Dream Escape Magazine | Autumn 2022

SPECIAL EDITION: Golf, touring and more... Plus: Ireland Chef Michel Roux'sautumnal food favourites and travel tips dreamescape.co.ukAutumn 2022 | Issue DREAM07MAGAZINEESCAPE £10.00 Exclusive Travel Experiences to England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales

A true individual. Born in Dublin. Bred by doing things a little Differentwithdifferently.PaintedaBrush.

Dublin Cork Limerick Galway brownthomas.com Alexander McQueen | Balenciaga | Bottega Veneta | Burberry | Celine | Chanel Christian Louboutin | Fendi | Gucci | Hermès | Jimmy Choo | Louis Vuitton Moncler | Prada | Saint Laurent Paris | Tiffany & Co. | Valentino | Zegna Brown Thomas is Ireland’s most beautiful department store featuring the best brands in the world Our flagship store, a landmark on Dublin’s Grafton Street since 1849, is the luxury destination for Fashion, Beauty, Home and Gifting

AUTUMN COLOURS IN THE HIGHLANDS, SCOTLAND

by Dream Escape Luxury Ireland by Dream Escape

DAVID TOBIN OWNER AND DIRECTOR David

WATCH

FIRST WORDS — Iwould like to start by saying how wonderful it has been to welcome so many Dream Escape visitors to the UK and Ireland this summer, and although travel is proving to be more challenging than usual, we are proud to have navigated these exceptional times and unprecedented demand with the unerring commitment and expertise of ourAsteam.we start to look forward to crisper days, autumn colours and the joys of Thanksgiving and family gatherings, we are constantly out and about, on the ground, innovating and challenging ourselves to find the best experiences and ways to explore and discover the UK and Ireland in 2023 and beyond. Ireland holds a special place in our hearts, with strong family connections, and I am excited to introduce to you the autumn edition of Dream Escape magazine, which has a focus on the Emerald Isle, its heartwarming characters and special things to do and see. Happy reading!

VIDEOS... Luxury

The Highlands very much embody the romance of Scotland; they really are the Scotland of your imagination: a beautiful and inspiring region of ancient landscapes with a fascinating history linkedin.com/company/dream-escape-int OUR Scotland

WELCOME

dreamescapemagazine.com 5 COVER@DreamEscapeLtd@DreamescapeUK@DreamescapeltdPHOTO

© ISTOCK/RECHITANSORIN

12 - There is plenty to add to your diary this autumn, including an abundance of festivals celebrating film, culture, literature, horse racing and motor racing (F1 and vintage cars); and some brand-new art exhibitions

6 dreamescapemagazine.com

32 - We visit two-Michelin-starred Le Gavroche restaurant in London’s Mayfair for an exclusive chat with acclaimed chef Michel Roux in the private Chef’s Library, where he reveals his favourite foods of the season, his must-have travel items, and much more GOLF AND TOURING

42 - Given Ireland has so many beautiful golf courses (over 400!) to choose from, we help whittle down the selection to the very best, with Irish professional golfer Paul McGinley sharing his top ten favourites MOURNE MOUNTAINS 48 – We delve deep into County Down's magnificent mountain range, a dramatic backdrop to exquisite beaches as well as myriad tales of Northern Ireland’s folklore20 42

MEET THE CHEF: MICHEL ROUX

SOCIAL AUTUMNCALENDAR2022

CONTENTS AUTUMN 2022 | ISSUE 07

INTERVIEW WITH EMILY ASTOR: WEEKENDS AT CLIVEDEN 20 - Take a special journey with Emily Astor (granddaughter of the renowned Nancy Astor, first lady of British politics) into Cliveden, a country house with an extraordinary history that was her childhood home and has evolved into a five-star luxurious hotel

gastronomic

THE LAST WORD FROM ROSEMARY AND SAGE 98 – Dream Escape’s Client Relationship Managers Rosie Peattie and Sally Strange, both Blue Badge Guides, relive their highlights from the summer, including the season’s festivals, dramming on the Isle of Islay, classic car driving in the Scottish Highlands and an expedition to Glenfeshie Lodge. ⬥ 70

MEET THE BLENDER DEIRDRE O’CARROLL 70 – A trailblazer in the world of Irish whiskey, Deirdre O’Carroll has risen through the ranks to become a blender at Irish Distillers, makers of Jameson, among many other famed Irish whiskies. She talks exclusively to Dream Escape about what makes a great whiskey, ideal food pairings, and more GOURMET GUIDE TO WALES 78 – Your next road trip around Wales is going to be a lot tastier with our gourmet guide to this underrated country’s highlights

DESTINATION SPECIAL: EAST LOTHIAN 84 – We take you to a lesser-visited part of Scotland, the alluring East Lothian: a well-kept local secret sporting spectacular beaches, native woodlands, state-of-the-art golf courses, and plenty of low-key charm KENT 92 – Our curated guide to Kent is a necessary read when it comes to making the most of your time in a county with numerous vineyards, gorgeous gardens, and a multitude of castles

MEET THE MAKER EMMA WILLIS 58 - We chat to the designer and maker of luxurious tailored menswear Emma Willis, on the changing fashion scene, sustainability, and her charity Style for Soldiers

FASHION FORWARD 64 - It’s London Fashion Week in September, so join us for a glimpse behind the scenes into an exclusive world of personal styling sessions and private tours of the most stylish British ateliers and tailors

8478

IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTOGETTY©IMAGE

dreamescapemagazine.com 7

Melanie Abrams, Jillian Bolger, Chantal Borciani, Sophie Farrah, Emma Johnson, Suzanne Jones, Annabel Mackie, Karyn Noble, Samantha Rutherford

Meet the team... DREAM ESCAPE DirectorandOwner MarketingofHead DirectorandOwner AUTUMN 2022 ISSUE 07 DREAMMAGAZINEESCAPE

DIGITALMANAGERDISTRIBUTION

BROUGHT TO YOU BY Dream Escape

Leading luxury travel design company and destination specialist dreamescape.co.uk

dreamescape.co.uk

contistamedia.co.uk

Adrian adrian.wilkinson@contistamedia.co.ukWilkinson

HEAD OF PRODUCT Louise louise@dreamescape.co.ukMurray

Is autumn a good time to visit? "Absolutely. It is the ideal time for a romantic escape or break with friends. With miles of winding walking trails in warm sunshine by day and hot chocolates and snuggles by the fire in the evening, our woodlands and tree-lined streets are enveloped in fiery red and orange foliage, giving the UK a charm that sets it apart from any other time of the year.”

Annika michael@dreamescape.co.ukannika@dreamescape.co.ukBusamMichaelDaviesSusieLittlesusie@dreamescape.co.ukNickiThomsonnicki@dreamescape.co.uk

Media Contract

DREAM ESCAPE LUXURY TRAVEL DESIGNERS

EDITOR IN CHIEF Jessica jessica.way@contistamedia.co.ukWay

DAVID TOBIN

David founded Dream Escape with Holly in 2005. Based in Edinburgh, their vision was to create once-in-a-lifetime trips and events for a select group of well-travelled and discerning clients. David's previous marketing career included roles at ITV, Saatchi & Saatchi and Carat, where he worked across a wide range of clients. Prior to starting Dream Escape he was a Board Director at MediaCom London and Scotland, responsible for Audi UK and The Scottish Executive. David is a keen cyclist, and across the last few years has cycled around the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland and the North Coast 500 in Scotland, raising money for various charities supporting people living with cancer ⬥

Who inspires you? “I have found inspiration from a variety of people, ranging from Ernest Shackleton and David Attenborough to the composer John Williams.”

HOLLY MACKIE Holly started her career at Carlson Marketing in Singapore after completing her Business & Psychology MA in Edinburgh. After a few years in London working at various advertising agencies, including TBWA, she moved to Edinburgh. Holly is passionate about travel and has a wealth of knowledge, having travelled extensively, including overlanding from India and Nepal back to England. As well as enjoying as much time as she can with her family, Holly would love to complete more charity challenges and get to some of the far-flung places on the map that have always been on her list to visit ⬥

Having moved to the British Virgin Islands in 2011 with her family, she is no stranger to high-end travel experiences, the great outdoors and an odd hurricane or two! ⬥

holly@dreamescape.co.ukdavid@dreamescape.co.uk

sue@dreamescape.co.uk

PUBLISHED BY Contista publishers for the UK travel and tourism industry

What experience has recently inspired you? “Meeting with so many lovely hoteliers and partners from the UK & Ireland at a recent travel event. We are so fortunate to have so many great and inspiring partners.”

SUE MORRIS Sue brings over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and event management in the UK and Ireland travel industry. Sue started her career working for a leading luxury tour operator in London before enjoying 15 years at Tourism Ireland, where she was responsible for various marketing and communications campaigns for the consumer, travel trade, golf, and business tourism sectors.

CONTRIBUTINGEDITORS

ICMI __The Collection

nogyChewtonGlen|ClivedenHouse|TheLArsm|hnwTiafyaMehTroouse|11Cadogan Garde ns | Roadtrip

Your private driver and guide will accompany you on your tailor-made tour to explore stately homes, magnificent gardens, picturesque villages, and glorious coast.

Full of debonair flair and Dandy dare, with an enviable London address with theatres, shopping, parks and palaces to die for.

YOUR ICONIC ROAD TRIP

A beautiful historical coaching inn and spa deep in the Cotswolds, whose previous guests include Cromwell and Charles I, the stories here run deep.

The Lygon Arms

Imagine a journey taking you from the glorious Cotswolds to the New Forest and the coast, dipping into vibrant London via a distinguished country house...

The Mayfair Townhouse

Cliveden House Steeped in luxurious scandal… swim in the infamous Profumo pool or take afternoon tea. It’s the perfect place to create your own moment in history.

11 Cadogan Gardens Offering a totally tantalising taste of Chelsea, with boutique shops and art galleries on the doorstep.

DISCOVER MORE: iconicluxuryhotels.com/iconic-road-trip

Chewton Glen The grounds,spaOriginalEnglish–loseyourselfintheandbeautifulontheedgeoftheNewForestandmomentsfromthecoast.

“The Astors are quite a large family, I am one of 17 grandchildren of Nancy and Waldorf Astor. Many of my relations have achieved a great deal in different fields. Primarily, I think it would be nice if they could be remembered for their philanthropic works over the years, their public service, their generosity and humour. My grandparents: Nancy as the first woman to take her seat in the House of Commons in 1919 and continued to represent her constituency until 1945, and Waldorf for all the work he did as chairman of a committee set up in 1936 that was the progenitor of the food and agriculture organisation of the United Nations.” See page 20 ⬥

DEIRDRE O’CARROLL Blender, Irish Distillers: In 2021, Irish Distillers announced Deirdre O’Carroll as their new blender at Midleton Distillery in county Cork. Having joined Irish Distillers in 2012 via the first year of the Jameson Engineering Programme, Deirdre's talent and skill had not gone unnoticed, honed via her degree in Food Science and Technology from University College Cork and a diploma in Distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling.

“In Ireland, the temperature really starts to drop around autumn. So, to accompany this crisp weather, I would recommend a Redbreast 12 Year Old: a unique single pot still Irish whiskey finished in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks to create a beautiful sweet and spicy character offering autumnal notes of buttery hot-cross buns, dried fruits and spicy oak –truly delicious.” See page 70 ⬥

Nancy Astor’s granddaughter: Emily Astor grew up at Cliveden, which is today a luxury five-star hotel. How would you love the Astors as a family name to be remembered?

Are there any whiskies that you feel are particularly suited to the autumn season?

dreamescapemagazine.com 11 Autumn 2022 CONTRIBUTORS

“I still enjoy sport; I still go running and go to the gym. I do enjoy watching football or rugby. I’m a Quins (Harlequins FC) supporter, so [I go to watch the rugby] down at the Stoop (Twickenham Stoop, their home ground in southwest London). And going out for dinner and things like that, what normal people do.

MICHEL ROUX Chef: As well as being chef-patron of the two-Michelin-starred Le Gavroche in Mayfair (one of London’s finest restaurants), Michel Roux is a much-loved TV personality, gaining popularity from his years as an expert judge on MasterChef: The Professionals, but now with his new second series of Michel Roux’s French Country Cooking, where he creates simple French food that he likes to eat on holiday. What do you like to do in your downtime?

Fishing, when I’ve got time – I’ll fish anywhere; coarse fishing, river fishing, sea fishing, deep-sea fishing, game fishing – any fishing! I’ll do it when I can ” See page 32 ⬥

EMILY ASTOR

20 32 PAGE PAGE

CALENDAR SOCIAL Autumn 2022

BATTERSEA POWER STATION

12 dreamescapemagazine.com

LONDON September 2022 Battersea Power Station is set to rival the London Eye when it opens this month and becomes the new bird’s eye view across the capital. Soar 109 metres up the chimney lift to the 360-degree viewing platform to spot a London landmark – the Houses of Parliament, or the Shard. On the ground, soak up the architectural splendour of this historic Grade-II-listed building which has undergone a £9 billion renovation. Once a working coal-fired power station from the 1930s to 1983, it now includes shops, restaurants and a cinema.

TV chef Gordon Ramsay is bringing a kitchen and bar. ⬥

SEPTEMBER BELLBRENDAN©IMAGE

dreamescapemagazine.com 13

PRINCESS ROYAL AND DUKE OF FIFE MEMORIAL PARK, ABERDEENSHIRE, SCOTLAND

SEPTEMBER

CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE HAMPTON COURT PALACE

2–4 September 2022 | Every September for the past decade, 60 rare vintage cars have been driven into Hampton Court Palace gardens for the Concours d'Elegance –including the Porsche 917k driven by Hollywood actor Steve McQueen in the film Le Mans. So expect even better treasures for this 10-year anniversary shindig. Take the three-seater McLaren F1 GTR Long Tail, for example. One of ten built, the car won at Silverstone in 1997. Then there will be six of the finest Packard Twelves arriving in Britain for the first time from the US, showing why Clark Gable and President Franklin D. Roosevelt drove other models of these early-20th-century luxury American cars. If these have whetted an appetite, grab a prize at the auction, such as 1965 Aston Martin DBS Vantage Convertible, which appeared in the James Bond film Goldfinger And it’s not all cars: discover A. Lange & Söhne watches and other exhibits – and picnic on the royal lawns with a Fortnum & Mason hamper. ⬥

3 September 2022 | Continue the Platinum Jubilee celebrations at the Braemar Gathering – as it’s the Scottish Highland Games often attended by the royal family, including HM The Queen and Prince Charles. A massed pipe band parade starts the day of over 80 competitions. There’s tossing the caber (a tree trunk), and Highland dancing, from the Highland Fling to the Sailor’s Hornpipe. Then there’s a tug of war between army regiments. Discover the Gathering’s history at the nearby Braemar Highland Games Centre. And explore the park’s surroundings, as it is in the Cairngorms National Park. ⬥

BRAEMAR GATHERING

TRUFFARELLILUCA©IMAGE

14 dreamescapemagazine.com

CAZOO ST LEGER FESTIVAL

DONCASTER RACECOURSE

DUBLIN FESTIVALS

IRELAND

Goodwood Revival, Goodwood Motor Circuit

10 September–16 October 2022 | Dublin is throbbing with festivals this autumn. Kicking off with Dublin Fringe Festival from 10 to 25 September. Music, comedy, drama and art sweeps the city, including the first evening sound and light installation at the National Botanic Gardens and a debut stand-up show by rising talent Anna Clifford. Head to the River Liffey’s Rosie Hackett Bridge to see artist Shanna May Breen’s experimental audiovisual performance, evoking a seagull’s view of the city. Then there’s the Dublin Theatre Festival from 29 September to 16 October, with international and local performances across the city’s theatres.

7 – 10 September 2022 | Celebrate the historic Doncaster Cup and St Leger Stakes at the Cazoo St Leger Festival at Doncaster racecourse. First run in 1776, the St Leger Stakes held on the last day of the festival is the world’s oldest classic horse race. While the Doncaster Cup, once known as the Doncaster Gold Cup, first ran in 1766. Be stylish in a midi dress from The Vampire's Wife for Ladies Day – as this could mean winning the Style Award. Watch the action in the Premier Enclosure. But book early for the Sky Garden restaurant as it has the best views of the racing, a private balcony and a professional tipster. ⬥

Top pick: contemporary and traditional Irish dancers fusing their steps through the City Assembly House in What We Hold by Jean Butler. ⬥

SEPTEMBER

16–18 September 2022|

Join Jensen Button and other Formula One racing drivers at this year’s Goodwood Revival, where 1950s and 1960s Grand Prix cars, sports cars and motorcycles race around the Goodwood Circuit. Don tweeds, trilbies or frocks to get into the vintage spirit and see the action from the Salvadori Pavilion’s private garden.

OCTOBER MADRIDTHYSSEN-BORNEMISZA,NACIONALMUSEOPHOTO/ARCHIVEFREUDLUCIANTHE©IMAGE

16 dreamescapemagazine.com

With his monumental sprawling nudes, portraits of family, friends and himself, Lucian Freud (1922–2011) became one of Britain’s most important figurative painters. Now the National Gallery is showcasing a retrospective of his most important works across 70 years to celebrate the centenary of his birth. Highlights include Girl with Roses and a portrait of HM the Queen lent by her Majesty from the Royal Collection. ⬥

CLIVEDEN LITERARY FESTIVAL CLIVEDEN HOUSE, BERKSHIRE

15–16 October 2022 | Once the Astor home and backdrop to the 1963 Profumo Scandal, the stately 17th-century Cliveden House is the glam setting for this top-notch literary festival. Expect to hear from such literary aristos as Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown, political thriller writer Robert Harris or Brick Lane author Monica Ali. Best of all, stay at the house as it’s now a hotel and spa – with private boat trips offered and a hot tub in some rooms. Plus, don't miss our interview with Emily Astor, Lady Nancy Astor's granddaughter (page 20). ⬥

LUCIAN FREUD: NEW PERSPECTIVES NATIONAL GALLERY, LONDON 1 October 2022–22 January 2023 |

BELFAST INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL NORTHERN IRELAND

dreamescapemagazine.com 17 OCTOBER

5 October–6 November | Head to Belfast as the buzzy city celebrates 60 years of its international arts festival this month. Local legends to hot new stars perform music, dance, poetry and more. Highlights include Irish fiddler Martin Hayes who will fuse his traditional music with an ensemble playing jazz and other contemporary sounds at the Grand Opera House. Morocco’s Youness Atbane also performs his absorbing artwork of four fictional characters, creating a contemporary Arab art exhibition at the Metropolitan Arts Centre, known as the MAC. ⬥

Frameless, Marble Arch Place, London

From 7 October 2022 | Stroll through Canaletto’s Piazza di San Marco or Monet’s garden at Britain’s first permanent immersive art experience near Marble Arch. Set out in four different themes (from Beyond Reality to The Art of Abstraction), it’s a multisensory tour of art history from the 15th century through the 20th century. See these artworks in fresh ways as brushstrokes are magnified and abstract rhythms felt.

FRAZERJOHNNY©IMAGE

BARBARA HEPWORTH: ART AND LIFE TATE ST IVES, CORNWALL 26 November 2022–1 May 2023 |

Lynette Yiadom-Boakye: Fly In League With The Night, Tate Britain, London

24 November 2022–26 February 2023 |

NOVEMBER

Carnegie prize-winning British painter Lynette Yiadom-Boakye's fictional characters come alive again on Tate Britain’s walls this month. After the first showing of her vibrant, visceral work in 2020 was cut short, thanks to COVID-19 lockdowns. Her star has risen since – with prices topping £1 million at auction, according to Artprice.

The rugged Cornish landscape forms the backdrop of a new retrospective of Barbara Hepworth’s modernist sculptures at Tate St Ives. The artist lived and worked in the county from 1949 to her death in 1975. (Her home and studio is preserved at the nearby Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.) See how her abstract works in stone, wood or metal were inspired by her surroundings, like her oval forms that seem to resemble the shells found on local beaches. Then there are the works named after her favourite landmarks like Sea Form (Porthmeor), which hints at the sea colours and breaking waves of a beach near her home. ⬥

PRISKKIRSTINAUTHOR/PHOTOGRAPHYPRISKKIRSTIN©IMAGE

18 dreamescapemagazine.com

Cork International Film Festival, Cork, Ireland 10–20 November 2022 | For a mix of big-budget films, shorts, documentaries, local features, world cinema and more, head to Cork for its prestigious film festival. Choose venues that embrace wider local culture like the Triskel Arts Centre, where Irish musicians perform. Stay at the central luxe Hayfield Manor, which has one of the best dining spots in the city: Orchids.

dreamescapemagazine.com 19 NOVEMBER

Experience this unique winter festival at Oban, a picturesque seaside town located between Glasgow and the Central Highlands on Scotland’s west coast. Devised and hosted by locals, the highlights include a reindeer parade where bagpipe players lead reindeers pulling Santa on his sled through the town. The nearby Glencruitten Woods also come alive with performances, lights and music. Markets selling everything from local cheeses to candles are dotted around in the town’s landmarks, such as the Oban Distillery and the historic Perle Oban hotel and spa. Meaning ‘little bay’ in Gaelic, Oban has an active fishing port, which makes this town Scotland’s seafood capital. Ee-Usk restaurant for lobster and langoustine dishes, while overlooking the harbour is sublime. ⬥

OBAN WINTER FESTIVAL OBAN, SCOTLAND

BALLYSHANNON, CO. DONEGAL, IRELAND

18–27 November 2022 |

LAWSONSTEPHEN©IMAGE

2–6 November 2022 | Line of Duty’s Adrian Dunbar and playwright Frank McGuinness are just two of the top names that have talked at the eclectic Allingham Festival. This year’s line-up at the town’s Abbey Arts Centre is equally diverse and includes a night of Leonard Cohen songs, a gig by Galway’s acoustic folk trio The Whileaways, and writing workshops for would-be authors and poets. As one of Ireland’s oldest towns, Ballyshannon has plenty of landmarks to explore, such as its museum with artefacts from Neolithic times. Retreat to Lough Eske Castle deeper into Donegal, with its lavish suites, steam rooms and opportunities to tour the area by bike or horseback. ⬥

THE ALLINGHAM FESTIVAL

WORDS | EMMA JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY | KAROLINA WIERCIGROCH

dreamescapemagazine.com 21

Interview

WEEKENDSCLIVEDEN with Emily Astor –at

With an illustrious and decadent past, Cliveden is renowned as one of England’s most special stately homes. Now a luxurious and beautiful hotel, Cliveden is the backdrop for Dream Escape's exclusive photo shoot and interview with Emily Astor (granddaughter of Nancy Astor, the first lady of British politics), where we discuss the inimitable Astor family who called Cliveden home for over 70 years...

Like a veritable doyenne of houses, Cliveden has been home to two dukes, an earl, a Prince of Wales and, latterly, a viscount. A Grade-I-listed mansion built in 1851, Cliveden means ‘valley between the cliffs’ and refers to the valley which runs through part of the vast 375-acre estate, and includes gardens, woodlands and expansive lawns.

“There was always a wonderful feeling of endless outdoor space,” says Emily Astor, who grew up at Cliveden, as we walk around the house and grounds together. “I will never forget how lucky we were to have beautiful gardens and woods to play in.” She stops in the dining room and draws our attention to the window. “I absolutely love this view, overlooking the garden down towards the Thames. It is nice to know that the hotel guests are able to enjoy this beautiful view too,” she adds. Today, even though they no longer live at Cliveden, the Astor family continue to keep the family archival flame burning by sharing memories of their unique and extraordinary upbringing, ensuring it remains an →

And the hall always takes me back to childhood – the joy of running in and out of the house, the games we played there, large teas in front of the fire with family and friends. And, of course, the huge Christmas tree we had in December.”

“My father attended to his morning correspondence for an hour, and then we would all go riding...”

A three-storey Victorian mansion, it sits on a vast terrace flanked by woodland and a sweeping formal garden, best viewed from the roof of the house (which is specially designed to be safe enough to walk on). A clock tower was added in 1861 and still functions as a water tower for the houseInside,today.the house resembles an Italian palazzo. Visitors enter the Great Hall first, panelled in English oak, with Corinthian columns, a large 16th-century fireplace, a painted ceiling and swags of carved flowers. From here, guests of Cliveden – which became a five-star hotel in the 1980s – can enjoy the French Dining Room with its gilded panelling, the river views from the original drawing room, the cedarwood library and, next door, Nancy Astor’s boudoir. “It’s lovely to come back here,” says Emily. “The hall and the dining room are both the most similar to when we lived there, bringing back happy memories. There were so many delicious meals, and parties filled with lots of laughter in the dining room.

22 dreamescapemagazine.com

essential part of the English historical landscape.“Oneof my earliest memories of life at Cliveden was after breakfast, when I would go and play under the desk in my father’s study with a large bag of wooden bricks,” Emily tells Dream Escape. “My father attended to his morning correspondence for an hour, and then we would all go riding,” sheThererecalls.has been a house at Cliveden since 1666, though it burnt down in 1795 and again in 1824. The 1851 house is the most impressive and striking.

A few years later Stanford University, California took over the lease for use as one of its overseas campuses, with over 2,000 students living and studying at Cliveden for the next14 years. The National Trust then re-advertised the lease (in 1984), and Cliveden Hotel took it over, opening as a hotel in 1985 with the aim to continue the spirit of joie de vivre made so synonymous with Cliveden by the Nancy Astor era. The hotel's motto is ‘Nothing ordinary ever happened here, nor could it.’ There are a lot of magical memories for all of the Astors at Cliveden, and it is Emily who works hard to ensure that legacy and memory remains, now that they no longer live at the house. → “ It is a wonderful place of remembrance of all the brave people who sadly died so very young during the war, while far away from their homes”

dreamescapemagazine.com 23

“One of my favourite places was the water garden – when we were little we would try to fish for goldfish, though we never caught any. I find it now a very tranquil spot,” she says. In 1942, the Astors gave Cliveden to the National Trust with the proviso that the family could continue to live in the house for as long as they wished. The 3rd Viscount, Emily’s father William Astor, and his family stayed in the house until he died in 1966.

Emily and her siblings were gifted the joy of a home that had ample space for rainyday games, many of which included racing across the landings from the east to west wing. But it was outside that Emily recalls with special fondness.

There have been Astors at Cliveden since 1893. American millionaire William Waldorf Astor who bought the house in 1893, became the 1st Viscount Astor, before giving Cliveden to his son Waldorf (2nd Viscount Astor) when he married Nancy Langhorne in 1906. With the second Viscount, and his wife Nancy Astor, (American-born British politician who was the first woman seated as a Member of Parliament), Cliveden ushered in a lavish and starstudded era of entertaining a steady stream of film stars, politicians, writers and artists, who filled their days boating on the Thames, playing tennis and croquet, horse riding, swimming andForfishing.Emily it is the family parties that bring back the most magical memories. “Birthday parties were always a favourite,” she says. “My brother’s birthday is two days after Christmas, so that week seemed to be filled with endless fun. And then there was a wonderful party to celebrate my grandmother’s (Nancy Astor) 80th birthday. The guest list included a vast variety of people who had all been a part of her life at various times – friends, work colleagues and, of course, lots of family. It was an incredible event.” Emily also relates some of the Cliveden celebratory traditions, which she still remembers now. “At Easter, we would hard-boil lots of eggs, then paint them all with a variety of decorations –depending on our artistic skill! Then we’d have a wonderful Easter egg hunt on Easter Day, usually outside if the weather was good, or inside if not – either way the egg hunts went on for hours."

24 dreamescapemagazine.com

“ Mealtimes and entertaining were the thread that held the family together... so it’s a pleasure to be able to share Nancy Astor and Nancy Lancaster’s recipes as a reminder of food they enjoyed while growing up at Mirador in Virginia and the recipes they then brought over with them to Britain.”

dreamescapemagazine.com 25

“Obviously it was very sad to leave a home which we had grown up in and loved,” says Emily. “But the reason we left was because our father had died, which was of course the greatest sadness and loss. “Visiting Cliveden now as a hotel helps me remember what it was like to grow up here and how lucky we were,” she says, as she walks us around some of her favourite parts of her childhood home. “Cliveden is filled with hidden corners,” she recalls. “As children, the front hall was perfect for hide and seek, we loved the huge sofa and large windows with billowing curtains, and of course the suits of armour!”

Emily’s memories of Cliveden really bring the house alive in a way no-one else can, and it’s a privilege to walk its halls and gardens with her. She is passionate about her own family history, and loves sharing snippets of her extraordinary life with others. Dream Escape can arrange an exclusive tour and tea with Emily Astor at Cliveden, where visitors can →

“Visiting Cliveden now as a hotel helps me remember what it was like to grow up here and how lucky we were... Cliveden is filled with hidden corners... as children, the front hall was perfect for hide and seek, we loved the huge sofa and large windows with billowing curtains, and of course the suits of armour!”

dreamescapemagazine.com 29

While the war brought fear and hardship and, for a time, saw Cliveden stand in as a hospital and convalescence home, in the eras between the wars Cliveden took on the role of raising spirits and was an entertaining destination bar none. Nancy and the family threw elegant and lavish parties every weekend; the kitchen full of delicious smells, the grand hall filled with dancing feet and the sounds of a jazz band tinkling into the night. The ability to welcome people into a home and to host at a pitch perfect level of luxury, comfort and elegance was passed down to Emily who says that, for her, interesting conversation, good food, pretty napkins and fresh flowers are the essential ingredients for a good party. “It’s really important if you can mix people both intellectually and age-wise too,” she adds. →

“ I am always so happy to meet DreamEscape guests and talk about this wonderful place – plus I am equally delighted to learn about their family history too.” hear first-hand about her extraordinary upbringing and family life. “I am always so happy to meet Dream Escape guests and talk about this wonderful place – plus I am equally delighted to learn about their family history too,” she says. We stop for a while to take some shots in the Canadian Cemetery, a beautifully calm space that speaks to the deep connection the Astors have had – and continue to have – with America and Canada. “It is a wonderful place of remembrance of all the brave people who sadly died so very young during the war, while far away from their homes,” says Emily.

Pictured from first page: Emily Astor in Cliveden’s famous French Dining Room, the panelling was bought by William Waldorf Astor in 1897 and formerly adorned the banqueting hall of the Chateau d’Asnières near Paris, the home of Mme de Pompadour Second spread: Fountain of Love which was made for William Waldorf by the American sculptor Thomas Waldo Story in 1897; Emily takes a moment to read some epitaphs in the Canadian Cemetery

Fourth spread: Emily admires the view across the parterre from the South Terrace Previous spread: Emily takes a moment to rest on the South Terrace; The Chinese Pagoda located in the Water Garden This spread; View from the French Dining Room windows; Emily admires the view from The Long Garden; marble statues on display in the East Wing of Cliveden House “ It’s really important if you can mix people both intellectually and age-wise... it is important to make your guests feel as comfortable as possible, so comfortable beds, sofas and chairs are always a good addition – and fresh flowers, from the garden, wherever possible.”

Third spread: Emily finds a book in The Tote Room, Lord Astor’s study; Interior detail in The Tote Room; Emily inspects a family portrait (Max Oppenheimer, 1908)

30 dreamescapemagazine.com

“It is important to make your guests feel as comfortable as possible, so comfortable beds, sofas and chairs are always a good addition – and fresh flowers, from the garden, wherever possible.” Taking this knowledge Emily Astor and Jane Churchill (her interior designer) along with Emily's aunt Nancy Lancaster have recently come together to write Entertaining Lives, a privately bound cookbook containing many of the recipes from Nancy Astor’s family house, Mirador in West Virginia. Mixing classic French and English cuisine with the flavours of the South, the cookbook features dishes that both conjure up family mealtimes and extravagant parties imbued with wit and laughter, tears and tantrums, arguments and“Mealtimesreconciliations.andentertaining were the thread that held the family together,” says Emily. “So it’s a pleasure to be able to share Nancy Astor and Nancy Lancaster’s recipes as a reminder of food they enjoyed while growing up at Mirador in Virginia and the recipes they then brought over with them to Britain.” Recipes such as parsley soup, marmalade souffles and chicken gumbo, sit alongside instructions for making Lady Cranbourne’s Chocolate Mousse and, Astor’s favourite, Mrs Gibson’s eggs. “Those eggs are named after my great aunt Irene, and I remember them well from my childhood. We found it amusing that an egg dish would be named after a family member.”

Nancy Lancaster Tours – Dream Escape include tours of Kelmarsh Hall where Nancy Lancaster lived. This unique insight into her opulent style is one rarely afforded to the public. At Kelmarsh Hall you can explore the house’s beautiful and tasteful interior, while also taking a tour of the celebrated gardens, extensive grounds and enjoy sweeping countryside views. If you’re inspired by Kelmarsh Hall’s decor, then Dream Escape will also arrange visits to Colefax and Fowler – renowned as the country’s best-known decorating firm, which Nancy Lancaster bought from her friend Sibyl Colefax in 1948. Lancaster’s impressive social connections took the company into a grand new era – undertaking designs at Chequers, the official country residence of the Prime Minister, and in the Audience Room at Buckingham Palace, for Her Majesty the Queen. Today, the company’s work continues to be associated with epitomising the English country-house style to the highest standard. dreamescape.co.uk Sue Morris, Head of Marketing

dreamescapemagazine.com 31

“I have spent many wonderful days exploring the spectacular grounds of Cliveden over the years. Each season offers an equally impressive vision. The Lady Astor Suite in the house is a particular favourite of mine to stay in and will leave any guest staying there feeling very special and most privileged.” ⬥ sue@dreamescape.co.uk Find out more

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LIFE OF NANCY LANCASTER

Aside from recipes, the book is also filled with a treasure trove of imagery from Cliveden: decadent tablescapes, banquets laid on the lawns, canapes on the terrace. While little snippets and insights from the two Nancys are also dotted throughout the book, conjuring up a sense of devilish wit and a playful approach to life. It’s a beautiful tribute from a granddaughter to the colourful ancestry that she still holds very dear, and a delightful look back at the heyday of one of the most glorious stately homes in England.

Despite a hectic schedule that recently included filming in the South of France and working at Chez Roux Blue Riband for the Derby at Epsom Downs across the Platinum Jubilee weekend, Michel Roux only becomes more animated during our chat, especially as talk turns to family and relaxation. → NOBLE

Interview with Michel Roux

WORDS | KARYN

Descending

dreamescapemagazine.com 33

Talented chef and TV celebrity Michel Roux carries an extraordinary family legacy of French-British haute cuisine. From the plush surroundings of two-Michelinstarred Le Gavroche in London’s Mayfair, he speaks exclusively to Dream Escape about his holiday tips, favourite autumnal dishes, and how he celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

the two flights of carpeted stairs to the basement of dimly lit Le Gavroche is like tiptoeing into London’s gastronomic history. A reverential hush ensues, punctuated only by clinks of silverware being polished for the evening service by intently focused staff. The refreshment offering comes with multiple choices: still or sparkling, lemon and ice? A slightly trembling hand closes the glass door of the private ‘Chef’s Library’ room at Monsieur Roux’s request, above which a tiny screen gives us a view into the kitchen, where half a dozen chefs are prepping for the 5pm evening service.

Meet the Chef

“ This is my office during the day. We call it the Chef’s Library because I’ve got a very small collection of my huge books and some memorabilia. I’ve got some old menus [on the walls] dating back to the late 1800s…and then of course Dad and Uncle here... There are lots of little touchpoints that make it very personal.”

34 dreamescapemagazine.com

You have a direct view into the kitchen [gesturing to the TV screen] – we’ve got several views across, so we can change it.

dreamescapemagazine.com 35

Michel, congratulations on retaining your two Michelin stars at Le Gavroche in 2022. How do you feel about the Michelin stars after all these years?

Does this mean there are any new shows in the works? Perhaps another series of French Country Cooking? That’s what I was filming! Back in Saint-Rémy in that beautiful house and cooking this time more summer dishes, because the last series was kind of spring, whereas this one is full-on →

CROKERISSY©IMAGE

I still believe that they are the best judge that’s out there out of all the things that we get judged by. Actually, I’ll rephrase that: they are the best judges in their field. The best judges for a restaurant are our diners! Good answer! A lot of Dream Escape’s readers are very well travelled, as well as discerning diners. For first-time visitors to Le Gavroche, what should they expect from the private Chef’s Library, in particular?

You’ve been very busy on our TV screens over the past decade. I know you were in the South of France when I was trying to arrange this interview.

This is my office during the day. We call it the Chef’s Library because I’ve got a very small collection of my huge books and some memorabilia. I’ve got some old menus [on the walls] dating back to the late 1800s…and then of course Dad and Uncle here [nearby is a photo of his father Albert Roux who passed in January 2021 and uncle Michel Roux who passed in March 2020]. There are lots of little touchpoints that make it very personal.

We used to – pre-pandemic — do a special menu just for this and sort of treat it similar to a chef’s table. But since we’ve come back, due to front of house and kitchen shortage of staff, we use it just as an extra table, but it’s a rather special table because it’s a private/semiprivate table. So, you get the buzz of the restaurant but you’ve got your own little corner here, which seats six. We’ve squeezed eight in here before, but six is a really comfortable number. And it’s nice and I always pay special attention to this table, I’ll come out and do a little bit extra and sometimes chef Rachel (Head Chef Rachel Humphrey) will pop in here as well and say hello to the people.

When diners come in here what happens?

What is that saying? The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree? He absolutely adores his food and he’s always playing with pots and pans and things like that. And he’s so interested, as soon as it’s dinner time or lunch time he wants to get up near the stove and see what’s cooking and see what’s happening. Very very curious. He’s two and a half. You’ve run something like 20 marathons in your life. Any plans to run another London marathon next year? Yeah, in my mind, but not in body! I still run 5km or 10km and I still try

“ Oh, my word, I love seasons and I love the change of seasons. By that I mean at the moment we’ve got the English cherries and we’ve come to the end of strawberries...”

I was at Epsom [Epsom Downs Racecourse, at Chez Roux Blue Riband] so I was working, so had I had an invitation I wouldn’t have been able to go! But it was so sad that the Queen couldn’t make it, because we know that it’s her favourite race meet and she would have been really very upset not to have attended that. It was a great event. Epsom went really well and everyone had a great day out. Your daughter Emily opened a restaurant (Caractère in Notting Hill) in 2018. Was it a given that she’d also work in the industry?

36 dreamescapemagazine.com summer so that was wonderful and we’ve got some lovely dishes lined up and we’ve visited some new suppliers. We’ve had loads and loads of fun on it and there’s some great recipes. It’s actually hard work filming there, it doesn’t look like it, but it’s full-on, it’s really really full-on but it’s a wonderful place. So, I’m very relaxed and enjoying the food I’m cooking because it really is a true reflection of what I cook at home: it’s very simple and straightforward good French country cooking. So that should be out hopefully September [2022] because it’s a very quick turnaround for that. All going to plan we will be doing a winter one as well, so I’ll be going out there then. Winter food is completely different: long slow cooking of meats and lots of game and wild mushrooms and stuff, so it will be totally different. That’s an excellent segue to my next question. This interview will be in our autumn issue, what are some of your favourite dishes of this season at Le Gavroche?

I know your grandson is only little, but is he showing any interest in the kitchen? Absolutely, yes. It’s in the genes, isn’t it.

Oh, my word, I love seasons and I love the change of seasons. By that I mean at the moment we’ve got the English cherries and we’ve come to the end of strawberries. So, you gorge yourself on those lovely summer berries and summer fruit and then by the end of it you think ‘I’ve had enough of this, it’s time to move on’. At least you should be. Then you get to autumn time and you’re thinking the first of the game season is starting, the first of the truly wild mushrooms and all of that. The days get much much shorter very quickly and it gets pretty chilly in the evening, so you’re thinking slow-cooked, lovely shoulders of lamb, cooked several hours. All of that. And food starts getting browner. It warms you up inside. Fruit-wise, pears…tarte tatin. It annoys me when I see a tarte tatin in the summer months, which you do. Some restaurants insist on having tarte tatin. It’s not a summer dessert. We make tarte tatin here, but pears as well…pears in red wine. We’ve just had the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations this weekend past. Given that you’re on the Royal Household Wine Committee, I’m assuming you might have a special invitation or two up your sleeve?

That’s right, you just missed her: she was here! Ever since I can remember when she was a small girl, she wanted to be a chef. She’s always said that, we never pushed her into it. On the contrary, my wife tried to dissuade her a bit and said, ‘look there are other things in life than being a chef and look at your dad he’s coming back home late at night and grumpy and all of that and tired’. No, but she always wanted to be a chef so we helped her where we could and she’s turned out to be a very talented chef and very very good at what she does. I was at Caractère about a month ago for a lunch, the food there is extraordinary and Diego [Ferrari] her husband as well is an extremely talented chef and so they work together as a team. It’s beautiful, absolutely stunning food.

A few travel-focused questions now: where in the world would you have your last meal and what would it be? →

dreamescapemagazine.com 37 and keep very fit and go to the gym and everything, but my running days I think are well and truly over. My knees are shot and every now and then I get pain in my knees. I’ve had operations but it’s age and probably wear and tear. Quite often in the afternoon break I’d run a half marathon and think nothing of it. But when you’re standing on your feet for 14 to 16 hours a day as well as running, your joints don’t like it. Long walks are fabulous. You’ve faced some really tough challenges over the past year, not just the closure of restaurants and the hospitality crisis, but – and you referenced this lovely photo earlier –the passing of your father and your uncle. Are there any special places in London that remind you of fond moments with your family? Or places where you instantly feel at peace?

It’s a difficult question. I love long walks, I alluded to that. I think there are many places in London when you walk, especially early in the morning, when there’s not many people around… on a Sunday morning or something like that. The Embankment is lovely.

It’s really nice, especially early morning because it gets very busy during the day. Or Richmond Park is wonderful, absolutely wonderful. Or, if we’re talking seasonally, how it changes over the seasons. You go for a walk in Richmond Park in summer and then within two weeks it’s gone golden brown and it’s totally different, and likewise in spring, so it is a great place to go for a walk.

38 dreamescapemagazine.com

Maybe a little grilled lobster on the beach, some palmheart salad, and a nice rum. A spiced rum? Yes, something like that. They do that so well in the Seychelles. When you fly, what five must-have items do you put in your carry-on luggage?

Trainers – yeah, absolutely, go for a run. Running kit: trainers, pair of shorts and a top. Funny that’s top of the list before anything else!

A good book. Yeah, because I have so little time to read and I do enjoy reading. So, if I’m heading for a holiday destination and I know that I’m going to have downtime to sit and read: a book.

HINDSJODI©CREDITED)(UNLESSIMAGESALL

An extra pair of glasses, because I am invariably going to lose a pair. I always do, or sit on them and break them.

A phone charger: it really is essential, isn’t it. You can’t go anywhere without being connected.

That is a tough, tough question. It’s almost like ‘where’s your favourite restaurant’, it is incredibly difficult, but wherever I choose it would be with family. With my wife and my daughter and son-in-law and little one, little Julian…my grandson. I love the Indian Ocean and I love the Seychelles so maybe somewhere in the Seychelles. Very very simple.

The experience is named “Seasgair”, but did you know that seasgair is Gaelic for warm, cosy and comfortable – and in addition to individual tables, there's also the option to dine at the Mary Shaw Table in the castle's library. ▶ Get in touch with Rebecca for more information.

dreamescapemagazine.com 39

The UK and Ireland are certainly blessed with some of the best Michelin-starred chefs in the world and to be able to enjoy their culinary delights first-hand will guarantee very special experiences every time.” ⬥ rebecca@dreamescape.co.uk Pictured from first page: Michel Roux Second spread: Le Gavroche Caramel Tart; Le Gavroche Interiors Previous spread: Michel Roux outside Le Gavroche This page: Le Gavroche Lamb Cutlets and Courgettes Find out more

Presented by head chef Coalin Finn, the five courses are created in front of guests at the table, reminiscent of how the castle felt when it was a private home. It's a real treat for anyone visiting this corner of Perthshire. Did you know?

Actually, there is always – in every suitcase – there’s a spare set of glasses. That’s just automatic. Electric toothbrush. Window seat or aisle?

I usually have aisle but I’m not that fussed. Giselle (Michel’s wife) normally takes the window and I take the aisle. Actually, no. Unless it’s long-haul! When it’s long-haul, Giselle tends to go to the loo more than I do [so she takes the aisle].

And finally, what kind of snacks does a Michelin-starred chef take on long journeys?

I hate cheap confectionery. I think it’s fairly well known that I really don’t like cheap confectionary, I can’t stand it, I abhor it. I hate fizzy sweet pop, fizzy drinks as well, can’t stand it. So, none of those. I am partial to the odd packet of crisps. Just plain, good quality salt, good crisps. But I don’t pack them with me. Giselle packs stuff in her bag for emergency snacks and they’re healthy snacks, so they’re good-quality bars: normally nut bars, fruit bars. It sounds terribly pious and healthy and all that, but they fill you up and they’re nice, they’re good. Or nuts, dried nuts and dried fruit, you can buy little packets of them and they’re very tasty. And we’re done, thank you so much for your time. I’ll let you get ready for the evening service. Is that it? That was easy! dreamescape.co.uk

Dream Escape also Loves… Seasgair by Michel Roux

Dining at the beautiful 19th-century Inverlochy Castle in the Scottish Highlands is already an event that brings much anticipation, but earlier this year Michel Roux launched Seasgair, the ultimate fine-dining experience.

Rebecca Morrison, Head of Guest Experience “We are super excited to share many unique dining experiences with our clients this year.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London A SPECIAL EXPLORATION:

Situated in the heart of Knightsbridge, London’s most fashionable shopping district, with over 120-years of exciting history Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is a place that continues to welcome guests from all over the world, including royalty, dignitaries, celebrities and VIPs...

Sustainability is of the utmost importance in all that they do and the hotel is 99% single-use plastic free.

This award-winning hotel is lovingly known as one that boasts two addresses as the front door leads on to the buzz of Knightsbridge and the back on to glorious Royal Parkland. Having been re-imagined and re-invented back in 2019 as part of the hotel’s most-extensive multi-millionpound renovation, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London confirmed its position as one of the best in the world.

An oasis of calm, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, London, having been transformed, is a place to enjoy peace

Many of the hotel’s exquisite suites feature private terraces and balconies and all have curated libraries by Heywood Hill specially selected artworks, Diptyque bathroom products and yoga mats for private practice. The ninth floor offers two penthouse suites - Mandarin and Oriental - which can be interconnected to create one of London’s largest suites with three bedrooms, the Mandarin Oriental Penthouse, offering unparalleled views of Hyde Park and the city’s skyline.

Guests can enjoy a personalised butler service on request and little ones are treated to a host of special touches. Multigenerational stays are well catered for, with interconnecting rooms and the highest attention to detail offered by the hotel’s attentive staff, be that from the concierge to housekeeping.

40 dreamescapemagazine.com

International designer Joyce Wang took her inspiration from the hotel’s royal heritage and peaceful park side location, as well as the glamour of the 20th century’s Golden Age of travel when transforming the hotel’s luxurious rooms and suites. The hotel comprises of 141 spacious guestrooms and 40 luxurious suites, many with panoramic views over Royal Parkland (where Household Cavalry pass the hotel daily on the way to the Changing of the Guard), an extensively restored and enlarged spa, three outstanding restaurants; twoMichelin starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal; London’s latest hotspot with the newly opened Japanese izakaya The Aubrey offering London’s first ‘by appointment only’ Omakase bar experience and free flow weekend brunches; and The Rosebery offering sumptuous afternoon tea, and the magnificent Mandarin Bar.

dreamescapemagazine.com 41 and serenity and to restore mind, body and soul. There are 13 luxurious treatment rooms including the Oriental Suite, featuring two massage beds and a Rasul water temple – its health-enhancing heat, steam and mud are the ultimate in conditioning treatments. There is a 24-hour state-of-the-art gym, a Movementum Studio, a 17-metre heated swimming pool, Zen Colour Therapy Relaxation Area, Vitality Pool, Sanarium and Amethyst Crystal Steam Room.

No matter the entrance you enter by, this Grande Dame, reimagined and reinvented for the 21st century and recognised for its genuinely kind and generous service, is perfectly positioned to offer unique experiences in an incomparable location, just a short walk from the city’s finest shopping, cultural and entertainment areas.

The history of the hotel dates back to 1889 when it opened its doors as an exclusive Gentleman’s Club. In 1902 it opened its doors as a hotel and from its opening, the hotel became the destination of choice for aristocrats, diplomats, celebrities and socialites, who use it as their home-away-from home for London stays and events. Special guests have included Italian actor Rudolph Valentino, English writer Evelyn Waug, Sir Winston Churchill, Lord Beaverbrook, Luciano Pavarotti, Prince Philip and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on many occasions.

The hotel also boasts its own Royal Entrance, as the main entrance of the hotel had to be moved from the park side to the Knightsbridge side, when His Majesty, King George V refused to allow any advertising, including the large gilt lettering of the hotel’s name, overlooking the park and stated that the original entrance was to be kept for the sole use of the Royal Family. Today permission is still needed to allow the hotel to open this entrance for VIPs and wedding couples.

42 dreamescapemagazine.com &

The land of over 400 golf courses, Ireland may be small but it takes its golf very seriously. With a third of the world’s natural links courses, and many exceptional championship courses, it draws almost a quarter of a million golfers annually to experience its fabulous fairways and glorious greens. Irish professional golfer, Paul McGinley shares his top ten...

WORDS | JILLIAN BOLGER

PAUL MCGINLEY’S TOP 10 IRISH GOLF COURSES

TOURINGGOLF

Ireland is home to some of the world’s best golfers, including Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Padraig Harrington, and Irish professional golfer Paul McGinley has been a European Tour player for over 25 years, winning several tournaments and being a former top 20 ranked player in the world. A true team player, he won the World Cup for Ireland with Padraig Harrington in 1997 and has represented Europe in competition on 14 occasions as a player, Vice-Captain and Captain, losing only once. European Captain of the victorious 2014 Ryder Cup team over America at Gleneagles in Scotland, he shares ten of his favourite Irish golf courses with Dream Escape for a truly memorable round or two. →

2

1

IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTOGETTY©IMAGE

County Down With Holywood Golf Club the proud home of Rory McIlroy, Royal County Down one of the world’s most beautiful natural links and the Royal Belfast Golf Club the oldest club on the island of Ireland, County Down is a rewarding destination for golfers. Paul’s favourite course here is Ardglass. “It’s a real, raw links course with views of the original Coney Island made famous by Van Morrison. There's nothing I like more than having a sundowner from the amazing clubhouse which dates back to 1405.”

44 dreamescapemagazine.com

County Clare County Clare on the Wild Atlantic Way is custodian of many world-class golf courses, including Dromoland Castle and Doonbeg. However it’s Lahinch Golf Course that excites Paul the most: "Its beauty, the green complexes amongst the dunes, the run-off areas, the bunkering.” Described as Ireland’s St Andrews, it is here that Paul hosted the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in 2019. “Lahinch holds a special place in my heart because when we played the Irish Open here, we closed down the town so that we could have a real hooley (party). It was such a brilliant week, with the whole community involved.”

It’s easy to be seduced by the beautiful parkland course of Malone Golf Club and the magnificent views in all directions from the links course of Royal Portrush, but Paul suggests missing out on Ballycastle in County Antrim at your peril. “Here you get two superb courses for the price of one: a parkland course, and a links course on the Causeway Coast with fantastic views, including locations made famous in Game of Thrones.”

4County Donegal

The golf links capital of Ireland, with five of the country’s finest Championship courses, Donegal offers an extra special golfing experience. The views from Cruit Island Golf Club are thrilling, but it’s Rosapenna Golf Resort, home to two championship links courses, that is most special to Paul. “I grew up caddying for my dad on this course. It’s here that he taught me all of the golf etiquette and all that is magic about this game. And now, many years later, I've just hosted a senior event, The Irish Legends Tour, at this special course.”

dreamescapemagazine.com 45

County Antrim

5County Cork Cork’s great golf resorts include Fota Island on its own private island in Cork Harbour and Castlemartyr in East Cork. But its most scenic course is perched on a dramatic headland that extends for two miles into the Atlantic Ocean on Ireland’s southwest coast. A short drive from Cork city yet a world apart, the Old Head of Kinsale is home to the eponymous and spectacular Old Head Golf Links. “This is a truly magical place. No one cares how well you play here as no one's watching the golf. They're looking at the views! With three lighthouses, including the current one, built in 1853 and visible behind the 18th tee, you get a real sense of place playing this remarkable location.”→

3

“Owner JP McManus has done an incredible job here, having had the course redesigned to world-class standards. It’s gearing up to host the centennial Ryder Cup in 2027, and will undoubtedly go on to host many other major events.”

County Limerick

6

With rolling plains, yet close to the capital, Kildare is an idyllic county for a great selection of parkland golf challenges. Luxury resort Carton House in Maynooth offers two contrasting courses in its leafy 1,100 acre private country estate. A short drive away sits the K Club, another illustrious five-star property resort with two world-class courses. Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, the challenging Palmer North course was the backdrop to Europe’s memorable Ryder Cup win in 2006, a highlight of Paul’s career. “The K Club has a very special place in my heart because I was part of the Ryder Cup team that beat the USA here. The course holds so many great memories. What a week we had!”

8County Kerry

Wild and vast, Kerry is home to some of Ireland's most memorable scenery, from misty mountain peaks to sweeping strands and patchwork farmland to pristine lakes. Its spectacular scenery is matched by its impressive golf courses, which include a world-class selection of championship links and parkland courses. Ballybunion, on a beautiful stretch of sand dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, may be the best known but Paul is also a fan of Waterville and Killarney.

46 dreamescapemagazine.com

“Waterville is definitely one of the most beautiful courses but there’s something extra special about Killarney in Killarney National Park. I play golf all over the world, but if I want to find a place to relax and just enjoy the environment then Killarney is the place to go. I love the sheer serenity of this place compared to when you play on the windswept links.”

Masterfully designed within the estate of one of Europe’s most spectacular manor house hotels, The Golf Course at Adare Manor is Ireland’s very own Augusta. Parkland perfection, it’s a course that Paul admires and loves to play.

7County Kildare

Pictured from first page: Paul McGinley and Chris Hollins

County Dublin Spoilt for choice in Dublin, the capital offers dozens of eclectic courses, such as picturesque Portmarnock, a celebrated links course on a curve of coast north of the city. “Portmarnock is a fantastic golf course that most people talk about,” Paul admits, “But Luttrellstown has a special place in my heart and my life because, just like David Beckham, I got married there. In fact, I got married there first!” Set within 567 acres of private parkland, the championship course is fringed by 15th-century Luttrellstown Castle, a magnificently restored property offered for hire on an exclusive basis.

▶ WATCH THE TRAILER Golf’s Greatest Holes Ireland and Northern Ireland

dreamescapemagazine.com 47 9

Find out more Alasdair Wells, Travel Design Manager “As well as managing all your golfing needs, Dream Escape will always ensure the non golfer companions are taken care of, with exclusive visits to local attractions, ranging from private food tours and whiskey tastings, to guided walks, immersive experiences and special Irish evenings.” ⬥ alasdair@dreamescape.co.uk

10County Mayo

Previous spread left to right: Royal County Down Northern Ireland; Old Head of Kinsale This page left to right: K Club Palmer North course; Golf’s Greatest Holes Ireland and Northern Ireland - Broadcast Showreel

Paul loves the challenge of a links course along the Wild Atlantic Way, with the winds whipping and the Atlantic swell crashing against the shore in the background. Enniscrone in County Sligo is a standout, and a short drive from the county border of Mayo, where Carne Golf Links is a golfer’s paradise. “You don't come to Ireland for the weather,” laughs Paul. “You come for adventure, and the craic (fun). And if you venture as far as the West Coast, the Wild Atlantic Way, you'll find some cracking courses, not least Carne. I played it for the first time last year and it took my breath away, literally. It’s a feast for the eyes and a true test for your golf swing.”

At the edge of the park is another magical spot: the Fairy Glen, a shady wood said to be home to the diminutive humans. And all of this is overshadowed by the imposing mountain range, which rises steeply above the southeast coast of Northern Ireland. The Mourne Mountains are the highest in Northern Ireland. They form an area of outstanding natural beauty – a brooding, mist-swirling, peat-bog-andtussocky-grass-covered, jagged granite type of beauty. Looking up at them, it’s easy to see why Lewis imagined giants breaking free from their distinctive forms, shaped and sculpted by a series of ice ages since their formation around 50 million years ago.

dreamescapemagazine.com 49

In a letter to his brother, the Belfast-born author CS Lewis wrote: ‘I have seen landscapes which, under a particular light, made me feel that at any moment a giant might raise his head over the next ridge.’ This landscape was the snow-covered Mourne Mountain range, which provided inspiration for his most famous book, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

The beautiful 18th-century town of Rostrevor, on the shores of sparkling Carlingford Lough, was a favourite spot of the writer, and in capacious Kilbroney Park you will find a Narnia Trail, entered via a large wooden wardrobe door, complete with lamp post and the four thrones of Cair Paravel.

The Mourne Mountain range forms a majestic backdrop to the sweeping sandy beaches and historic towns and cities of Northern Ireland’s County Down. Explore the imposing peaks that have inspired poets, artist and storytellers, with Dream Escape...

The ice age is also responsible for the Cloughmore stone (from the Irish An Chloch Mhór – the big stone) perched high on the mountainside above Rostrevor. The 50 tonne granite boulder is thought to have been transported from Scotland by ice flow, although legend has it the stone was thrown from the Cooley Mountains on the other side of the lough →

MOURNEMOUNTAINS

Ireland's

WORDS | LIZZIE ENFIELD

50 dreamescapemagazine.com ‘ ...there’s a magnificent view of the range and beyond: the leafy flush of the Tollymore Forest, setting for Game of Thrones... the golden dune-backed Murlough Beach and nature reserve and Dundrum Bay, where Brunel’s great ship SS Great Britain was grounded in 1846.’

dreamescapemagazine.com 51 by the giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill. On the other side of the Mournes lies the elegant resort of Newcastle, known for its broad golden strand of beach and Slieve Donard Hotel set in its own expansive grounds beside the Royal County Down golf course. Built in the 1890s by the Belfast and County Down Railway as an 'end of the line' luxury holiday destination, the hotel was one of the best places to stay at the time, and remains so today. In the hotel's heyday the movie star Charlie Chaplin stayed here in 1921 after the breakdown of his marriage. He was searching for Hetty Kelly, his first love, who hailed from County Down but had died three years before in the flu epidemic of 1918. The Chaplin Bar named after the actor is the perfect place to relax with a pre-dinner drink. While in the Oak Restaurant you can enjoy Northern Ireland’s finest cuisine, looking up to the mountain that gave the hotel its name, the magnificent SlieveThisDonard.isthehighest mountain in Northern Ireland and is named after St Donard, a disciple of Ireland’s patron saint Patrick, who established a hermitage on its flanks. Two of the world’s oldest burial cairns, dating as far back as 3,000 BC, are found on its peak.

In keeping with the drama, you can explore its many trails on horseback.

Further north lies Castlewellan Park, home to the 3.5km Peace Maze (planted to mark the signing of the Good Friday Agreement) and to the east the golden dune-backed Murlough Beach and nature reserve and Dundrum Bay, where Brunel’s great ship SS Great Britain was grounded in 1846. An award-winning restaurant on the front in Newcastle bears his name. Further south lies Rostrevor, birthplace of British Major General Robert Ross, who burned down the White House during the war between Britain and the USA in 1914, as well a favourite haunt of Lewis. When locals refer to ‘the Mournes’ they are referring not just to the mountains but surrounding area too.

According to Celtic folklore, an entrance to the underworld is housed under the mountain. It used to be a site of religious pilgrimage but these days it is walkers, drawn by the challenge of the highest peak, who make their way to the summit. From here, on a clear day there’s a magnificent view of the range and beyond: the leafy flush of the Tollymore Forest, setting for Game of Thrones

County Down is arguably one of the prettiest areas of Northern Ireland, yet many visitors skip it in favour of the north coast, Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway.TheMournes has more than enough to compete. As well as the mountains and beaches, it's home to picturesque fishing ports Annalong and Kilkeel, the pastel-housed town of Warren Point and two historic cities: Newry, an →

This is where the rocks had been split using plug and feather tools to provide stones for building.

52 dreamescapemagazine.com

Pictured from first page: The Beach;toPreviousMountainsMournepageleftright:Murlough

One of the notable features of the mountains is the Mourne Wall, a fivefoot high, 22-mile circular granite construction that snakes its way around the range, ascending and descending 15 peaks, including Slieve Donard, as it does so. The wall, completed in 1922, is now a listed 'building' with a curious history.Asthe wall is close to the border with the Irish Republic and was completed the year the border was drawn, many imagine it had something to do with separating Catholics from Protestants. In fact, it was built by the Belfast Water Company to keep livestock from contaminating its reservoirs in the Silent Valley.

‘The surrounding landscape is also abundant with stories... Fairy Bridge, which crosses the Shimna River, allows the mythical creatures access to the mountains...’ important centre for Irish linen production; and Downpatrick where St Patrick was buried in Down Cathedral.

Game of Thrones' filming location Leitrim Lodge, North of backgroundMountainswithNewcastleHorseridingTheLeftWinterfelltoright:FairyGlen;onBeachtheMourneinthe

Men walked miles from the surrounding towns and villages, during the 18 years it took to complete the wall, sleeping on exposed ground in hessian sacks filled with heather and bringing with them potatoes and slices of cold, hardened porridge for sustenance. Inadvertently, these hardy souls also opened up the area for walkers, providing a useful navigational aid in the misty mountains, which led to the wall being dubbed ‘the handrail’ of the Mournes. Hardy hikers can challenge themselves to walk the entire route of the wall but it’s a series of steep ups and downs and not for the faint-hearted.

Dream Escape travel designers will advise on many shorter walks that take in some of the peaks and short sections of the wall. Written into the rocks is the tale of the wall’s construction. Keep your eyes peeled and you will spot symmetrical grooves carved into great granite boulders.

“The Mourne mountains will always be a special place for me. Growing up in County Down, we would explore Tollymore Forest, run on the beaches and find a perfect spot for ice cream.

dreamescape.co.uk

The occasional ‘smithy’s hut’ along the route housed anvils that were used to make tools, which were cooled and solidified in stone troughs. The surrounding landscape is also abundant with stories: the Devil’s Coach Road is where Satan is said to drive his carriage at Halloween looking for lost Fairysouls.Bridge, which crosses the Shimna River, allows the mythical creatures access to the mountains, and the trail worn by the hooves of horses carrying illegal tobacco and alcohol to Hilltown from the coast at Newcastle is known as The Brandy Pad.

Dream Escape Loves…

Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen

Find out more

Rooney Fish Quality Seafoods Pacific Oysters are grown in the pristine waters of Carlingford Lough. Enjoy a fabulous private tour with Andrew Rooney himself, followed by an amazing shellfish lunch. Killowen Distillery Make your own Irish coffee or an Old Fashioned using Killowen Whiskey, and sample Killowen Gin, peated Whiskey and Poitín (once illegal in Ireland due to its potency) paired with local cheeses and locally grown tea. Killowen is located in Cnoc Si – the hill of the Fairies – and it is rich in Irish folklore.

In the comfort and warmth of Tracey’s Farmhouse kitchen in an 18th-century thatched cottage, located on the stunning shores of Strangford Lough, you will be given the chance to roll up your sleeves to make your own traditional Irish Griddle Breads. The Dexter Farmer Pause at a local working farm and learn how Dexter cows are raised before enjoying a truly delicious BBQ lunch and local craft beer.

National-Trust-owned Mount Stewart and Castle Ward are also well worth a visit when in this area; stately homes steeped in much history with spectacular gardens to enjoy all year round, these wonderful properties will not disappoint.” ⬥ holly@dreamescape.co.uk

It’s easy to see why the Mournes have won the hearts of tourists as well as capturing the imagination of writers, artists and poets. In his ballad The Mountains of Mourne, the Irish songwriter Percy French depicted a homesick Irish exile working in London who dreams of returning to ‘dark Mournes’ that ‘sweep down to the sea.’ After spending a few days exploring the mountains and the surrounding areas, I too dream of returning.

PLEAVINTONY/IRELANDTOURISM/BOARDTOURISTIRELANDNORTHERN©IMAGES

dreamescapemagazine.com 53

Holly Mackie, Owner and Director

Steeped in history, the hotel was once the official palace for the Bishops of Down, built for a bishop and fit for a king, and stands in twelve acres of beautiful, secluded gardens and woodland on the edge of Belfast city. The property remains the first choice for VIP’s and celebrities, priding itself in providing exclusivity, beauty and privacy. Boasting elegant architecture, antique laden interiors, exquisite cuisine, beautiful décor, open fires, unsurpassed attention to detail, first-class service and spectacular views, the boutique hotel provides an unforgettable stay. As General Manager, Niall Burns, puts it “Personalisation is what we offer as standard here, we consistently do all we can to exceed expectations.”

The only member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World in Northern Ireland, Culloden Estate & Spa is part of Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland’s premier hotel group. Founded over fifty years ago, the Hastings portfolio has six luxurious hotels of character and distinction, across Northern Ireland. Destination The hotel is perfectly located on the suburbs of Belfast’s gold coast; the small upmarket town of Holywood less than a mile away boasting quaint shops and impressive dining options. Cultra station on the hotel grounds provides easy access to Belfast and Bangor.

54 dreamescapemagazine.com

The five-star Culloden Estate & Spa stands on the forested slopes of the Holywood hills, overlooking Belfast Lough and the glorious County Antrim coastline. With stunning countryside views over the grounds, it is hard to believe the hotel is situated only six miles from Belfast City Centre and four miles from the city airport

Culloden Estate and Spa, Belfast UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT:

The area is not short of stunning landscapes. The Ards Peninsula, an area of outstanding natural beauty, combines epic coastal views with a host of activities from trout fishing to walking trails to links golf. One of the most outstanding gardens in the world, National Trust property Mount Stewart is open for guests to marvel at the Irish demesne, both beautiful and productive. Nearby, visitors can try their hand at traditional Irish Bread-making on the shores of Strangford Lough, learning how to master potato bread and soda bread from scratch. A little further, UNESCO World Heritage site Giant's Causeway is a sight to behold, an entirely unique geological formation.

dreamescapemagazine.com 55 Belfast city has a wealth of experiences to offer too. Located where Titanic was designed, built, and launched, Titanic Belfast tells the story of the great ship to this current day. A popular way to uncover the history of Belfast, Black Cab Tours are given by drivers who lived through the troubles and offer personal insight into the past and future of the city.

Design The palatial surroundings with fine antiques and the highest levels of personal service combine to create a unique air of elegance. The boutique property boasts ninety-eight bright, spacious and individually decorated bedrooms and stunning suites that combine traditional comfort with every contemporary sophistication.Theluxurious Palace Suite has hosted a wide range of celebrities and dignitaries. The 100-square metre suite is arguably →

The newly renovated spa provides a sanctuary for complete luxurious body and mind wellbeing. One of the top spas in Ireland and the UK, the spa is an oasis of tranquillity, offering ESPA treatments combining advanced techniques with ancient therapies to deliver the finest modern holistic therapeutic experiences in the world. There is ample space and time to fully rejuvenate before and after treatments, the new linear vitality pool provides floor to ceiling views of the gardens or relax in the Tylarium, Jacuzzi or eucalyptus steam room. The Health Club offers a variety of different classes including Aquafit, Yogalates and Pilates. Whether visiting for a romantic escape, a spa break, getaway with friends or a multi-generational family trip, the Culloden Estate & Spa provides the perfect location for a truly memorable stay. Remaining somewhat undiscovered by the hordes of tourists, Northern Ireland is an ideal staycation for this summer, easily accessible by ferry for those wishing to avoid the hassle of flying.

Meet the team... Pictured opposite from left to right; Thomas Kuriakose (Sous Chef), Jonathan Wade (Head Concierge), Sam Denning (Food and Beverage Manager), Lindsay Myers Carroll (Front of House Manager), Niall Burns (General Manager), Rose O’ Neill (Head Housekeeper), Johnny Matthewson (Executive Sous Chef), Eoin McGrath (Luxury Sales Manager) and Judith Hogg (Spa Therapist)

one of the best hotel suites in Ireland. In the design, the intricate details of the artwork and interiors give the hotel a sense of place, celebrating the locality of the hotel and nearby North Down Coastal Path. Heritage photography and artwork celebrate the richness of the area and have been cleverly reproduced and positioned in order of how they would be discovered whilst exploring the coast, supported by a series of Table Talkers which bring the images to life, with facts and stories of the area, and four OS maps showing the immediate environs through different periods.

The Spa

56 dreamescapemagazine.com

The hotel is an urban retreat and veritable playground offering world class culinary options. Whether indulging in homemade scones, served with Irish butter and County Down preserves, or a sharing platter of locally sourced artisan cheeses for lunch, epicureans will not be disappointed. The team are extremely passionate about food embracing the use of carefully selected local, seasonal ingredients to create the most delicious dishes. The island of Ireland has a proud heritage of farming and fishing, resulting in an abundance of sensational produce that the chefs use to artfully curate the menus.The hotel restaurant, Vespers, is one of the finest in Northern Ireland. Showcasing views from dawn to dusk, Vespers brings together the splendour of the estate’s grounds with the flavours of Northern Ireland using only the finest and freshest local ingredients, guests can dine in ultimate style surrounded by gothic grandeur. Located in the beautifully landscaped grounds the Cultra Inn is one of County Down’s finest bars and restaurants, perfect for relaxed dining, the menu offers local quality and seasonal produce whilst the bar has an impressive selection of classic cocktails and gins.

Gastronomy

Be Our Guest

58 dreamescapemagazine.com Luxurious Italian linen and made-to-measure tailoring are at the heart of the boutique Emma Willis store, located on fashion thoroughfare Jermyn Street. Dream Escape meets Prince Charles' shirtmaker to discuss men’s changing style, classic cuts and the future of fashion WORDS | PORTIA JONES Meet the Maker

dreamescapemagazine.com 59

Tailoring to Hollywood stars including Daniel Craig and Benedict Cumberbatch, as well as members of the royal family, Emma Willis adheres to the highest standards of English shirt-making.

“With a small privately owned bespoke shop, people come expecting a very personal service, which we hope we give,” Emma explains, talking to Dream Escape “All the choices are bespoke, you really can choose your own colours, your design and your cut. People know that we make our own products and really enjoy the quality of the fabrics and how we make things. How we sew our seams, how we sew on our buttons, what our buttons are made of.”

“ People know that we make our own products and really enjoy the quality of the fabrics and how we make things. How we sew our seams, how we sew on our buttons, what our buttons are made of”

“Most people, particularly men, take great pleasure in finding out the backstory of their clothes and what they're wearing.”→ Interview with Emma Willis –

Trained at the Slade School of Art, Emma Willis MBE entered the maledominated tailoring world in 1989, designing and making men's luxury shirts, ties and nightwear. Her elegant Jermyn Street store opened in 1999, and in 2010 she opened cutting rooms and a factory in a historic townhouse in Gloucester. Here, her team of skilled cutters and machinists work to the highest standards to create bespoke and ready-towear shirts, alongside nightwear and socks.

Single needle stitching, cross-stitched buttons and the finest of Swiss cotton are all used to create bespoke shirts for discerning gents.

Sustainability is also at the heart of the company’s ethos as they strive to source all materials as close to home as possible, not only to keep craftsmanship alive but to reduce environmental impact and energy consumption. While many fashion brands have migrated towards e-commerce and adopting disposable fashion practices, Emma moved in the opposite direction by opening a boutique store and manufacturing her own high-quality products in Britain. Her loyal customer base has stuck with her since the late ’90s and relies on Emma’s team for quality shirts and style advice.

Emma also hires and trains people in Gloucester, which has a very high refugee population. “We have employed several refugees who have been a great addition to our business. We have employed Syrians, a lady from Hong Kong, a Chinese lady and a young girl from Ukraine has just joined us,” says “That'sEmma.what we enjoy doing, creating a happy workforce; it’s so important for the whole business because you want people to stay. We won’t be able to maintain that sort of quality unless we have long-term employees because the longer you're making something, the better you get at it, and the more beautiful you make it.”

“If something is made especially for you, you have to go to a physical store, and I think that people still enjoy the social experience of shopping and going to nice shops."

Along with high-quality clothing, Emma also has a firm commitment to local manufacturing and employment and offers full training to her staff.

Emma points out that if suppliers are on the other side of the world, you have a lot less control as a business. She hopes that the disruption caused by the pandemic might encourage businesses to produce closer to home and commit to more sustainable practices, as it starts to make more economic sense to stay local.

60 dreamescapemagazine.com

Since her store opened in the late nineties, Emma has observed that men’s fashion has evolved, along with their lifestyles. “Fashion has become more casual but not as much as people predicted. “My business started in ’89 and so I've seen with shirts, it's become much more tailored, the style for men,” explains Emma. “I think that goes a lot with the fact that men spend a lot more time in the gym than they used to, and they want to show off their figures. Whereas there the style in the eighties was very baggy with full-cut shirts.”

“We make everything ourselves in Gloucester, that's the philosophy I’ve always had, I like to employ locally,” says Emma. “We train as well; it does take a little bit more time and money to do that, but you get great loyalty.

Emma points out that part of the appeal of her shirts is that customers can see and feel the fabrics as part of an overall retail experience. “People want to feel beautiful fabrics, something tactile, you can’t do that online.”

Beautiful bespoke shirts and talented staff helped Emma navigate her way through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers remained loyal during this tumultuous period and her ethos of local manufacturing paid off at a time when international supply chains were severely impacted.

“They also learn in the way that you make, so they don't come and bring different ways of making, or bad habits.”

“We're strongest post-pandemic than we've ever been, the people who make close to home and have their own production have been absolutely fine,” Emma explains. “We have really benefited because customers have been able to continue to rely on us to produce for them.”

“It’s beginning to properly make sense to do it closer to home, which is so much better for the environment and it's very good for the economy.”

If money can be made mass producing at the other end of the world, gobbling up rivers and spoiling people's environments, it will be done,” she says.

dreamescapemagazine.com 61

She points to the increased popularity of vintage and secondhand clothing among younger consumers.

“I hope that it will have an impact on the fashion business now that young people are very well informed," says Emma.

“It’s more appealing to buy preloved now and it’s probably going to have a lovely, positive impact on the environment.”→ “ My business started in ’89 and so I've seen with shirts, it's become much more tailored, the style for men... I think that goes a lot with the fact that men spend a lot more time in the gym than they used to, and they want to show off their figures”

“Ultimately, it’s consumers that will drive change in the fashion industry as they start to demand better practice.

“That's the only thing that's going to influence people, for all the talk of sustainability and wonderful work conditions.

Alongside sustainability and reducing environmental impact, charity is also close to Emma’s heart. She launched the charity Style for Soldiers after visiting wounded soldiers at the Military Rehabilitation Hospital who face unwanted medical discharge. “I just thought what on earth can I do to help? There were a lot of casualties returning and I couldn't get it out of my head,” she says. “I kept thinking ‘what can I do’ and then about two weeks later, I thought well, I could try and go to the military hospital and make them all a shirt to fit.”

“I saw the best of humanity, the kindness and the bravery,” says Emma. “They were such a lovely lot; they were humorous, they were so supportive of each other. “I then had a letter from the head medical officer and he said, ‘you can come anytime’, the lads enjoyed that.” “ I saw the best of humanity, the kindness and the bravery... they were such a lovely lot; they were humorous they were so supportive of each other”

62 dreamescapemagazine.com

Pictured from first page: Emma Willis in Jermyn Street store; Emma and His Royal Highness Prince of Wales at Bearland House; Previous page: Style For Soldiers photo by Boo George This page: Emma Willis measuring at Headley Court Military Rehabilitation Hospital; Emma Willis factory in Gloucester; Tailored shirts

Emma returned to the hospital every two months, measuring the wounded soldiers for a bespoke shirt as a gift of thanks for their bravery and sacrifice.

Find out more Sally Strange, Client ManagerRelationship

The Berkeley, London – Stunning interiors by A-list designers, afternoon tea with a twist, service that raises a smile... everything about this luxury hotel is refreshingly different. And if you feel like exploring the neighbourhood, all the boutiques and treats of Knightsbridge and Belgravia are on your doorstep.

Henry’s Townhouse – As the former home of Jane Austen's favourite brother, Henry's Townhouse is rich in stories and character. Available on an exclusive-use basis, this unique property is the perfect base for those looking for a decadent, intimate bolthole in central london.

“I can’t help feeling when reading this interview with Emma Willis MBE, that everything about her brand and the philosophy behind it sums up the very best of British. Based in the heart of luxurious St James’s, her service is exemplary, her standards of the highest quality and her devotion to sustainability and the environment admirable. Emma is a woman who has made her mark on what is traditionally a man’s world, given jobs and training to refugees and launched Style for Soldiers. She exemplifies and continues the very best traditions of bespoke tailoring that London has long been known for.” ⬥ sally@dreamescape.co.uk

Today, Style for Soldiers enjoys backing from several high-profile British companies, such as Marks & Spencer and Burberry and includes their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall among its patrons. The charity now aims to offer long-term support through smart clothing for soldiers, regimental walking sticks for the injured, and a series of reunion events and parties for veterans.

Stay with Dream Escape in one of these special London hotels: NoMad – From the same hip hotel group to launch The Ned, NoMad London, which takes residence inside the historic, grade II-listed building famously known as The Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station, is every bit as exciting. Located in Covent Garden, opposite the Royal Opera House.

dreamescapemagazine.com 63

FORWARDFASHION

From Alexander McQueen to Vivienne Westwood, British fashion has always been at the forefront of the style world. Visiting London in September for London Fashion Week is the perfect excuse to take advantage of exclusive tours, personal styling sessions and behindthe-scenes access to the world of London fashion…

WORDS | EMMA JOHNSON

66 dreamescapemagazine.com

R unning for almost 40 years, London Fashion Week is one of The Big Four global fashion weeks, and joins New York, Paris and Milan as a flagship event for the sartorial world.London Fashion Week takes place twice a year, in February and September, and the September show welcomes over 250 designers to a global audience of more than 5000 press and retailers. Each year it is estimated that the show itself nets £100 million in orders.

“London truly is one of the great showcases for fashion,” says Dream Escape Client Relationship Manager Sally Strange. "The great advantage of the UK’s famously changeable weather is that we can totally justify a four-season wardrobe! And if any single occasion highlights this, then it is London Fashion Week coming to town twice a year. I have the greatest appreciation and pride in our creative heritage and genius. One only has to visit the fashion galleries of The V&A to see those famous names from recent times, from Mary Quant and Vivienne Westwood through to the legendary Alexander McQueen, to see how the UK has put fashion on the map.” The excitement around Fashion Week can be felt everywhere – from the restaurants and hotels to the shops and the streets. “London has long been known as the grittier, spirited, experimental home to fashion," says Emily Giffard-Taylor of personal stylists Bees and Taylor. “Of the four fashion weeks we might not have the polish and glamour, but what London has in bucketloads is diversity; a melting pot of cultures and creativity. Plus, we have the very best in street style, so just sit back and watch the world go by.” Press photos of the fashion elite striding into Somerset House on the Strand have come to epitomise an event that is characterised by its eclectic, striking and whimsical approach to fashion.“Ifeel so proud when one of the ‘greatest shows’ on earth comes to town,” says Sally. “There is a buzz in the air, and sense of anticipation in the streets and London unashamedly shows what it can do best.”London itself is absolutely part of the ‘show’, too says Sally, who organises exclusive shopping days and private tours for Dream Escape clients. “Fashion in London is not just the extraordinary creations that grace the catwalk and break the boundaries of the imagination – it is also in the stunning buildings that lend themselves to this sense of theatre and bravura; the beautiful shops and the creative designers. Exploring the sartorial side of London is a journey of discovery in itself,” she says. Start your discovery in Bond Street, the home of luxury shopping in London. It is revered throughout the world for its wealth of elegant stores, exclusive brands, designer “ The great advantage of the UK’s famously changeable weather, is that we can totally justify a four-season wardrobe!...”

dreamescapemagazine.com 67 fashion, luxury goods, fine jewels, art and antiques; and is home to some of the world’s most prestigious retailers, including Asprey, Bulgari, Burberry, Chanel, Cartier, Dolce Gabbana, Hermès, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Mulberry, Ralph Lauren and Tiffany & Co. From here, head to Savile Row, a tailoring destination par excellence, whose pedigree is undisputed. Gieves & Hawkes measured up Admiral Lord Nelson and The Duke of Wellington, Davies & Son shod Harry S Truman, and Henry Poole and Co invented the dinnerAnd,suit.for a real walk down the annals of fashion history, a visit to Burlington Arcade and a tour with the Head Beadle is absolutely essential. Burlington Arcade is the longest and most beautiful shopping arcade in London, and is guarded at either end by beadles in their distinctive Victorian-inspired uniform. The beadles have a unique insight into the history of Burlington Arcade and plenty of fascinating anecdotes they’re always happy to share too. You can make an entire day of visiting Selfridges, often considered the greatest department store in the world. Visiting Selfridges is an experience that goes way beyond shopping, and is beloved by many of Dream Escape’s guests, especially those travelling with older children. Start off with an hour of private shopping, when Selfridges is opened early for you, followed by one-to-one make-up sessions, manicures at Nails Inc, and a blow-dry at Daniel Galvin. If you’re feeling almost spoilt for choice, then allow Dream Escape to organise a day with personal stylist → “ I feel so proud when one of the ‘greatest shows’ on earth comes to town... there is a buzz in the air, and sense of anticipation in the streets and London unashamedly shows what it can do best.”

“I want every client to see the best of London's unique shopping scene, from behind the scenes at a couture atelier, to a meet-and-greet with a top designer and all the shopping you could ask for,” says Emily. “I create partnerships with each and every client, forging longlasting relationships and designing memories they will remember forever.”

Bees and Taylor, which includes shopping experiences and private sessions at the likes of Catherine Walker, Burberry, Temperley and Stewart Parvin. You can shop together on Bond Street for a new capsule wardrobe or find an item for a specific event, while also getting an opportunity to meet with a British designer and shop their collection privately or have a personal appointment to design a bespoke hat, piece of jewellery or a ready-to-wear item.

During Fashion Week, Bees and Taylor can also incorporate visits to London Fashion Week hotspots, and catwalk shows, organise a tour of favourite royal brands or a wander through some of London’s best vintage boutiques.

Talking of renowned names, a not-to-miss experience is a VIP visit to Catherine Walker, Princess Diana’s favourite designer, and now a regular favourite of the Duchess of Cambridge. See the archives of Walker’s showstopping designs for Princess Diana until her death in 1997, and hear the story behind each of these unique pieces, before a private consultation and the opportunity to have an outfit designed. Follow this with a private visit to Rachel Trevor Morgan, milliner to the Queen, and keeper of a “ I want every client to see the best of London's unique shopping scene, from behind the scenes at a couture atelier, to a meet-and-greet with a top designer and all the shopping you could ask for,”

“Fashion Week is a great way to bring the industry together, to bond a community of fashion-loving people,” says Emily. “It's long been a hub of creativity, originality and new talent – done the London way. A breeding ground for rising stars, London Fashion Week has kickstarted some of the biggest names in fashion.”

68 dreamescapemagazine.com

Dream Escape can also arrange exclusive jewellery tours, which include experiences at Garrard, one of the oldest jewellery houses in the world. Enjoy a private showing of the tiara collection while enjoying a traditional afternoon tea in The Queen Mary Salon above the showroom. At De Beers, which was founded by Cecil Rhodes and has been known as the ‘home of diamonds’ since 1888, enjoy a private diamond masterclass and try on some of their most high-end jewellery from the collection before also heading to Stephen Webster andYouBoodles.canalso take some time out from shopping with a visit to the brilliantly conceived exhibition at The V&A, Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear, taking a look at the creativity of men's fashion, featuring designers, tailors and artists who have unpicked masculinity at the seams (on until Sunday, 6 November 2022) Wherever your style sense takes you, the ultimate way to travel in London is in a luxurious chauffeured electric black cab, which is yours for the day, and can take you from shop to shop while you discover everything that this extraordinary British fashion capital has to offer.

Sally Strange, Client Relationship Manager

Pictured from first page: Eudon Choi Previous page from left to right: Conner Ives by Charlie Wheeler; Bora Aksu This page: Halpern Meet the designer; Sarah Hollebon… Soak up the fashion from independent boutiques and retailers, peppered with local art and history, on a tour around the Carnaby area with Sarah Hollebon, as part of Dream Escape's personal shopping experience. The tour concludes at Sarah Hollebon's studio on Kingly Street, with an exclusive showcase of past, present, and future bespoke garments, all handmade in-house using traditional tailoring techniques and luxury British fabrics, and includes an opportunity to view the design, construction, and tools used to complete a garment. During the showcasing, Sarah gives an in-depth talk about how these sculptured garments can be conversation starters that empower, connect, and strengthen through lived experiences, and how her work explores and raises awareness of social issues, including mental health.

dreamescapemagazine.com 69 dreamescape.co.uk

“Having been lucky enough to share some of the best of the English summer season with clients over the past months, I realise how fashion is such a strong part of our DNA. Whether it is wearing a beautiful evening dress for an opera at Glyndebourne, enjoying the opportunity to don a fabulous hat for Royal Ascot or bringing out the vintage for Glorious Goodwood. We take a delight in dressing up and finding the right outfit for the occasion, I make a point of always wearing British brands when looking after clients and love introducing them to these otherwise unknown and intrinsically unique collections. There truly is no limit to what London has to offer in the way of fabulous fashion.” ⬥ sally@dreamescape.co.uk Find out more royal warrant. Rachel works from her 17th-century atelier in the heart of St James, and can create a striking bespoke hat or headpiece that will be a talking point for years to come.

Meet the Blender

While most of us can only dream of sniffing whiskey for a living, there is much more to being a blender at a distillery than meets the eye. Rising star Deirdre O’Carroll from Irish Distillers gives Dream Escape some exclusive insights into how she became a blender of one of the world’s most-awarded whiskies, and why Irish whiskey is having a renaissance...

Deirdre, when did you realise that you wanted to work in the drinks industry? Were you always a fan of whiskey?

While I was studying Food Science and Technology (at University College Cork), I took on a module called Cereals and Related Beverages and I quickly became intrigued by the intricacies of the whiskey-making process and all it entailed. I began carrying out more and more research and realised that the Jameson Distillery had just launched a Graduate Engineering Programme, which just so happened to be only 20 minutes down the road. So, I applied and was thankfully successful. That’s wonderful. How did you then come to be a Blender for Irish Distillers?

WORDS

While Irish whiskey has been one of the fastest-growing spirits in the world, it’s not a plaudit that can be taken for granted in the competitive drinks industry. All the more reason for companies to carefully scrutinise and select their distillery talent, and the spotlight shone brightly on Deirdre O’Carroll in 2021 when she was appointed blender at Ireland’s Midleton Distillery, having risen through the ranks since joining Irish Distillers in 2012. Apart from being responsible for the quality of current whiskies (which include big names, such as Jameson), she’s at the forefront of developing new ones, creating Irish Distillers' impressive portfolio of whiskies for a global market. We managed to lure Deirdre away from the pot stills and maturing casks for an exclusive chat to ask her about what seems to be the dream job: working with the flavours and aromas of whiskey all day.

Starting out on the Jameson Engineering Graduate programme, my specific role was commissioning of the new pot stills and column stills (apparatus used in distilling). And after this, I spent an additional two years in distillation, but remained fascinated by maturation.

Whiskey has always been in my household, especially for special occasions, which is why I’ve always associated it with good times. It wasn’t until years later, when I discovered the level of detail, time and moving parts involved in making whiskey, that I could really start to appreciate it.

72 dreamescapemagazine.com

This led me to take on the role of a Bond Supervisor, which involved ensuring the casks we receive from all around the world are of the absolute best quality, and → | KARYN NOBLE

dreamescapemagazine.com 73 “ Whiskey has always been in mywhichforespeciallyhousehold,specialoccasions,iswhyI’vealwaysassociateditwithgoodtimes.”

74 dreamescapemagazine.com overseeing the filling and emptying of our 1.9 million casks. During my eight years here, I was also part of the sensory panel on-site, allowing me to constantly learn and develop my skills. Fast forward to 2021, a role in blending became available and, as you can imagine, I jumped at the chance. I was fortunate that I’d had the opportunity to hone my craft whilst also gaining valuable experience in distillation and maturation. Many travellers to Ireland would associate Irish whiskey with the name ‘Jameson’, visiting either Dublin or Cork for the wonderful whiskey tours at those distilleries. But Jameson is just one of many whiskies that you work with at Irish Distillers, I believe?

NOONANCATHAL©IMAGES

I work closely with Master Blender, Billy Leighton, to develop new and existing blends, which ultimately create a palette of tastes that make up Irish Distillers’ portfolio of Irish whiskeys. Within the portfolio, we’ve got seven main brands. As you rightly pointed out, we’ve got Jameson, a triple-distilled blend, which we’re proud to say is the world’s most awarded Irish whiskey. Next up, we have a range of single pot still Irish whiskeys, including Redbreast, Powers and the Spot family, while Knappogue Castle is a range of single-malt Irish whiskeys. Heading up our more premium expressions, we have Midleton Very Rare, the pinnacle of luxury, and our METHOD AND MADNESS range, born out of our on-site innovation hub, the Micro Distillery, which aims to push the boundaries with innovative launches, including our recent Japanese Trilogy and the first rye-forward whiskey to be produced at Midleton in a very long time.While I’m lucky enough to work across all of our iconic brands, my work at Midleton is mainly focused on producing Jameson and Midleton Very Rare.

dreamescapemagazine.com 75

The second volume, entitled Jameson Remixed, will explore and experiment with new innovations from Jameson, which we hope will be music to whiskey fans’ ears. These new releases showcase our ambition to create delicious, boundary-pushing whiskeys and, while we can’t reveal too much, rest assured we have several innovative projects in the pipeline. → “ Today, Irish whiskey is one of the fastest-growing spirits worldwide, and we’re very excited to continue driving its popularity through innovation and experimentation.”

Can you tell us what a typical day at work looks like for you? My day tends to start off by nosing the distillate that was made overnight and making sure it is within the parameters of our whiskey profile, as our primary job is keeping the products we know and love consistent year on year.That said, at Irish Distillers we don’t see consistency and innovation to be mutually exclusive, which means a large part of my day will be spent experimenting with different elements, such as the wood type we age whiskies in, to create exciting new releases. In the afternoon we will look at new product samples to see how they are progressing. When it comes to blending, you need to be extremely aware of your stock positions, as this helps you see where you may have potential ‘tight spots’ in the coming years and why we project 40 years into the future, which tends to dominate the latter part of the day. What defines a great whiskey? Every whiskey has a unique DNA, designed to suit different drinking occasions and appeal to individual flavour preferences. But, for me, a great whiskey consists of three key components: great taste, skilled craftsmanship and rich heritage, which every bottle of whiskey created at Midleton Distillery has in abundance. Would you say that Irish whiskey is having a bit of a renaissance? Could you tell us about some of the exciting new releases that you are working on? Absolutely, and particularly over the past decade, which has been one of extraordinary growth for Irish whiskey. Today, Irish whiskey is one of the fastest-growing spirits worldwide, and we’re very excited to continue driving its popularity through innovation and experimentation.

For example, we VeryMidletonlaunchedrecentlyRare Dair Ghaelach Kylebeg Wood, the fourth release within the series, which saw us work alongside the guardians of Kylebeg Wood to carefully select seven native Irish oak trees to fell and turn into barrels for maturation. This partnership demonstrates how we are collaborating with Ireland’s forestry custodians to create a more sustainable future for whiskey-making, with each bottling traceable to a single tree.

This year we launched The Jameson Anthology, a curated collection of unique limited-edition Irish whiskeys which draw inspiration from the past as well as imagining new possibilities. The first release was Jameson Remastered, a 15-year-old single pot still, which was last produced in 2000. The liquid is composed of three exceptional whiskey styles, spanning 15 to 17 years of maturation in carefully selected American bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry butts. We were delighted to see that it won a gold medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition.

It would have to be going for a long walk in the Irish countryside with my dog.

And of course, I would recommend a trip to Jameson Distillery in Midleton, Cork, where you can tour our distillery, see behind the scenes and taste our wonderful whiskeys. And finally, how do you like to relax on your days off?

76 dreamescapemagazine.com

On a larger scale, we’ve recently finalised our carbon-neutral roadmap, outlining a plan to transform Midleton Distillery into a carbonneutral operation by the end of 2026. This is a really exciting achievement for us after investing an incredible £50 million to become Ireland’s first carbon-neutral distillery and, once again, has been largely led by innovation. What do you think are the ideal foods to pair with whiskey? This is a hard one, as Irish whiskey is so versatile, meaning it can be paired with a lot of different food groups. Personally, I love whiskey with cheese, as it cuts through the creaminess.

If you’re a foodie, take advantage of the fact that Ireland is renowned for its fertile soil, meaning we have excellent home-grown produce. One of the best spots for this would have to be Ballymaloe House – please visit for the meal of your life, great atmosphere, and attention to detail.

A lot of our whiskies have dairy fudge, vanilla, roasted-coffee-bean notes associated with them, meaning they can be paired wonderfully with a chocolate dessert or a crème brûlée. Sounds delicious. What advice do you have for people who want to work in the distilling industry?

I’d recommend visiting the Great Blasket Island and staying the night there. It’s an island steeped in an equal amount of literary history and natural beauty. Staying in one of the guest houses is the perfect remedy to completely switch off – with no electricity, it’s very reminiscent of an Ireland gone by.

Sounds intriguing! You just touched on whiskey-making’s sustainable future. I understand that Jameson 18 Years has undergone a sustainable packaging revamp recently? Can you tell us a bit about this and Irish Distillers’ overall commitment to sustainability? We’re constantly developing sustainable practices and working to improve efficiencies to reduce the environmental impact of Midleton Distillery. A key part of this is through packaging redesign, which minimises our environmental impact while maintaining the overall experience of our whiskey. One of the first whiskeys in the portfolio to undergo a packaging redesign is Jameson 18 Years, which is now presented in lightweight packaging made from fully recyclable cardboard, making it much less carbon intensive to produce and transport.

“ we are passionate about whiskey, curious about the process and have a gratitude to the women and men who have gone before us, passing down their skills and techniques from generation to generation...”

I am surrounded by people who have entered the industry from many different avenues. I would say the common denominator between us is that we are passionate about whiskey, curious about the process and have a gratitude to the women and men who have gone before us, passing down their skills and techniques from generation to generation. For first-time visitors to Ireland, what would be your pick of must-do experiences in the country?

Roe and Co – Open since 2019, this distillery in the old Guinness Power Station in the heart of Dublin intends to spearhead the rejuvenated face of whiskey in Ireland, with cocktail workshops, food pop-ups, blending experiences and tours.

“There is nothing more relaxing than a wee dram of smooth Irish whiskey on an autumn's day, in fact any day! The private experiences that we offer are particularly special, whether you like whiskey or not. It is always a fascinating visit to meet the makers who will leave you enlightened and excited to sample this remarkable drink.” ⬥ david@dreamescape.co.uk Find out more

dreamescape.co.uk

Dream Escape Loves…

There are many reasons to visit Ireland, but its whiskey industry is one of the best. Discover some of our other favourite Irish whiskey distilleries to include as part of your dream escape: Hinch Distillery – Located in the gorgeous Killaney Estate in Co Down, Northern Ireland, Hinch had a £15 million investment in a new distillery and visitor centre that opened in 2021.

dreamescapemagazine.com 77

David Tobin, Owner and Director

Bushmills – A popular stop in Northern Ireland’s Co Antrim, Bushmills is the oldest licensed distillery in the world, where everything is made, matured and bottled on-site.

Tullamore Dew – From the Irish Coffee welcome drink on arrival to a chance to sip triple-distilled Tullamore D.E.W, visits to the secret warehouse snug at this distillery in Co Offaly should not be missed.

Pearse Lyons Distillery – This independent family-owned distillery in Dublin opened in 2017 and has several fascinating distillery experiences (including cocktails and food-pairing), in addition to a gin school.

Titanic Distillers – Premium Irish whiskey and vodka are on offer at this new distillery in Belfast on the Maritime Mile, where the Titanic once docked (hence the name).

Not only is 2022 the 10-year celebration of the Wales Coast Path, but the country will host the World Cheese Awards in November. Prompted by one Welsh restaurant being voted the best in the UK, Karyn Noble is just back from a gastronomic tour with highlights for your next road trip

GOURMET guide to WALES

WORDS | KARYN NOBLE

Where you can stay: There are three fully-furnished luxury tipis at Ynyshir, as well as eight hotel bedrooms (six in the main house and two with garden access). Dinner packages are great value.

The first Welsh restaurant deemed the UK’s best at the National Restaurant Awards (2022), the two-Michelinstarred Ynyshir in the Dyfi Valley is much more than a dining destination. It’s a ’90s-electronic-musicsoundtracked extravaganza in a house that was once Queen Victoria’s. Expect a 5.5-hour feast of 30 indulgent courses from chef Gareth Ward, including local crab and lobster and Japanese Wagyu beef cooked on open fire.

Near the English border, two miles east of Abergavenny, is Michelin-starred The Walnut Tree, with chef Shaun Hill overseeing operations since 2008. With more than 50 years' experience as a chef, as a chef, his creations are seemingly simple yet with a sophisticated understanding of flavour, enjoyed in an artwork-filled dining room that has an extremely loyal following for its local produce and relaxed ambience.

Awarded Wales’ first Green Michelin star in 2021, the Henry Robertson Dining Room combines sustainability with sublime surroundings in the five-star Palé Hall country house located on the edge of Snowdonia. Choose from five- or eight-course menus celebrating Welsh seasonality with Japanese and Middle-Eastern influences from head chef Gareth Stevenson. Where you can stay: Palé Hall or Portmeirion (below) have luxurious accommodation, where no attention to detail or extravagance is overlooked.

Dream Escape Highlight: Portmeirion – 50 minutes’ drive west of Palé Hall in Gwynedd, North Wales – is beyond magical: a 130-acre, pastel-coloured Italianate fairy land, with a 2 AA rosette fine-dining restaurant.

It’s a head-scratching matter that fewer international visitors head to Wales than to other British nations, but 2022 is certainly the country’s time to shine on the epicurean stage. The Wales Coast Path (launched in 2012) may be the first in the world dedicated to an entire country’s coastline, and it's here you’ll find an abundance of incredible seafood to match the views. There’s also a dynamic dairy industry, further amplified when Wales hosts the World Cheese Awards in November 2022. And this year, for the first time, a Welsh restaurant won the National Restaurant Awards, so it’s definitely time to pack your bags and your appetites to see why its food scene is so super-charged right now.

Where you can stay: The Walnut Tree has two extraordinary self-catering cottages that are a pretty garden stroll from its restaurant, where you can soak in a clawfoot bath and watch the cows in a meadow next door.

80

In Britain’s smallest city of St Davids you’ll find this ode to sustainability and ethical eating, a lively restaurant in a vibrant-blue building run by a family of farmers who champion local Pembrokeshire produce. Along with →

Dream Escape Highlight: In-the-know locals love the homemade Welsh minted lamb pies at Tynycornel Hotel on Tal-y-Llyn, an exquisitely peaceful lakeside spot, 30 minutes’ drive north. It also has rooms, if Ynshir is fully booked.

For too long it has hidden in the shadows of its more popular neighbours. But now we’re outing its most impressive dining destinations, along with tips for where to stay, and don’t-miss highlights while enjoying your food-travel experience with Dream Escape Ynyshir

The Walnut Tree Inn

St Davids Gin & Kitchen

Whether you have a penchant for unique restaurants with rooms, a little poetic history with your puddings, clifftop dining and imbibing from Britain’s only coastal national park, or quietly impressive lakeside retreats, Wales will surprise and enthral you in equal measures.

Dream Escape Highlight: The Abergavenny Food Festival, one of the highest-profile food events in Britain, occurs each September, and is held across six different venues, including Abergavenny Castle.

Henry Robertson Dining Room, Palé Hall

dreamescapemagazine.com

dreamescapemagazine.com 81 ‘

loyalinare......creationsenjoyedanartwork-filleddiningroomthathasanextremelyfollowingforitslocalproduceandrelaxedambience.’

Dream Escape Highlight: Blas Restaurant, dark and moody, holds 3AA Rosettes and has a flair for capturing both flavour and ‘art on a plate’.

Pictured first page: Venison served at Blas StCliffwithinterior;RestaurantThisInnTheWalnutCrabChrisPreviousRestaurantpage:FynesatYnyshir;Treeinteriorpage:BlasDessertaviewatRestaurant,BridesSpaHotel

Cliff Restaurant, St Brides Spa Hotel Enjoy dramatic panoramic views across Saundersfoot Bay with pan-fried local cod with shellfish bisque and mussels, or

82 dreamescapemagazine.com

Solva lobster and local oysters, you must try their gin, with botanicals foraged from the peninsula.

Where you can stay: Twr Y Felin (a 9-minute walk from St Davids Gin & Kitchen) is Wales’ first contemporary art hotel, and has a highly acclaimed restaurant, Blas (below)

Michael Davies, Travel Design Manager

dreamescapemagazine.com 83 perhaps some Welsh laverbread (seaweed) with your poached eggs and mushrooms at breakfast.

Dream Escape Highlight: For some poetic history take a short stroll from Brown's to Dylan Thomas Boathouse, and take some time to visit Tenby, a picturesque paradise of pastel houses, 13th-century stone walls and classic seaside resort tranquillity and grandeur. Asador 44 Food critic Tom Parker-Bowles declared it could be his favourite restaurant of 2020, and Asador 44 lives up to the hype; you could easily find yourself believing you’re dining in Northern Spain rather than Wales’ capital Cardiff, with the restaurant’s huge Parilla grill and cuts of ex-dairy Asturias beef displayed in glass-fronted fridges. It also has one of the UK’s finest Spanish red wine lists, and there are further excellent Spanish drinking experiences to be had at its sister Bar 44 around the corner, especially if you are a sherry connoisseur.

Where you can stay: Open since June 2022, Parador 44 (upstairs from Asador 44) is Cardiff’s first foodfocused luxury hotel, with nine boutique rooms and the Gonzaléz Byass guest lounge and pantry that’s abundant with Spanish treats (not to mention complementary PX-Sherry-soaked Welsh cakes), which can be enjoyed on the terrace. Or for five-star luxury right on Cardiff Bay, and floor-to-ceiling water views, voco St David’s Cardiff has a peaceful perspective.

Where you can stay: Brown's Hotel in Laugharne, Carmarthenshire, frequented by its most famous resident, poet Dylan Thomas, has 14 boutique rooms (some with double roll-top baths), and a self-contained Dylan’s Den (for seven guests).

“The classic image of the Welsh culinary repertoire is roast lamb (from mountains or salt marshes) served with Pembrokeshire potatoes and leeks covered in sauce made from local Caerphilly cheese. But the chefs who have made Wales their home have discovered a wider range of delicacies: wild salmon from the rivers of the southwest, ham from Carmarthen, mussels from Conwy, and native plums from the northeast. Recently I was asked to find a Snowdon Pudding, a variation on the traditional British steamed dessert with a zingy lemon flavour. But as no one seems to have made this commercially to date, I bought Welsh Cakes instead; full of juicy raisins, these are wonderful served warm with stewed apple and Cadwaladers delicious ice cream!” ⬥ michael@dreamescape.co.uk Find out more

Dream Escape Highlight: A warm Welsh cake fresh from the traditional cast-iron griddle at Fabulous Welshcakes is a perfect snack before (and after!) exploring Cardiff Castle.

‘ Enjoy dramatic panoramic views across Saundersfoot Bay with pan-fried local cod with shellfish bisque and mussels, or perhaps some Welsh laverbread with your poached eggs and mushrooms at breakfast.’ dreamescape.co.uk

84 dreamescapemagazine.com

Destination Special: WORDS | LUCY

East Lothian, on Edinburgh's doorstep and just a small sidestep from the well-trodden tourist trails, is a secret treasure. Veer east from the capital and you'll find a coastline strung with award-winning beaches, wide expanses of golden, dune-fringed sand backed by nature reserves and native woodland – and a wealth of world-class golfing greens. There are traditional fishing villages, cliffs and castles, coastal hamlets and old-school-nowcool seaside towns. There's even a distillery or two...

Scotland's west coast is well-known for its showstopping seascapes, and the far north is famous for its mighty munros and pewter-tinged lochs. But its south-east corner? It's still largely off the radar – partly because weekenders from Edinburgh like to keep one of the country's best-kept secrets to themselves...

The coast is so captivating it's easy to overlook the country – the fertile fields, picturesque villages and market towns. The rolling hills are low-slung, its charms low-key – but that's all part of its appeal. → GILLMORE

LothianEast

86 dreamescapemagazine.com

The Biarritz of the North It wasn't always off-the-beaten-track. At the end of the 19th century, the Royal Burgh of North Berwick was a popular tourist destination, with Victorian bathers enjoying a dip in the glamorous open-air saltwater swimming pool on the beach. It was so fashionable to holiday here it was dubbed the Biarritz of the North. Today, the little seaside town on a rocky promontory where the Firth of Forth meets the North Sea is a popular pitstop for day-trippers from Edinburgh. Its narrow streets are lined with quirky, independent shops, and there’s a state-of-the-art Scottish Seabird Centre that runs boat trips from the 12th-century harbour to Bass Rock, one of the world’s largest gannet colonies. Look for the day's sailings scribbled on a blackboard.

The roll call includes the remarkable Muirfield, dating back to 1744 and reputed to be the oldest golf club in the world and host of the British Open no fewer than16 times. Then there's Luffness New Golf Club designed by Old Tom Morris in 1894; and Dunbar, founded in 1856, its course designed ‘ It wasn't off-the-beaten-track...always[therewereonce]Victorianbathersenjoyingadipintheglamorousopen-airsaltwaterswimmingpoolonthebeach.’

IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTOGETTY©IMAGEIMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTOGETTY©IMAGE

The area has old-fashioned charm – and a modern take on seaside specialities. You can tuck into fish and chips on the seafront, or crab and double-dipped chips and salt-andpepper squid from the Lobster Shack on the harbour, followed by smallbatch, award-winning gelato from gourmet ice-cream parlour Alandas.

Tee Time If Scotland is the home of golf, East Lothian is the Holy Grail for golfers, with the largest concentration of championship links golf courses anywhere in the world. There are 22 golf courses strung like emeralds along a 30mile stretch of wild coastline here.

dreamescapemagazine.com by three of the greats: Old Tom Morris, James Braid and Ben Sayers. Renowned golf course architect Tom Doak, meanwhile, designed North Berwick's Renaissance Club course, which nudges up to Archerfield Links.

The genteel Victorian-villa-laced village of Gullane has a liberal sprinkling of golf courses, a cool coastal gastropub (The Bonnie Badger, courtesy of Michelinstarred chef, Tom Kitchin), and one of the loveliest beaches in East Lothian backed by sea buckthorn bushes and looking out over the Firth of Forth. Gullane Bents stretches from Gullane Point to Black Rocks and is a magnet for dog-walkers, kite-flyers and windsurfers. →

Dream Escape can arrange tee times – as well as those in St Andrews across the Firth of Forth in the Kingdom of Fife – just a 10-minute helicopter ride away. High Spirits/Kindred Spirits Speyside might be Malt Whisky Country but East Lothian is the Lowland home of Johnnie Walker and the Glenkinchie distillery in the picturesque village of Pencaitland, recently reopened after a multimillionpound revamp. You can wander through the landscaped garden and explore the distillery's traditional Victorian red brick warehouses, take a behind-the-scenes tour and a range of tutored tastings.

87

Five of the Best Beaches Gullane Bents

The Nisbett family bought the castle and landscaped the area around it with formal gardens and the longest herbaceous border in the world.

King of the Castle Rumoured to be the inspiration for King Arthur's Camelot, Tantallon Castle, just a couple of miles east of North Berwick, is a magnificent medieval clifftop fortress. The ruined castle dates back to the mid-1300s and survived sieges by James IV in the 15th century and James V in the 16th century, but was finally abandoned after the destruction wrought by Cromwell’s army in 1651. Dirleton Castle is another ruined medieval fortress in the pretty village of the same name, which was also destroyed by Cromwell's forces. It was not left to languish, however.

On a smaller scale, just outside North Berwick the NB Distillery is a family-owned, award-winning distillery that makes gin in a custom-built copper still called Gloria, as well as vodka and rum. It offers a number of tours and tasting experiences.

Or, for a walk on the wilder side, visit Buck and Birch, where Rupert Waites and Tom Chisolm call themselves 'foragers, fermenters, philosophers, feeders of the hungry and nourishers of the soul'. They started out offering wild-dining events, creating feasts from local hand-harvested ingredients. They now make liqueurs, spirits, and bottled cocktails from locally foraged ingredients, including the Aelder Sour: a heady mix of elderberry liqueur, whisky and a dash of citrus.

88 dreamescapemagazine.com

‘ Among the trees are the ruins of an 18th-century mansion and a 16th-century castle, Auldhame. From the beach you can see Tantallon Castle perched on the clifftop and Bass Rock in the distance. There's also a miniature harbour carved out of the rocks in 1890 and said to be the smallest in Scotland.’

Yellowcraig

This dune-backed sweep of golden sand is also known as Broad Sands Bay. A popular family beach, Yellowcraig's surrounding grasslands and woodland are threaded with nature trails. From the shore you can see the lighthousetopped Fidra Island off the coast, said to have been the inspiration for novelist Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island and now an RSPB reserve. It's around a 90-minute walk from here to North Berwick along the sand – if the tide's in you can skirt around the rocks into the dunes. Tyninghame Curve around the coast to Tyninghame Links; a glorious sweep of sand, often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the south of Scotland. Sunsets here are spectacular. If it looks familiar, it might be because it featured as one of the filming locations in cult historical romp, Outlander North Berwick

Seacliff

You can canter along the sand on horseback on this romantic beach, five miles east of North Berwick, hidden down a rough track through woodland on a private Scottish estate. Among the trees are the ruins of an 18th century mansion and a 16th-century castle, Auldhame. From the beach you can see Tantallon Castle perched on the clifftop and Bass Rock in the distance. There's also a miniature harbour carved out of the rocks in 1890 and said to be the smallest in Scotland.

This seaside spot has not one but two town beaches: West Bay and Milsey Bay. Both are popular with families and perfect for paddling, picnicking, beach-combing, rockpooling, sandcastle building, sunbathing and swimming. There's a putting green behind West Bay and the golf course is just a flip-flop away. →

dreamescapemagazine.com 89

‘ Rumoured to be the inspiration for King Arthur's Camelot, Tantallon Castle, just a couple of miles east of North Berwick, is a magnificent medieval clifftop fortress. The ruined castle dates back to the mid-1300s and survived sieges by James IV in the 15th century and James V in the 16th century but was finally abandoned after the destruction wrought by Cromwell’s army in 1651.’

90 dreamescapemagazine.com

Pictured first page: View from Greywalls Second page: Across a field to the Law by North Berwick; Lobster pots at harbour side, Dunbar with Dunbar castle in background; The Renaissance Club Previous page: View of The Bass Rock, the Firth of Forth and the shore from Seacliff Beach, close to North Berwick, Scotland This page: Tantallon Castle, east of North Berwick; Greywalls country house hotel; Greywalls gardens

Holly Mackie, Owner and Director, "East Lothian is home for our family and the children love being surrounded by beautiful beaches, fabulous golf courses and pretty seaside towns to visit. It's a special oasis tucked along the coastline and so close to Edinburgh."

holly@dreamescape.co.uk Find out more

dreamescapemagazine.com 91

This grand Grade-I-listed mansion dating back to the 17th century underwent a spot of remodelling in the 18th century and extensive restoration in the 21st century, and is now an opulent exclusive-use property set within a 550-acre estate. It has had a chequered history, in 1940 it was requisitioned by the War Office and at one time was rented to the British Prime Minister Herbert Asquith, but has been in the Douglas-Hamilton family since the 1960s. The estate's name dates back to the 13th century, when King Edward I's archers camped here as part of the invading army in 1298. Today, the main house has 15 opulent en-suite bedrooms perfect for a large gathering, but other accommodation options peppered around the estate include 12 sumptuous Pavilion suites and a handful of 3- or four-bedroom luxury lodges. There's also a chic spa (Fletcher's Cottage) and two 18-hole golf courses, Fidra and Dirleton Links, designed by architect David J Russell.

⬥

WHERE TO STAY Archerfield House

dreamescape.co.uk

Greywalls Sir Edwin Lutyens designed this elegant Edwardian country house hotel in 1901 as a holiday home for Alfred Lyttelton, a passionate golfer whose one request was that it was 'within a mashie niblick shot of the eighteenth green at Muirfield.' You can practically tumble out of bed onto the golf course of this honey-hued Arts and Craftsstyle listed property. It also has a heavenly walled garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll and an acclaimed Chez Roux restaurant.Greywalls still feels like a grand country house; with a wood-panelled library and drawing room with roaring log fires, and the walls hung with family portraits. The antique-peppered, individually designed rooms are classically chintzy and split between the main house and cottages (there are 19 doubles and four single 'caddy closet rooms') with views out over the golf course to the Firth of Forth or the gardens and Lammermuir Hills.

IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTOGETTY©IMAGE

CHARTWELL HOUSE AND GARDEN

PENSHURST PLACE

The vineyards suggested are also home to some of the finest award-winning wines from the area, so do not miss sampling a world-class tipple when you visit.

WORDS | IAN MCCURRACH

The magnificent and imposing home of the late Sir Winston Churchill who led Britain to victory in WWII was purchased in 1922. Churchill occupied the house until his death in 1965. Churchill’s granddaughter, Celia Sandys, remembers her time at Chartwell. “It was simply wonderful spending time with my grandpa there, as that was when he was at his most relaxed. And I adored going on holiday with him to the South of France. We were even invited by Artistotle [billionaire shipowner Aristotle Onassis] and his wife to spend time with them on their super yacht, the Christina O”. Dream Escape can arrange an exclusive meeting with Sandys for those with a serious interest.

The Garden of England, as Kent is frequently called, is just a hop and a skip away from London, yet it is a county of contrasts, with some of the finest country experiences possible.

dreamescapemagazine.com 93

With its stunning stretch of serene coastline, quintessential castles steeped in ancient history, pretty villages, lively towns and some of England’s finest gardens, this is Dream Escape's very best picks when visiting Kent

A stately historic home dating back to the Tudor dynasty, Penshurst Place has a rich medieval history and unique Elizabethan gardens. Once the hunting lodge of King Henry VIII, it was given to Anne of Cleves, who outlived all his other wives in her divorce settlement. HenryVIII’s son Edward VI gifted it to the Sidney family who are still in occupation and live there to this day. →

Kent IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTOGETTY©IMAGE

Dream Escape can curate a sublime selection of experiences, encompassing Kent's ancient castles, magnificent houses and seriously gorgeous gardens.

Built on islands in a lake formed by the River Len, Leeds Castle dates back to 857. It was the residence of famous kings, including Henry VIII and Edward I, and home to Henry’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon. New displays date back to the glamorous 1930s, when the AngloAmerican heiress Lady Olive Baillie owned the castle. Lady Olive Baillie was responsible for the restoration of the castle, and highlights include how the castle prepared for house party weekends, which were peopled by foreign royalty and Hollywood stars of the day. Discover the grounds and don’t miss out on the challenge of the unique maze.

GREAT GARDENS Sissinghurst Castle Garden is synonymous with the successful writer, poet and gardener, Vita Sackville-West, who lived here and created the garden in the 1930s along with her husband, the ‘ New displays date back to the glamorous 1930s... highlights include how the castle prepared for house party weekends, which were peopled by foreign royalty and Hollywood stars of the day.’

DOWN HOUSE Take a science lesson at Down House, home to Charles Darwin and family. It was here that Darwin worked on his theory of evolution by natural selection. Explore the house and see how he lived with his family and then take a tour of the gardens, Darwin’s outdoor laboratory.

HEVER CASTLE

Sticking to the Tudor theme, a few miles west swing by Hever Castle, a highly romantic double-moated fairy tale stronghold straight out of picture books. It was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn who frequently returned during her courtship to Henry VIII. Enjoy a delightful visit through the intimate castle and magnificent grounds. Witness jousting tournaments and other historic recreations.

LEEDS CASTLE

94 dreamescapemagazine.com

VINEYARDS

With its south-facing chalky soil making for excellent wine growing, it is no surprise that there are more than 50 vineyards in Kent. Dream Escape has selected the very best. Chapel Down, near the lovely market town of Tenterden was arguably the first vineyard to put English wines on the map: It has wonderful wines and is beautifully laid out for exploring. Don't miss the winetasting, obviously, and superb dining at its restaurant, The Swan, a friendly fine-dining experience serving lunch daily and dinner Thursday through Saturday. →

KNOLE

One of England’s finest country houses began life as an archbishop’s palace and dates back to the mid-15th century. Set within a 1,000 acre walled deer park, the house features a collection of 17th-century royal Stuart furniture and many fine paintings by the likes of Van Eyck and Gainsborough. There is also a Bloomsbury Group theme here as the house is the childhood home of Vita Sackville-West, who bitterly resented not inheriting the property. It was here that she began her love affair with Virginia Woolf. Woolf used Knole as the backdrop to her groundbreaking novel, Orlando Orlando is frequently seen as a love letter from Virginia to Vita, and the original manuscript is here. Don’t miss the Gatehouse Tower, bohemian home to Vita’s cousin Eddy Sackville-West, another member of the Bloomsbury Group, who also defied convention at the time in terms of his sexuality.

dreamescapemagazine.com 95 writer and diplomat Harold Nicolson. They transformed the gardens and brought them to international fame with their variety of plants, shrubs and trees and well-thoughtout design. The white garden is a real highlight. It was here that Vita conducted her passionate love affair with fellow Bloomsbury Group writer Virginia Woolf. Twin your visit with the glorious gardens at Great Dixter, which make for a great day out together. Although strictly in East Sussex, the combination is sublime. Where Sissinghurst is quite regimental and structured, Great Dixter is more full-blown and sassy. It is truly sensational and the sunken garden with the pond is pure heaven. Both have fine places to graze and get refreshed.

If you like the fare on offer at The Swan, the couple who run it also have The Beacon in Tunbridge Wells. This historic home and gardens offer The Hearth Restaurant for fine dining and The Garden Bar for a more relaxed affair. A short tree-lined walk away from the pretty village of Shoreham, The Mount Vineyard estate is the family home and business of Simon and Sally Greenwood, who bought the place in 2011. Private wine tours, tastings, a shop and the Courtyard restaurant as well as bar options offer something special for every Dream Escape guest.The Hush Heath Estate Balfour Winery, near Marden, has been home to three generations of the Balfour-Lynn family. But it wasn’t until Richard and Leslie purchased an additional 400 acres of farmland and planted them with grapes to produce a pink sparkling wine, which would be equivalent to their favourite Champagne, Billecart Salmon Rosé that things took off. Launched in 2004, Balfour Brut Rosé quickly won accolades such as Gold in the International Wine Challenge. It was the only English wine to be served at the London 2012 Olympics. Expertled tours and wine tastings include six of the Balfour wines. GOLF Kent offers many exclusive award-winning golf courses where enthusiasts can tee off. All are private members clubs, but Dream Escape can arrange entry and tee times. The best include Royal St Georges, near Sandwich and the Royal Cinq Ports just north of Deal. Both sit adjacent to the coastline, offering fine views across the channel to France. Chart Hills in Bibbenden is the only IMG Prestige Nick-Faldo-designed

Previous page left to right: Leeds Castle; Hever Castle

First page: Kent's chalk cliff coastline

IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTOGETTY©IMAGEEASTHAMJAKE©IMAGE

96 dreamescapemagazine.com

This page clockwise from left: Chapel Down Vineyard; The Pig at Bridge Place; White cliffs

dreamescapemagazine.com 97 course in Europe. The London Golf Club, near Brands Hatch racing circuit is Jack-Nicklaus-designed and known for its fast, undulating freeways across two championship courses.

The Pig at Bridge Place combines luxury and style with a distinctly rock ‘n’ roll velvety vibe. This Grade-II-listed historic Jacobean pile is situated in 10 acres of parkland, about three miles from Canterbury. Expect plush panelled rooms, locally sourced produce, exquisite cuisine and you won’t be disappointed.

WHERE TO STAY:

HEVER CASTLE

For another exquisite historic stay, Battel Hall at Leeds Castle dates back to the 14th century and features five deluxe ensuite bedrooms along with access to a gorgeous drawing room, oak-panelled dining room and library. There is further accommodation in several other historic properties on the estate, all of which afford full use of the grounds. Find out more Louise Murray, Head of Product “There is something for everyone in Kent. From the beautiful gardens to the fun-filled days spent at the castles, it is a county with so much to offer. The rising popularity in English wines gives another perfect reason to escape the city for the day and head out to the picturesque vineyards.” ⬥ louise@dreamescape.co.uk

BATTEL HALL AT LEEDS CASTLE

Live like royalty and hole up at Hever Castle in one of the fabulous five-star en-suite bedrooms situated in the Anne Boleyn and Astor Wings. This is B&B at the very top end. Suitable for guests of up to eight, Medley Court, part of the Astor Wing, is a self-catering property on a grand scale, dating from 1903, which is Tudor inspired, and Dream Escape can make exclusive arrangements.

THE PIG AT BRIDGE PLACE

The

And I even got the chance to venture north of the border into Rosie Peattie territory when I took clients to the glorious Glenfeshie Lodge. Stunning scenery, rushing rivers, wild ponies and Highland cattle by day, log fires and candlelit dinners by night. It all brings to mind the phrase ‘when you find a job you love, you will never work again’. How wonderful it is to be working again and sharing the very best of Britain with clients. Did you know? Glenfeshie Lodge has been used as a film location for many exciting dramas, such as Netflix TV show The Crown and 2006 film The Queen, starring Dame Helen Mirren ⬥

DISTINGUISHED DRAMMING ON THE ISLE OF ISLAY

I have certainly been making the most of the glorious summer weather this season before autumn approaches. One highlight is the Three Distilleries Walk, where I took an exceptional VIP tour to the Isle of Islay on Scotland’s west coast to explore three of its waterside distilleries: Laphroiag, Lagavullin and Ardbeg. Lagavullin, meaning ‘hollow of the mill’ is particularly interesting; it officially dates from 1816 but records show illicit distillation in at least ten illegal distilleries on the site from over 100 years before that! Slainte Did you know? Prince Charles’ favourite whisky is believed to be Laphroaig 15 Year Old, and Laphroaig was issued with a Royal Warrant by the prince in 1994. ⬥

Sally Strange, Client Relationship Manager sally@dreamescape.co.uk

98 dreamescapemagazine.com

It’s joyous to recount returning to summer season staples such as Glyndebourne Festival Opera, Royal Ascot and Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. Was it my heightened imagination or did every aria sung seem more uplifting, every hat that much more extravagant, and every floral display more riotously colourful? Or was it merely the sheer delight of experiencing these things anew?

DRIVING CLASSIC CARS AND HIKING IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Rosie Peattie, Client Relationship Manager rosie@dreamescape.co.uk Dream Escape’s Client Relationship Managers and founts of knowledge, Rosie Peattie and Sally Strange, both Blue Badge Guides, share some of their favourite experiences from recent travels... last word from ROSEMARY&SAGE out more

Another highlight from my summer was the rare pleasure of getting behind the wheel of a classic car used in award-winning Netflix series Peaky Blinders at Gleneagles. It has also been a joy to take clients on lots of hikes, including a very special expedition to Loch Glass on the eastern side of craggy Ben Wyvis, Easter Ross in the Highlands of Scotland. On the southern shore of the loch, amid a backdrop of mountains and water, is the distinctive Culzie Lodge, also known as the Pink House. Loch Glass is where some of the stunts were filmed that feature at the start of The Dark Knight Rises (2012), accessed via a small network of narrow single-track roads and forestry tracks in this incredibly remote location. Did you know? While it looks pink and pretty, Culzie Lodge is not a place to consider resting your head for the night. It might be popular to photograph for Instagram, but it is uninhabited. ⬥

ENJOYING TRADITIONAL SUMMER FESTIVALS AND SCOTLAND’S GLENFESHIE LODGE

Find

Like the sound of these experiences? Get in touch with Rosie or Sally for expert advice on your next adventure ⬥ Rosie Sally

Shop Lucan at – lucanfashion.com / Harrods / Enquiries – info@lucanfashion.com

GLIMPSE INSIDE The Glorious PlaygroundAcharmingcountryestate,aruralfamilyadventure,aluxuriousescapeforfriends,acosycouples’retreat, a home from home.