NEARLYWED NEWS

Make the most of what the UK has to offer, with Yorkshire offering beautiful landscapes and historical cities. Inspired by its northern surroundings, the HRH Group operates several boutique hotels, restaurants and traditional pubs within north Yorkshire.

The portfolio includes, Clementine’s Town House Hotel, York; The Guy Fawkes Inn, York; The Fat Badger, York; The Fat Badger, Harrogate; The White Hart Hotel, Harrogate; The Yorkshire Hotel, Harrogate; The Pickled Sprout Restaurant and Bar, Harrogate; and The Black Horse Inn, Kirkby Fleetham.

Clementine’s Hotel, is for guests looking for luxury, situated in the heart of York, it provides an indulgent experience in a place where Parisian chic meets Yorkshire heritage. A highlight of Clementine’s is the Ski Lodge Suite, a Nordic inspired ski lodge, complete with garden views and terrace. Inside sees a mock log fire, bedroom and bathroom with heated tiled spa seat and large dual shower.

The Fat Badger York is the latest opening within the HRH portfolio, which opened officially in March 2022. The Fat Badger York occupies two grade II listed buildings, which have seen a £1 million renovation and partially built into the famous city walls.

Those looking to explore Harrogate, can take in the sights with The Yorkshire Hotel and their in-house restaurant, The Pickled Sprout, located in the centre of Harrogate.

For more information and to explore more pubs and accommodation within the group, visit the website: www.hrhgroupharrogate.com

NORTH YORKSHIRE IS IN UK’S TOP 10 ANTIQUE SHOPPING AREAS

A new study reveals north Yorkshire as the sixth capital for five-star antique shopping experiences in the UK. The study, conducted by selling site www.for-sale.co.uk, analysed fivestar-rated antique shopping venues in the UK and calculated the number of shops in each area along with total TripAdvisor ratings to award each region a ‘Capital Score’.

North Yorkshire is in sixth place, receiving a ‘Capital Score’ of 7.1. It boasts of nine five-star antique shops in the district, offering a shop every 962 square kilometres.

Commenting on the study, a spokesperson for for-sale.co.uk said: “It’s pleasant to see the areas that offer fantastic shopping experiences for antique lovers in the UK and tourists who visit the country to explore its shopping avenues. Antiques are still an excellent option for gifts for special occasions and an ideal way to source unusual items that become a talking point when entertaining visitors.”

Some shops to visit include: Cellar Antiques, Hawes; Ann Clarke Antiques & Collectables, Middleham; and Barn Antiques, Whitby.

NEWS Nearlywed

All the latest from the region

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW

Gail Bradley, wedding coordinator at five-star hotel The Grand, York, has seen a shift in wedding traditions among couples tying the knot at the hotel. From fatherdaughter dances not proving as popular anymore to seeing less brides throwing the bouquet, it seems couples are tearing up the rule book. Gail says, “Traditional cakes are still very popular for many couples, but naked cakes tend to be the cake of choice. Cupcakes too are a popular choice and quirky alternatives come along occasionally, for example we’ve seen cakes of cheese dressed with flowers and grapes, and pork pie cakes.

“Here at The Grand, guestbooks are as popular as ever as a traditional keepsake. However, newer favourites we’re seeing emerge are jigsaws or pictures, which guests sign around.” And, when it comes to fashion and entertainment, Gail has certainly seen people sticking with tradition, “More often than not we’ll still see brides are sticking to the one dress, and bands seem to remain a very popular choice more so than discos, for after the ceremony. In all my years working as a coordinator I’ve probably only seen singing waiters twice!”

While brides as still wearing the dress of their dreams and dancing to their favourite band, what changes have been noticed? Gail adds, “Favours are changing, miniatures are popular but I’m finding that seed bombs are becoming more of a popular choice, or personalised biscuits that double as a place card. There are lots of fun new options that couples are exploring. Of course, it’s down to each individual couple to how they want to spend their day, but knowing what trends are still current and what new avenues other couples are exploring may give some inspiration to other couples.”

ECO REWARDS

Beauty in Bloom is a mobile and salon-based hair and beauty service in Yorkshire, founded by Charlotte Hawkins. As a thank you to her super-green clients, that have been making the most of the Davines refill station in salon and to show how valued your efforts are to reuse and refill, the company is launching a refill loyalty card at the Beehive Salon in Silsden. Here, you’ll still receive your discount when refilling but as an added treat after six refills, you’ll receive 50 per cent off a Davines styling product of your choice.

Visit: https://beautyinbloom.co.uk/beehive Perfect Daze Bridal boutique in Huddersfield has become a bridal institution, loved for its expert advice, customer care and stylish, luxury gowns to swoon over. Over the last couple of seasons the team at Perfect Daze have seen a shift in demand from classic styling to more relaxed, bohemian pieces geared up for the ever-popular rustic, barn-styled wedding. Perfect Daze has therefore introduced new designers to the boutique to meet that demand: Australian design house, Evie Young who designs bold pieces for the confident bride that embody synergy and femininity; and Willowby by international design house, Watters, who feature in their latest collection lush, dusky colours and an intricately embroidered mix of patterns. Drawing inspiration from a variety of diverse sources from Old Hollywood through to the natural world, Perfect Daze’s third new designer, Dando London, offers brides, unrivalled style, the finest quality fabrics and original pieces for the bride wishing to truly make a statement on her big day.

Visit: www.perfectdazebridal.co.uk

ANDREW GEOGHEGAN LAUNCHES ASTERIA BRIDAL COLLECTION

British luxury jewellery brand Andrew Geoghegan has launched a new bridal collection inspired by the radiance of the sun. Asteria is a celebration of light and a symbol of new beginnings, and marks the debut of an alternative halo setting that is exclusive to the jeweller. Asteria has been designed to create complex plays of light that catch the eye from every angle. A highly polished sunburst surrounds the centre stone of the Asteria engagement ring to reflect light. Yet more brilliance is created by the innovative setting studded with micro-set gems within lozenge shapes that create a luminous alternative halo. The effect is an arresting brilliance that radiates all the way to the finger.

The Asteria Solitaire is partnered by a wearable jacket-style wedding ring, which has a fan of highly polished sunrays radiating above the band. Special attention has been paid to the inner sweep of the ring, which has been perfectly angled to ensure full visibility of the solitaire’s micro-set gems.

Andrew Geoghegan, who founded his award-winning namesake brand in 1998, said: “Asteria signifies an important evolution for the brand. Although it possesses the unmistakable AG spirit, it also shows a deeper love for and exploration of the play of light - on both metallic surfaces and gemstones. The various elements within the setting each have their own strong character but yet also work flawlessly together. With Asteria I also wanted to showcase the most skilled gem setting we have ever achieved, and I’m delighted to say the precision, and the beauty of the entire piece, is something to behold.”

The Asteria collection officially launched in mid-March, and will roll out across a select number of Andrew Geoghegan partner boutiques as well as online on the brand’s website. The rings are available in 18ct rose, white and yellow gold or platinum, with various stone setting options including diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and tsavorites. Retail prices for the collection start from £2,695.

Visit: www.andrewgeoghegan.com