east kent Lifestyle Advert”. Please quote “east kent Lifestyle Advert”.

Let’s not put the kids in the middle...

Talk to our expert family law team about: Children arrangements

01227 813400

•

Divorce and Separation

•

Financial arrangements

enquiries@gardnercroft.co.uk

•

Acting for Grandparents

www.gardnercroft.co.uk

Star Wars Toys and Posters from 1977 to 1985 Saturday 5 December 2015 to Sunday 6 March 2016

18 High Street, Canterbury thebeaney.co.uk

#MayTheToysBeWithYou 26

P PAYLEASE YOU WHA CAN T

[days out ]

mAy tHE

toYS

BE WItH yoU

one of the uk's finest collections of vintage star Wars Toys and original Cinema Posters will go on display for the first time in a brand new exhibition at the beaney House of Art & knowledge in Canterbury.

Coinciding with the release of the highly anticipated film, Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens,The Beaney’s ‘May The Toys Be With You’ exhibition opens on Saturday 5 December in the Special Exhibitions Room on the first floor of the Beaney. It might have seemed like a crazy gamble at the time when the then 29 year old director George Lucas agreed to take a drop in salary in exchange for retaining 100% of the merchandising rights for Star Wars. Things didn’t look much better for Lucas when the largest toy manufacturer in the US, the Mego Corporation, bluntly rejected his pitch for them to produce Star Wars action figures dismissing the film as his “Sci-fi B movie”. However, eventually Lucas did find someone willing to take a chance on his film. Bernie Loomis, President of Kenner toys, agreed to create a small line of Star Wars action figures and games, although with the films cinematic release now imminent Kenner did not have time to produce a single toy prior to the film’s US opening in May 1977. And what an opening.“Star Wars” was a phenomenon and went on to break global box office records. Kenner now owned the hottest property around, but with the Christmas sales period approaching they still had nothing on shop shelves. Loomis

thought outside the box and decided that they would offer a redeemable gift certificate that entitled children to four Star Wars action figures, to be sent on in the new year (allowing Kenner the vital manufacturing time they needed). They sold 500,000 of these ‘Early Bird Certificates’ at $7.99 each – the Star Wars toy line had begun. Over 300 million Star Wars action figures would eventually be sold in the vintage line, from 1977 – 1985. Including all modern merchandising too, the amendment that young George Lucas made to his contract back in the Seventies is estimated to have generated an incredible $22.5 billion dollars revenue – considerably more than the sum total of all the Star Wars movies.

THe exHIbITIon

‘May The Toys Be With You’ is both a celebration of the now highly collectable vintage toy line and also of the iconic design work and art of the Star Wars movies. From X-Wing Fighters to lightsabers, these fantastical designs have fired our imaginations and stamped their place on our cultural landscape. Matt Fox, owner of the collection, will be allowing fans to explore the

international toy phenomenon and its cultural significance whilst giving visitors the opportunity to learn how to identify a fake, compare condition scales from ‘mint’ to ‘playworn’ and even find out some of the toys surprising values.

A rAre PIeCe oF CIneMA HIsTory

Included in the collection is a rare piece of cinema history, which will delight Star Wars fans from around the world. British designer and artist Tom Beauvais, the man behind several classic British movie posters of the 60s and 70s, is loaning his concept poster from the first Star Wars film to the exhibition. Beauvais was working ‘in competition’ with his friend and colleague Tom Chantrell (whose rival design was eventually selected), at graphic design agency Chapman Beauvais when the commission came in.The design brief from 20th Century Fox had been for an action movie and to put more emphasis on the human characters This is an unmissable exhibition for little kids and ‘big kids’ alike – the force is strong at the Beaney! 27

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Love Moschino Handbag £169 purse £75 Cross Body Bag £135

joules welly boots £39.95

chRismas

Orla Kiely Big Owl Messenger Bag £109.00 Zip Wallet £59.00

L:A BRUKET Mynta bath salts 450g £14.95 Bergamot & Patchouli hand creme 70ml £14.95 Gurkmynta cucumber and mint liquid soap 450ml £19.95 Kroppsolja Vildros wild rose body oil 120ml £21.95 28

"Fabulous gifts throughout the store."

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Barbour Wax thornproof Dressing £10

Barbour Wax Sports Cap £29

Barbour Dog bed: wax cotton small £40, medium £60, large £80 Dog coat: small £35 Fleece blanket: medium £40 Barbour Gloves £55

our 2015

christmas gift guide

Barbour Mavin Socks £9.95

neville shave cream £22 clean & shave £22 shave soap £10 shave oil £22

Barbour Lambswool Scarf £28

Gant Crosstown Twill Shirt £95

Brics Life 22" Carry-on Holdall £289

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Barista & Co. 8 Cup Cafetiere £45 3 Cup Cafetiere £35 Cocoa Shaker £17

Brown Bear Faux Fur throw £175

chRismas

Helen Moore Faux Fur Throws from £195

FAUX FUR : Hot Water Bottles for grownups and children alike Chinchilla £32

Latte with pocket pal £36 Elephant Parade from £8 30

"Fabulous gifts throughout the store."

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Yoda £40 Darth Vader £25

our 2015

Storm Trooper £25

christmas gift guide

Noah's Ark £29.95 Peter Rabbit : money box £12.95 skittles £19.95 music box £19.95 31

[home & interiors ]

cHRistmAs crAckeRs from copperfields of whitstable by Kim Foster

We asked Copperfields of Whitstable’s Kim Foster for some ideas for some stylish homeware gifts this Christmas.

Black+Blum are passionate about creating beautiful, original designs which are underpinned with functionality. They have an eclectic taste and this shows through in the varying aesthetics of their different ranges. At Copperfields of Whitstable you will find a wide selection of their stunning Loop Maison tabletop range. Loop Maison was inspired by the Fibonacci curve which is seen throughout nature and looks balanced to the human eye. The minimal and

elegant aesthetic, make the designs timeless and allows them to suit any interior. Pen and paper are the natural tools used by industrial designers to formulate a new design. However, due to the sculptural shape of the Loop Maison designs, Black+Blum were challenged to employ alternative methods. The model making process starts with a straight piece of wire, and this pure form allows the final design to emerge as the wire is bent by hand. With each

design they make multiple shapes and continually refine until the perfect style is found. Once identified Black+Blum work with amazingly skilled craftsmen who use mandrills to hand bend the wire to the same shape every time. The stylish design and various products make these an ideal gift for Christmas and all year round Price range: £10 - £30

COLLECTABLES

D A N 2-4 Broad Street, Margate CT9 1EW I 01843 292 417 S 07428 370 291 H flemmingmoberg@hotmail.co.uk

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Danish-Collectables

www.danishcollectables.co.uk

[homes & interiors ]

INteRVieW witH FleMmiNg MobeRg of DaNish CoLlectAbles, MARgate

Over the past year Flemming has written about the great mid-century Danish designers for us; he has also educated our readers on vintage Scandinavian furniture and styles. This issue I sat down with the affable co-owner of Danish Collectables in Margate to find out how the business has being faring in these times of austerity.

You used to work in retail management, what prompted such a radical departure?

I’ve been interested in vintage Danish collectable since I was a teenager, starting with Royal Copenhagen China, and I began buying and selling pieces here and there years ago. My brother Michael had a similar fascination with mid-century Danish furniture and it made sense to pool our knowledge and resources.The business grew organically online for the first 2.5 years, and we have now had premises in Margate for the past two years.Well, now we have several premises in Margate to store all our stock! How much of your business would you say is local?

Probably around 25%. Another 25% comes from abroad, and the rest from London and beyond. A lot of our business comes from the internet. Our site gets over 7,000 visitors a month, many of whom are keen to buy.

Considering so much of your business seems to come from your website and eBay, why do you keep premises in Margate?

Because many of our customers want to come to see, feel, and touch the products before committing to buy them.We have many customers who come to us from

London to check out what they have seen online.We both also love the area, and there is a vibrant art and vintage scene in Margate which fits in well with what we do.

Come down and see the rare delights on offer at Danish Collectables at 2-4 Broad Street, Margate or visit their website at: www.danishcollectables.co.uk

You mention you have several premises now, how so?

Because we needed more storage! We now have three large shops, packed with great vintage furniture which customers can come and see, as well as other storage space. Demand for the kind of furniture and products we sell is at an all-time high, so it makes sense that we use our expertise and connections to build up our stocks now.The prices are only ever going to go up, so by stocking up now, not only can we ensure a good return in the future, but we can also keep our pricing as competitive as possible – everybody wins! That said, the last two years have been tiring to say the least. It’s not really sustainable for Michael to be driving to Denmark and back every single week for too much longer – and I also never get a day off. Hopefully soon we will have enough stock to calm things down a little and take a little more time for ourselves. However, when you love what you do, and things are going well, that’s easier said than done! 35

B es p o k e w o th a t f it o n r k to p s to p Fitted in one no m ess or d da y, with emolition Over 60 colo choo se from urs to Installed by professional our own fitters Friendly advi home consuclte & free ation We also fit kitchen door new s! Visit our showroom, or call to book book aa free home consultation, and we’ll we’ll show you how easy it is to transform transform your kitchen with our granite, quartz quartz or recycled glass worktops.

Call now 01622 297371

Maidstone Showroom: Newnham Court Shopping Village, Bearsted Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 5LH Open 10.00am – 5.00pm Mon to Sat – 10.30am – 4.30pm Sun www.granitetransformations.co.uk/maidstone

[home & interiors ]

mAkeoveR eXpeRt Bathrooms Suite For Home

Kitchen and bathroom remodelling are high on the list of desirable home improvements, often adding more value to the property than the cost of installation. Granite Transformations helped pioneer affordable kitchen makeovers, with its ‘fitted in one day’ pledge, and is now turning its attention to bathroom upgrades, applying the same successful formula of high quality refinishing materials, top quality workmanship from its nationwide chain of showrooms, and hassle-free total renovations. Properties built in the heydays of the nineties and noughties are now showing signs of bathroom ‘fashion fatigue’, so luxurious new refinishing materials and the latest fixtures and fittings will bring bathing facilities bang up-to-date, including perhaps a fashionable walk-in shower room. Owners of older housing can replace faded and worn fixtures and décor with modern bathroom styles, an extra ensuite and a downstairs cloakroom that all add further selling points to a property. The key to Granite Transformations’ makeover package has always been its exclusive collections of beautiful, decorative, fully water-resistant decorative materials that are mostly designed to fit right over existing surfaces, saving demolition, debris and disruption. Its quarter-inch thick agglomerate slabs in granite, quartz, recycled glass and porcelain finishes make for beautiful seamless shower liners, bathroom backsplashes, vanity countertops and hard flooring tiles, in over 50 desirable colours. Meantime, its Trend glass mosaics lend themselves to dado-height tile borders, decorative wall features and eyecatching colour statements in smaller bathrooms and cloaks, with a choice extending from classic subway formats to exclusive designer collections.

It can also draw upon luxury bathroom collections from top brand Roca and elegant accessibility aids from HEWI, as well as other high quality sanitary ware suppliers, to provide a complete remodelling solution. Everything will be delivered to the site on the appointed day and the company accepts single-point responsibility for all installation works. Through a growing network of showrooms, each with its own fabrication workshops, design consultants and expert fitters, Granite Transformations is able to offer bathroom remodelling in a timeframe that’s shorter than complete refits, at prices that are highly competitive, in the following ‘wet areas’. Main bathrooms – replacing existing tiles, closets and basins like-for-like, GT fitters can swiftly install stylish new fixtures and brassware, reface outdated tiles, extend bath and sink backsplashes, resurface vanity and storage units, even create a large shower enclosure or wet area with seamless, nonporous agglomerate slab. Ensuite bathrooms – Granite Transformations can totally update existing ensuite provisions, using a magical mix of luxurious refinishing surfaces and modern space-saving bathroom suites, or turn an

adjoining room or underutilised space into a walk-in ensuite adjacent to a bedroom, perhaps using large floor tiles to create a visual link between both areas. Shower rooms – Granite Transformations can also create a luxurious shower room, either with a fashionably large glass enclosure or walk-in wet room, by totally converting a small extra bathroom or fitting out a spare room; it can fully exploit its waterproof, low maintenance 3m x 1.2m agglomerate slab, applying it as seamless shower liners and large square floor tiles, for a coordinated floor-to-ceiling look. Visitor cloakrooms – it can transform downstairs space, such as closets and areas below stairs, into an eyecatching visitor cloakroom, creating a sophisticated room to wow guests; high quality glass mosaic ‘wallpapers’ can be used to introduce a touch of drama, while white and lighter colour agglomerate floor tiles provide more reflective surfaces, with corner sinks and close-coupled WCs maximising the use of space. Why not call your local East Kent Granite Transformation supplier on 01622 297371 37

[home & interiors ] by vICky kIng, PAPILLon InTerIors, ForT HILL, MArgATe

GIftS foR CHRIStmAS Here at Papillon we believe we have it covered, a gift for everyone. How many times do we hear ‘what do you buy for the man who has everything’, ‘I bought her one of those for her last year’ or ‘she got so many presents for her birthday she doesn’t need anything’. everyone loves something a little quirky and individual, something that has had some thought put into it and something that will be useful and practical yet beautiful and tactile. If you’re having difficulty thinking of that special something that will be admired and talked about have a look at some of our suggestions that are right on your doorstep.

For HIM

I-Clip – a superslim wallet / card holder with money clip, ideal for men who don’t like change. The I-Clip is made from genuine leather and comes in many colours. RRP £23 James the doorman - James the Doorman is the perfect gentleman and will hold the door open for you by wedging his foot under it. A stylish welcome to any interior. RRP £13 eames House bird The Iconic Eames House bird was designed by Charles and Ray Eames and has been a favourite for many decades. A beautiful bird made of Alder that has stood the test of time. RRP £135

For Her

vita eos Feather Light - A stunning, Danish, Feather pendant light, is oval in shape and made from genuinely 38

For THe LITTLe ones

authentic Goose feathers. Adds a touch of warmth and decadence to any room. RRP from £54

Magis Me Too Puppy – Always a favourite the puppy is guaranteed to put a smile on their face. Made of extremely durable and strong polyethylene the puppies are weatherproof, can be used in and outdoors and easy to clean – the perfect pet. RRP from £58

Millefiori vetroquadro diffuser - A bright new diffuser with a quirky design that will brighten any room. Choose from any of our natural Millefiori fragrances to use with it. RRP £32

Alessi Trinity Fruit bowl – Another beautiful yet practical piece from Alessi using manufacturing techniques of laser cutting and metal bending. RRP £89.95

vitra eames elephant - a light hearted and playful design that is perfect for children and adults alike. This perfect piece can be used as a stool, table or as a child's plaything the Eames Elephant will make a striking statement in any environment. RRP £171

[home & interiors ] Magis Pingy the Penguin - Pingy the Penguin is suitable for indoor or

ultimate indulgence. They come in two sizes and you can choose a stonewash or nylon finish. You can even personalise it with your pet's name. RRP from £61.95

dog bowl to indulge your pampered pooch. Its large bone shaped handle makes it easy to pick up. RRP £48

outdoor use. Pingy's round, wobbling belly moves when knocked creating a fun and enjoyable children's toy that won't fall down! RRP £195

For Dogs and Cats

Alessi Lupita Dog Bowl - A beautiful

Alessi Mio Cat Bowl - Another fun design from Alessi, the Mio Cat Bowl sees an adorable white cat sitting up awaiting admiration that can be used as a handle. Available in black and red, the bowl is removable and can be put in the dishwasher. RRP £45 Fatboy Doggie Lounge - These wonderfully comfortable Doggie Loungers are the

Country Warmth Top quality fireplaces from a top quality company

Traditional to ultra modern • Established 30 years Full design & installation service througout the south east 1-3 Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Kent • 01303 240300 www.countrywarmth.com • GAS SAFE, HETAS 39

Kitchens to suit every individual taste and lifestyle.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL AS STANDARD.

Fitzroy, available in 24 striking colours.

Call Now 01233 645530

Unit 15, Heron Business Centre, Henwood, Ashford, Kent TN24 8DH

Roma is a leading kitchen specialist who, alongside expert design flair, provide a unique project management and fitting service. Your kitchen will be provided on time, as specified and fitted by professional and highly qualified tradesmen.

Visit our showroom Mon - Fri ................................9am - 5pm Sat ..........................................10am - 4pm 01233 645530 Unit 15, Heron Business Centre, Henwood, Ashford, Kent TN24 8DH

www.roma-interiors.co.uk

Call today for a free quote 0800 0742 721 www.sbiproducts.co.uk

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WestBay Court is an exceptional and prestigious new development of eight apartments and a luxury penthouse for sale with unrivalled 360O views across Whitstable Bay. The Apartments have been created by a local developer from a landmark, iconic 60’s building in the heart of the fashionable beachside resort of Whitstable, Kent. The high speed link to London (St.Pancras) takes approximately 72 minutes from the mainline railway station at Whitstable. Both Folkestone’s Channel Tunnel and the Port of Dover are accessible within 45 minutes. Prices from £299,950 - £350,000 To request a brochure, please call either: Strutt & Parker tel: 01227 451123 . www.struttandparker.com Christopher Hodgson tel: 01227 266441 . www.christopherhodgson.co.uk

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Open Daily From 7.30am to 2.30am (3am at Weekends) 98 Harbour Parade, Ramsgate CT118LP Telephone: 01843 587925

[cover story ]

By Nerissa Blower

From shy schoolboy to swashbuckling hero, Harrison Ford is a force to be reckoned with. 45

[cover story ] With an acting career which has spanned over four decades, Ford, 73, was ranked number one in Empire Magazine’s Top 100 Movie Stars of all Time. The former carpenter has won over millions of fans with his iconic portrayals of handsome rogues; from the charismatic smuggler Han Solo in Stars Wars to the fedora-wearing rugged adventurer, Indiana Jones. The actor was born in Chicago to Christopher Ford, an advertising executive and his wife Dorothy, a former radio actress. He also has a younger brother, Terence. The Ford family were from mixed ancestry. Ford’s paternal grandparents were of Irish Catholic and German descent and maternal grandparents were Jewish immigrants from Russia. Ford grew up in Des Plaines, a suburb of Chicago and went to Maine East High School in Illinois where he was a member of social science and model train clubs. Eager to follow in his mother’s footsteps, Ford was the first student voice broadcast at his high school’s radio station and became a sports caster during his senior year. After graduating in 1960, Ford studied English and philosophy at Ripon College in Wisconsin. A painfully shy student, Ford signed up for a drama course hoping it would boost his confidence and grades at school. However, Ford decided to abandon his studies before completing his degree

Asa butterfield and Harrison Ford at the "ender's game" Los Angeles Premiere at TCL Chinese Theater

and travelled to Hollywood with his girlfriend to apply for voice over jobs. The actor was unsuccessful in landing a stable job in voice acting but stayed in Los Angeles and eventually landed a deal with Columbia Pictures as a contract player. His first bit part was as a bellhop in the 1966 crime film, Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round. Ford found his career almost cut short before it began during the production of the film. Ford offended the producer of the movie when he defended his acting skills which in turn prevented him landing more acting jobs. Despite this setback, Ford managed to secure

other movie roles including a bit part in A Time for a Killing, a 1967 Western starring Glenn Ford and George Hamilton. Ford played a multiple of nonspeaking roles and uncredited bit parts throughout the late 1960s to early 1970s. Fed up with little career progression, Ford became a self-taught carpenter to support his wife and two young sons. Whilst working in his new profession, Ford put his craft to good use for a few celebrity customers and even took a stint as a stagehand for LA rock band, The Doors in-between jobs. Supported by fledgling producer Fred Roos, Ford landed an audition for director George Lucas’ coming of age film, American Grafﬁti. Lucas was impressed by Ford’s acting abilities and gave him the role of arrogant yet handsome Bob Falfa in the movie. The Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola hired Ford to expand his office and gave the carpenter small roles in his movies, The Conversation and Apocalypse Now.

shia Labeouf, karen Allen, Harrison Ford, steven spielberg & george Lucas at photocall for "Indiana Jones" 46

For Lucas’ upcoming film franchise, Star Wars; Ford was assigned the job of reading out lines during the auditions. His delivery impressed Lucas so much that he was cast as loveable rogue pilot Han Solo in the movies. Star Wars: A New Hope was released in 1977 and

[cover story ] became an instant international success which launched Ford’s career to movie stardom. This was followed by the sequels, The Empire Strikes Back in 1980 and Return of the Jedi in 1983. When George Lucas and fellow director Steven Spielberg teamed up to launch the hugely popular Indiana Jones franchise, they wanted Magnum PI actor Tom Selleck to play the titular role. However the TV star turned it down and the role was offered to Ford. Ford starred as the dashing archaeologist and adventurer in the first film, Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981 which was ranked among the greatest action and adventure movies of all time. This success was followed by the 1984 prequel, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade in 1989. By the 1980s to early 1990s Ford was an established action movie hero and was cast in a variety of blockbuster hits. In 1982 he starred as Rick Deckard in the sci-fi dystopia, Blade Runner and received Academy Award, BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations for his portrayal of detective John Book in the 1985 crime thriller, Witness.

his role as famous adventurer, Indiana with the release of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The film, starring Karen Allen as Jones’s former lover Marian Ravenwood and newcomer Shia LaBeouf was a commercial success despite receiving mixed reviews from critics.

Ford is Vice Chair of Conservation International and following his depiction of fictional archaeologist Indiana Jones, became the General Trustee of the Governing Board of the Archaeological Institute of America. In 2003 he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Despite his international stardom, Ford is an intensely private actor who prefers to keep his personal life away from media attention. A grandfather of three, Ford has fathered four children; Benjamin and Willard from his first marriage to college sweetheart Mary Marquardt and Malcolm and Georgia from his marriage to screenwriter Melissa Mathison. Ford began dating Ally McBeal actress Calista Flockhart in 2002. The couple married in 2010 in New Mexico and adopted a son, Liam.

Ford has indicated that he would like to appear in another Indiana Jones film and earlier this year announced he would revisit his character, Rick Deckard in the sequel to Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner.

An aviation fanatic, Ford is a skilled pilot and owns helicopters and planes based at his 800 acre ranch in Wyoming. He has provided emergency helicopter services and once rescued a hiker overcome by dehydration.

In April 2014 it was announced that Ford and the original cast of Star Wars including Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill will appear in the latest instalment of the franchise directed by JJ Abrams. Ford will return to our screens as Han Solo in the highly anticipated Star Wars:The Force Awakens which will be released in the UK this December.

In 1992 he starred as CIA agent Jack Ryan in Tom Clancy’s Patriot Games and reprised the role with the 1994 sequel, Clear and Present Danger. Ford proved he was on a winning streak in the action film genre when he starred in the 1993 thriller, The Fugitive. Ford played the pivotal role of Dr Richard Kimble, a successful surgeon who goes on the run after being framed for his wife’s murder. The film received universal acclaim and Ford was nominated for a Best Actor Golden Globe. Ford also found success playing the American president taken hostage on his own plane in the 1997 action thriller, Air Force One and as Dr Norman Spencer opposite Michelle Pfeiffer in psychological thriller, What Lies Beneath in 2000. Ford’s triumph took a downward turn in the late 1990s and 2000s when he appeared in some box office flops. These included adventure rom-com Six Days and Seven Nights in 1998, K-19 The Widowmaker in 2002 and Firewall in 2006. In 2008 Ford reprised

Calista Flockhart and Harrison Ford at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood 47

Winter Gardens

Theatre Royal

Disco Pigs Tuesday 24 November

Ballet Theatre UK The Snow Queen Sunday 24 January The Simon & Garfunkel Story Saturday 6 February

Pure Elite Expo & Comp Sunday 22 November Jasper Carrott’s Stand Up & Rock Thursday 26 November

Christmas Party with the Overtones Friday 18 December

Milton Jones Friday 27 November

New Years Eve Family Fun Fair Thursday 31 December

Disco inferno Party Night Saturday 28 November

New Years Eve Party in Winter Wonderland Thursday 31 December

Romesh Ranganathan Sunday 7 February Andy Hamilton Wednesday 25 November

I Am Not MySelf These Days Friday 12 February

Waiting for Godot Friday 27 November The Elves And The Shoemaker Saturday 28 November Stewart Francis Wednesday 2 December

Peter Pan Family Pantomime 2 - 6 December The Sorcerer’s A[prentice Saturday 13 February Kaetherine Ryan - Kathbum Saturday 13 February

Christmas Stein - Bavarian Party Saturday 5 December Noel Fielding Wednesday 9 December

Carols by Candlelight Thursday 3 December

Simple Simon Thursday 18 February

Festival of the Spoken Nerd Friday 4 December Aladdin - Pantomime Sat 12 Dec - Tues 29 Dec Miss Nightingale - the Musical Weds 20 - Fri 22 January

Sally Morgan Thursday 3 March

The Police Panto The Miss-Adventures of Robin Hood Thurs 18 - Sat 20 February

Chas & Dave Thursday 10 December

Sarah Millican Friday 4 March

Hiraeth Tuesday 23 February

Killacam 9 Saturday 12 December

PEJ Boxing Saturday 12 March

Oliver Twist Thursday 25 February

Andy Williams Christmas Spectacular Starring The Osmonds Monday 14 December

The Tannahill Weavers Friday 26 February Your Leisure working in partnership with:

Jackson Live in Concert Saturday 13 February

Box Oﬃce: 01843 292795 margatewintergardens.co.uk | theatreroyalmargate.com

AlAddiN Folkestone’s Leas Cliff Hall &

[days out ]

will cast its Panto spell on you this Christmas!

Aladdin promises the best in family pantomime entertainment with brilliant musical numbers, lavish sets, show stopping dance routines, fantastic costumes and a witty, sharp and hilarious script. Leas Cliff Hall’s spectacular family pantomime, back by public demand, features Paul Ketley as Folkestone’s lovable dame, Widow Twankey, Carole Brice as the Slave of the Ring (Essex

style), the talented Stephanie Coates as Princess Jasmine and returning to the company Calum Erskine (Captain Hook in last summer’s Peter Pan) as none other than Aladdin!

Last year’s record production of Sleeping Beauty was seen by over 9,500 people, so make sure you book early to see this action packed magical family pantomime.

Charlie Byrne will bring the slapstick comedy in bucket loads as WisheeWashee, while pantomime evil will be perfectly personified in Abanazer played by local legend Rob Hancox.

Tickets now on sale from the venue box office (CT20 2DZ) Phone 01303 228600 or visit ATGTICKETS.COM/FOLKESTONE* (*bkg fee)

This season’s fantastic pantomime is brought to you by the same creative team behind past pantomime hits Jack & The Beanstalk, Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. Directed by Bob Osborne, produced by Neil Hunnisett and choreographed By Chloe Scott, a cast of over 100 will transport you to a mystic land far away for a panto experience like no other. Oh yes they will!

Opening Hours Sunday – Thursday 11am til 12am Friday – Saturday 11am til 2am

www.thebenchwinebar.co.uk

LOCAL SEAFOOD Express Lunch 2 Courses

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Freshly Prepared and Cooked in the Open Kitchen Exclusive Craft Beers • Seafood & Beers also Available to Take-Away 37 Albion Street, Broadstairs CT10 1NE Tel: 01843 863003 • www.fishandbeerbroadstairs.co.uk

54www.broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk

BROADSTAIRS FOOD FESTIVAL – OCTOBER 2015 29

GROWING Renée's Health Food Tips

GLUTEN

INTOLERANCE

[health & beauty ] Renée Maguire is a chef, raw nutrition coach, food writer and motivational healthy eating speaker. Through discovering the benefit of her own health improvements she has dedicated her work to helping others find a balance between the foods they love to eat and the foods their body needs. Renee writes for a variety of newspapers, magazines and blogs, and tours the country delivering inspirational motivational talks and food workshops to find out more visit www.rawchifood.com or email renee@ rawchifood.com photography by jo doran

by renÉe maguire

With so many more people announcing they have a gluten-intolerance without ever being tested, I thought it time I share my findings with people who come on my courses. You can’t go in a supermarket these days without seeing the gluten-free isle, with the selection growing week-on-week. The thing which concerns me is how people see the gluten free sticker and immediately think “healthier option”, which, if you read the label on the back of some of these products they most certainly are not - often laden with added sugar.

Gluten intolerance is actually not an allergy, (a common misconception) but in fact a physical condition that effects your gut health. Gluten proteins (prevalent in wheat and other grains) remain in your intestines, you are unable to break them down and digest them properly, your gut and small intestine is in turn irritated and can flatten your microvilli, (present in your small intestine) reducing the amount of nutrition absorbed, leading to symptoms such as chronic fatigue, neurological disorders, nutrient deficiencies, anemia, nausea, skin rashes, depression, and more. By removing gluten from the diet, the gut and lower intestine are allowed to heal and you begin to assimilate nutrition effectively. In some cases individuals are not so lucky. Their guts may heal, but their bodies will never be able to digest gluten. Many people tell me they are genetically pre-disposed to having a gluten intolerance. However, there are environmental factors that can bring that intolerance to the surface and exasperate symptoms. Such as: • Dysbiosis, damage to the intestinal gut flora this can be caused by antibiotic use, by feeding infants grains before they are

able to digest them raises the chances of dysbiosis. Poor gut health can also be affected by the increase in sugar, alcohol and allergens in our foods such as the increase in GMO’s to our food supply over the last 15 years, all contributing to imbalanced intestinal flora. • Poor nutritional intake, affects our bodies ability to break down the proteins effectively, such as deficiency in Vitamin A, might affect the bodies ability to keep the immune system from attacking harmless gluten proteins. When I read the back of a food label and I cannot pronounce half of the ingredients on the packet I do have to ask myself just what am I putting into my body, it’s with this in mind that I would much rather make my own gluten free alternative. I am lucky in that I have not had any symptoms of a intolerance to gluten aside from the occasional bloating if I eat too much bread. However, I still prefer to limit the amount of gluten and processed foods I add to my diet and prefer to make quick and healthy alternatives that I can see all the ingredients added to my food.

banana bread Ingredients 1 cup of oat flour or coconut flour 1/3 cup flax meal, (ground flax) 1/2 cup walnuts 2 bananas 1 tsp cinnamon Method Process all the ingredients in a food processor. Transfer to a mixing bowl and need into a dough. Form into two even sized loaves and pop in a dehydrate oven for 5 hours or a conventional oven on 50 oC for 3 hours. Slice and serve.

Here is a favourite of mine to enjoy on a Sunday morning with some home made damson jam and a pot of chamomile tea while I read the papers. 55

[food & drink ]

GAstroNomy, GaMe & Golf

THe Chef’s FoRum

at Eastwell Manor

Photography by Majella O’Connell

Top chefs from across Kent came together to enjoy an afternoon of gastronomy, game and golf at the latest meeting of The Chefs’ Forum on Monday 16th November.

Held at Eastwell Manor, near Ashford, the event gave the county’s culinary talent the chance to network and meet leading suppliers whilst giving learners from HIT Training the opportunity to work in a professional kitchen. The afternoon began with a welcome speech by owner of Eastwell Manor Mr Turrloo Parrett and Catherine Farinha, founder of The Chefs’ Forum. A drinks reception with canapés then followed, prepared by Byron Hayter from Eastwell Manor with the help of the learners – Ingredients were donated by Chefs’ Forum sponsors Turners Fine Foods and Koppert Cress. Byron said: “It was a pleasure to have these young people working in my kitchen, all of whom showed great potential.The food that they produced was excellent and I am proud to say that it came from my kitchen.”

After the reception and networking event Byron then joined forces with his Sous Chef, Richard Scutt to give a cookery demonstration showcasing dishes from his menu. This was followed by a presentation on game butchery showing how to prepare and dress different game birds in the feather. The event ended by giving guests the chance to show off their golfing talents on the hotel’s golf course with a prize awarded to the chef with highest number of stableford points over 9 holes.The winning chef was Joshua Hackett, Head Chef at Dunkerley’s Restaurant in Dover, who won lunch and golf for four people at Eastwell Manor and an Audi of his choice for the weekend, courtesy of Chefs’ Forum sponsor East Kent Audi. Catherine Farinha said: “It is great to hear so much positive feedback on the work

of the Hit Training learners here today. The Chefs’ Forum is all about giving opportunities to the next generation of chefs and I think everyone would agree that today was a great opportunity for them.

“I would like to thank everyone for coming today, and especially our sponsors without whom these events would not be possible.”

THe

C H A R L E S CD D I C K E N S P U B , K I TC H E N & D I N I N G R O O M S

FRESHLY PREPARED FOOD

LOCAL LY SOURCED INGREDIENTS NEW MENU EVERY DAY

AWA R D W I N N I N G B R OA D S TA I R S G A S T R O P U B ST U NNING V IE W S AC RO SS V IK ING BAY & B ROA DST A IRS HA RB O U R 5 - 6 V I C TO R I A PA R A D E , B R O A D S TA I R S , K E N T C T 1 0 1 Q S C A L L 0 1 8 4 3 6 0 3 0 4 0 TO B O O K YO U R TA B L E O R S AV E T I M E & B O O K O N L I N E : W W W.C H A R L E S D I C K E N S B R O A D S TA I R S .C O. U K

[food & drink ]

tHe AmbRette cANterbuRy

By Pete Nichols

Having visited Dev Biswal’s Ambrette restaurants in Margate and Rye on numerous occasions, I had a pretty good idea what culinary delights were in store for me when I booked in for a Sunday evening at the youngest of his gourmet Indian restaurants in Canterbury city centre.

Formerly the Beer Cart Arms, a sizeable pub/rock music venue, the building underwent a complete renovation prior to opening its doors in July last year and has been transformed into a wonderful dining space; with room for 100 covers it’s the most capacious of the three Ambrettes to date. The glow from the softly lit restaurant beckoned us in.The décor is classy yet simple, with duck-egg blue panelling and feature walls with modern vibrant floral and seed wallpaper in dark green, reds and golds.There are wood floors throughout with a section inlaid with beautiful ornate pattern tiles (apparently the tiled floor was unearthed during the renovations – hidden for years under the beer-stained floors of the Beer Cart Arms). Although the space is large and uncluttered, the low ceilings and soft lighting give a sense of warmth and intimacy. Warmly seated and greeted we are all set to move on from admiring the aesthetics or the décor to admiring the Ambrette’s award winning cuisine.

Dev Biswal trained at the Dubai Sheraton, before moving to London in 2003, aged 26, for spells at Mangoes and Eriki prior to opening his Margate restaurant (initially named “The Indian Princess”, before being renamed “The Ambrette” (after the Indian flower known for its culinary and aphrodisiac properties). His primary influences are southern Indian but, as the restaurant website opines; “Dev Biswal has an adventurous, artistic and open minded approach to creating dishes. As a result, influences of other global cuisines such as French and South East Asian are reflected through the menu.” Indian influences, by the way, does NOT mean curry, because despite managing to win winning ‘Best Restaurant in the South East’ by the Cobra Good Curry Guide, the Ambrette is a curry-free zone. Instead the diner is treated to a menu filled with beautifully presented dishes, packed with well-balanced flavours, using the finest seasonal and often local (often, in fact, foraged) produce. One of my favourite aspects of dining at The Ambrette is the selection of ‘surprise’ amuse-bouche/post-starters/ pre-desserts (or whatever you want to call the wonderful additional extras you’re

treated to between courses).This time out we were treated to a pre-starter of a sweet potato dumpling with fresh local salad, fruit chutneys and a popadom crisp, a mid-course tomato and beetroot soup with black pepper, and a palate cleansing mixed fruit grenita, infused with popping candy. The menu at the Ambrette is everchanging, but some popular dishes can usually be found, so I was grateful that my all-time favourite starter of soft shell crab was still on offer.The crab is served with smoked crab raita, locally grown sea purslane salad and home-made crab and beetroot cake.The crab can be (and is!) eaten in its entirety, shell and all. It’s crisp, wonderfully spiced, and tastes exquisite. Other starters included breast of wood pigeon smoked with cloves and marjoram, and breast of poussin marinated in fresh turmeric and cumin.

[food & drink ]

For my main I opted for another platter of taste sensations with the trio of Kentish venison (loin, carpaccio and shoulder) with hickory smoked fennel, potatoes, poached beetroot, pickled pears, sauce of apricot and root ginger; while my wife wolfed down the pan grilled saddle of British lamb, pickled carrots, roasted shallots and sweet potato crisp with mutton samosa which also came with a pickled mango chutney, stir-fried mushrooms, fondant potatoes, sauce of fresh tomatoes and pickling spices.We also had to order our favourite sides crispy green okra and roasted fresh cauliflower. With so many different textures and flavours it’s a testament to Dev’s culinary prowess that your taste buds are never overpowered, confused, or offended. A perfect balance is struck each and every time.

With just enough room left for dessert my wife had her “usual” crème brulee, although the Ambrette’s offering of rose and vanilla brulee with fresh mango and dehydrated rose petals offered a colourful and flavoursome twist, as did my “Ambrette style profiteroles with orange and saffron cream served with a cardamom scented chocolate sauce”.

dining”.Well, perhaps in price, but in my opinion dining doesn’t get much finer than at the Ambrette.We will be back – again and again.

Dev is keen to impress that his restaurants are “mid-market” rather than “fine-

For those of you who want to explore the wonders of the Ambrette in a little more detail there is a £44.95 tasting menu available (£64.95 served with matching wines with every course) and look out for seasonal specials.

“CONFIDENT, BEAUTIFULLY EXECUTED COOKING” “THEY’RE A REVELATION” DAILY MAIL Tom Parker Bowles

MULTI AWARD WINNING RESTAURANTS FROM DEV BISWAL MARGATE

Call 01843 231 504 44 KING STREET MARGATE OLD TOWN KENT CT9 1QE

CANTERBURY

Call 01227 200 777 14-15 BEER CART LANE CANTERBURY KENT CT1 2NY

RYE

Call 01797 222043 kirsty@theambrette.co.uk | www.theambrette.co.uk

6 HIGH ST RYE EAST SUSSEX TN31 7JE 59

[food & drink ]

oAkLey & FoWLeR's CHrIsTMAs AT

wAllEtt'S CoURt

What a treat we have for all you budding masterchefs this issue! An entire alternative Christmas menu from one of kent’s finest Chefs, Michael Fowler. Michael trained under Marco Pierre-White and rick stein and is now resident Chef at the wonderful Walletts Court, where he works alongside Master Chef Chris oakley.

As well as working tirelessly in the Walletts Court kitchens, ‘Oakley & Fowler’ also teach Cookery Masterclasses; ideal for the novice to learn new skills, or great for the more experienced cook to glean some of the hints and tips from the professionals to lift their cooking from good to great.

FIRsT CouRse

Seared North Atlantic langoustines with a ginger and lemongrass bisque Ginger and Lemongrass Bisque Ingredients: 50ml olive oil 500g reserved langoustine shells 1kg crab or lobster shells 2 carrots 1 onion 1 stick celery ½ fennel bulb 2 cloves garlic 2 star anise

3 tbsp tomato paste 4 lemongrass, chopped 200ml dry white wine 2ltrs cold water 500ml fish stock thumb-size piece ginger, chopped 2 tins coconut milk 5 sprigs fresh thyme 1 bay leaf 4 x 25ml shots brandy Method: Roast all the shells in 180degree oven until colour change. Chop all vegetables, soften in olive oil and add the tomato paste, toss in roasted shells and the brandy; light to burn off alcohol. Add all other liquid and simmer for 1½ hours. Strain and reduce to sauce/bisque consistency. Saffron Pasta Ingredients: 2 tbsp saffron water (a pinch steeped in hot water) 590g 00 pasta flour 4 whole eggs 6 egg yolks

Method: Add all the ingredients together and pulse in a blender until breadcrumby,Turn out and work until a dough is achieved, then chill for 30 minutes to relax. Roll out the dough mixture to thinnest setting on a pasta machine, use tagliatelle cutter. Carrot and courgette spaghetti Ingredients: Carrot Courgette Method: Peel the carrots, wash, top and tail courgette and use a spiralizer to create spahetti-like strands. Langoustine Ingredients: 1kg live/fresh langoustine. Method: Blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds. Place in an ice bath (50% ice, 50% water). When chilled, peel reserve shells.

[food & drink ]

MAIN COURSE

Slow-braised Ox Cheek with truffle pomme puree and winter greens Ox Cheeks Ingredients: 8 ox cheeks, trimmed (ask your butcher to trim them ready) 4 small onions, chopped 4 celery sticks 4 carrots 1 head of garlic, smashed

DESSERT

Wallett’s Chocolate Plate Marquis of chocolate with hot chocolate fondant and white chocolate ice cream. At Wallett’s we use 80% cocoa solids Valrhona chocoloate, but use the best you can find Chocolate Fondant Ingredients: 250g butter 250g Quality chocolate 5 egg yolks 5 whole eggs 125g caster sugar 50g plain flour Method: Melt chocolate & butter in a bowl over simmering water. Beat eggs & sugar until pale, fold in chocolate, sift in flour. Put into dariol moulds/ramekins that have been buttered & floured. Chill, then bake 10 minutes 180oC

small handful of fresh thyme 1 tsp black peppercorns, lightly crushed 1 pinch of salt 3 bay leaves 2 bottles of red wine 400ml port Method: Place all ingredients in a casserole and marinade the ox cheeks, chill for 24 hours. Simmer, covered on the hob for 2 ½ - 3 hours

Chocolate Mousse Ingredients: 135g Quality chocolate 1 leaf gelatine 1 egg (room temperature) 1 egg yolk (room temperature) 300ml cream Method: Soak the gelatine in cold water. Melt chocolate in a bowl over simmering water. Break the eggs iunto another bowl, warm cream and pour over eggs, beat and return to pan cook to 82oC (use a thermometer!) add the gelatine and whisk into chocolate. Pour onto chilled caramel truffle. Chocolate Icing Ingredients: 200ml cream 150g dark chocolate Method: Heat cream and beat into chocolate.

Truffle mash Ingredients: 1.25kg Maris Piper Potatoes 125 ml double cream 62.50g butter 15g olive oil 1 ½ tbsp. chopped black truffle or truffle oil to taste Method: Cook potatoes in salted water until very tender. Drain and return to the pot, stir over medium heat until excess moisture evaporates.Then mash, add cream, butter, olive oil and truffle, season to taste. Caramel Truffle Ingredients: 40g castor sugar 140ml cream 250g milk chocolate Method: Make caramel. Add cream. Pour onto chocolate. To assemble pour caramel truffle in moulds to chill. Add a layer of chocolate mousse to chill and top with chocolate icing White Chocolate Ice Cream Ingredients: 320g white chocolate 500ml double cream 1ltr milk 100g icing sugar 280g liquid glucose Method: Bring cream to the boil. Simmer and add the liquid glucose and icing sugar. Add milk and chill. Churn mixture in an ice cream machine, then set in freezer.

Chocolate Pastry Ingredients: 40g cocoa powder 160g plain flour 80g icing sugar ½ tbsp salt 80g unsalted butter, diced 1 egg Method: Sift cocoa powder, flour and icing sugar. Add salt and blend, then add butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, then add the egg. Chill, roll out to ½ cm in thickness bake 180oC 5-8 minutes. Cut out with 5cm x 5cm butter, chill. 61

The Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie

Alfresco dining Stunning views of Minnis Bay Freshly brewed coďŹ&#x20AC;ee & teas Locally sourced, freshly prepared food Ice cream Great selection of local ales, international lagers and wines

The Parade, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9QP T: 01843 841844 - E: minnisbay@shepherd-neame.co.uk - W: www.theminnis.co.uk

[food & drink ]

CelebRate ChristmAs iN styLe at EAstwell MAnoR

The sights and smells of Eastwell Manor’s Christmas decorations are legendary. The real Christmas trees, including a 20ft tree by the stairs, will be adorning the hotel between 28th November and 6th January: we thoroughly recommend a visit! Organise your bespoke personal or corporate Christmas party in the Manor: the historic, wood panelled rooms, suitable for up to 80 people, look even more beautiful by candlelight.The Pavilion is ideal for bigger, less formal parties of 60 – 120 people.Your event will be tailor-made for you; the event organisers can arrange any additional entertainment to make your party one to remember. Eastwell Manor has some wonderful events planned over the festive period.

Slip on your dancing shoes and go to a Christmas Ball; enjoy the romantic sounds of “Michael Bublé” and “Frank Sinatra” at the Vegas themed party or, for the more energetic, there is a fabulous Motown tribute act and a 1980’s evening. Each event begins with a reception before a specially created dinner in the two rosette Manor Restaurant (recently voted the 5th most romantic restaurant in the country by The Times) followed, of course, by exceptional entertainment.Why not spoil

yourself and your loved ones: go to an event and stay the night from £80 per person. All overnight stays include full English breakfast and use of the extensive spa facilities. For further information, to request a brochure or to make a booking please call 01233 213020 or email reservations@eastwellmanor.co.uk. The electronic version of the festive brochure is available at www.eastwellmanor.co.uk

[food & drink ]

HYtHE BAy by sArAH CroFT

resTAurAnT, dover

If you love seafood then you will love Hythe bay at dover. on a rather chilly evening in october, I took a trip with my partner to sample what’s on offer. We were pleased at how easy the restaurant was to find and that there was a choice of free parking available along the esplanade. The view from the restaurant was commanding and well worth the trek from Westgate.To our left, the strident white cliffs of Dover, the castle lit up under the stars – to my right, the magnificent port and the distant busying of ships slowly making their way back into harbour for the night. Once through the doors and up the stairs (noted the provision of a lift for less able bodied patrons) any chills in our bones were forgotten, as we were greeted with warmth by our immaculate waitress Alison, who showed us to a

table overlooking the harbour with an uninterrupted view of the port. The restaurant itself was large and well thought out with a subtle nautical theme. The presentation was classy, understated and seamless. Everywhere we looked, we could see evidence of a team who loved their restaurant – the staff were smart, softly spoken and readily available.The bar was gleaming and well stocked with a huge range of drinks available – The tables were well laid out with crisp white napkins and spotless cutlery. There was a gentle buzz from others enjoying their evening. Alison showed us the extensive list of over 25 wines, all of which were

reasonably priced.There was a choice of drinks available including a refreshingly varied champagne list. I was a little lost amidst the variety on offer but Alison knew her wines and guided us to an excellent 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, which was served and chilled to perfection. Whilst we were sipping our smooth Sauvignon and enjoying the magnificent view, Alison brought us some of the restaurant’s complimentary mackerel pate with warm rolls which was delicious and light, not too strong. I would choose this again. The menu offered seventeen starter choices and sisteen different mains to choose from. My more decisive dining partner quickly chose the Thai spiced fish cakes, whilst I debated pan seared scallops with cauliflower puree, black pudding and pea shoots, or Dorset crab and avocado tian served with a citrus coulis… or maybe the Trio of Melon with crayfish… Luckily, Alison knew every dish and was on hand to help. I was directed to the Chef ’s Specials board behind me and opted for the grilled oysters. The presentation of our chosen dishes was flawless; I especially liked the gentle nautical navy ribbon tied around my chunk of lemon and the ‘seaweed-esque’ salad my oysters were served upon.

[food & drink ]

With a shot of tabasco, my grilled oyster heaven commenced. My oysters were as fresh as they could be, exquisitely prepped, full of flavour and utterly divine. I cannot recommend them enough. My partner’s Thai spiced fish cakes were dreamy too – seared in an egg-glaze and served on a colourful medley of pickled vegetables; I noted the lightly ‘pinked up’ baby corn, looking like a soft octopuses tentacle as yet another tongue in cheek nod to nautica.The chilli mayonnaise married the flavours together and really brought the dish to life. I had chosen as my main ‘Coquille St Jaques’ A scallop gratin with a mushroom and leek cream sauce, mashed potatoes topped with parmesan cheese , which

was superb. The clear scallops were melt in the mouth. My partner opted for a classy cod and chips.The batter was light and expertly crisped, the cod bright white and flaked onto the fork with not a trace of bone. The chips were hand cut, huge and hearty. It is rare to go to a restaurant and be treated to food so delicious that our total conversation evolved around the meal. Our wine glasses were topped up without encouragement from the attentive service of Alison and we really felt well looked after. We were now both quite replete but could not resist the dessert menu, sharing a sticky toffee pudding.We were presented with two

slices of sticky joy, served with fresh raspberries and strawberries, oozing toffee flavours lifted by cool vanilla ice cream. Divine! From the exceptional service to the beautiful setting, from our initial warm greeting, to the remarkable flavours we had experienced; this is a top restaurant with a talented team who really care about their customers.The head chef John Prest is clearly a talented man. If you want to go somewhere warm and welcoming on a cold night, to be greeted like an old friend and have your taste buds tantalised, get down to the Hythe Bay at Dover for an experience that will leave you feeling fulfilled and truly cared for.

[food & drink ]

Lee Behan

Cottage Pie By Lee Behan

Serves 4

Winter; chilly walks, dark nights, open fires, condensation laden pub windows with flickering shadows on the inside; one pot foods, casseroles, stews, coq au vin and of course our very own and very British cottage pie. Historically made from left overs, this is very much the centrepiece of our table at least once a week and is always a crowd pleaser especially when served with baked beans - Enjoy!

Lee's love affair with food started at an early age, joining his Chef father in professional kitchens every spare weekend or holiday available. At the tender age of 13 he cooked dessert for a list of dignitaries which included HRH Princess Anne; opting for a seasonal Summer Pudding with clotted cream. As he notes himself "it involved no real cooking". Lee has had the opportunity to cook with many of the UK's leading chef's including Mark Hix, Anna Hansen MBE and Gizzie Erksine; celebrities such as actress and designer Sadie Frost, singer Boy George and Hollywood actor Stanley Tucci have all enjoyed Lee's food via varied & epic fundraising dinners.

Ingredients:  500g extra-lean minced beef

 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For the mash::

 1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed

 1 tbsp tomato puree

 575g potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

 1 large onion, peeled and chopped  2 carrots, washed, trimmed and diced  2 tbsp plain flour

 1 tbsp brown sauce  half a cinnamon stick  1 star anise

 1 tbsp (heaped) butter  Splash of milk

 salt and freshly ground black pepper

 500ml beef stock

method: 1. Heat a large non-stick frying pan and

add the mince. Fry for 6mins, stirring occasionally, until browned. Add the garlic, onion and carrots and cook for a further 2mins. Stir in the flour and add the cinnamon and start anise and cook for 1min.

2. Add the stock to the pan, stirring,

then add the Worcestershire sauce and tomato puree. Season with black

pepper. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10-15mins, removing the lid for the final 5mins. 3. Meanwhile, cook the potatoes in a

large pan of lightly salted water for 15mins or until both are tender. Drain well then mash with the low-fat spread or butter. Season with black pepper. Cover and set to one side.

4. Spoon the mince into a large shallow

dish, then top with the potato mash, smoothing the surface. Place under a preheated grill for 4-5mins or until the top is golden brown. Serve hot with steamed vegetables.

tHE BENCH

[food & drink ]

oFFer THeMed WIne PresenTATIons

The bench wine and tapas opposite ramsgate main sands are now offering wine tasting evenings hosted by resident sommelier, John Macdougall.

The Bench, which opened earlier this year has received rave reviews for its unique set-up, stylish décor and fantastic food and wine. Although the food is outstanding (and at £25 for 5 dishes all day SundayThursday, great value), it is the win which takes centre stage here.The Bench’s wine dispensing machines allow you to sample over 60 wines, by the glass at the perfect temperature. Knowledgeable staff will happily make recommendations for the best wine for your meal. And now, that knowledge can be passed

on to you with John MacDougall’s themed wine presentation evenings.

credit on a wine card (credit card shaped tokens which you use to pay for wine from the automated machines), plenty of bread, cold meats, cheese, and olives – and of course the wine tasting session.The sessions, which take place in The Bench’s private dining room “The Cavern” are, according to John, “informative but informal”, with customers encouraged to contribute to group tasting notes and to score the wines together.

The wine tasting evenings take place once a fortnight, and previous themes have included; Spanish wines, Aromatic wines, Minerality in wine, and New World vs Old World wines. December’s evenings are on Wednesday 2nd December where the theme will be Sparkling wines, and Wednesday 16th December where you can learn about Christmas Day wines.

For more info go to www. thebenchwinebar.co.uk or call Lisa or John on 01843 588063.

The groups take up to 12 people and the cost is £30pp, which includes £10

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[food & drink ]

A Trip to

CoNtiNo By daniel sidders

Wine as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary: (Noun) An alcoholic drink made from fermented grape juice. It sounds pretty basic doesn’t it? Yet the UK imports more wine than any other nation on earth so there must be more to it than that… and indeed there is!

It was a privilege to be invited to visit northern Spain last week by one of our main suppliers; ostensibly this visit was to a couple of vineyards with the aim of discovering a little bit more about a few of the wines we sell at The Shakespeare. However, I wasn’t expecting to come away feeling humbled by the people I would meet and inspired by the vines they so clearly cherish. We went to visit the vineyards operated by a company called Cune and at the first vineyard, which produces their Imperial wines we undertook a brief tour followed by a well tutored tasting of the previous years vintage and a few slightly older bottles over lunch. Informative and fun this was a lovely way to pass an October afternoon which should have been spent in the office back home, yet it was nothing in comparison to the experience which lay ahead.

The Compania Vinicola del Norte de espana (Cvne or Cune) also offer the delightful Contino Rioja made using grapes harvested from fifty year old vines on a small parcel of land in Laguardia, and it was here we were introduced to Jesus Madrazo; a fifth generation winemaker whose family own half of the Contino vineyard in partnership with Cune. It was Jesus who had the remarkable ability to humble with his modesty whilst inspiring with the products of his life’s work. We listened as he described the history of his vineyard, fascinated as he recounted the weather and exact dates of storms and frosts over decades. Each year, each vine, each harvest and each vintage came alive as he spoke of them in his shy, faltering English. He described each of his wines and how he carefully blends each component to create the finished product, which was extremely drinkable!

In Rioja they call Jesus Mr. Graciano as he is one of the last winemakers to grow the Graciano grape in a region that has now become synonymous with the Tempranillo grape, and he describes this not so secret ingredient as the soul of Contino. It was only with this last point that I found myself disagreeing with him. The true soul of Contino was not a grape but Mr. Graciano himself. A studious custodian of long established values and practices, with a flair for experimentation and a deep respect for the processes involved in turning that fermented grape juice into something much, much more. To discover more, come and sample some of our delicious choices join me at The Shakespeare Wine Bar in the heart of Canterbury City Centre, over looking the spectacular Cathedral… The Shakespeare 5 Butchery Lane, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2JR 01227 463252

[travel ]

A sTAy AT THe

StAffoRd by PeTer nICHoLs

I’ve always loved the St James area of London, bounded to the north by Piccadilly, to the south by the Mall and St James’s Park, to the east by Haymarket and to the west by the Ritz and Green Park.You can almost smell the old money as you meander through the streets lined with grand palatial buildings, historic and highly exclusive retail outlets (Fortnum & Mason, Lobb the Bootmaker, & Turnbull & Asser Shirtmakers to namedrop a few), and a selection of wonderful ‘gentleman’s clubs’, art galleries, and the fabulous “London Library”, the world’s largest independent lending library. I especially like the clutch of elegant five-star hotels nestled within St James narrow streets, and none more so than The Stafford, tucked away discreetly at number 16-18 St James Place where I find myself happily ensconced in one of their glorious Mews Junior Suites for the weekend. As with many (if not most) of the buildings in the surrounding area, the 17th Century building which now houses the main house of The Stafford was once home to nobility, being the

residence of Lord and Lady Lyttelton in the early 19th century.

The Stafford offers three distinct and contrasting styles of rooms and accommodation, each with their own unique characteristics.There are the classically elegant rooms and suites on offer in the main house, a blend of Victorian grandeur and modern comfort. All are uniquely styled with bespoke furniture and each with its own colour scheme. Exit the rear of the hotel and you enter a charming cobbled courtyard.To your right you find The Carriage House, which comprises rooms, junior suites and the appropriately named “The Guv’nor Suite”. The Carriage House was formerly royal mews and stables of the nobility in the 18th century and the accommodation has retained some lovely touches such as the split-stable doors and wooden beams.The interiors also stay true to the countryside feel. Although every room is first rate, the split level “Guv’nors Suite” is a cut above with its dining area, library, fully fitted kitchen, two bathrooms, and working open fireplace.

Across the courtyard you’ll find the Mews Suites, the final accommodation type at the Stafford, comprising Junior Suites, Master Suites, and the Penthouse Suite.

We were lucky enough to be housed in one of the glorious Junior Suites. With its own front door leading onto the courtyard, you step down a few luxuriously carpeted stairs into a beautifully well-appointed, and wonderfully decorated living space.With its own lounge area, huge, supremely comfortable bed, bespoke furniture, large flatscreen TV, iPod docking station and stacks of storage space, we unpacked our bags and settled in for the night! Perhaps it was the three hours in the car and having to navigate London rush hour on a Friday night, but all either myself or my wife could think of was a nice, deep bath – and we weren’t disappointed. The large bathroom (as with others throughout the hotel) was an all marble affair, replete with a large, deep bath, twin vanity sinks, a monsoon shower and separate room for the WC. After a good, long, soak we both retired to the bed with a few stiff drinks and lashings

[travel ]

of Friday night TV – but not before ordering from the pillow menu (yes, the pillow menu), some additional v-shaped beauties upon which to rest our weary bones.The concierge service is first-rate, and nothing is too much trouble for guests at The Stafford; you’ll pay good money to stay but you are guaranteed to be treated like the nobility who once owned the building from the moment you arrive. The next morning was our first real opportunity to check out the hotel’s “Lyttelton Restaurant” as we made our way to breakfast (which is served, rather generously until 11am on Saturday and Sunday, 7am-10am weekdays). Executive Chef Carlos Martinez and his team offer breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea to both hotel guests and the public After a satisfying combination of fresh pastries, fresh juice, fresh coffee, and freshly cooked Eggs Benedict apiece, we took to the West End in search of shopping, lunch, and sight-seeing. Arriving back at The Stafford midafternoon, we took the opportunity to lap up the unseasonably clement weather, ordering a couple of Bloody Marys from the hotel’s renowned ‘American Bar’ to be taken at one of the tables in the courtyard. Serving some of the best cocktails in London, the American Bar is packed with character and simply bursting with all manner of intriguing collection of artefacts, knick-knacks and signed

celebrity photographs adorning the walls, surfaces, and even the ceiling – all donated to the bar by visitors over the years, a tradition started when an American guest presented the then Head Barman, Charles Guano, a small wooden carving of an American Eagle. Leaving my wife to enjoy another drink I went off to explore the historic Stafford Wine Cellar. A door inside the hotel leads down to the 380 year old cellars which are located directly beneath the stable buildings. Primarily used as a unique space for lunches, dinners, and wine tastings since The Stafford acquired the cellars in the 1960’s, they have in the past been used as air raid shelter and accommodation for American and Canadian officers in WWII, and were home to the Madame Prunier wine shipping company in the mid-19th Century. It is even reputed that certain doorways led straight to the Royal Palace of St James’s itself. The Wine Cellars are presided over by Master Sommelier, Gino Nardella, who with 35 years at the Stafford under his belt makes The American Bar’s Head Barman Benoit Provost with a mere 22 years’ service seem like a relative newbie!

for me, all washed down with a couple of refreshing mojitos. After another sumptuous night’s sleep nestled among our many pillows and soft duvets in our luxurious home away from home we bade a fond farewell to the myriad delights of The Stafford, St James. A boutique hotel to die for in the heart of the world’s greatest city – I can only urge you to stop by and sample the sophistication and splendour of The Stafford.

020 7493 0111 www.thestaffordlondon.com

After a wash and brush up we were treated to a wonderful dinner back at The Lyttelton where we both went for the crab & mango ravioli, followed by a superb Cornish rack of lamb for my wife and a braised shin of beef with parsnip and horseradish purée and black anise carrot

[travel ]

hip

HoustoN By Jaillan Yehia

I begin my weekend in Houston like any average tourist, writes Jaillan Yehia, I know this city has been singled-out by its history of space exploration, that it’s the very definition of a sprawling American metropolis, and that it’s long been famous for oil and gas.

Fast forward 48 hours and I’m wearing my H-Town T-shirt with pride, clutching a NASA fridge magnet and nursing a hangover which reminds me that Houston’s reputation for energy has a real double meaning. I discover all this while a tornado rages in Texas, but it doesn’t stop me having a whirlwind romance with the place Hurricane Katrina survivors nicknamed The Big Heart. HERE’S HOW TO HAVE A PERFECT WEEKEND IN THE TEXAN H-TOWN SATURDAY: SKYSCRAPERS, SCULPTURE, SIESTAS & SAKE Hang Out Above Houston First things first when in a new city: get your bearings, along with a touch of vertigo, while seeing the view from above.

Despite Houston’ iconic skyline there's only one candidate when it comes to hanging out and looking down and that's the South facing observation deck on the 60th floor of the 75-story-high Chase Tower. This is Houston's highest building as well as one of the top 10 tallest stateside skyscrapers.

There's an amazing array of Ancient Egyptian artefacts, oodles of oil paintings and a selection of sculptures - and you can take photos freely which let’s face it makes it a lot more fun.Visit with the Houston City Pass and the $15 admission price is waived. MFAH.org & Citypass.com/Houston

And before you even get inside you'll be treated to a great view; the largest Miro sculpture in the USA marks the entrance to this 1.7 million square-foot structure in the heart of downtown's sweetly named Skyline district. Best of all Houston's Chase Tower Observation Deck is free. VisitHouston.com Discover The Art of Houston Houston is home to a surprisingly large selection of museums and galleries but if you have time for only one museum while you're in H-Town make it the collection of 64,000 works housed at the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the largest museums in America.

Charcuterie & Siestas JW Marriott's Main Kitchen has made the cut as one of Houstonia Magazine's Top 10 New restaurants of 2015, so make your way back to this remarkably trendy hotel for a mid-afternoon snack. The Artisan Charcuterie & Cheese Board will do an able job of putting you in a Spanish frame of mind – in other words ready for a siesta in the world’s most comfortable bed before tackling a big night out on the Houston town. Marriott.com 74

[travel ]

A night on the H-Town Time to pay a visit to one of Houston's newest night time venues, Tarakaan, where despite an achingly trendy appearance the welcome is as warm as the beaches of Thailand, from where the menu draws its inspiration. The Buddha-beautiful bar and dining room gives way to a DJ as the evening unfolds and what starts out as an appetizer and an aperitivo can easily turn into an entire Asian-inspired food marathon accompanied by one too many shots of superior sake. I’m told that London’s Hakkasan is the inspiration for the venue but this Houston version appears to retain all the right oriental flavours while it jettisons the pretention. Tarakaan.com SUNDAY: SPACE CENTRE, SEAFOOD & SKYLINES Serious Space Exploration The official first word uttered by man from the surface of the moon was 'Houston' - though like most space-era facts there's a conspiracy theory

about this - but how many cities can lay claim to being name-checked from another planet? Houston's Space Centre is one of 10 NASA field centres, and probably the most internationally recognized. The main building, Exhibit Plaza, is a family-oriented affair offering science and technology shows, demos and interactive fun, and there’s also a Tram Tour which will take you on a little outdoor space exploration of your own: through some of the 1,600 acres of Johnson Space Centre to be exact.

Some of the facts you learn here really resonate - like the notion that astronauts travel so fast they see sunrise and sunset 16 times a day from space, or that space suits on the ISS take a full 2 hours to put on but research right here means new ones will take just 10 minutes. That's one giant leap for getting dressed in a hurry - I can’t help but wonder if we women of planet earth could harness the same research. SpaceCentre.org

You’ll spy deer running around and even cows grazing in fields, so large is the area -and the scale of the operation here can't be denied. But the most fascinating part of the tour is the chance to the gawp at the testing area for space vehicles designed to be used at the International Space Station. 15 nations work together on the ISS doing things like building robot astronauts or 'Robonauts' who are so sophisticated they can turn pages of books, use tools and even type on their iPhones.

[travel ] A Texan Shrimp Supper Normally I wouldn’t recommend seeking out a chain restaurant on a trip, particularly for a seafood supper, but after a few days in Houston it becomes obvious that the Pappas restaurant empire – which includes 8 different options for everything from Tex-Mex to Burgers and BBQ is an undeniable part of the fabric of the southern culinary scene. Pappas is to Houston what Starbucks is to Seattle, so a pilgrimage to one of the 4th generation of family restaurateurs’ 80 outposts, all headquartered right here in Houston, is a must. After much deliberation (because everything on the menu really does sound amazing, and because space exploration sure works up an appetite) I decide to try a new dish; as this is as close as I’ve ever come to New Orleans I plump for the creole-inspired Shrimp Etouffee, such a success that I’ve already found a recipe to recreate it at home. Pappadeux.com Gaze at the Houston Skyline & Say Goodnight The Derek is one of those city boutique hotels that makes you jump up and down and squeal with excitement – there’s the rooftop pool projecting classic movies, a free happy hour, an inhouse Starbucks and craft beer tastings, a gigantic wall-mounted scrabble board and a private balcony with ridiculous views of the Houston skyline. It’s the sort of place that almost makes you grumpy that there’s a city out there at all and one capable of distracting your attention and drawing you away from all these toys. So the best advice I can give if you want to actually see Houston is absolutely not to stay at the Hotel Derek – you’ll be hard pushed to leave the lobby. HotelDerek.com

[fashion ]

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Amily Floral Geo Dress £159

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Emmaa Wool Cape £169

Marybel Shoulder Top £99

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[fashion ]

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[fashion ]

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The days of slapping on a bit of your dad's brut or old spice on are well and truly a thing of the past. nowadays we fellas have just as much choice as women when it comes to fragrances. so if you're looking for ideas for Christmas presents this year, here's our quick guide to what we at Fella believe are the best on the market at the moment. vALenTIno 'uoMo'

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One of the most popular cologne lines from Creed. Experience base notes of Spanish oak moss, ambergris & French vanilla. £85 for 30ml at fragranceshop.com

A fresh, clean, profoundly sensual fragrance. A striking balance of timeless woody aromatic notes make this a firm favourite. £72 for 100ml Eau de Parfum available at Debenhams by bobby gordon @ FeLLA, CAnTerbury

Fella is the destination for sharp haircuts. Founded in 2009 by Bobby Gordon, a 15 year veteran of some of Soho’s hottest hair joints. Fella is located in the heart of Canterbury, and brings a unique boutique feel to the barber shop experience like no other in the area. With no appointment necessary & late night openings you can kick back & listen to some cool beats whilst one of the expert stylists take care of you. Fella has a highly trained & skilled team who pride themselves on grooming for the modern man 87

[health & beauty ]

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sToCkINg edITIoN! beauty editor Amy McManus takes us through some of her favourite products to treat your loved ones (or yourself) to this Christmas.

Dr.PAWPAW Tinted Ultimate Red is the newest edition to the British-made collection. The red tint provides a lovely hint of colour for those lipstick free days. Not only is the colour long-lasting, but the nourishing ingredients we have come to associate with Dr.PawPaw products prevent the dryness we’re so used to experiencing from some lip products. £6.95 at www.drpawpaw.com

I love a good dry shampoo as much as the next woman, but I do find myself leaving the room after use due to the fog of hazy scent looming in the air.The Tints of Nature Dry Shampoo contains 99.5% natural and organic ingredients and is an environmentally friendly non-aerosol. It also contains no talc, meaning no chalky residue. Instead, the product uses a variety of naturally derived ingredients including potato starch, rice silk and hectorite clay to absorb oil and condition the hair. £12.95 www.tintsofnature.com

[health & beauty ] There are several reasons why this facial exfoliator has reached my favourite spot on the side of the bath. Not only is the product SLS and paraben free, it contains the highest grade of Tea Tree Oil, which boasts both antiseptic and anti-bacterial qualities.The formula is infused with Papaya Extract to remove dead skin cells and is suitable for all skin types. The exfoliator also contains Bisabolol to soothe and calm, and Allantoin which increases the activity of the Tea Tree Oil to heal and repair the skin. Finally, instead of containing harsh Polyethylene Beads uses the natural alternative of Cellulose Acetate.

This is a fabulous mascara that I love to use during the day; it feels weightless and rarely smudges or clumps.The lengthening effect it provides looks natural and not theatrical.The product claims to help you achieve longer, thicker, fuller and beautiful eyelashes in a matter of weeks. I am not sure how much it truly did this for me, but I did feel as though they appeared longer than usual. However, regardless of the additional claims, I love wearing it. It feels as though I do not have any mascara on at all. £14.00 - www.wrinkleregime.com or www.luxurybeautycompany.com

This is definitely one to put in the letter to Father Christmas. £13.50 - www.australianbodycare.co.uk Treat someone to strong nails this Christmas! Split, dry nails can be a nightmare in the winter months. Luckily, Micro Cell’s Nail Repair Products are infused with Algae and Calcium to repair, protect and encourage growth. Nail Repair and Nail Repair Light & White (for sensitive nails) can both be worn underneath or instead of regular polish. £18.50 from www.micro-cell-uk.com I absolutely love these! As a regular pony tail wearer I often suffer with the dreaded ‘dent’ when relaxing in the evening. I was rather sceptical about the Magi:Bobble at first and thought it looked like a bit of a gimmick, but they really work. The Magi:Bobble has been designed to prevent split ends and hair breakage by reducing tension on the scalp.The hygienic, easy clean bobble, grips hair firmly and still leaves it fresh and kinkfree when you take it down. Plus, there are more colours available than you can shake a stick at. £2.95 (5pk) - www.magibobble.com

[health & beauty ]

HAIR & MAKE-UP

BY JEROME By Joanna M Costello

Excited was an understatement, I was returning to have my hair re-styled and make-up done at a unique and totally personal one-to-one salon with a national award winning Avant Garde Stylist. You probably immediately think I would perhaps be heading off to London for this experience, but I don’t have to fight traffic and stand on stuffy tube trains, its right here on my doorstep in East Kent. Intrigued? Then let me introduce French-born stylist and make-up artist to the great and the good, Jerome Hillion.

Jerome is based at the legendary Walpole Bay Hotel in Margate.The quirky Hotel/ Museum fits his persona perfectly; fun, relaxed, kitsch, unique, and professional. I last visited Jerome over a year ago, soon after he had made what appeared like an unusual decision to leave his successful salon in trendy Spitalfields in London to set up shop in Margate. However, it has proved to be the perfect move for both Jerome and his clients. Jerome enthuses positively about Margate, about his clients, and about a seemingly never ending list of amazing people both personally and professionally he says he has been fortunate to meet here. Jerome has quite clearly has immersed himself in the regeneration of this area and is generous to a fault in his admiration for other unique interesting local businesses. 90

Whilst Jerome was educating me on what is going on in the area, I realised I had agreed to have my hair cut short in a sculptured bob, a vision which I had been toying with for years but never quite had the courage to go through with. Jerome simply made me feel confident to ‘go for it’. His experience, wonderfully warm charm and encouragement made me want to take the risk. A natural networker, Jerome tells me of his various local collaborations with renowned local artists and businesses, stressing how he felt honoured to be part of the rebirth of Margate and to have met the people he has met here. I was reminded how lucky I am to live here and more so now we have Jerome on our doorstop! I have to say that my finished bob looked

amazing and I felt quite emotional as it’s how I’d wanted my hair for years, but had never quite plucked up the courage to do anything about it. It turns out that taking a leaf out of Jerome’s book and making that change was the right decision after all. Although Jerome was the catalyst for my re-style he wasn’t at all pushy and helped allay my fears, as well as taking into account my lifestyle and the time I have each day to style my hair in order that I could easily recreate the look when I got home. Jerome soon began the next phase of my experience ‘the Make-up’ – The first time I had ever had it done professionally. A very experienced artist, Jerome often does make-up for the catwalk and other high profile projects both at home and abroad. His list of clients is growing rapidly locally too. Jerome is incredibly

[health & beauty ]

knowledgeable and passionate about skin, how to get the best out of it and matching colours to suit and complement what nature naturally gave you.We chatted about the kind of look I wanted to achieve and I explained I would love to have the ‘smokey-eye’ effect without making me look like a Panda (which happens when I try to do it myself). Jerome took me though each stage as he gently built my look, explaining it in such a way that I would be confident to repeat the process at home.Voila! I have the ‘smokey-eye’ effect and my skin looks flawless, fresh…dewy even. Surely that’s not me looking back at me! Just as with the hair, Jerome makes sure his clients leave the salon understanding how to maintain and diversify their look; he simply wants you to look and feel the best you possibly can and clearly gets huge satisfaction seeing you leave his haven with a skip in your step! When it was time for me to leave, Jerome asked if I had planned an evening out (which I had of course to show off the new me), but I couldn’t help feeling that I would rather stay just a little while longer in his little cosy boudoir, hearing stories from his past and present and being made to feel special and pampered, like I am the only person in the world for Jerome at that time. It seems that once again I have been “Jerome’d”. Bliss! To add some sparkle and glamour to your festive season call Jerome on 07971 324347 - but be quick as the word is out! You can find out more about Jerome Hillion’s services and successful career spanning 25 years by visiting his website.

jeromehillionhairandmakeup.co.uk

Jerome Hillion Hair and Make Up at the Walpole Bay Hotel 5th Avenue Cliftonville Margate Kent CT9 2JJ Telephone: 07971 324 347 or email: jeromehillion@yahoo.co.uk

[health & beauty ]

keep your kids

fIt foR fREE AT Lydd goLF CLub

Lydd golf Club in kent is to hand out 100 free junior memberships in a bid to encourage local children to take up sport and keep fit and healthy. The annual junior memberships, available to children up to the age of 16, are worth £75 each. The club’s head professional, John Denham, says: “We are giving away these junior memberships to play golf at Lydd for two reasons. First we are trying to attract more youngsters to take up the sport.To some people golf may seem like an old man’s game but that is very wide of the mark. “If kids are given the chance to play golf they will usually enjoy it and will even discover that it’s a ‘cool’ sport. “Our other motive is to help youngsters to stay fit and active. A lot has been written about childhood obesity and if we can do our bit to get kids to put down their computer games and get out in the fresh air to hit a ball around a golf course then we’re happy with that. “Golf is not only great exercise but it develops your concentration and selfdiscipline, helps you to make new friends and improves your life and social skills 92

– after all if you are walking around a golf course with a group of people for a couple of hours you are bound to strike up some good relationships,” says John. So what can youngsters taking advantage of the free memberships expect at Lydd? John is planning to lay on clinics to teach basic skills to new members, who can make use of the club’s floodlit driving range and par 3 pitch and putt course, building up to playing on the 18-hole championship course. John says he can also help youngsters out with borrowed clubs, while pointing out that Lydd’s well-stocked shop has a selection of great value-for-money junior club sets and other equipment. The 100 free junior memberships are available on a first-come, first-served basis and anyone interested should contact John Denham on 01797 320808 (select option 2) or email john@lyddgolfclub. co.uk. John already runs a successful junior clinic on Saturday mornings from 10am

to 11am. He invites all new potential junior members to come along to see what he’s already doing. Children are welcome to join in, which will only cost £5 and includes instruction, unlimited balls and equipment if required. Lydd Golf Club, which is located alongside London Ashford Airport, is home to the PGA in Kent Closed Championship, an event tailored for Kent’s elite amateurs and PGA professionals and organised by The PGA in Kent and Kent Golf Union (KGU). Lydd is an 18-hole 6,629-yard championship standard course, with water hazards on 11 holes, making it a classic ‘risk and reward’ course. A tactical blend of bunkering, strategically-placed lakes, wispy rough and wind makes this course a challenge. Alongside the championship course, Lydd offers an 18bay covered and floodlit driving range, a 6-hole par 3 course, two chipping greens and a putting green. For more details of Lydd golf Club visit www.lyddgolfclub.co.uk

[feature ]

Do soMethiNg

diffeRent

this yeaR make your own christmas gifts! By Stuart Illsley

Making your own Christmas gifts is not as difficult or expensive as you might think, and a hand made gift is always well received. Pick n Paint a Pot, the pottery painting studio in Northdown Road, Cliftonville, have a wide range of Bisque (unpainted pottery) that, once painted and fired, make perfect gifts. From useful and practical items like Mugs, Plates and Bowls to decorative pieces like tree decorations, nativity sets and Christmas figures. Pottery painting is a creative activity people of all ages and abilities can enjoy and you do not have to be an "artist" to create beautiful results. The studio has a wide range of Christmas items like tree decorations as well as Santa, Reindeer or Snowman figures, bowls and plates. Many items can also

be personalised with a message for the recipient.

If you have never tried pottery painting before why not give it a try, help and advice is always on hand. In the run up to Christmas there are also structured workshops for both children and adults. The workshops in November and early December have a Christmas theme and include clay, pottery painting and willow weaving. Each workshop includes step by step tuition and you keep the item you make. "Everyone is busy in the run up to Christmas and decorating a personal gift for a family member, someone special or even for yourself can offer a welcome, relaxed break during this hectic period. We try to make everyone

feel welcome and give help and advice to make sure your gift turns out just as you want it. Our workshops are aimed at people with varying abilities from the beginner to the advanced. We even offer a glass of wine during the adult evening workshops to help you relax. So why not come along and give it a try" says studio owner Teresa Illsley. Children's workshops run on Saturday mornings from 10:30am to 12 noon and cost ÂŁ8 per session. Adult Workshops are Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9:30pm and cost around ÂŁ20 per session - workshops include all the materials you need, tuition and refreshments.

Full details are on Pick n Paint a Pots website: www.picknpaintapot.co.uk 93

[title ]

Making dreams come true... • An excellent school in idyllic surroundings • Helping children realise their potential • The adventure starts at 3 • Come and see for yourself

Find out more at 94KENTCOLLEGE.COM

[education ]

AcadeMic EXcelleNce aNd so much More..! High academic standards are a given at St Lawrence College Junior School in Ramsgate where over 80% of its candidates were successful in this year’s 11+ Kent Test. Small class sizes and individual attention ensure pupils flourish and fully achieve their academic potential. Headmaster, Simon Whittle, agrees: “We are ambitious for every child and are proud of our excellent academic record. Teaching is carefully differentiated to stretch and inspire the most able whilst supporting and encouraging those whose confidence is still developing.” Academic excellence is, however, just the beginning. The ethos at St Lawrence is very much about providing opportunities for children to excel in all areas of school life, and the school prides itself on its ability to find something special in each child.

With the country-wide rise in primary pupil numbers set to continue, and more than one in 20 infant school classes now containing over 30 pupils, it is no surprise that many more parents are turning to independent education. The Junior School, like the rest of the College, is currently thriving, with waiting lists for places in Nursery and limited availability in other year groups. If you are considering St Lawrence College for your child in September 2016, the advice is to register sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment!

extra of acres of outdoor space and unbeatable facilities. If you are looking for a Reception or Year 3 place for next September, add to your primary school choices and book a personal tour of the school so you can see for yourself all that St Lawrence has to offer.

www.slcuk.com

The School enjoys all the advantages of a small, friendly, family-orientated environment with the added

Co-educational, Co-educational,day day&&boarding boardingschool schoolfor for3-18 3-18years yearsininSouth SouthEast EastEngland England

With small class sizes and exceptional facilities, St Lawrence College provides outstanding opportunities for all pupils academically, in sport and in the arts.

Limited places available for September 2016 entry Call for further information and to book a visit T: 01843 572931

E: admissions@slcuk.com

www.slcuk.com

St Lawrence College, College Road, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 7AE

[what's occuring ]

November & December

occurring Thursday November 26th – Saturday January 3rd Winter Wonderland @ Bluewater, Greenhithe Once again this year visitors will be able to experience Bluewater’s famous Winter Wonderland, with a host of thrilling activities, including a 6,000 square foot real indoor Ice Rink, a fantastic 40-metre Snow Slide and a Christmas 4D Cinema. Bluewater’s Winter Wonderland will also offer families the magic of Christmas with stacks of indoor traditional rides, amusements, games and more. To book tickets visit: www.bluewaterwinterwonderland.co.uk

Saturday 28th – Sunday 29th November Christmas Artisan Gift Fair @ The Canterbury Tales, Canterbury Kick-start your Christmas shopping at the Canterbury tales! Why not check out the return of The Canterbury Tales popular Christmas Artisan Gift Fair – a special festive market with a medieval twist? Shoppers will be able to enter the attraction free of charge and enjoy some authentic mead at the famous Tabard Inn, before stepping back in time to the streets of 14th-century England and browsing gifts from a host of talented Kent artisans and crafters. Confirmed stallholders so far include Yarns from the Bolt Hole and Black Wolf Survival & Bushcraft. The stalls will be set among the attraction’s vibrant tableaux, which depict five of Chaucer’s most famous stories. Entrance to the fair will be free and visitors will be given discount vouchers for a future visit to the attraction, so they can return with family and friends and experience The Canterbury Tales over Christmas and the New Year.

5.30pm, meet the cast of this year's Theatre Royal Margate pantomime Aladdin and sing-a-long with the gallery's Big Sing community choir, who return for another year to lead the gallery's Christmas carols. Workshop: 1pm-4pm. £3.50 per child / free for adults, under 3s and CT9 residents. Tel: 01843 233000 | www.turnercontemporary.org

Saturday 5th December - Friday 2nd January The Frosted Fairground@ Dreamland, Margate Dreamland Margate will transform into the Frosted Fairground for their first ever Christmas season. Their magical winter experience will include Santa's Grotto and toy workshop experience, Christmas markets filled with the best Kent produce and gifts, festive roller skating round the Christmas tree, and a number of special events including Club de Fromage, The Muppet Christmas Carol film singalong and Christmas cooking demonstrations. Another first is that the Amusement Park will be free to enter and guests can pay to ride. Guests can guarantee their entry on busy days by securing a free ticket online in advance. Tel: 01843 295887 | www.dreamland.co.uk/christmas

Wednesday 9th December A Dickens of a Christmas Dinner @ Eastwell Manor, nr Ashford Arrive at 7.00 pm for a glass of mulled wine and enjoy the ambiance of Eastwell Manor's renowned Christmas decorations followed by a traditional Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings including wine. Enjoy a two course meal with wine, and enter the world of Dickensian England as David Robins brings some of Dickens varied and entertaining characters to life in a reenactment of readings given by the author during the 1860's.

From: 10.30am and 4.30pm on both days For more info visit www.canterburytales.org.uk.

Price: £40pp. To book call 01233 213020 or email: reservations@eastwellmanor.co.uk

Saturday 28th November

Wednesday 9th December

Magical Margate Christmas Hat Workshop @Turner Contemporary

An Evening With Noel Fielding @ Margate Winter Gardens

Join artist Frances Barry and make your very own paper Christmas party hat with lights. Then, as part of Magical Margate, enjoy the town's festive parade, watch as Turner Contemporary's Christmas tree lights are switched on at

Noel Fielding (The Mighty Boosh, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Luxury Comedy) is embarking on his first live tour in five years: An Evening With Noel Fielding Expect a magical mix of Noel’s unique brand of stand-up

[what's occuring ] So add a touch of sparkle to your festive season with this magical mix of music, comedy, adventure and pantomime fun. Tickets £11.90 - £12.90 plus booking fee available from www. atgtickets.com or call 01303 228600

Tuesday 22nd – Thursday 24th December Santa Specials @ The Kent and East Sussex Railway, Tenterden

December

comedy, live animation, music and some of Fielding’s best known TV characters (such as The Moon and Fantasy Man). Fielding’s comedy has seen him perform in venues all over the world (such as The Royal Albert Hall, The Sydney Opera House and Radio City Music Hall) win numerous awards (including Perrier Best Newcomer, The Barry Humphries Award at The Melbourne Comedy Festival and The Douglas Adams Award for innovative writing) and appear on TV shows such as Michael Mcintyre’s Roadshow, Big Fat Quiz Of The Year and QI. There will also be muscular support from the loose stylings of Mike Fielding (Naboo/ Smooth) and the physical lunacy of Tom Meeton (The Mighty Boosh/ Oram & Meeton). From: 7.30pm | Price: £25 call 01843 292795 for tickets

Wednesday 16th December The Nutcracker @ The Gulbenkian Cinema, Canterbury

This Christmas, Kent & East Sussex Railway's hugely popular Santa Specials return with some exciting new additions. As well as meeting Santa Claus and enjoying a magical steam train ride through the beautiful Kent countryside, a fantastic hedge maze is being created for the festive season where everyone will have fun discovering some Christmas magic. On arrival at Tenterden station visitors will be greeted by the sound of the charming Victorian carousel on which unlimited rides can be enjoyed throughout the day by grown-ups and children alike. During the one hour and ten minute journey to Northiam Station, Santa Claus with his elves will visit everyone on the train. Elves will be making an appearance with their sacks of gifts and every child up to the age of 12 will receive a lovely present, while those aged from 13 to 15 will receive a gift of festive chocolates. All prices include an hour and ten minute train ride to meet Santa and a present for each child. Visitors can enjoy unlimited rides on the Victorian carousel. Price: £16 for adults

From the very first notes of Tchaikovskys overture to The Nutcracker, a sense of mystery and magic pervades as Herr Drosselmeyer sets in train the events that will see his beloved nephew, Hans Peter, freed from the enchantment of the evil Mouse King by the resourceful Clara. The Nutcracker unfolds over two glorious acts. Peter Wrights classic production, first seen at Covent Garden in 1984, is an essential part of Christmas for audiences of all ages. See it now streamed live on the big screen in the Gulbenkian cinema.

Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Town Station Tenterden TN30 6HE Tel: 01580 765155

Starts: 19:00 | Tickets: £15, £13 concessions Gulbenkian University of Kent Canterbury CT2 7NB Tel: 01227 769075

What better way to enter into the spirit of Christmas than a carol service at the finest Cathedral in the country? This year there will be two identical Public Carol Services held by the Cathedral to celebrate Christmas. But beware, entry to both services are on a first come, first seated basis – so make sure you get there with time to spare to enjoy this truly, festive occasion.

Tuesday 22nd December – Saturday 9th January Aladdin @ Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone The most mystical pantomime of all time, Aladdin, flies in on a magic carpet to The Leas Cliff Hall this Christmas with a sparkling cast!

Wednesday 23rd & Thursday 24th December Service of Carols for Christmas @ Canterbury Cathedral

Wednesday service starts: 19.30 with Doors opening at 18.00 Thursday service starts: 15.00 with Doors opening at 13.30

Come and see if Aladdin, a poor Chinese boy, can win the heart of the beautiful princess! With a law decreeing that the princess can only marry a prince, and the evil Abanazar up to no good, it looks as though Aladdin’s dream may never come true. And he’s not the only one! Aladdin’s mum Widow Twankey, has got the mixed-up Chinese laundry blues; her other son Wishee Washee is being particularly unhelpful; and they’re also very poor. If only Aladdin could make his fortune and then all their dreams could come true.

[feature ]

odo’S BARn WrITTen by LornA MorrIs (@LornAMorrIs)

sitting above the royal Military Canal and overlooking romney Marsh, odo’s barn is the perfect venue in kent. If you’re like me then not only do you love an old building that has been lovingly renovated, but you also like a bit of history to go with it. Even better is when it’s possible for anyone to enjoy its new lease of life and have a good party in it! Odo’s Barn fills all of these criteria and has fantastic views over the beautiful Kent countryside. The tithe barn dates back to the 15th century and was built on land once owned by Bishop Odo, (Bishop of Bayeux and Earl of Kent) who was the half-brother of William the Conqueror. He was a pretty big deal for a while but ended up in disgrace and lost his property. Despite his misdeeds he was a great lover of the arts; he commissioned the Bayeux Tapestry, and was a great architect who founded several buildings in France, including a cathedral. Today the barn belongs to the Maylam family who are traditional Kent farmers and still farm the land surrounding the barn. Charlotte and Robert have spent the last few years restoring and converting the barn to ensure it’s longevity and continued use. The renovation of Odo’s Barn was completed in early 2014 and it has already played host to several wonderful celebrations including weddings, birthdays, a musical extravaganza, and it has also been used as a location for photo shoots. Seating up to 120 people and with the ability to extend with the use of a marquee the venue offers an insight into traditional Kent with all the facilities needed by today’s modern world. The south-facing terrace is the perfect spot for drinks with its view over Romney Marsh and with a 98

short walk to the 14th century Norman church, St Peter’s and St Paul’s, the barn is ideal for wedding receptions. Charlotte and Robert work closely with local suppliers to ensure that your bespoke event is everything you hoped it would be; a truly special occasion.

For more information: www.odosbarn.com | info@odosbarn.com

KENT’S LEADING COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL

CHRISTMAS EVENTS PRIVATE DINING - at The Manor

VEGAS NIGHT

From £42 per person

An entertaining, American-themed evening of glitz and glamour. Black Tie or Tuxedo optional and a chance for the ladies to sparkle. Start the evening with a ‘Vegas’ cocktail at 7.00 pm followed by our ‘American’ menu finishing with coffee and popcorn. Enjoy the sound of our smooth ‘Sinatra’ style singer with dancing in the Great Hall and try your luck at the ‘fun’ casino and blackjack tables.*

Experience Eastwell Manor’s private festive dining in one of the Manor’s exquisite oak-panelled dining rooms. We will be delighted to tailor-make a menu to suit your budget and requirements. For any size group from eight to eighty people.

PANTO AT THE PAVILION - Aladdin Sunday, 13th December 2015

Join Aladdin, Wishee Washee, Widow Twankey and the lovely Princess Jasmine as they endure the evil Abanazar and his wicked plans to become the most powerful ruler of them all... With a whole host of other magical characters to meet... you are in for a real panto treat... ‘Oh Yes You Are’! Start the evening with supper with the stars.

£35 per person half price for children under 12 Two course supper in The Pavilion Restaurant followed by the performance. Supper from 4.30 pm. Performance 6.30 pm

CHRISTMAS BALLS

Friday 11th December & Friday 18th December 2015*

BOXING DAY BALL Saturday 26th December 2015

The evenings commence with a champagne and canapé reception in the Great Hall followed by a special four course dinner including coffee and petits fours. After dinner enjoy dancing to our resident live band.*

Sunday, 27th December 2015

£80 per person

MOTOWN NIGHT

Monday, 28th December 2015 The evening commences at 7.00 pm with a ‘Motown’ Cocktail. A superb dinner awaits you in the Manor Restaurant followed by live singers “Motown Magic” - dance the night away to favourite Motown tunes.*

£80 per person

1980’S DISCOTHEQUE Tuesday, 29th December 2015

Join us in the Great Hall at 7.00 pm where we will be serving Piña Coladas before going through to the Manor Restaurant and savouring a typical 1980’s menu. After dinner our resident DJ will play 1980’s music and keep you dancing all night long.*

£80 per person

£95 per person Black Tie Events *until mignight

Coming to an event? Why not stay the night?

Overnight accommodation with full English breakfast and full use of the spa facilities from £85 per person

For general enquiries please call our Reservations Team on 01233 213020 or email: enquiries@eastwellmanor.co.uk Eastwell Park, Boughton Lees, Ashford, Kent TN25 4HR www.eastwellmanor.co.uk

Special offers throughout November and December to celebrate 20 years of The Parrett Family at Eastwell Manor - see our website for more information.

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7 Surrey Gardens, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9SA Telephone 01843 844600