Exclusive magazine uk autumn 2015 by dan gheorghiu

www.childsplayclothing.co.uk Newborn to 16 Years

ContentS

Fashion Dressed For Success : At Signature Bespoke..............…………….16 An Interview With Fashion Stylist Lorraine McCulloch…..............26 Chic Exclusive…………………...............................................…29 Zuso : e Hottest Brands For Stylish Women….........…....…….34 Style Your Autumn Wedding With Chic….……..........………….40

Features Rebound Relationships With Rebeckah Vaughan…......………..38 ings at Go Bump In e Night : Halloween In Chester...…...44 Just e Tonic At Remedy……………………………………...48 Autumn Events In Southport…………………………………...52 is Christmas In e North West……………………………..56 e Laughter Capital : Liverpool Comedy Festival……………..61 Best Of e Best : Remembering George Best 10 Years On…...126 e VERY Big Catwalk Event…………………………………140

photography Diane Thompson – Give Kitchen Nick Hopper – Hemsley + Hemsley SaleS & Marketing : Vivien Dunlop – Account Manager Karen Watkins – Account Manager

Autumn 2015

ContentS

Eating & Drinking Food Glorious Food : Manchester & Liverpool Food & Drink Festivals.................64 An Interview With Hemsley + Hemsley…...……………....68 Michelin Man’s Maiden Voyage To Liverpool : Aiden Byrne……………….................................................72 Eating & Drinking In e North West : Restaurant Reviews…………...................................………75

Travel Exclusive Luxury Travel………………………………........93

Sport Exclusive Golf……………………………………………..112 Manchester’s World Class Sporting Pedigree……………...122 Let e Games Begin : e Premier League And Our Big Four….............……….124

What’s on Yo Ho Ho And A Day Full Of Fun : Pirate Festival At Albert Dock…...............................…….128 e Northern Lights : Blackpool Illuminations…............................................….130 Upcoming Film Releases……............................................132 What’s On Around e North West is Autumn.......…..134

Like us On Exclusive Magazine

FeatureS & advertiSing enquirieS Neil Wilson 07809 226112 n.wilson@dwpublishing.eu deSign & produCtion Expression Graphic Studio

Food and drink editor Camille Allcroft

editor Simon Grant

editorial Simon Grant Nicola Kenyon Katie Grant Becky Hayes Zoe Quinn Camille Allcroft Rebeckah Vaughan

t r av e l e d i t o r Paul Knowles

Autumn 2015

CheShire oakS

CHESHIRE OAKS THE AW EDIT WITH CHESHIRE OAKS DESIGNER OUTLET TAKE YOUR AW15 WARDROBE TO A NEW LEVEL THIS YEAR! CHESHIRE OAKS DESIGNER OUTLET HAS IDENTIFIED FOUR KEY TRENDS FROM THIS SEASONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RUNWAY AND HERE THEY TELL YOU EXACTLY WHAT TO LOOK FOR. TED BAKER

DARK ROMANCE

DANIEL FOOTWEAR

A dark romantic aesthetic inspired many designers this season. Think Victorian silhouettes, rich velvet, delicate lace and dark floral prints. Add depth to all-black with deep reds and navys and embrace vintage inspired jewellery and leather bags.

LACOSTE

BIG LUXE

RADLEY

Wrapping-up with indulgence is key as the dark nights draw in. Layers of cashmere, fur and fine wool blends will add luxurious comfort to any outfit. Invest in oversized scarves, knitwear and all forms of outerwear in warm autumnal shades.

JAEGER

KURT GEIGER

Autumn 2015

COAST

CheShire oakS

WATCH STATION

21ST CENTURY SARTORIAL

JAEGER

This trend explores beautiful and precise sartorial cuts with a contemporary edge. Heritage British patterns and classic cutting are brought into the 21st Century to create feminine and masculine silhouettes in a monochrome colour palette.

FRENCH CONNECTION

HOBBS

LEVIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S M&S OUTLET

URBAN EDGE SUPERDRY

FOLLI FOLLIE

FURLA

The runways continued the utilitarian feel from SS15, taking influence from all areas of military-wear and sportswear. Look out for pieces with finishing touches including toggles, pockets, zips and fastenings in shades of khaki, sand, navy, battleship grey and camouflage.

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST TRENDS AT WWW.CHESHIREOAKSDESIGNEROUTLET.COM Autumn 2015

That 70s Shoot ONE of Autumn/Winter’s key trends harks back to the 1970s. It started to seep in this summer and the style is set to prevail. Shot in the skies on the roof of John Lewis in Liverpool ONE, lots of layering coupled with turtle necks and felt hats made for a retro vibe. e dramatic background, paired with the clean lines of flared jumpsuits and bell sleeve blouses lead to a modern twist on the trend, making for wearable outfits everywhere, from the oﬃce to the bar.

Rust Cord Dress, £38, Topshop Shirt, £40, Warehouse Bag, £32, Warehouse Hat, £25, Miss Selfridge

Tan Suede Jacket, £185, Topshop Spotty Shirt, £128, Weekend by Maxmara Skirt, £38, Warehouse Scarf, £70, Reiss Hat, £70, Reiss Purple Bag, £156, DKNY at John Lewis Belt, £60, Reiss Tights, stylists own

Autumn 2015

LIVERPOOL ONE

Shirt, £79, Somerset by Temperly at John Lewis Burgundy Jumpsuit, £65, Topshop Belt, £25 from Dune Shoes, £79, Kin at John Lewis Hat, £30, Warehouse Ring, stylists own

Sheer Shirt, £28, Miss Selfridge Pleated Skirt, £50, Warehouse Belt, £60, Reiss Scarf, £70, Reiss Rust Hat, £30, Warehouse

Location: John Lewis, Liverpool ONE Photography: Sane Seven Stylist: Hester Brodie Hair: Sophie Riozzi, Aveda, Beauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols Makeup: Jackie Mitchell, Shu Uemura, Beauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols Nails: Sonia Jesson, Nails inc, Beauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols

All clothing available from Liverpool ONE Autumn 2015

Some of the design labels available at Virginia Lee include: Annette Gortz ● Bitte Kai Rand ● Mashiah ● Crea Concept Lilith ● Joseph Ribkoff ● Angela Caputti Jewellery VIRGINIA LEE 8/9 GARRICK PARADE

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LORD STREET

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SOUTHPORT

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01704 546584

Signature BeSpoke

DresseD For

How do you diﬀerentiate your business from the competition?

succ e s s

Time is extremely important to our clients and to us, so we save our clients the energy and eﬀort by coming to them directly. Whether it’s their home or oﬃce, it is entirely at their convenience.

How, when and why did you set up your business?

By always being honest with the client and delivering the best quality and customer service, this makes our clients trust us and by building a close relationship with individual clients, we share the rewards by client referrals.

Signature Bespoke was born with a dream / purpose of making one of the best bespoke suits in the world, and has remained faithful to the ancient craft of men’s tailoring. After 15 years in the luxury haute couture between Dubai, Milan and London, I was able to combine all the great aspects of each designer and deliver it through Signature Bespoke. is allowed me to give the modern, successful gentlemen the look and power he deserves. Tailoring is something that has been extremely important for over 300 years, however a recent trend of mass produced suits available in the High Street has reduced the appreciation of fine tailoring amongst gentlemen. I sought to revive the excitement for fine tailoring by using the same techniques and quality of classical English tailoring, such as horsehair canvas and horn buttons, but with a modern twist.

What makes your business so special? As we are experts on luxury bespoke clothing, we have studied the market and the psychology of high end clients. We can identify their needs, desires and dreams and then reflect these in our service. Our craftsmen’s passion and experience has transformed the best raw materials into unmistakably Signature Bespoke pieces of luxury. e breath taking shapes, colours and breakthrough designs are created in the United Kingdom and manufactured in Italy and Portugal. What our customers also like is that we can complete their look with fully bespoke accessories. We provide everything from belts, to ties to shoes. In particular we take great pride in our footwear. All our shoes are handmade by extremely skilled craftsmen based in Portugal and are available in a range of traditional and modern styles. You can chose from 30 colours and even have the colours mixed to create your own personalised patina. Every shoe is made with passion and attention to detail to ensure luxurious quality for the ultimate addition to the gentleman's wardrobe. Our shoe maker has just celebrated their 80th year in the business and they were chosen by us for their skill, expertise and attention to detail.

We are continually sourcing prestige fabrics from around the globe to ensure our range is very unique and made only for our clients. e cloth and the cut have to balance harmoniously for the perfect look. We were very proud to introduce the North West to Scabal Treasure Box, which is a Super 200 wool with platinum and 24ct gold fibres. is cloth has been used in limited edition Aston Martins! I am personally a perfectionist, it is very difficult to please me regarding the standard of clothing and attention to detail. is makes my clients appreciate the hard work and sheer skill that goes behind their garments. Why do you think buying bespoke is so important to customers? Gentlemen who seek out bespoke suits know they are after something very important. ey’re looking for extremely elegant clothing which fit perfectly and aesthetically represent their personality and style. Our clients understand that finding something truly remarkable and different is impossible when you turn to the high street. Our clients have total freedom when choosing their garments, they have the ability to customise every single last detail. Our clients also understand that investing in quality is of paramount importance to achieving the perfect look. What makes your service truly bespoke? We create our clothing to suit our client’s lifestyle, tastes and status. We don’t have a particular house style, we listen to our clients and what they desire and then we exceed their expectations with our own personal (signature) touch. We take over 40 precise measurements which also includes a posture analysis. We then utilise our traditional and modern tailoring techniques to produce impeccable garments which fit perfectly. Can you give us an example of this? e devil is in the details, our suits come with small weights in their vents which help the suit drape better. Every single suit we produce have fully working cuff buttons and completely hand stitched button holes. We use beautiful horsehair canvas to line our suits which ensures longevity and quality. We also visit our clients all over the world, we bring our bespoke services to them regardless of where they are. Autumn 2015

Signature BeSpoke Do you think wearing a bespoke suit makes a man feel more powerful at work? If so, why?

How has your life changed since you launched your company?

When a man is wearing something that fits flawlessly, has been made to his design specification and consists of the finest fabrics sourced from around the world – it boosts his confidence. He appears more empowering aesthetically to other people and this will be felt by the gentleman. ere is an old saying that goes: “If you’re competing with other gentlemen, make sure you’re the best dressed in the room.” A man who knows his style, knows himself and is confident in his own mind and actions.

I have always believed that success doesn’t come without sheer eﬀort. I have a much greater responsibility towards my work than I had previously working in the luxury industry. To keep the standards of our clothing flawless, I still have direct supervision over every single aspect of production.

Who are your customers? Many of our customers are business men and entrepreneurs; many more come from the professions of accountancy, finance, law, property and the worlds of sport and entertainment. We also have members of a Royal Family who have been our clients for over 8 years, following my movements within the industry. Whatever our clients do, they can be assured that everyone receives the same impeccable standards.

How to do you engage with them? 90% of our business is by referral. Long standing customers will forever pass on our details to their friends or colleagues who would appreciate what we do. We are very involved in aftercare too, we contact our clients to make sure everything with their purchase is still perfect and we oﬀer lifetime alterations on our garments in case of weight fluctuations etc. We also contact our clients when we receive new fabrics for the coming season or we are able to provide fabrics from a new supplier.

Do you have any famous customers? Yes, we have professional footballers who play in the premier league, professional boxers, singers and artists. Of course, we respect their confidentiality because not all our clients would like to be known to wear bespoke.

Which labels do you admire and why? We draw inspiration from Tom Ford – not only in terms of his design but his mantra to fashion. Despite being one of the foremost leaders in the male fashion industry he remains incredibly humble and grounded. Canali is also one of our favourite labels, their clean lines and sharp aesthetics lead to beautiful suits.

What are your plans for the company for the next 12 months? First and foremost is expansion of operations. We wish to be the number one choice within the North West, as well as the rest of the UK. We have plans of expansion into carefully selected parts of the UK over the next couple of years. What trends are you seeing emerge in suits? Cloth/Cut etc? A modern silhouette is something that has put its stamp on today’s gentleman style. A suit that fits snugly with no wasted cloth but remains extremely comfortable and has full range of motion is what it is about. It is great to see clients experimenting with colour to move away from the standard of navy and grey – a client recently commissioned a lilac suit which was a pleasure to work on. Some of the celebrities we work with want to stand out; they have commissioned red and yellow suits which really steal the limelight. A trend to be bold whilst keeping it classy is the direction we are heading. e vision of Signature Bespoke is that when a client wears a garment we have created, people recognise the gentleman is successful, strong and confident before he even speaks. is is why we love what we do, for us it’s much more than a career. What would you say is the best thing about running your own company? For Signature Bespoke the best thing is independence. e business is wholly driven by my decision making and I am directly responsible for its success. I thrive on challenges and running your own business has to be one of life’s biggest challenges. Signature Bespoke 24 Holts Parade, India Buildings Water Street Liverpool L2 0RR Tel : +44(0) 151 236 2122 Mobile : +44(0) 7805 093836 E Mail : enquiries@signaturebespoke.co.uk Website : www.signaturebespoke.co.uk We also have a branch in Saville Row, London Appointments required for both locations Follow us on :

Autumn 2015

John LeWiS

Personal stylist's Tips For Dressing The Autumn Winter Trends e 70s is here to stay – the 70s bohemian trend saw us through the summer, but for this autumn / winter, forget festival and think Edwardian tailoring meets a carefree spirit as seen in our Somerset by Alice Temperley collection. Invest in feminine silhouettes and fabrics such as chiﬀon, silk and cashmere. Team denim flares from our denim wardrobe by

Trilogy collection (part of our new Found concept) with pussy bow blouses, mid length peasant dresses and top oﬀ with a fur gilet and boots. For an eclectic take on this trend add a fringed bag in suede our Sayen bag from John Lewis collection is perfect for this!

(Denim Wardrobe at Trilogy), Somerset by Alice Temperley Tile Print Dress, John Lewis Weekend Sayen Fringe Bag

Razzle dazzle – Autumn / Winter goes hand in hand with party season and this year it’s all about sequins, embellishment and lace! For those work parties or cocktails with the girls, dress up a pair of jeans with an all over lace top or if you’re really feeling festive, go all out with a heavily embellished dress. If you're afraid of looking a little too glam rock, keep it simple with a little black dress coupled with a statement necklace for impact.

Bruce by Bruce Oldﬁeld Teardrop Dress (available online). Found at John Lewis, Minimum, Winna top

Autumn 2015

John LeWiS

Layer up – if eﬀortless chic is what you’re after, create a layered look. Invest in basic pieces and luxurious fabrics. Try polo necks under dresses and crisp white shirts under cashmere jumpers – simple, chic and sophisticated. For those who like to accessorise, drape a scarf to add a little more detail or colour to your outfit.

Somerset by Alice Temperley Pocket Detail Aran Jumper Dress and Cable Knit Cape

Feminine tailoring – think shift dresses, pencil skirts in heritage fabrics such as tweed or wool, cardigans and boatneck sweaters, dogtooth prints and collarless jackets. To create a feminine silhouette, add a skinny belt to highlight your waistline. For those looking to really make a statement, complete the look with leather driving gloves for those colder days and block heels.

Found at JL Minimum, Valette pants, Somerset by Alice Temperley blouse, Somerset by Alice Temperley court shoes

Geek Chic – geometric prints, pinafore dresses, satchels and brogues will make sure you’re best in class with this easy, everyday look. Invest in corduroy fabrics, denim and ankle grazing trousers. Oxford reds, French navy, mustards and bottle greens are the colours to really set oﬀ this look to really prove geek can be chic.

Found at JL Minimum, Brunns Bazaar Top, John Lewis Weekend Skinny Cords, Somerset by Alice Temperley Brogues

Autumn 2015

LORRAINE MCCULLOCH

Lorraine McCulloch Interview by Camille Allcroft

Lorraine McCulloch is a renowned fashion stylist whose impressive career spans decades. She regularly works with celebrity clients and celebrated designers, and she travels the globe as part of her work. I was lucky enough to get the chance to interview her recently, and to share an insight in to her fashionable lifestyle with Exclusive readers! 26

Autumn 2015

LORRAINE MCCULLOCH • Hi Lorraine, thank you for joining me for this interview. First of all, please tell us how did you become a stylist? I fell into it really, I started as a PR for Wade Smith. I set up shoots with GQ and Vogue but very quickly realised that I needed to tap into the local press to convert press exposure into sales so I contacted the features girls at the Liverpool Echo and oﬀered to loan stock for fashion or celebrity shoots. I loaned pieces for a shoot with a cast member from Brookside where I met the Press Oﬃcers for Mersey TV. ey liked what I did and started to put me forward to style most of their shoots and it built from there.

• Your amazing career spans over 20 years, what is your favourite aspect of the job? I love the travelling, I love meeting new and really interesting people, I love the fact that every day is diﬀerent.

• As a stylist, which designers are your own personal favourites?

• If you could style anyone in the world, who would it be? Britney Spears because she's totally lost her style mojo. Tilda Swinton because she's incredible. • If you could fly to any city for a shopping trip today, where would you go? Predictable, but it would have to be Paris! • Fashion is very fast moving and trends constantly change, what key pieces should every woman have in her wardrobe which never go out of style? Classic Tailoring, beautiful handbag, shoes and watch • Who are your own personal heroes in the world of fashion? Justine Mills, owner of Cricket in Liverpool. She doesn't get enough recognition in the city. She is a strong, brave buyer and massively respected by the International fashion world and the British Fashion Council. She'll hate me for saying that, haha! Anna Dello Russo. Daphne Guinness. e late Isabella Blow. Scouse girls doing their thing and models Hollie May Saker and Charlotte Wiggins.

ere are quite a few. For dressing myself I go straight for Stella McCartney, Lanvin and Isabel Marant

• You travel frequently as part of your job, what is your favourite place that you have visited?

• If money was no object, where would you head to for a shopping spree?

• What is an average day in your working life like?

Obviously Cricket in Liverpool is my Mecca. Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Alexander McQueen Couture would be the dream

• What is your favourite high street store for snapping up a bargain? H&M, Zara, Outfit

Japan, USA, South Africa

Hectic! Appointments to select product for shoots, returning product, carrying lots of bags, having an eagle eye on set and dealing with mad photographers! • Your job is very busy and varied, what do you like to do to relax during your rare free time? I love horse riding, having dinner with friends, spending time with my family and I'm obsessed with architecture and interiors.

• What advice could you give to anyone keen to become a stylist?

• Have there been any recent trends you have disliked, and what has been your favourite recent trend?

Be prepared to do lots of assisting and shoots for free until you get a lucky break.

I can appreciate most trends. I'm totally loving the sixties influence at the moment. Autumn 2015

LORRAINE MCCULLOCH

• What was your favourite era when it comes to style? I loved the seventies, from David Bowie to the Pistols and Siouxsie Sioux • What has been the most memorable moment (or moments) of your career to date? Working with inspirational people like Isabella Blow and photographer Tim Bret Day

QuICk-fIre round: • Heels or flats? Heels • Versace or Chanel? Chanel

• What item in your wardrobe has the most sentimental value to you? A vintage silk kimono which belonged to the Great Grandmother of my friend from Japan. My friend was killed in an aeroplane crash when she was returning to Japan after visiting England to celebrate her engagement to an English boy. • If you only had five minutes to choose an outfit, what would you wear? Jeans, Cashmere knit and Isabel Marant dicker boots. • e new season items are already arriving in stores, what key pieces should we invest in for Autumn/Winter 2015? Highly glossed patent ankle boots, a great cut sixties shift dress. • Where do you get your inspiration for styling clients? Everywhere. I'm addicted to browsing Instagram. • You have styled many music videos during your illustrious career, how do you think music influences fashion? I always think I haven't done many music videos but when I start to recollect I've done about twenty. Music totally influences fashion and fashion influences music. • You produced a shoot for the revered magazine Tatler, how does styling a high-fashion magazine shoot diﬀer from working on other projects? I produced the Livercool shoot for Isabella. It was amazing because the budget was unlimited and everybody wanted to be involved. 28

Autumn 2015

• Mini dress or maxi dress? Mini (if I was a lot younger ha!) • What fashion item can’t you live without? Céline handbag • What is your favourite weekend break destination? Cotswolds for closeness, St Tropez if I can include the Friday and Monday • What is your favourite fashion book or film? Book: Blow by Blow by Detmar Blow. Film: e Man Who Fell to Earth • Do you have a signature fragrance? Le Labo Rose 31 from Liberty • Who are your own style icons? I always get stuck on this, I'm a Gemini so it changes with the wind!

FAsHION

CHIC Ltd is a North West PR and Events Company specialising in the Fashion & Lifestyle industry. ey have built up a reputation as a fashionable, friendly & unique team who think outside the box . If you’d like to work with or know more about CHIC please visit: www.chicnetworking.co.uk or contact the team at info@chicnetworking.co.uk

ere are styling solutions a plenty!

sU N s H I N E O R s N O w ? H O w tO P U L L O F F t R A N s I t I O NA L FA s H I O N !

For many of us, the start of autumn always feels like the beginning of a whole new phase, whether you are back to work or school, or just feeling inspired by the change in weather and landscape. We can find ourselves seeking new inspirations for our fashion choices, and making alterations to our personal style.

We discuss how to style yourself in the season which confuses us all. As we approach the end of summer, the need for a strong autumn wardrobe becomes inevitable. e floaty dress that saw us through every festival may not translate into the colder months. After all, sometimes October here in the North West can see the thermometer drop to new lows; therefore diﬀerent textures, fabrics and layering are required for the new season ahead. is overall concept is referred to as ‘transitional fashion’, and signifies a seasonal shift in which we begin to consider which items we can carry on wearing. Who cares if it’s summer, winter or somewhere in between?

Abigail Orr, the Liverpool fashion blogger behind www.abigailalice.com, has given us her best advice for mastering the transition: ‘e key for me each season, is to invest in classic key pieces. Decide what is on trend, suits you, will work well for you in autumn, and then follow through to winter. You can then build your wardrobe around these pieces throughout the season. is way you are making the most of your key pieces, while still being able to alternate them for diﬀerent looks throughout the seasons.’

environment, from autumn leaves, switching to soft hues in spring.’ We know the unpredictability of this season can be remedied by an excellent transitional wardrobe – so who better to turn to for tips than Cheshire’s ‘Smudge Boutique’, well known for their celebrity styling and carefully curated collections? We asked the Smudge Boutique styling team to select a range of essential autumn items that will take you all the way from the days of Indian summer, to the chillier months! In the run up to their AW15 collections launching in store this September, they’ve chosen some stunning styles for Exclusive readers. If you’re stumped over what to wear during this transitional time, let your shopping list start here.

We spoke to Hana Pablo, the writer behind popular North West fashion blog ‘My Workwear Style Diary’ (www.myworkwearstylediary.com) and she oﬀered us her top tips when it comes to preparing for the autumn: ‘Layering is key with the unpredictable British weather. is time of year, I will start to introduce long-sleeved shirts and dresses with a classic trench coat, scarf and pointed toe flats. Wear colours which represent your

Autumn 2015

FAsHION

s M U d gE B O U t I q U E ’s t R A N s I t I ONA L P I C k s

All the major players in the fashion world are filling their catwalks with shearling, curly goat coats, fluﬀy abominable fur gilets, and big coats in an array of colours and styles. You can really glam up your outwear with this look, and we’ve got great brands such as Unreal Fur, Supertrash and Urbancode to choose from. is Unreal Fur Fire And Ice Jacket (£185) has already been adopted by celebrity DJ Fearne Cotton – and it’s perfect for adding that extra layer you need over a summery blouse or sheer fabric. Fur is the ideal touch for bringing your look straight into autumn, especially with this highglamour piece.

is Faux Shearling Jacket from Supertrash (£150) is perfect for any commuting girl, guaranteed to keep you cosy at the bus-stop or on the platform. Shearling is the texture on every designer’s mind this autumn, with tactile trends leading the season’s runways. is jacket looks great with summer styles such as mini-dresses and button through skirts, making it a must-have transitional piece.

Tailoring is always going to be a chic trend for any autumn wardrobe, but this season Cameo and Lavish Alice have taken tailoring to new levels with their unusual cuts and shapes. is allows for oﬃce power-dressing that you can take from day to night. We love e Cameo Collective Strange Days Shirt in Geo Print (£95) and the Lavish Alice Crossover Tassel Trousers (£52), two pieces that have a hint of Victoria Beckham’s tailoring. For a night time look just swap up the shirt for a playful top and get those heels on! Pair this sophisticated shirt with some leather shorts for a warm evening, like the Finders Keepers Symphone Shorts (£90).

Autumn 2015

FAsHION

e poncho is the perfect transitional piece; it’s a must-have for this season, and so easy to wear. Burberry really breathed new life into this trend with their bold monogrammed ponchos, a look that’s since been worn by the rich and famous. With much more of a cape feel this time round, the colours, fabrics, and structure really add to any wardrobe. Our Becksondergaard Cape (£99) is perfect for the transitioning seasons and styles, with rich and sumptuous fabrics and colours. e trick to styling this look perfectly is to keep the rest of your outfit quite neutral. For a work wear look, team with tailored trousers like our Cameo Collection Strange Days Pants, and a killer court shoe - like our Supertrash Janis courts (£110). For a more casual style, dress with our Genetic Denim jeans and IKKII boots (£240). To add an extra hit of glamour, accessorise with a Becksondergaard Hanock Hat (£39).

All the items pictured can be found at www.smudgeboutique.com, and you can also follow their Twitter @SmudgeBoutique for more top tips and the latest oﬀers.

FAsHION C H I C ’ s H E A Lt H & B E AU t y t I P s t O sURvIvE t H E t R A N s I t I O NA L s E A s O N :

Once you have your transitional fashion covered, it’s important to pay attention to your beauty regime. e summer months can take their toll on your skin, leaving it dehydrated or sometimes damaged, so it’s essential to schedule some special attention to your skin this autumn! Here at Chic, we’ve put together our recommendations for the best products and treatments available - so you can feel your best inside and out. CHIN UP MAsk

OXyJEt FACIAL REJEUvENAtION

When the weather changes, you need to make changes to your beauty routine too. We suggest revitalising your skin with a bespoke OXYjet treatment, tailor made for each client. Chic recommends Emma Elliott, the only Oxygen trained therapist in the North West. • Volume Booster Facial- For decreasing skin tone and sagging facial contours. • Energy Reload Facial- For tired and dull skin. “Chin Up” is the innovative new mask set to take the world of non-surgical beauty by storm. By reducing the fatty deposits in the chin, this wonder mask improves firmness across the jawline after just one application. We just had to share this discovery with our Chic Column readers! is product is a perfect solution for all your transitional beauty needs .e Q10 coenzyme in the Chin Up Mask has strong anti-oxidant eﬀects, giving immediate relief to dry and dehydrated skin caused by the transition from summer to winter. is mask has been referred to as the aﬀordable alternative to a facelift, and we love it. For more information on this amazing product, visit: www.chinupmask.com

Autumn 2015

• Brightening Corrector Facial- For irregular pigmentation of the skin and age spots. • Sensitive Balance Facial- For Couperosis, irritation and increased sensitivity. • Purifying Control Facial- For impure, problematic skin. A treatment with the OXYjet contains several elements, all of which can be chosen individually, depending on the skin’s needs. During the final part of the treatment you will breathe 3 litres of oxygen, cleansing and detoxing from within. Essential after all of those summer barbecues and holidays! Visit Emma Elliott at www.emmaelliott.co.uk to book yourself in for one of these amazing treatments, or call 07812 171969.

FAsHION skINAdE FROM AEstHEtICALLy yOU

We know that the weather is often harsh on skin – so why not start your beauty routine from within? Skinade is an anti-aging collagen drink that has got the Chic seal of approval. From being featured in Vogue and Cosmopolitan, to getting the thumbs up from stars such as Sienna Miller and Millie Mackintosh, everybody is a fan of this miraculous drink that allows you to achieve better skin. With a range of enriching vitamins packed into one product, drinking Skinade helps to improve skin tone and suppleness, increases skin hydration and radiance, and also reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Available at Aesthetically You. Visit their brand new clinic at 25 Rodney Street in Liverpool. Check out their website at: www.aestheticallyyou.co.uk t H E O R g A NIC JUICERy 3 dAy CLEANsE

Unless you have spent your summer holidays at a vegan yoga retreat in the Atlas Mountains, you are most likely feeling the excesses of summer! Cocktails and rich food do not seem to have the same appeal when we feel bloated and sluggish, and our skin has lost its usual glow. To remedy this, Chic recommends e Organic Juicery. It is the first cold pressed, certified organic juice company in North West, providing all your body needs to restore radiance and vibrancy. Founder Hayley Fahy is a nutrition consultant, who has devised an organic 3 day cleanse that delivers an instant injection of micro-nutrients, and alleviates the body of unwanted toxins. Visit www.theorganicjuicery.org and enter LAUNCH10 to receive 10% discount. e Organic Juicery are excited to announce that they will be retailing soon at Rex in the Met Quarter. For further details contact info@organicjuicery.org Visit www.chicnetworking.co.uk today to find out more about Chic, or email enquiries to info@chicnetworking.co.uk.

Autumn 2015

FASHION

New Liverpool based online boutique Zuso brings the hottest brands to stylish women

ffering a show-stopping selection of stylish pieces, new online clothing boutique, Zuso, has recently launched with a bang.e Zuso team sources only the hottest new global brands to deliver a bold, fresh and exciting style to customers. Zuso owner Shaun Humphries describes e Zuso Girl as ‘ a smart, stylish and independent woman, with a bit of bite.’ Zuso aims to revolutionise the world of online fashion boutiques by offering a wealth of handpicked pieces from the hottest labels in the world. e team of Zuso fashion buyers are constantly travelling the globe in search of inspiration and key pieces for their latest collections. Shaun explains ‘Our mission is to give girls a fresh, new, bold direction of clothing, and we are hand-selecting brands from across the globe to create a cool new fashion style’ In the creation of Zuso, Shaun has drawn on fashion expertise honed during his time spent working for a prominent women’s fashion retailer, where he gained invaluable skills, knowledge of fashion buying, and spotting the latest trends. ‘Zuso is my full time job; I put all my energy in to it. I have always had a great eye for style, so being able to share my enthusiasm is brilliant’. Founding his own fashion company has been an exciting time for Shaun, and he loves to offer his customers the most stylish and unique pieces possible. Shaun explains, ‘I took the skills I learned from working in the fashion industry and utilised them to create the Zuso style concept’. e name ‘Zuso’ was inspired by the Greek god of the sky, Zeus, and the unique name reflects the multitude of exciting styles available from the brand, which is at the forefront of worldwide trends. Zuso offer their clients a perfect online shopping concept, ensuring that every step of the customer experience is enjoyable. Right from browsing the stylish stock, through to ordering at the checkout, and then opening each personally wrapped package of clothing upon delivery, customer satisfaction is always paramount. ey offer a range of delivery options to suit all client needs, such as free UK Royal Mail signed for delivery, and same-day delivery for anybody in the Liverpool area who orders before 3pm, making it ideal when customers need the perfect outfit quickly for a special night out!

Autumn 2015

FASHION

uso appeals to women who have a strong personal style, but very little time to shop in stores. Zuso clients often have a busy career, as well as a hectic social life, so logging onto Zuso ensures that they always have access to the most premium fashionable clothing in one convenient online boutique. î &#x201C;e team at Zuso put a great deal of energy into selecting the most exciting brands for the website, utilising trend reports and their meticulous eye for the latest colours, styles, and silhouettes. A lot of brand research goes into making Zuso the only destination for the latest in fashion, and their philosophy of gathering only the best brands creates an overall collection perfect for î &#x201C;e Zuso Girl, who often needs clothing to take her straight from her desk to evening cocktails. Zuso is not just an online boutique, but rather a style solution which selects brands which work hand-in-hand and can be styled together to create a total image. î &#x201C;e Zuso online boutique is already going from strength to strength, and client demand is high for the amazing pieces which are carefully sourced from the hottest labels. Zuso customers are sure to turn heads when they step out wearing the stunning trend-driven pieces. In the future, Zuso are planning to create their own clothing range which will focus on beautiful designer-style pieces. For now, dominating the online fashion world is going well and Zuso is the online boutique and style solution which everybody is talking about! To find out more, head to www.zusoclothing.com, or follow them at @ZusoClothing. All email enquiries to info@zusoclothing.com

Autumn 2015

FEATURE

Rebound Relationships

o we've all heard of the movie Good Luck Chuck; In order to keep the woman of his dreams from falling for another guy, Charlie Logan has to break the curse that has made him wildly popular with single women: “Sleep with Charlie once, and the next man you meet will be your true love.”

Could this really work? If you knew that you had to endure the madness of a rebound relationship to then find your true love, then of course you would happily rebound around town with a guy who is an *obvious rebound...

Welcome to my brand new column. I am here as a socialite, TV personality, and blogger. I will share the inside scoop on celeb ﬁlled parties, try out the craziest fads which promise to make us look beautiful and give you an insight into the life of the rich and famous. e main focus of my column is relationships, each issue I will explore diﬀerent dilemmas we have all faced, I aim to give you honest advice and I will draw upon my own dating disasters which I’m sure will give you a giggle.

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As a 32 year old woman who has dated, had her heart broken, and played out a relationship on TV in front of millions of people I am more than qualiﬁed to cover the complex world of relationships, however I will draw upon my academic qualiﬁcations as a counsellor from time to time. I would love to hear about your relationship dilemma’s, dating disasters and true love stories. If you want to get in touch then please email me r.vaughan@dwpublishing.eu Rebeckah x

FEATURE

* A n o b v i o us Rebound i s A m A n who; 1- Is less attractive than you, he's there to make you feel better about yourself, and if he's punching he's going to be more grateful. 2 - Younger than you, HA to the guy who broke your heart, I got myself a toy boy. 3 - A LOT older than you, this guy has a load of money, again a big slap in the face to your ex, I'm chilling in San Carlo on a Tuesday afternoon and I have an allowance, enjoy your KFC, basics!! 4 - He has got sex issues, either he can't keep it up, he can't last... Or he is a porn fiend. You don't know this until you are a few dates in, by that time you have already shown residual crank issues from your previous boyfriend and you are stuck dealing with a weirdo, you should get out now but you excuse his short comings as you have *rebound guilt.

* R e b o u n d guilt is; 1- You know you don't really fancy him, it's forced you to try to make up for this by "over complimenting" him, this causes rebound boy to get cocky thus inducing stupid behaviour.

Rebound relationships have always happened and will always happen, the only way to deal with them is acceptance;

2 - Games, played by you. It's the push/pull eďŹ&#x20AC;ect, in order to feel better about using rebound guy, you give him plenty of opportunity to do one.

Accept that it happened, forget everything that happened during it and learn from it. It doesn't matter that you were mental, it wasn't real it was a "practise" for your real man.

3 - You buy him little gifts or do other silly things, like oďŹ&#x20AC;er to pay for dinner. Behaviour which you would never display with Mr Right.

Don't beat yourself up about the mistakes you made, you were vulnerable, hurting and weak, it was on the job training, now you are sassy, skinnier (you were going dutch, you only had starters!) and strong. Block out everything you said, you didn't really love him, you didn't really need him you just thought you did, oh and the arguments you had with your mates about how he just doesn't photograph well.... Now is the time to admit he's just bloody ugly! We should feel bad about using these men to fulfil our rebound needs but we don't, because we know that there's a girl out there crying to the notebook because your rebound was an idiot! So embrace it! Have really bad sex, be a full on crank and avoid going out in public with him because after all its a few weeks that will never be spoken about again...

Autumn 2015

FEATURE

Chic décor stylists style Your Autumn wedding

e’ve all been there: you’re organising the event of the year, your sister’s baby shower, your dream wedding, or a new-born’s christening, and you just want it to be perfect. Autumn is an amazing time of year to plan that big event, with people coming closer together as the year draws to a close, the nights are getting longer, and the days a bit colder! You’ve perfected your guest list, sourced superb entertainment, and the food and drink is all catered for. e next step in creating a memorable event is to get your venue looking chic wall-to-wall! With so much to consider, from co-ordinated chair covers, to floral arrangements, it can feel hard to keep up with the latest styles - which is where a trustworthy event stylist can make a huge diﬀerence. Chic Décor Stylists are the experts leading the way in events styling in the North West. With a wide range of décor experience and industry knowledge, and an eye for finer details, Chic Décor Stylists are impressing both brides to be and expectant mothers with their luxurious wedding, baby shower and christening styles. We teamed up with Chic Décor Stylists to find out more about what trends to expect for autumn weddings this year, and get some top insider tips on making your big day, or night, extra special…

Autumn 2015

FEATURE

W E d d i n g S T yl i n g

Autumn is a beautiful time of year, you only need take one walk through the countryside and inspiration will be all around you. Nature this time of year is filled with glorious colours and tones to use as your colour theme. e use of silk flowers has become increasingly popular the last

couple of years, it's important to remember to still use those flowers which are currently in season. Since Kim married Kanye there has been huge demand for flower walls to be used as backdrops, especially for when the couple exchange their vows. ey give a truly magical and dreamy feeling. When it comes to colours, we're going to see metallic colours, silvers, silvery grey and golds make an impact this year. Rose gold jewellery has been increasingly popular with brides, who are utilising this modern shade in their weddings as well as their bridal fashion. In terms of the all-important centrepiece, many couples are choosing to switch the more traditional centrepiece for unique bundles of accessories which are personal to them in their lives so far. Details such as framed photographs of themselves while travelling, and small piles of books which mean something to them both are being seen across the wedding scene. It’s a growing trend to get as creative as you can to wow your guests! Chalkboards are working their way into

weddings more and more each year, with some centrepieces being a chalkboard with an aﬀectionate and touching poem or quote of which the special couple relate to. Everybody knows that these days we are always looking for our next Instagram picture, so the Chic Décor Stylists are creating a 'Selfie Station', where family and friends can gather to take the perfect selfie in front of diﬀerent backdrops! Getting the right lighting is also key; carefully selected, it can completely transform a room, creating stunning mood lighting during dinner for a romantic feel, whilst being in keeping with your colour scheme. Hanging decorations are proving hugely popular at the moment: pom-poms, lanterns, and even hanging flowers. It’s a trendy modern twist on wedding decor, so much so that these accessories have found their way into christening and baby shower celebrations too. When planning a wedding, the many hours of searching online, and all the money spent on bridal mag after bridal mag will find you coming across certain styles which come back season

Autumn 2015

after season. Timeless decor such as elegant floral displays, candelabras for a warming ambience, and floating candles will be seen for many more years with their flawless, enchanting appearance. Bride-to-be’s will understand the enormity of planning a wedding, the stress, the expense and how it can feel doing it all without professional support. After many years of experience, Chic Décor Stylists have worked with numerous couples to plan their wedding decor to their taste, with constant support, and incorporating current trends - all while having fun along the way too! We oﬀer details such as chair covers, sashes, centrepieces, starlight backdrops, skirts plus much, much more. Planning a wedding should be an enjoyable and special time, so we want to ensure customers are happy and relaxed throughout their planning with us. Follow @chicdecorstyles on Twitter, or head to their website at www.chicdecorstylists.com for more information on how they can help you style your big day. All enquiries to info@chicdecorstylists.com

RUSH liVERPOOl

london hairdressing brand ‘ Rush ’ opens its first northern salon in liverpool

n ursday 10 September 2015 Rush Hair will open its 70th salon and the first salon outside London in Liverpool city centre, as the Rush Hair team continue to embark on their journey of expansion. is opening cements the reputation Rush Hair has built up over the last 21 years as one of the UK's most exciting hairdressing franchises. Liverpool is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the UK, so it's clear to see why the city was chosen as the location for the first Rush Hair salon outside of London and the surrounding areas. e new Rush Hair salon will employ up to 20 stylists from Liverpool and the surrounding area. Andy Phouli

Chairman of Rush Hair believes the launch is a huge milestone for the company, "Rush Hair has always been a strong British High Street brand and we are delighted to be opening our first salon outside of London and the South East. e continued expansion of Rush Hair can only succeed if we find and secure the very best locations for our salons and this is most certainly, a premier site. e talent in this area is strong and we look forward to meeting many ambitious hairdressers in the coming weeks who see their future with Rush." is opening comes just eight months after Rush Hair launched the eponymous hair styling range with retail giant Marks & Spencer. e nine-product range has proven to be one of the M&S beauty success stories of the year receiving rave reviews from beauty editors, bloggers and consumers alike.

Autumn 2015

Stell Andrew, International Creative Director of Rush Hair said, "We have always put beautiful, wearable hairdressing and outstanding customer care at the heart of our business. Our team of stylists and colourists are multi-award-winning, as you would expect from a brand such as ours, where ongoing training and education are paramount, but every member of our team lives by our 'always inclusive' policy. is simply means clients are made to feel incredibly special every single time they visit. Clients should be able to book an appointment at any of our 70 salons and receive the same Rush standard of customer care and quality of hairdressing, which in turn ensures they become a client for life." Rush will occupy a double fronted unit in a prime location at 11-13 Ranelagh Street in Liverpool city centre, providing clients with the ideal location for all their hair styling needs.

RUSH liVERPOOl

e Ranelagh Street setting is perfect for Rush due to its proximity to Central Station, which has an annual footfall of over 13 million train passengers. e opening of the first Rush salon outside the South will mark an exciting new chapter in the career of Natalia Valenza, the proprietor of the Rush salon in Liverpool. is exciting career move is a milestone for the expert hair colourist and veteran stylist who has an impressive career history. Natalia wanted to be a hairdresser from a young age, and after training at the prestigious London College of Fashion, she spent the formative part of her career as a colour specialist at Toni & Guy, which included shadowing the art team and learning to master the advanced colouring techniques which she is renowned for. After later working in an independent salon, Natalia gained a renewed passion for the hairdressing industry. Upon meeting her partner Anthony who is from Liverpool, she moved to the city six years ago and they had a family before Natalia began to contemplate her next career move. After working for Rush in London, Natalia was keen to transport the luxury salon concept to Liverpool. Rush salons take hairdressing to the next level, accommodating every request from a basic restyle to a full Brazilian Blow Dry. e Rush VIP launch on 10 September 2015 will be a monumental occasion, with Rush management team, celebrities and key Liverpool business figures in attendance for the party which will include champagne, canapés and goodie bags.

Anticipating Rush opening its doors, Natalia commented ‘this is a hugely exciting time. I cannot wait to show Liverpool what we can do. e support I have received from the Rush team has been overwhelming and we have carefully curated a team of outstanding stylists at the pinnacle of their professions. I will bring to bear my own experience to ensure that client satisfaction is paramount at Rush. Clients will leave with a smile, and we will bring a touch of London sparkle to Liverpool’ ere are plans to replicate the Rush concept across the North West and Natalia is confident that clients will be thrilled by the service at Rush. ‘I am anticipating being able to show Liverpool clients exactly what Rush is all about. e Rush experience will leave them feeling completely transformed and seeing my clients smiling and full of confidence when they walk out of our doors is an extremely rewarding feeling.’

Rush Liverpool 11/13 Ranelagh Street Liverpool L1 1JW Tel : 0151 541 7366 www.rush.co.uk/Liverpool

Autumn 2015

Hallow een CHeSTeR

Things that go bump in the night.. With Halloween on the horizon, what better way to celebrate this ancient tradition than to visit one of the spookiest cities in the North West – Chester! With it’s ancient Roman history, Chester is packed with ghostly places to visit. So if you fancy scaring yourself silly this October, then here are some of the spookiest places to visit in the city. Go on – we dare you! First up is the George and Dragon Inn on Liverpool Road. Not far from Chester’s Northgate arch, this imposing Victorian blackand-white public house is rumoured to be haunted by the spirits of Roman soldiers. Over the centuries, both landlords and regulars have heard the drum of marching feet beneath the floors Next is e Pied Bull on Northgate Street. Dating back to the 11th century, this hotel has had its fair share of paranormal happenings. Ghosts are said to haunt all 12 rooms with two of the bedrooms haunted by chambermaids. e pub’s cellar is said to be occupied by the ghost of a man named John Davies who fell down the stairs with a knife in his hand in 1609. e third and most spooky of all is a warning to all those who have a sweet tooth. ornton’s chocolate shop on Eastgate Street is said to be haunted by three ghosts - a large jovial-looking man dressed in an apron, an insubstantial, almost invisible male spirit and a mischievous poltergeist known as ‘Sarah’. Sarah was said to be a charming young lady who was jilted on her wedding day and became so distraught she returned to her home in Eastgate Street and hung herself. Sarah has never been seen, but men especially feel as if they are being watched by something very unpleasant. Her spirit was quieted for a while following an exorcism in 1965, but in 1991 she resurfaced becoming very angry and upset at the Valentine’s Day chocolates display in the shop. Curiously, staﬀ found the heart shaped boxes of chocolates frequently found scattered on the floor, while the ordinary boxes of chocolates that had been stacked in front of them lay undisturbed.

Autumn 2015

Halloween CHeSTeR

If late night entertainment is more up your street then there is a great array of Halloween-themed events to get your teeth into. e Little Church of Horrors Halloween Burlesque Spectacular features14 acts and is staged in the gothic surrounds of St Mary’s on the Hill church in the middle of Chester. For further details and tickets please go to www.skiddle.com/cities/chester/halloween.html And, at the other end of the scale oﬀering a more family focused experience is e Crocky Horror Show. Held at the outdoor adventure playground in Cotton Abbots, Waverton, the adventure park Crocky Trail is transformed for Halloween to feature live actors, terrifying sets and props and the mesmerising Wall of Death motorcycle stunt show. Add this to the Crocky Dungeon which is full of ghoulish shrieks and surprises and you have an event that will have the whole family jumping with fright and giggling with delight. To find out more and book tickets please go to www.crockytrail.co.uk/crocky-horror-booking

Autumn 2015

SoUTHPoRT FloweR SHow

Southport Flower Show Swelters on Super Kids Sunday e show began with a Gala Preview Evening and Dinner on Wednesday 19th August with the nation's favourite French chef, JeanChristophe Novelli as the star guest.

outhport Flower Show welcomed a surge of visitors as the final day of the annual seaside festival was blessed with balmy weather. Temperatures at the Lancashire resort nudged 80F on Sunday, as the Spanish plume brought one of the hottest days of the year. Southport's ticket oﬃce reported an uplift in sales compared with the final day of last year's festival. It took the total number of visitors across the four days of the festival to more than 50,000.

Families flocked to Southport to enjoy a packed programme of events including the show's first Super Kids Sunday with a series of child-friendly features. Southport is the largest independent flower show in the UK and generates millions of pounds for the local economy. A key factor in the success of this year's show was the wide range of entertainment on oﬀer in addition to Southport's famous floral displays and prestigious growers' competitions.

Autumn 2015

e show was oﬃcially opened on the ursday by TV star Sherrie Hewson and there were a host of celebrities attending over the four days from famous gardening names including Christine Walkden, the BBC One Show gardener and Joe Swift, of BBC Gardeners World. Our Ladies Day event on Friday 21st August, sponsored by Renacres Hospital, was a glamourous day of fun and entertainment. Ladies enjoyed a sparkling reception sponsored by Wongs Jewellers, lunch, fashion shows by Southport’s Wardrobe Boutique, a best dressed lady competition, raﬄe prizes and much more.

Visitors to the show enjoyed stunning show gardens and displays, live music and a purpose built arena, boasting a range of spectacular entertainment including flying birds of prey and e Vander Brother's Quad Wheel of Death. e biggest pop-up shopping experience in the North West, with over 350 stalls, was also a popular feature of this year's show. e Brockhouse Trophy, which is awarded to the best exhibit at the show, was won by Don Billington's 'Every Picture Tells a Story' in the Grand Floral Marquee whilst the trophy for the Best Outdoor Garden was awarded to Southport's Muddy Boots run by Clare Edwards and Claire Skidmore. Visit www.southportflowershow.co. uk to see our image galleries and videos. 2016 show information and ticket prices will be available soon.

ReMeDY SoUTHPoRT

Sarah Simcock and Susannah Porter

Just The Tonic At Remedy

arah Simcock and Susannah Porter opened the doors of Remedy in July and it is proving to be the place to be for people who enjoy life's pleasures - particularly gin lovers!

e friends first discovered their mutual desire to open a coﬀee shop shortly after they met 12 years ago, but circumstances at the time meant that it was something they put to the back of their minds. Sarah was working as a high risk safety consultant and Susannah was vice principal of a college, and with both of them bringing up young children, the time didn't seem right for them.

TAKING pride of place at the centre of Southport's tree lined shopping street is a new bar which is proving to be a real tonic for the town.

But, in early 2014 with 40th birthdays on the horizon and 48

Susannah had just taken redundancy from her job, they decided that if they didn't give it a go now, they might regret never trying.

Autumn 2015

ey spent the next four months working on their business plan and looking for the right venue. It was during this search that they stumbled across the vacant building that used to house the town's Tourist Information Centre on Lord Street.

When they stumbled across the vacant oﬃce they immediately thought that the building was beautiful but didn't know if they could make it work as a bar because of the restrictions on it being in a conservation area.

ReMeDY SoUTHPoRT Susannah said: "When we first came across it we thought it would be a good venue as our first venture because it was small so we just thought we'd open and see how it goes. We had no idea how busy we would be. " ey used local businesses APM design for their interior design and Interfit shopfitters who were able to work sympathetically with the restrictions on the building and its unusual shape, and rejuvenate it into a modern, welcoming environment. When they first started looking for premises, their idea was to open a coffee shop, but the plans quickly evolved. Sarah said: "We originally planned to open a coffee shop with nice teas and coffees so we started to research that and we took a day trip to Edinburgh to look at coffee shops there. We came across places doing cocktails and cake and decided that as we had a love of gin, we'd stock gin too so people could either have a coffee or a gin. e plan was that people could come in the evening and enjoy some cake but with a gin and tonic instead of coffee if they wished. "en we thought 'What about the people who don't like gin?' so we added Prosecco to the stock list. en we thought 'If we've got gin and Prosecco, we need beer too' and it quickly became a fully stocked bar!"

e bar now stocks 33 gins from well known brands such as Hendrick's and the house gin, Tanqueray, to the lesser known but very popular Monkey 47 and Pinkster. Susannah and Sarah have travelled extensively to source the right drinks and small batches of hand crafted artisan gins, and fine malt whiskies, are delivered regularly throughout the week. All the food comes from local suppliers; the bread comes from an artisan baker in Burscough, the cakes and even the baked beans on the food menu are homemade. e Remedy hot dogs, which are already getting quite a reputation locally, are 100% pork and come direct from a charcuterie. Sarah added: "We have put a lot of work into making sure the whole experience is good. e glasses have been carefully selected for their shape and they are pre-chilled. We researched the right ice machine to give the right size ice cubes and we use garnishes to complement a particular gin's flavour - it's called the Perfect Serve. And we really hope that people have the perfect time when they're with us.' e bar is open seven days a week from 10am to 6pm with extended opening until 11.30pm ursday to Sunday. You can find them on Facebook, www.facebook.com/remedysouthport and on Instagram @remedysouthport.

The Remedy Team Autumn 2015

Vincent Beauty Pamper Yourself

he Vincent Southport oﬀers a calming atmosphere for guests and has a wide range of beauty treatments that are guaranteed not to disappoint.

Whether you fancy a weekend away with the girls, or a romantic getaway and a treatment for two, the hotel can cater to your needs and oﬀer you relaxation in a Parisienne Boulevard setting. e great thing is you don’t need to be a guest in the hotel to visit Vincent Beauty. With a range of holistic therapies available to choose from, the qualified staﬀ can provide a treatment package perfectly tailored for you and your guests. Vincent Beauty’s exclusive therapies use the luxurious ESPA range. Rich in essential oils, plants and marine extracts, the ESPA range has been created using the highest quality organically grown plants known for their purity, potency and therapeutic qualities. Deeply relaxing and de-stressing oils, revitalising sea-weeds and natural ingredients help to achieve outstanding results on your face, body and mind. For those wanting to enjoy a stand-alone treatment, there is a comprehensive list of options available, including manicures, facials and massage therapies, designed to cater for every need. 50

Autumn 2015

Vincent Beauty has also developed a selection of pamper packages that combine a number of treatments to provide a truly indulgent experience. Packages on offer include a Stress Buster experience, a Girls’ Pamper Day and a Maternal Moments Day for mums-to-be. e price of the packages on offer range from £60 for a Pre & Post Holiday pamper up to £200 for the Ultimate V Experience, a five hour pampering session. For those wishing to add something extra, treatments can be combined with afternoon tea or a meal in e Vincent Café and Sushi Bar to round off the day. e hotel takes comfort and personal service to new heights – all within a fresh, stylish and contemporary interior. And, for a limited time only, Vincent Beauty is offering a ‘lifesaving back treatment’ which includes a mini facial and a glass of prosecco to enjoy in the relaxation area for just £49 per person or £90 for two. is exclusive treatment package is going down a treat with the male audience and couples too. To take advantage of this current offer or for any general enquiries and bookings please contact Vincent Beauty on +44(0)1704 883820.

Au tu mN eVeNtS

The sky's the limit!

Southport events that will have you gazing skyward in awe this Autumn

ink Southport and what images spring to mind? Peaceful strolls along the beach? A gentile perambulation along Lord Street? Perhaps a family picnic in one of its many leafy parks? For most of the year you'd be right. But come the Autumn, this elegant seaside resort swaps peace and tranquility for roaring aeroplane engines and the boom of choreographed fireworks. Words by Simon Grant If you're heading to Southport this Autumn our advice would be: look up! Because the Merseyside resort has cornered the market in sky-high spectaculars with the annual double whammy of the Southport Airshow and the British Musical Fireworks Championship.

annual aviation spectacle. Little wonder that this highoctane, perennial crowd-pleaser was highly commended at this year's Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards. After a morning warm-up of ground-based activities for all the family, and light aircraft coming in to land on the unique beach runway, the main event gets oﬀ the ground from midday onward. At the time of writing, the show's organisers had confirmed that those iconic British dare devils, the Red Arrows, would be looping into action. ey'll be joined by the high-tech Eurofighter Typhoon, the UK's only airworthy Lancaster Bomber, RAF training aircraft the Tutor and the Hawk T2 Role Demo team from RAF Valley on Anglesey.

S o u th po r t A i r S h ow | S o ut h p o r t B eAch 1 9 - 20 S e pt em Be r | 9 A m- 5 . 30 p m

Advance general admission tickets cost £8.36 for adults (16+), £6.27 for children (5-15 years) and under-fives go free (although they must have a free ticket to enter). Last minute tickets cost £10.45/£8.36. All tickets include processing fees and general tickets can be used for either day.

Buckle up and prepare for take-oﬀ, as the North West's premier airshow wings its way back to Southport this September. e Southport Air Show lands in the seaside resort on 19 and 20 September for some thrill-seeking aerial acrobatics for the 80,000 or so visitors arriving for this

Premier Tickets oﬀer unrivalled views from the pier, with a dedicated marquee, private toilet facilities, morning and afternoon refreshments, picnic lunch and a free programme. ese cost £67.93 for adults and £47.03 for children (free for under-fives).

Autumn 2015

AutumN eVeNtS B rit iS h m uS i cA l Fi r e wo r k S chA m p io NSh i p | V i c t o r i A pA r k | 2-4 o c to B e r | 6 -9 p m ( 1 0 p m SAt )

Exploding into life once more this October is the wildly popular British Musical Fireworks Championship, where the country's most talented firework display teams descend on Southport's Victoria Park to flex their pyrotechnical muscles, with some truly breath-taking choreographed routines. Over the course of three spectacular nights, from 2-4 October, join the thousands of spectators looking to be dazzled by the magical displays of seven world class companies vying for the title of British Champion. Each team of “firers” performs a spellbinding 20-minute display synchronised to music. is sixteenth outing for the competition sees Wiltshire's Smart Pyrotechnics return to defend their hard-fought title against stern opposition from across the British Isles. Lining

up to extinguish their hopes are e Fireworkers, from East Yorkshire; Hertfordshire's Fantastic Fireworks; the Sussexbased trio of SelStar Fireworks, BrightFire Pyrotechnics and F1 Pyrotechnics; and coming all the way from Scotland will be Midnight Storm Fireworks. Advanced Friday and Sunday standing tickets are priced at £5.23, while it's £7.32 for the Saturday performance. Last minute tickets on the night are £7.31 on Friday and Sunday and £9.40 for Saturday. Seated tickets (allocated on a first come, first served basis) are £15.68 for the Friday and Sunday shows, and £20.90 on Saturday. A weekend ticket (standing only) costs £15.68 and children under five years old go free (free wristband required). For further information about either event, or to book your tickets, please go to www.visitsouthport.com or call 01704 533333.

Autumn 2015

milleNNium hotelS

MILLENNIUM HOTELS & RESORTS PLEDGES TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF GLOBAL VISITORS TO LIVERPOOL THROUGH ITS RECENT ACQUISITION

mhr’s ceo Aloysius lee

ince being crowned Capital of Culture in 2008, Liverpool has gone from strength to strength to secure its prominent position as a bustling and thriving city, with enough going on to rival the UK’s top destinations. Having witnessed an on-going boost in its visitor economy, thanks to the development of new and existing tourist attractions, Liverpool remains a hotspot for both local and overseas investors.

operates a dynamic and impressive worldwide portfolio. CEO of MHR Aloysius Lee said: “Liverpool is a leading tourist destination that continues to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually on a mass global scale. Having been crowned Capital of Culture in 2008, the city is twinned culturally and economically with Shanghai and is also home to the world famous Liverpool Football Club.”

In a bid to increase global visitors to the city, Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) has entered the Liverpool market, after completing its acquisition of the Beatles inspired venue, Hard Days Night Hotel.

e new CEO not only brings with him his expansive portfolio of experience, but a fresh, international take on Liverpool’s flourishing hospitality industry and how it can further increase its revenue.

e iconic hotel situated on North John Street in the heart of the increasingly popular Cavern Quarter, will now become MHR’s 24th property within the UK and Europe; adding to the diversity of the hotel group, which

As part of his ongoing commitment to both Hard Days Night Hotel and the city itself, Aloysius pledges to increase the number of global visitors to Liverpool through innovative strategies to boost the already thriving sector. Autumn 2015

Aloysius added: “e city continues to maintain its prominent stance by investing in an array of forwardthinking regeneration projects, while firmly retaining its Beatles legacy. Being the only one of its kind, Hard Days Night Hotel oﬀers a Beatles experience like no-other and we are confident that our guests, particularly from countries including China, USA, Canada and Europe, will be excited by the choice of this latest acquisition. Furthermore, the ‘Fab Four’ and Liverpool are very popular to both the North America and Asian markets.” Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Millennium Hotels and Resorts is a dynamic, global hotel company, which owns, asset manages and operates a worldwide portfolio of over 100 hotels. Its recent acquisition sees MHR join a number of international hotel chains that have branched out across Liverpool including Hilton, Radisson, Ibis, Starwood and Marriott.

Ches hire oak s C hrisTmas

CHESHIRE OAKS CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF CHRISTMAS AT CHESHIRE OAKS DESIGNER OUTLET

Thu rs day 1 2 N ov e m be r

On ursday 12 November, the UK’s largest artificial Christmas tree will be brought to life with over 100,000 twinkling lights as McArthurGlen’s Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet launches the Christmas season with its annual switch on event. is year, visitors will be able to marvel at the enormity of the tree from the inside as a magical archway makes it Europe’s first walk-in Christmas tree. As the lights go on, shoppers will be dazzled by a musical fireworks extravaganza. For the rest of the evening, shoppers can stroll through the centre and soak up the festive atmosphere with Santa and his reindeer and choirs that will fill the air with Christmas carols.

Autumn 2015

Cheshire oak s ChrisT mas

L aT e N ig hT s ho pp i Ng aNd F es Ti v e e NT erTaiN me NT ev ery we eke Nd

e festivities continue in the lead up to Christmas, where there are over 145 premium, high street and designer brands for great gifts and winter fashion. From 2nd November shoppers can also enjoy late night shopping as the centre stays open until 9pm on weekdays, plus the centre will come alive with roaming Christmas entertainment every weekend. a daT e F or yo ur di ary - C he s hi re oaks de si gN er o uTL e T v ip sh op p iNg eve NT 68T h Nove mb e r

Fancy a bit of VIP treatment? Sign up to the Cheshire Oaks Privilege Club online to receive an invite to this fabulous VIP event. On top of fantastic savings and oﬀers for one weekend only, you’ll receive free entry into the VIP lounge with complimentary drinks, canapés, entertainment and much more! Simply register at www.cheshireoaksdesigneroutlet.com

Autumn 2015

Yule love Christmas in the North West

shopping, dining and drinking in the North west this Christmas The North west is a veritable santa's grotto of festive fun, festooned with delightful markets, starstudded switch-ons and magical events that will really get you into the Christmas spirit. so here's our guide to making the most of the yuletide season in manchester, Liverpool and Chester. words by simon grant maNChesTer – iT's aLL abouT The ChrisTmas markeTs!

ere is no better way to start the festive season in style, and really get into the spirit, than with a visit to Manchester's award-winning Christmas Markets. e UK's biggest and best markets, which open between Saturday 14 November and Monday 21 December, are a Christmas cornucopia of delicious international food, steaming mugs of mulled wine and beautiful, original gifts in the heart of the metropolis. ere are more than 300 stalls and chalets spread across the city centre, all free for you to peruse at your leisure. It's a great place to soak up the festive cheer and follow the market trail on the hunt for some extra special gifts or some 'elf-indulgent' treats. You won't believe the wealth of artisanal products on display, with everything from fine amber jewellery, to handmade Belgian kitchenware and handcrafted leather bags. ere really is a gift for everyone to be bagged amongst these bustling stalls.

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Of course, when you're pounding the streets for the ideal stocking fillers, it's essential to stoke your coals with some hearty winter warmers along the way. Luckily, the Manchester Christmas Markets are famed for their wondrous array of European food and drink. Warm your cockles with an obligatory mug of the aforementioned spiced mulled wine and take a continental culinary tour, with a Spanish paella, Hungarian goulash or a good oldfashioned German bratwurst. ere are plenty of vegetarian morsels to tempt your tastebuds and for the sweet-tooths among you, may we recommend the mini Dutch pancakes (Poﬀertjes). Elsewhere, for something a little diﬀerent the East Lancashire Railway's popular Santa Specials provide a nostalgic and genteel way to fire up your Christmas celebrations. Relax on a steam train, Polar Express style, through a winter wonderland, soaking up the festive atmosphere as brass bands play your favourite Christmas carols. ere's even a chance to meet Father Christmas himself, as he travels through the carriage handing out gifts to the children and festive tipples with mince pies to the adults.

ChrisTmas Li v e r p o o L – o N e h a N dy F e s T i v e Lo C aT i o N !

If you're looking to make a Christmas shopping spree in one fell swoop, and enjoy a lovely day out in the process, then Liverpool sure takes some beating. Suﬃciently compact to roam by foot but varied enough to tread from big name brands to independent boutiques; it's a veritable shoppers paradise. At the heart of it all is Liverpool ONE. e city centre's premier destination harbours more than 120 of your favourite stores, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. ere's no shortage of gift ideas with the likes of BOSS, Pandora, Superdry and Toys R Us rubbing shoulders with department store giants John Lewis and Debenhams. For an opulent dose of glamour Beauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols glimmers with high-end beauty products from YSL and Chanel to Liverpool exclusives like Tom Ford Colour and Shu Uemura. While Christmas markets add a dash of continental colour on Lord Street, Paradise Street and Williamson Square. At every turn, your high street favourites coexist comfortably with designer heavyweights, as you wend your way through the MetQuarter to Cavern Walks and the bustling thoroughfares of Church Street and Lord Street. For something a bit diﬀerent you'd be well advised to head for Bold Street to sample some of the independent stores – like quirky gift shop Utility or achingly cool clothes shop Resurrection – that make this one of Liverpool's trendiest locations. With your shopping needs accounted for it's probably time to eat, drink and be merry. Liverpool's bars and restaurants are as diverse and welcoming as its inhabitants. Bold Street's abundance of characterful eateries and watering holes include LEAF, Maray and Bakchich. Liverpool ONE abounds with options like Jamie's Italian, Bem Brazil and Byron. Head to one of the many lovely restaurants at the famous Albert Docks for a view of the stunning heritage waterfront. Or for a lavish treat, there's sky-high dining at Panoramic 34 or any number of fine dining options along Hope Street.

Fuelling your festive forays will be no trouble either, with pop-up alpine bars serving winter warmers like mulled wine and hot chocolate, as well as stronger continental imports to wet your whistle. is year the market has been extended by an extra week, running from ursday 19 November to Sunday 20 December 2015. It's open seven days a week, from 10am to 6pm from Sunday to Wednesday, with late night shopping on ursdays until 8pm and until 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays. For a walk on the wild side, visit Lantern Magic at Chester Zoo. Here, you can write your letter to Santa, get creative at Lantern workshops and experience the nocturnal sounds of the zoo after dark. Journey through the enchanted illuminated trail, leading to a spectacular display of animal lanterns, and check out some of the fabulous new arrivals. You can also make your Christmas wish and hang it on the Giant Wishing Tree, visit Santa in his grotto and even preorder a warming festive supper. If you're looking to escape the chill, then the Grosvenor Shopping Centre is a fabulous shopping environment, packed full of the best-known stores in town. Or there's nearby Cheshire Oaks, which kicks oﬀ Christmas from 12 November by switching on the lights to the UK's largest Christmas tree and launching its magical Christmas markets. Enjoy extended shopping hours, from Monday 3 November right up to Christmas Eve, to give you more time to find those perfect stocking fillers. We ho-ho-hope you have a wonderful Christmas wherever you spend it!

Ch e s T e r – m a r k e T s , m e e r kaT s a N d maLLs!

Chester's delightful bijou Christmas Market, located in front of the historic Town Hall, is back for 2015. If strolling amongst the black and white revival shops and the lofty Rows wasn't charming enough, the markets add another dimension of character with 70 traditional wooden chalets extending the Christmas cheer. Wrapped around a 40ft twinkling Christmas tree, the myriad wooden chalets are crammed with local and regional products, crafts, clothing, accessories, jewellery and unique gift ideas.

For more information visit: www.visitmanchester.com www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk www.visitliverpool.com www.liverpool-one.com www.christmasinchester.com www.chesterzoo.org

Autumn 2015

bouNCy CasTLes

Jumping For Joy

elcome to Bouncy Castle Parade! We are a Family run bouncy castle business based in Southport. We Provide castles for children and adults! Do you want to make your party one to remember? Make it an awesome event by adding that extra fun by hiring one of our many castles or inflatables! Our castles are perfect for your children’s birthday parties or school event! Fancy a theme? Make your little girls dream come true by making her a princess for the day with her favorite frozen friends Elsa, Anna and Olaf! We also have the amazing spider man and his super hero friends for your little boys big day. Grown ups can bounce too! e perfect feature to really get your BBQ and garden party bouncing! Whether you fancy a dance in our booming disco dome along to your favorite songs connected via our bluetooth speakers or entering the ring for some friendly competition on our gladiator dual! Please note our Castles and inflatable’s can be used indoors and outdoors.

a r e a w e C ov e r

We hire bouncy castles and other inflatables throughout the majority of the North West including: Southport, Birkdale, Ainsdale, Churchtown, Formby, Ruﬀord, Tarleton, Halsall, Chorley, Maghull, Hesketh Bank, Ormskirk, Banks, Burscough, Crosby, Warrington, St Helens and many more. If your area is not on the list - do not worry! Drop us an email and we will see what we can do for you. All enquiries are answered within 24 hours. 60

Autumn 2015

CaNdy FLoss maChiNes

Bouncy Castle Parade have a range of Candy Floss. Please call us today to enquire about availability. ese go down great at parties and other events! Different flavors – SILLY NILLY BANANA BONANZA CHOC-O-FLOSS MAPLE PINA COLADA BOO-BLUE Popcorn making machines available Candy Floss - 100 sticks and enough sugar for 100 with cones with operator for 2 hours was £90 with 25% off NOW £67.50 Popcorn - Enough popcorn for 100 servings and 100 cones £85 with operator for 2 hours was £85 with 25% off NOW £63.75 For both machines was £150 2 hours with operator 10% off now £135 Bouncy castle hire from £50 was £60 Bouncy castle popcorn machine & candy floss machine with operators £180 Bouncy castles and big slides are available for all occasions. It’s not just for the kids either. Adult bouncy castles are available to bring a bit of fun to any event. Birthdays School events, Fairs Charity events, Private events and Weddings BBQ’s. Email: info@bouncycastleparade.co.uk Tel: 07500 885423 www.bouncycastleparade.co.uk

Comedy FesTivaL

The Laughter Capital Liverpool Comedy Festival | 18 September to 4 October Venues across the city www.Liverpoolcomedyfestival.com ere's no denying that Liverpool has got funny bones. Over the years, Britain's laughter capital has spawned the comedic talents of Ken Dodd, Alexei Sayle, Ricky Tomlinson and John Bishop. Underlining that comedic pedigree is e Comedy Trust's annual Liverpool Comedy Festival, which returns for it's fourteenth outing this Autumn with some very special headline acts. Words by Simon Grant

diverse line up this year than ever before. After the success of last year we’ve been inundated with acts who wanted to be involved. So we’re picking the best of the bunch to showcase in the City.” Comedian, author and chat show supremo Alan Carr brings his Yap, Yap Yap! show to the Liverpool Philharmonic from 17-19 September. Since winning the BBC Best New Stand-up award in 2001, Alan Carr's stardom has gone interstellar. His own chat show, Alan Carr: Chatty Man, has rapidly become a must-see television staple, running into its fifteenth season this autumn, and has picked up a BAFTA and a National Television Award for Carr's inimitable hosting skills.

Some of Britain's brightest comedy talents are preparing to stand and deliver a barrage of hilarity to whipsmart Liverpool audiences over the three-week course of the Liverpool Comedy Festival. Running from Friday 18 September to Sunday 4 October, in venues across the city region, there are plenty of belly laughs to be had from a packed line-up that's headlined by comedy heavyweights, Alan Carr and Dave Spikey.

Joining Carr, also at the Philharmonic Hall, is the star of Phoenix Nights and at Peter Kay ing Dave Spikey, who arrives in the city on 2nd October with his latest tour Punchlines. e multi-award winner is one of the most sought-after comedy talents in the UK today. With a career spanning two decades, Spikey has numerous TV appearances to his name as a stand-up comedian, presenter and actor. And behind the screens, as an acclaimed comedy writer.

Sam Avery, Festival Manager and Comedian said: “We’ve been working hard to ensure that we have a more

As ever, the Liverpool Comedy Festival isn’t just about the household names.

Autumn 2015

One of the joys of the festival is witnessing fresh, new talent bursting on to the comedy circuit. As such, you can expect some of the most exciting up-and-coming comedy acts to showcase their wares across many of the better known venues across the city, as well as some pretty unusual (and secret!) spaces. Don't be surprised to find acts pop up to perform in bars, shops, schools and even people’s houses. e Comedy Trust will also be holding comedy coaching tours, kid’s shows, pub crawls, poetry readings, podcasts, open mic nights, quizzes, magic displays, networking events, rap battles, plays and sketch groups. ere really are plenty of giggles for all the family. Don't miss it! Visit www.Liverpoolcomedyfestival.com for the full line-up and ticket information. You can also keep up to date with all the latest news on Facebook at e Liverpool Comedy Festival and on Twitter @LpoolComedyFest.

Comedy FesTivaL

In Pursuit of Yap-iness Alan Carr: Yap, Yap, Yap! comes to Liverpool and Manchester | Interview by James Rampton Alan Carr can’t wait to hit the road with his new show, entitled Yap, Yap, Yap! e comic, who boasts a huge nationwide following after hosting 14 series of his C4 chat show, Alan Carr Chatty Man, is about to underline just how brilliant he is by embarking on his first major stand-up tour for three years. “I adore touring – it keeps me out of mischief!” he grins. “is is the biggest tour I’ve ever done.” e show will certainly be coming to a theatre near you very soon, as the tour takes in an eye-watering 120-plus venues. It's a gilt-edged opportunity to witness the British Comedy Award winning national treasure at the top of his game. “I get such a buzz on stage,” admits Carr. “It’s a complete adrenalin rush. When you dream up new material and think, ‘Great, I can add that to the set,’ it’s a wonderful feeling. If it works, a new joke always brings a smile to my face. It’s such a thrill,” he adds. e warmth of his fans gives Alan a real glow. “e real British public are lovely. People are really warm – they feel they know me, and they’re always bringing me presents! ey bring me lots of knickers and ropey drinks for the globe on my chat show.” Such is his rapport with his fans that Alan has deliberately chosen to perform at more intimate venues on the Yap, Yap, Yap! tour. “I could have played arenas and done the tour within a month, but in those big places you can’t talk to the audience. If you 62

mention the jumper of someone in the front row, 11,999 other people say, ‘What’s he on about?’ Putting a show on in a theatre, everyone there feels they have had a unique night that won’t happen anywhere else.” So what subjects will Alan be discussing in Yap, Yap, Yap!? “is show is very personal. It’s a gamble including so much personal stuff, but it pays dividends. e more personal stuff you put in, the more people go ‘Aaah!’ Also, the audience can smell if you start lying in your act. ere is an honesty in this show that people will appreciate.” He adds: “It’s about co-habiting and how it affects you. I talk about my partner. e show is about my life, so he has to be in it. I didn’t want to start lying and saying I still live on my own in Stretford. My partner doesn’t necessarily like being part of the show, but I said to him, ‘Look, it’s paying the bills. See those shoes you’re wearing? Comedy bought them, so stop moaning! e show is about manning up.” Alan Carr’s Yap, Yap, Yap! Tour comes to Liverpool Philharmonic from 17-19 September and the O2 Apollo in Manchester from 5-7 November. Tickets are available from alancarr.net and www.offthekerb.co.uk. Don’t

Autumn 2015

worry if you can’t get to a live show, because Alan will be recording a brand new DVD of the show live at the Hammersmith Apollo.

Comedy FesTivaL

Only Fools and Boycie

one-oﬀ show the national treasure will reveal secrets from the set with stories and anecdotes from his dazzling career. Mr Challis will also meet fans after the show to sign autographs and pose for pictures, while signing copies of his autobiography, Being Boycie, and novel, Reggie: A Stag At Bay.

30 September 2015 - 19:30pm Epstein eatre More information at : www.Liverpoolcomedyfestival.com Enjoy an intimate evening with John Challis, one of the nation's greatest comedy actors, best known as Boycie in BBC1's Only Fools and Horses. In this

Terry Christian: Naked Confessions of a Recovering Catholic 04 October 2015 - 20:00pm Liverpool Comedy Central More information at : www.Liverpoolcomedyfestival.com From the streets of inner-city Manchester to the boulevards of Beverly Hills, Terry Christian's debut stand-up show, e Naked Confessions of a Recovering Catholic takes a snapshot of life, overlooked by an all-seeing ~ and often unforgiving ~ God. is hilarious romp through the guilt-ridden ~ and occasionally dark ~ realms of life is another brave step for Terry. He brings all the maverick qualities that made him a media bête noire in the 90's ~ via C4's e Word ~ to deliver an honest, funny and sometimes profound stand-up performance. Sex, violence, religion, class prejudice, even stray dogs and useful house cats ~ it's all contained in this terrific show!

e Naked Confessions of a Recovering Catholic is split into two parts: Terry treats his audience to his stand-up performance in the first half, then ~ following the interval ~ he opens himself up for a no-holds-barred Q&A session. is has resulted in Terry divulging all manner of stories about Hollywood stars such as Tom Hanks and Arnold Schwarzenegger and his all-time thrill of meeting the late great James Brown. Copies of Terry's most recent book, My Word will be available to purchase on the night and he is happy to sign copies at the end.

Autumn 2015

fooD anD DrinK fesTivals

Food, Glorious Food A guide to the Manchester and Liverpool Food and Drink Festivals Loosen those belt buckles and prepare your tastebuds for a double helping of culinary excitement this September, as the annual Manchester and Liverpool Food and Drink Festivals plate up a celebratory menu of the North West's finest vittles. Words by Simon Grant

t doesn't matter which end of the M62 you reside, for one flavour-packed portion of September Manchester and Liverpool will be transformed into your own personal pantry of culinary excellence. Here's a tasting menu of what you can expect at both festivals this year. Manchester Food and Drink Festival | 10-21 September Albert Square Festival Hub and across the City Centre www.foodanddrinkfestival.com

Manchester Food and Drink Festival (MFDF) has been serving up nationally acclaimed culinary treats and street eats for the last 18 years. Conceived and developed by Phil Jones and Chris Tomlinson in 1998, the event was spawned to prove that there was more to Manchester dining than hotpot and Vimto. Like Manchester itself, MFDF has become famed for being original, diverse and unashamedly outspoken. Since those early days, the festival has grown to become one of the biggest and most respected food and drink festivals in the country. is year's event opens its doors from 10-21 September to showcase the city's finest culinary wares across much of the city centre and surrounding districts of Greater Manchester. The beaTing hearT of The fesTival

e beating heart is the Festival Hub on Albert Square, which opens from 12pm until late every day of the festival. is free foodie destination provides wall-to-wall sensory satisfaction with a festival bar, street food, wine bar, live entertainment, and producer market. Over the years MFDF has attracted celebrity chefs as diverse as Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay, Bill Wyman and Hugh

Autumn 2015

fooD anD DrinK fesTivals

Fearnley-Whittingstall. is year sees the likes of Fergus Henderson deliver a one-night 'Drink A'Long Lecture.' While former Masterchef winner and Wahaca founder omasina Miers headlines the Chilli and Tequila festival's celebration of 'gasp-tronomy.'

going bacK To iTs rooTs

Manchester's own Robert Owen Brown serves up an intriguing night at the Manchester Museum, with a 'Bio-Historic Banquet' that showcases hyper local gourmet food products grown by the Biospheric Foundation. Plus, the 'ree Wine Women' – the BBC's Kate Goodman, e Guardian's Fiona Beckett, and Evuna Manchester's Jane Dowler – host an extraordinarily tasteful evening of world-class wine.

“We've kind of gone back to our roots by creating events with people,” says MFDF founder, Phil Jones. “We've gone back to working with a lot of interesting chefs who are perhaps national names. We've got our main hub in Albert Square. We've got an awful lot of events with restaurants and different people creating things this year. We've got our wine festival. We've got 120 Manchester brewed beers in Albert Square. Tons of street food that changes. Lots of quirky things, liquor festivals, you name it.” Phil adds: “Don't forget we were the first major city food and drink festival. York might dispute that but I disagree! It's a great time and it's a very different kind of event. Certainly, the hub is a one-stop event where you can spend all day and have a very, very nice time with all the family.” e Manchester Food and Drink Festival's final course is their prestigious awards ceremony, which recognises the most exciting movers and shakers blazing a trail in the local hospitality industry. e public can vote for their favourite haunts on the official festival website right up until 10 September. e winners will be announced at a glittering gala dinner at Manchester Cathedral, where Harvey Nichols will be creating the menu.

Autumn 2015

fooD anD DrinK fesTivals

Liverpool Food and Drink Festival (LFDF) | 19-20 September | Sefton Park | www.liverpoolfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk Liverpool Food and Drink Festival (LFDF) is a celebration of the city’s booming restaurants, bars, cafes and regional producers. Now in its eighth year, LFDF once again transforms Sefton Park into a giant gastronomic garden over the weekend of 19 and 20 September. Food fanatics can

have their fill of their favourite eats from across the city, from Free State Kitchen's Americanainspired burgers, to Mowgli's stylish Indian street food and ales from e Dead Crafty Beer Company, to name but a few. Causing a stir in the Celebrity Chef Demo Tent this year will be Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley, of Hemsley + Hemsley fame, who headline the festival's opening day. e London duo's healthy eating recipes – which eschew grain, gluten and refined sugar – proved an instant hit with their first cookbook, e Art of Eating Well, becoming one of the best-selling cookbooks of last year. MouThwaTering fooDie Zones

Among the mouthwatering Foodie Zones to explore will be the Heavenly Chocolate Garden, a cocoa connoisseur's fantasy chock-full (excuse the pun!) of churros, crepes and

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fooD anD DrinK fesTivals home-made chocolate. e Marketplace showcases the freshest morsels from regional producers, and also includes a Healthy Living Area serving nutritional nibbles like organic soups and vitamin-rich smoothies. You can also kick back with a cup of joe in the cafe area or grab yourself some global bites from the many quirky street food vendors. As well as chowing down on tasty dishes, you can even prepare some yourself. Nestled in a garlanded yurt, Nisha Katona’s Curry Clinic gives festival-goers an insight into Indian cooking techniques, followed by the chance to put those newfound skills to the test and create a spicy signature dish. ere will also be masterclasses for chocaholics, delivered by Xocolat, and wine lovers unite for tipple-tastic tips from Bretta&Co and Cheshire Mersey Wine School. e interactive children’s zone is set to be packed with wallto-wall activities and workshops for youngsters. is year, health food hipsters Bear Nibbles will be teaching the bear necessities of eating well and their festival-wide bear hunt

should keep your little ones from getting grizzly. Meanwhile there's bound to be plenty of entertainment for the grownups too, with umpteen bands providing the soundtrack to boogie oﬀ those calories. Whichever festival floats your boat, September looks pretty delicious if you ask us! For more information about the Manchester Food and Drink Festival visit www.foodanddrinkfestival.com or keep updated on the 'Manchester Food and Drink Festival' Facebook page and @tastemanchester on Twitter. You can find all the latest news about the Liverpool Food and Drink Festival at www.liverpoolfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk or on the 'Liverpool Food and Drink Festival' Facebook page and @LivFoodDrink Twitter feed.

Autumn 2015

Hemsley + Hemsley Photography by Nick Hopper

hemsley + hemsley With Camille allcroft

Many thanks Jasmine and Melissa for joining me for this interview, Exclusive readers will be delighted to get an insight in to your careers. B i o g r a phy

oved by the food, fitness and fashion industries alike, sisters Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley have taken the health and wellness industry by storm since launching their family-run wellness business in 2010 for people who want to live healthier happier lives. Within two weeks of creating their blog the girls were asked to contribute to Vogue.co.uk, where they are still regular columnists. e Art of Eating Well is Jasmine and Melissa’s best68

selling first cookbook which champions nourishing, home-cooked food. eir philosophy is poured into every page, from their love of bone broth to championing natural fats as a diet staple. Packed with over 150 exciting recipes, it’s hard to believe that these delicious dishes are free from grain, gluten and refined sugar.

turning fruit and vegetables into noodle-like spirals. Hemsley + Hemsley continue to cook and consult for celebrities and high-profile events (some clients include Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Vivienne Westwood) around the world and they are currently very happy in the kitchen writing their second book, Good + Simple, which will be out in 2016.

Earlier this year the Hemsleys launched their sell-out Hemsley Spiralizer, a must-have kitchen tool for instantly

www.hemsleyandhemsley.com Twitter: @HemsleyHemsley

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Hemsley + Hemsley Photography by Nick Hopper

fairies’! Within two weeks of launching our own blog, we were asked to contribute recipes to vogue.co.uk and became the London based editors of sousstyle.com. We then developed our book e Art of Eating Well as a go-to guide for people to use as the foundation of eating and feeling well by championing good food. Since then we have launched our hugely successful Hemsley Spiralizer and will be releasing our second book, Good + Simple next year. You have become very successful and gained a massive fan base, what has been the highlight of your career so far?

Food is very evocative of memories, what and where was the most memorable meal you have ever eaten? Childhood meals are very memorable for us, our mum is from the Philippines where big family gatherings centred around food are an important part of the culture. We didn’t get roasts on a Sunday (the British classic). Sunday was a lazy day where we all tucked into our Mum’s Big Sunday Soup instead (all the leftovers of the week, Italian style with plenty of garlic, tomatoes and black pepper) or Bistek (a classic Filipino dish of soy sauce and lemon marinated beef quickly stir fried) or her baked trout that is so good we put it in our book! What sparked your interest in cookery? Jasmine: I worked full-time as a model from the age of 19 and was fascinated by the many diﬀerent ideas surrounding health and nutrition. Over the years I developed a way of eating that made me feel energised and toned and I found that natural, easy to digest and nutrient dense foods were what truly counted despite whatever ‘fads’ were being hailed by the media. I’d always cooked (mum had me chopping onions from day dot!) and I was able to start experimenting with quick and easy ways to enjoy more nutritious foods. I was soon sharing tips and tricks with friends and family. Mel, who worked as a footwear brand manager and later in marketing and promotion for gastropubs and bars, caught the bug and helped spread the word! Melissa: Being the baby of the family I didn’t have to cook a thing until I left home and wondered where all the good food had gone! I kept calling mum and Jaz and asking them how to make the salad dressings, stews and soups that I missed and definitely discovered a passion for cooking for myself and others. 6 years ago, we started a bespoke service aimed at helping people with their digestion and relationship with food. We became private chefs and wellness coaches but we didn’t intentionally ‘launch’ the business - it came about organically. We were cooking for clients, clearing out their cupboards, filling up their fridges and freezers and showing them how to cook our recipes and feel better - happier, healthier and more energized. Back then we didn’t have a name, our clients called us their ‘food

Luckily we have those “ah-ha” moments all the time, whenever a client tells us they feel better and shares their experiences and learnings with their friends and family. When we see that people have stopped punishing themselves with calorie counting, gruelling workouts, low-fat highly processed health food products, skipped meals and diet programmes and start living (and sleeping!) again, it’s a very rewarding feeling! When you want to relax rather than cooking your own meal, what is your favourite takeaway order? Our kind of cooking is relaxing! We’ve always got a stash of food in the freezer ready for those nights when we don’t feel like doing much - like Beef Ragu. Heat it up while you spiralize some courgettes and grate some parmesan and in minutes you’ve got a hearty, warming meal that’s homemade. You must get the chance to eat out a lot, what is your favourite restaurant? Our favourites in London are Brunswick House in Vauxhall, Elliots in Borough Market, Rochelle’s Canteen in Shoreditch (it’s hidden from the street in a converted school) and Paradise in Kensal Rise (where Melissa used to work). We also love Sea Containers (Seamus Mullen) on the Southbank which is stunningly beautiful and the food is incredible with views of the ames. Where do you get your inspiration? We’re constantly inspired on our travels and receive requests from friends, family, readers and clients. ey often ask us to rework their favourite foods which keeps us coming up with more ideas. We make clever use of whole foods to reinvent classics - our 2 pizza recipes are made from cauliflower or chickpea bases, fudgy brownies made from black beans, rice made from broccoli, noodles from cucumbers and carrots and spaghetti made from courgette (courgetti). We also feel supported by our fellow ‘wellness warriors’ and love that more and more people are embracing this wonderful health and wellness movement! Witnessing this new wave of interest in looking after ourselves and loved ones in the most natural way possible inspires us to keep making a diﬀerence.

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Hemsley + Hemsley Your book e Art of Eating Well has become an international bestseller, how will your next book Good + Simple differ from your first? We can’t give too much away, but Good + Simple will offer an accessible and highly practical cookbook that’s perfect for anyone who loves food and wants to look and feel amazing by eating good food, every day. What simple dish would you cook for surprise dinner guests? Mung Dahl or Squash, Red Lentil and Coconut Curry which we’ve had in the freezer. We are big fans of batch cooking as a little preparation on the weekend (something we like to call a Sunday Cook-Off) meaning all we need to do is heat up our food and throw in some spinach or greens at the last minute. In the most frugal and efficient way, we’ve created something to eat that’s comforting, delicious and easy to digest. Who are your idols when it comes to other chefs, whose cookbook would you turn to for a reliable recipe? We don’t cook much from recipes but for beautiful writing, imagery and inspiring ideas, we love Nigel Slater, Yotam Ottolenghi, Sabrina Ghayour’s Persiana and Madhur Jaffrey. Although many of your recipes are healthy, what unhealthy food do you find irresistible? People always tell us that our recipes don’t taste healthy and we pride ourselves on coming up with upgraded versions of takeaways, comfort foods and the nostalgia-inducing dishes that our clients, friends, families and followers love best from their childhoods. We make clever use of whole foods to reinvent classics - our 2 pizza recipes are made from cauliflower or chickpea bases and they are so simple, we always make extra and freeze some for later. One of our most popular sweet treats are the Black Bean Brownies from our book; they’re rich and fudgy and best of all, free from any processed nasties! Another delicious dessert is our bright green Avocado Lime Cheesecake. It’s a raw, New York-style cheesecake packed full of goodness. e smooth creamy lime sits atop a nutty, chocolate base with a hint of coconut. Other surprisingly healthy favourites include rice made from broccoli, noodles from cucumbers and carrots and spaghetti made from courgette (courgetti). We even have a Hemsley + Hemsley answer to fried chicken, free from breadcrumbs and vegetable oil but crunchy, crispy and delectable. It’s called Pablo’s Chicken after our cousin’s boyfriend who’s a huge fan and didn’t think we could recreate it but was very pleasantly surprised! (All recipes in e Art Of Eating Well)

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Do you have any tips for readers who find it difficult to stick to eating healthily? Making eating healthily a lifestyle is all about the prep! And of course anything that saves time is a must; skip any cooking/food prep processes like sautéing the vegetables for a frittata or frying onions for a stew and instead take the time out once a week to properly prepare foods to make them more nutritious and easier to digest. We do this during our ‘Sunday Cook-Off’, which is one of our most popular tools which we teach our clients and readers so that come Monday morning, they’re well-equipped with delicious nourishing food to take on the week! We usually have a cook-off every Sunday and have been teaching this in our cooking classes - cooking a stew made from pulses or a less fashionable cut of meat (we champion these cheaper cuts), roasting lots of veg at the same time (to make maximum use of the oven) which can be eaten hot or added into salads, soaking a bowl of quinoa, soaking nuts for smoothies and making bone broth which is easy to do and kind on the pocket. Another great tip is that if you feel as though you are having a craving try hydrating yourself first - even better with a ginger tea (see point 2) or lemon water. Wait 20 mins and then see what has happened to the craving. Usually you’re just bored and something peppy on your taste buds does the trick to blow away sweet and salty snack attacks!

e success of your spiralizer has been incredible, do you have plans to launch any more gadgets which make healthy cookery simpler? We’re delighted with how popular the Hemsley Spiralizer has been and how much families love it. Shops tell us it’s one of the most gifted cookery items! We like to keep a very simple kitchen so the spiralizer is part of our arsenal but other than that you just need a great pan, sharp knife and a slow cooker which is brilliant for making our beloved bone broth.

What classic comfort food do you like to make if you feel in need of an indulgent pick-me-up? Homemade bone broth as it can be enjoyed around the clock in a multitude of ways and always makes us feel better! Bone broth is our secret weapon for quick and tasty meals and a nourishing all-rounder packed with vitamins, minerals, collagen and keratin which make it amazing for skin. It’s easy to make and kind on the pocket; we use homemade bone broth to steam veggies, add to sauces and as the base of soups, stews and quinoa risottos or wherever a savoury recipe calls for stock or water. We love it for breakfast with an egg whisked in or as a soothing bedtime drink.

Hemsley + Hemsley You are great believers in the philosophy of eating well to feel better, what food would you make if you were feeling a little under the weather? A warming Mung Dahl made with a base of bone broth and to drink, our Pep-Up Tea, which is a fantastic alternative to coﬀee that is invigorating and detoxifying. Turmeric lends the tea its wonderful colour. A great pick-me-up for the whole system, this detoxifying and anti-inflammatory bright orange root contains curcumin, known to have extremely potent medicinal properties. Cayenne, ginger and lemon also come together to make this PepUp Tea an immune-boosting remedy that can be enjoyed as a caﬀeine-free brew in the morning or sipped slowly after a meal. It’s delicious hot or cold

What is your favourite part of your job? Every day is diﬀerent at H+H and with all small businesses, you have to roll up your sleeves and get involved. ere is lots of room for creativity and also plenty of time to work alone and remotely from laptops so we aren’t in each other’s space the whole time! To be honest, we’re lucky to be doing something that is so varied and enjoyable.

Lastly, have you ever had any disasters in the kitchen?! ere may have been a spilled beetroot juice or two...worst clean up ever! Photography by Nick Hopper

Q u i C k - F i r E ro u n D Pizza or pasta? Both! our flower power pizza (made with a cauliflower base) or courgetti (courgette spaghetti) What is your favourite dessert? Paradise Bars are one of our favourite everyday treats and a popular recipe from our book, they’re healthy, delicious coconut bars dipped in rich, dark chocolate or if we’re going all out then our Avocado Lime cheesecake. Chinese or Indian? We love Asian inspired flavours and are influenced a lot by our travels to places like Cambodia as well as our Filipino heritage. What is your favourite brunch order? Eggs, eggs, eggs! What would you cook on a campfire? it would have to be Smokey beans from our book with tonnes of cabbage, followed by a few slices of our banana bread lightly toasted above the flames and smothered in butter. What was the best food-related gift you have ever received? We recently received a beautifully printed, handmade, double sided

koro kimono apron and we also have bespoke ones from our friend Matthew Williamson! What is your least favourite food? Mel doesn’t like peanut butter! What snack would you take for a long journey? our Tahini Bliss Balls from e Art of Eating Well, or some Carrot Flax Crackers and Mung Bean Hummus for dipping. What is your best tip for first time cooks? Spiralize! it is fast and easy and makes you look and feel like a kitchen whizz as it does all the hard work for you. it’s also versatile - you can make noodles for salads and Pho or ramen soups, spaghetti from vegetables to match with your favourite italian sauces or simple pestos. What food would you happily eat every day? Bone broth and we pretty much do, we add it to everything - dips, dressing, soups, stews, sauces, or drink it plain. You have 15 minutes to make a meal, what would you cook? ‘Quicker an Toast’ from our cookbook literally takes 3 minutes, or we’d heat up a leftover sauce which is stashed in our freezer and spiralize some veggie noodles while it heats up on the stove.

autumn 2015

AIDEN BYRNE

Michelin man's maiden voyage to Liverpool Interview for Exclusive Magazine by Simon Grant

Aiden Byrne

Autumn 2015

AIDEN BYRNE

Aiden Byrne is an award winning chef and restaurateur. At the age of 22, he became the youngest chef to win a Michelin Star, opening a number of businesses across the North West region including The Collingwood in West Kirby and The Church Green in Lymm, Cheshire which he runs with his wife, Sarah. In 2013/14, Aiden opened a new restaurant in Manchester called Manchester House. Costing around £3 million to create, Byrne's journey to open the restaurant was featured in a three-part for BBC 2 series called Restaurant Wars: The Battle for Manchester which was aired in April 2014. Aiden is about to return to his roots in Liverpool to open a new restaurant in 2016, The Cunard. We contacted Aiden to find out more about his life as a chef, his ambitions for the future and what his hopes are for the new Liverpool project.

Hi Aiden, thanks for speaking to Exclusive Magazine. What prompted you to get into cookery? Was there a 'Eureka' moment and if so, what was it? I guess you could call it a ‘Eureka’ moment. At the age of 14, I walked into the catering class at school and just knew that this was where I belonged. It was where I wanted to spend the rest of my life. I was the only boy in the class too which was a bit strange but that didn’t deter me at all! Having grown up on Merseyside, what is a true taste of home for you? For me, a true taste of home is a combination of simple flavours and humble ingredients. ese are the basic fundamental elements that have remained with me throughout my 25-year career. How did it feel to become the youngest chef ever to win a Michelin star? What's the secret to achieving such an accolade? To be honest, I didn’t really understand what had happened at the time. When I won my first Michelin star at 22, I was still learning at about 100 miles an hour. I guess I was naïve and it was hard to really understand what was going on at the time. And the secret? ere isn’t one really. Commitment and hard work is all that’s required, but hard work on a level that only a few would understand. Not many people would entertain working 100 hours a week, but I knew the only person that was going to help me get there was me. You've worked with some phenomenal chefs in your career. Who do you think has had the biggest influence on you and why? I am very fortunate to have spent time with and been influenced by some great chefs. ey have all moulded me in some way or another but none more than Tom Aikens. Watching that man work was so humbling as the rate he works at is truly staggering. I would happily say that he is the hardest working person I know.

Autumn 2015

AIDEN BYRNE I am so excited about Liverpool! I’ve wanted to open a restaurant in Liverpool all my working life and now this dream is about to become a reality. I’m not too sure what the food oﬀer is going to be yet but I can guarantee that it will be exciting. You'll also be launching a training academy for young chefs to learn under you. Why was that important to you and what do you hope to achieve from it? I have to say that I am equally as excited about the fact that we intend to open a cookery academy on the same site as the restaurant as I am about the restaurant itself. e thought of being able to give some of my knowledge back to the young budding chefs of Liverpool gives me butterflies. You're now a ‘celebrity chef ’ thanks to TV appearances on Masterchef and Restaurant Wars. How do you handle the fame and is it a side of the business you enjoy?

@aidenbyrne How do you divide your time between e Church Green and Manchester House? What do you enjoy most about each of them? I insist on doing every service at Manchester House hence the reason we close on Sunday and Monday we all need a little downtime to recharge the batteries! I do most Mondays at the Church Green and spend Sunday with my family. e Church Green is like an extension to my home. It’s like a warm comfort blanket wraps around me as soon as I walk in there. I love it and I hope our guests feel the same when they go there too. What is your main ambition as a chef? My ambition as a chef is to genuinely make people happy. is has changed over the years as I have matured but seeing the customer enjoyment of what we oﬀer is still paramount. You're about to get even busier when new restaurant Cunard House launches alongside Australasia at Liverpool's historic Cunard Building next year. What can you tell us about this project and how do you feel about returning to your Liverpool roots?

Autumn 2015

To be honest, this isn’t really something I think about. My priority is still very much focused on giving all of our guests an experience they remember so that hopefully, in turn, they become regulars at our restaurants. You've raised an incredible amount of money for charity (most recently for Brainwave) – what motivates you to give back so generously? I feel very privileged to be able to give to charity in the way that I do. I believe that if you are a giving person then giving something back comes naturally. Our industry demands that we give everything we have to make people happy and I guess this transpires in all the charity work I do. Lastly, what do you like to do to relax? Do you have any hobbies or interests beyond cookery? I miss my family desperately because I do work so many hours and there are times I feel that by giving so much time to others, I can neglect my nearest and dearest. My hobby or interest, if you can call it that, is to concentrate more on my family life!

Turning Over A New Leaf We take an Exclusive look at some of the best places to eat this Autumn

RESTAURANTS LIVERPOOL

The mysteries of the circus brought to life… by Camille Allcroft

May all your days be Circus days, proclaims the Circo website, which sounds like a fun idea to me! Circo is situated in the historic setting of the Grade I listed Albert Dock in the heart of Liverpool. As you may have guessed, the restaurant has a circus theme and it is famous and respected in the city and beyond for its lavish dinner shows. A night at Circo promises to excite, thrill, tantalise and create amazing memories and it is popular for parties and special occasions for this very reason.

I had never dined at Circo before so I was looking forward to trying it when we were invited to the Eccentrico Dinner Show recently. e 1770 Restaurant at Circo has impressive views over the Albert Dock and upon arrival we had a couple of relaxing drinks in the bar area which has a cool aesthetic with spacious booths and sweeping windows, affording pretty panoramas of the water. ere was a great atmosphere in the air as we were led through to the restaurant and seated at the front of the room close to the stage, which gave us an exceptional view of the entertainment. We were presented with a bottle of chilled prosecco and we toasted the evening ahead feeling excited to watch the performances unfold. What an amazing night we were in for, from the second the first performers bounded on to the stage, we were taken on a thrilling ride to a place of mystery and imagination. is was an evening of pure fantasy which took us away from the ordinary and spirited us off to a different world; there were cabaret style dancers, a cheeky ape, masked performers somersaulting from trampolines and a magician. A display of stunning aerial trapeze hoop dancing was a sight to behold, as the talented dancer whirled gracefully and effortlessly above our heads, spinning around in a variety of impressive manoeuvres.

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CIRCO LIVERPOOL In between the performances, we were served a delicious three course meal; we started off with a hearty butternut squash soup, served with fresh rolls. e homemade soup was sweet, rich and peppery, a perfect way to start the meal. For the main course, I had the vegetable lasagne, which was delicious with plenty of flavour from the tender vegetables layered within a tower of irresistible pasta sheets. My dining companion had the chicken supreme, roast chicken on the bone served with crispy potatoes, the dish was beautifully presented and delicious. For dessert we were treated to a sumptuous white chocolate and passionfruit tart, a divine indulgence which had an exotic flavour. In between courses, the Circo magician came to our table and impressed us with an array of mind-bending magic tricks which I am still scratching my head about now! e atmosphere in the restaurant was vibrant, with cocktails and champagne flowing and everybody getting in to the party spirit. e finale of the evening was even more stunning than we could have anticipated, with a talented fire performer taking to the floor. He juggled and danced with fire before drawing gasps of awe from the crowds as he proceeded to show off his fire eating skills. ere was more entertainment and another amazing performance of aerial trapeze hoop dancing to round off the evening and the atmosphere was electric as the performers took a bow to uproarious applause. We had a wonderful evening and we were thrilled by the amazing performances and delicious food. Circo is a perfect destination for a great evening out and it is the ideal place to celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday or an anniversary. ere is never a dull moment during an evening at Circo, it is fun from start to finish and it is an experience which I would thoroughly recommend. ere is a wide selection of drinks on offer including fine wines and cocktails to complement your evening and they also serve breakfast and lunch if you happen to be passing at any other time of the day. e Albert Dock is full of eclectic shops and interesting places to visit, so a trip to Circo is the ideal way to round off a visit to the world famous landmark. e plush bar area also makes a great place to relax after a long day of shopping and sightseeing. We had a lovely time and we will certainly look forward to visiting again. Circo Albert Dock Liverpool L3 4AD 0151 709 0470 www.circoliverpool.com

Autumn 2015

RESTAURANTS LIVERPOOL

The London Carriage Works Liverpool By Camille Allcroft

Autumn 2015

I have long been eager to pay a visit to The London Carriage Works which is nestled on Hope Street in the heart of the Georgian Quarter of Liverpool, so it was with great delight that I ďŹ nally got the opportunity to dine there recently. It was a lovely sunny evening, and mellow sunlight played on the imposing buildings as we made our way along the historic street.

LOND ON CARRIAGE WORKS

fter a warm welcome, we were led to a pleasant table by the window, affording us a good view of both the outside world and the dining room, where many people were already eating dinner or perusing the varied menu. ere is a hushed elegance to e London Carriage Works, with minimal décor and artistic glass shards suspended in one area of the spacious dining room. Dining here feels like such a refined experience; it is out of the ordinary in every way, from the exceptional service to the gourmet food. As we browsed the menu we enjoyed delightful goats cheese canapés and freshly baked bread with smoked farmhouse butter garnished with pink salt. We sipped an excellent rosé wine, which was crisp and fruity. I am always impressed to see a menu which uses a great deal of locally sourced produce, so I was delighted to see dishes featuring local provenance ingredients such as Menai mackerel and Liverpool Bay seabass. With this in mind, I ordered the Wirral watercress soup for my starter, which was thick and hearty with plenty of delicious and peppery watercress flavour. e soup was poured from a jug over a soft poached hen’s egg which gave it a theatrical flourish. An accompaniment of chargrilled truffle buttered toasts rounded off this perfect starter. My dining companion savoured his starter of Kidderton Ash goats cheese and heritage potato terrine with a warm seasonal baby vegetable salad. For the main course I chose poached and seared breast of Callum Edge’s Willaston chicken with Morel mushrooms, Parisienne potatoes, organic Scarisbrick baby vegetables and fresh basil. e chicken was tender and tasty whilst the baby vegetables and potatoes were the perfect counterpart to this flavoursome and beautifully presented dish. Meanwhile, my dining companion loved every bite of his main course of Mark Barton’s chargrilled ribeye of grass fed beef with seared cherry tomatoes, roasted Scarisbrick king oyster mushroom and triple cooked chunky chips.

We were treated to an intermediate course of delicious and refreshing sorbet with fruits and coconut which was an ideal palate refresher prior to dessert, a tropical taste of summer which brought to mind exotic climes. e pudding menu had many exquisite options, but my eye was caught by steamed sticky fig and date pudding with vanilla infused toﬀee sauce, almond milk sorbet, flaked almonds and honey roasted figs. is tasted as delightful as it sounds, and the honey roasted figs were the perfect complement to the sticky pudding. e almond milk sorbet was a delightfully cool and creamy treat and the whole dish was divine. I have to confess that despite loving my own pudding I was still a little envious of my dining companion’s choice of salted caramel fondant and white chocolate ice cream, with butterscotch popcorn and caramelised nougatine tuille. I had to sample a few bites and it was a heavenly treat, with the rivers of salted caramel combining with the white chocolate ice cream to create gastronomic Nirvana. e popcorn tuille meanwhile demonstrated amazing technique and flair. We sighed in contentment as we enjoyed some post-dessert coﬀees and we had the pleasure of meeting the very talented Chef Dave Critchley himself when he came over to the table for a chat, providing a lovely ending to an already superb evening. I would rate e London Carriage Works as a restaurant which is simply not to be missed in Liverpool. Refinement and class resonates through the entire experience of dining here, from the superb service to the exquisite food. e London Carriage Works Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9DA 0151 705 2222 www.thelondoncarriageworks.co.uk eat@hopestreethotel.co.uk

Autumn 2015

CHESHIRE RESTAURANTS

Piccolino Stockton Heath By Camille Allcroft

Classic Italian cuisine is famous for its comforting and hearty fare, prepared using the simplest ingredients to create flavoursome and satisfying dishes. I have always loved Piccolino restaurants which serve rustic Italian food alongside mouth-watering specials such as sea bass and steaks. I regularly dine at the Liverpool Piccolino so I was delighted to be invited to try the new look Piccolino Stockton Heath which has had a makeover to include stunning design features and a sweeping Mediterranean style all-weather roof terrace which oﬀers enjoyable alfresco dining with a retractable roof and patio heaters. e restaurant is located in the delightful Cheshire town of Stockton Heath which is a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll due to the variety of interesting shops.

e restaurant was bustling with diners and people enjoying a few cocktails at the bar when we arrived on a Friday evening. I was immediately struck by the appealing design of the restaurant, which is flanked by the bar on one side with an open plan dining area on the other. e cool neutral colour scheme is enhanced by baby blue leather seats, marble tables, wood panelling and luxurious booths with suspended feature lighting. A large display case is situated at the head of the room, oﬀering diners a glimpse of the impressive array of wines on oﬀer at Piccolino which are carefully selected to complement the food. Waiters whirled across the busy floor, balancing plates of delicious food with great alacrity as we sipped an excellent Prosecco and soaked up the relaxed ambience. After our predinner drinks I was pleased to find that we were lucky enough to be seated on the roof terrace for dinner. We were escorted to a comfortable and spacious booth which looked onto the street below, where people were strolling along enjoying the warm evening. I love alfresco dining because I think food never tastes better than in the open air, and the terrace is simply stunning with

Autumn 2015

P ICCOLINO RESTAURANT baby blue seats, a DJ playing relaxed tunes and striped pashminas to keep you warm when the weather gets chilly. Many people were already seated outside, enjoying the holiday feeling created by the colour scheme and atmosphere. I felt as though we had been whisked away to a sunny terrace in Portofino as we enjoyed Prosecco, fresh Focaccia and farmhouse bread with olive oil. I always appreciate attention to detail at restaurants and Piccolino always go the extra mile with linen napkins, impeccable service and superb presentation. Our server was extremely friendly and knowledgeable, talking us through the specials and recommending certain dishes. We started off our meal with the Pane All’Aglio, handstretched garlic bread with Buffalo mozzarella and fontina cheese. is indulgent bread is one of the best I have ever tasted, with plenty of melted cheese, garlic oil and a crispy base. For the main course we both settled on ordering pizzas which we know from experience to be excellent at Piccolino, with a delicious base and plenty of tasty toppings. Piccolino pizzas are cooked in a wood fired oven, which is in my opinion the secret to perfection as it creates the most delicious base every time. My dining companion chose the Quattro Salami pizza with Finocchiona, Milano, soppressata and ‘Nduja, a favourite of his. I chose the Pollo Parmigiana with chicken, tomato, mozzarella, basil and parmesan. We devoured every bite of these delightful pizzas, and we also enjoyed side orders of fries since we were in the mood to push the boat out! We just had to order a dessert to end such a lovely meal, and it gave us the excuse to stay on the lovely terrace for a little longer. I chose Tortino al cioccolato, warm chocolate fondant with salted caramel ice cream; this is a truly indulgent dessert and it is pure pleasure on a plate with the salted caramel ice cream providing the perfect cool counterpart to the warm melted chocolate. Meanwhile, my dining companion chose the classic Italian dessert of Torta Caprese, dark chocolate and almond tart with vanilla ice cream. is dessert was rich and delicious with a thick chocolate topping. We lingered for a while soaking up the atmosphere on the terrace before we retired to the bar restaurant area downstairs for after dinner coffee in the form of an Espresso Martini! e restaurant was still bustling with contented diners and we decided to stay for a couple more cocktails. Firstly I had a classic Pornstar Martini which was garnished with passionfruit and served with a shot of prosecco. is delicious cocktail is considered a classic for a reason as it never fails to deliver a tropical burst of happiness! Next I decided to try a Piccolino signature cocktail called the

Improved Clover Club, a fragrant blend of Hendrick’s gin and Lanique rose liqueur spirit shaken with raspberries, lemon and sugar and topped with rose petals. is tasted as good as it sounds and it looked exquisite, with the rose petals adding a real flourish to the drink. After an evening of wonderful food and drink as well as exceptional service, we slipped oﬀ into the night and bid Piccolino Stockton Heath a fond farewell. It was a great pleasure to see the new look and we will certainly be returning soon. ere is so much charm to this restaurant and it is the ideal place to while away a few hours over dinner and cocktails or a leisurely lunch. Piccolino Stockton Heath Unit 6 Victoria Square London Road Stockton Heath Warrington WA4 6SG 01925 211 190 www.individualrestaurants.com/piccolino/stockton-heath Autumn 2015

RESTAURANTS MANCHESTER

AWARD WINNING Catalan Restaurant Arrives In Manchester

unya, the award-winning Spanish deli, restaurant and bar owned by husband and wife team Peter and Elaine Kinsella, is investing £1m in a new venture in Manchester. e Catalonian specialty will launch in the autumn at the historic Barton Arcade on Deansgate. It will cater for more than 200 diners and also include an exclusive outdoor seating area on both the ground floor and the first floor of the beautiful Victorian arcade. Executive Chef and Co-owner of Lunya, Peter, said: “We are delighted to be moving into Manchester. is is a fantastic location right in the heart of the city with the business district on our doorstep and other retail businesses and restaurants as our neighbours.” Elaine, Operations Director and Coowner, added: “We are providing a unique dining experience for the city. With the Deli stocking over 1,000 rare and artisan Spanish foods and our alfresco dining terrace under the protection of the arcade itself means that our diners can have all the benefits of eating outside without the rain aﬀecting them.” e ground floor will be a large deli and an intimate bar area where people can enjoy coﬀees and pre-theatre snacks, tapas and drinks throughout the day. e first floor will be the main dining area and feature an open kitchen.

Autumn 2015

LUNYA MANCHESTER

Peter added: “With an investment close to one million pounds involving a sensitive renovation featuring tiles and other finishes reminiscent of Barcelona, we are confident this will be a real go to destination for foodies and hispanophiles right across the North West.” e deli will stock a huge range of Catalan and Spanish food and drink with three hams carved oﬀ the bone, 40 artisan Spanish cheeses and more than 1,000 other unique Spanish ingredients. e menu will be varied, with Peter and Elaine taking pride in only sourcing the finest artisan Catalan and Spanish ingredients. ey personally travel to Spain every few months to visit suppliers and seek out new delights for their ever increasing range. Lunya will cater for all occasions, from breakfast through to dinner, coﬀees and cocktails and will even have its own Spanish Gin bar. Lunya will make all of its own sourdough bread on site in addition to all of the traditional favourites and lots of modern inventive Catalan food, including gambas pil pil with vanilla, estofada with an orange infusion, salt cod spring rolls, chorizo and fennel seed sausage rolls.

And new to Manchester, diners will see exciting fusion dishes such as Catalan hotpot and crema Catalana Manchester tart. Peter and Elaine fell in love with Spain following their first visit to Barcelona more than 20 years ago.

other areas of the country and taking Catalan food into more towns and cities across the UK.” Further details are available from: www.lunya.co.uk

ey both quit their jobs, Peter as a management consultant and Elaine, as an educational psychologist to launch Lunya at Liverpool ONE. e couple say the business has grown from strength to strength and is now in a strong position to develop its oﬀering into Manchester. is latest news follows the restaurant being voted top restaurant in the North West for the second year running by the Good Food Guide. It is the only restaurant in the UK to have received this award twice. Peter and Elaine added: “We are absolutely delighted to have received this accolade – but to receive it twice is something really special.” Following the launch in Manchester Peter and Elaine will then potentially look at other locations across the UK. ey added: “We cannot say anything for definite at the moment but we are certainly not ruling out opening in

Autumn 2015

RESTAURANTS MANCHESTER dominates the dining room at Tattu, the tree has been painstakingly freeze dried to preserve the beautiful blossoms and lights are suspended from the branches to hang over the tables surrounding it. e tree is illuminated in different colours at different times and it creates a colourful focal point to a room which is otherwise minimally decorated with evocative oriental artworks and semicircular booths. I sipped a fragrant cocktail served in a skull decanter as we browsed the impressive menu; having heard great things about the Dim Sum at Tattu, we decided to start off with a selection of those alongside a small dish. We chose Prawn Har Gau, Chicken Truffle Shumai, Lobster and Prawn Toast, Tattu Samosa (kohlrabi, butternut squash and asparagus) and a small dish of Chilli Crusted Tofu.

Tattu Manchester By Camille Allcroft

very so often a restaurant comes along which everyone is talking about as soon as it arrives on the scene. Tattu in Manchester has been one such restaurant, generating a real buzz before it even opened its doors. is highly anticipated addition to the booming Manchester dining scene has been attracting rave reviews since it opened, for its delicious oriental food and bespoke cocktails. Tattu is located in the chic and thriving Spinningfields district of Manchester, which is full of excellent restaurants and bars with new additions arriving thick and fast of late. I arrived for dinner running slightly late and feeling a little frazzled, but I 84

was immediately put at ease by the welcoming doormen who whisked me inside with beaming smiles. As soon as you walk in to Tattu, the first impression is of an exceptional restaurant with a hushed grandeur which speaks of another era. e downstairs bar is stylish and elegant, the perfect hangout for a few after work cocktails or pre-dinner drinks. I was escorted upstairs to the restaurant by the friendly manager Jaime, and seated at an elegant booth which aﬀorded a perfect vantage point of the whole room. You cannot fail to be mesmerised by the stunning cherry blossom tree which

Autumn 2015

is was a good selection, and when the food arrived, it looked so stunning arrayed on the table that I was almost reluctant to spoil the display by eating it, a feeling which did not last for long! I started off with the Prawn Har Gau which were little dumplings of pure pleasure filled with tender prawns and complemented by a sweet chilli dipping sauce. e Chicken Truffle Shumai were an experience akin to no other, full of pure truffle flavour and the Lobster and Prawn Toast were crunchy and delicious. e Tattu Samosa were a lighter treat with crisp pastry giving way to a tasty filling, whilst the small dish of Chilli Crusted Tofu was a fiery explosion of flavour. All the dishes were beautifully presented, elevating simple Dim Sum to a truly special experience. For the main course I had the Red Roast Baby Chicken, cooked to perfection in a rich broth flavoured with master stock, kumquat, shitake and bok choy.

TAT TU MANCHESTER e flavour was rich, slightly sweet and peppery with delicate and complex flavours a far cry from anything you can get at a Chinese take away. My dining companion had the Miyazaki Wagyu Ribeye with shitake, asparagus and caramel soy. e Ribeye was tender and divine, served slightly pink in the middle to preserve the depth of flavour and my companion could not stop talking about how wonderful this dish was, a truly gourmet experience not to be forgotten. We shared orders of steamed rice and duck egg and sausage fried rice to go with our main courses and these were the perfect accompaniments allowing the flavours of the main courses to shine.

e Silk Road is a truly marvellous dessert which creates a feast for the eyes before you have even picked up a spoon. is is a theme on deconstructed cheesecake with caviar style pearls, rich biscuit, lychee, strawberry, rose, silver leaf, fresh meringue, sorbet and berries. at this dish looked beautiful was unquestionable, but there was nothing to prepare us for how amazing it tasted! A wealth of fresh and fruity flavours contrasted nicely with the buttery biscuit and meringue, it is not only the flavours of this dish however but also

the wealth of amazing textures which make it truly special and I would recommend this as a perfect sharing dessert to order on a romantic date. e Chocolate Satay was very indulgent with chocolate, peanut and coconut flavours. A slab of chewy, nutty chocolate-brownie style cake dominated the dessert, whilst an exquisite Macaron filled with a peanut butter and salted caramel sauce was a further treat along with a shard of handmade peanut brittle toﬀee and rich ice cream. Wicked, sinful and irresistible this encompassed everything that a dessert should be!

On to dessert and I already knew we were in for something truly special when I saw the desserts arriving at neighbouring tables. We ordered e Silk Road and e Chocolate Satay to share and we were not disappointed.

We rounded oﬀ our perfect meal with an Espresso Martini for me and an espresso for my dining companion and we headed home having enjoyed a wonderful evening. Tattu is definitely a restaurant which is exceptional in every way, the food and service are second to none and the breath-taking décor makes dining here a real experience. A round of applause for this much anticipated new kid on the block, which is more than worthy of the hype it is generating.

Tattu Restaurant and Bar Gartside Street 3 Hardman Square Spinningfields Manchester M3 3EB 0161 819 2060 www.tattu.co.uk Autumn 2015

RES TAUR ANTS MANCH ESTER

A taste of Italy in the heart of Manchester…

hen it comes to Italian restaurants I have a few favourites and one of them has to be Gusto, a refined restaurant which I frequent when I want delicious food and exceptional service. I often dine at the Liverpool Gusto so I was pleased to be given the opportunity to review Gusto Manchester recently. Situated just oﬀ the bustling Deansgate, Gusto Manchester is an elegant looking restaurant which has a classic charm to it. We were given a warm welcome and seated at a spacious booth which gave us a superb view of the restaurant and bar area. ere is a 1920’s glamour to the restaurant space, with an art deco aesthetic and a stylish square bar situated in the centre of the dining

room. An atmosphere of elegance and glamour abounds and you could easily imagine that you have slipped back in time to the roaring 20’s. After examining the impressive wine list at length, I settled on a superb Pinot Grigio blush whilst we perused the menu. Meanwhile, my dining companion sipped a non-alcoholic cocktail called the Honey Dew, a refreshing muddle of apple juice, ginger, honey, lime juice and mint. Deciding on a starter which was ideal to share, we ordered Garlic Pizza Bread topped with heaps of melted mozzarella. is was a lovely way to start oﬀ a decadent meal, and although I love the Bruschetta and the Fritto Misto at Gusto it just had to be garlic bread on this occasion! e main courses at Gusto oﬀer a great Autumn 2015

b y C am il l e A l l crof t selection with something to please everyone, including pasta, pizza, burgers and seafood. I chose the Roast Chicken Breast with creamed leeks and butter fried gnocchi for the main course. I think that leeks are a delicious vegetable, and they worked so well in this dish with the tender chicken placed on top of the mild leeks to create a perfect flavour combination along with the irresistible fried gnocchi which were tasty and dense. My dining companion meanwhile chose the Caprino pizza, which I have enjoyed at Gusto on previous occasions. It is much lighter than many pizzas due to its toppings of goat’s cheese, roasted red peppers, pine nuts, caramelised onions, pesto, mozzarella and rocket which create a fresh, summery flavour. e goat’s cheese provides a salty tang which oﬀsets the

GUSTO MANCHESTER

peppery rocket and sweet onions, whilst the pine nuts provide a welcome crunch of texture. We complemented our mains with sides of fries and Italian fried courgettes which are deliciously moreish. For dessert my dining companion was tempted by the Baked Flaming Alaska, the ceremony of the way this is served (alcohol is poured over it and it is set alight) makes it a pure delight and spectacle. Happily this dessert also tastes as good as it looks, which I managed to discern for myself by stealing a spoonful before he finished the whole plateful!

I could not resist ordering the legendary Gusto Nutella and Mascarpone Calzone served with vanilla ice cream for my dessert, words cannot describe how sinfully delicious this is and if you have not tried it I recommend that you dine at Gusto as soon as possible! It is a heavenly dessert, with rivers of rich warm Nutella and Mascarpone encased in a crescent of perfect dough. e sensation of hot and cold from the warm Calzone and the cool ice cream is quite something and each Calzone is baked fresh to order. is is sheer heaven, I just can’t help ordering it every time I dine at Gusto. e whole meal was so delicious and we were

Autumn 2015

thoroughly spoiled by the lovely staﬀ including one of the managers Mike who we had a long chat to at the end of the meal. We had a super time and it was the perfect way to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon. As always, Gusto was excellent in every way and it oﬀers a delicious taste of Italy without leaving the country! Gusto Manchester 4 Lloyd Street Manchester M2 5AB 0161 832 2866 www.gustorestaurants.uk.com

RES TAUR ANTS CHES TER

Small plates in the heart of Hoole at the Hollows Chester by Camille Allcroft

ne of the many things I love about food is its ability to bring people together but by the very nature of our busy lives these days, food all too often takes the form of a hurried bite to eat which can be easily grabbed on the go. Sadly, the days of groups of family or friends coming together over a table heaped with plates of good food and glasses of wine are becoming too rare. I have been hearing excellent things about at the Hollows in the charming village of Hoole in Chester for some time, so I was delighted to dine there recently. e Hollows is aiming to bring back that philosophy of a social style of dining which revolves around relaxation and togetherness in a laid back environment and allows people the chance to while away a couple of hours over a table brimming with delicious food. We strolled along Charles Street on a warm evening to find e Hollows busy with contented customers. e doors and windows had been thrown open to let the fresh air in and inside the lights twinkled invitingly and the sound of animated conversation bubbled out on to the street. We were warmly welcomed within and we marvelled at the Oyster Bar which creates a focal point as you enter the restaurant, where you can sit and sip fine wines whilst fresh

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oysters are shucked right before your eyes. We were seated at a cosy table and settled in with menus and water whilst we decided what to order. e décor at e Hollows is wonderful with patterned furniture, feature wallpaper, chandeliers and candlelit tables which combine to create a quirky and bohemian aesthetic which is a joy to behold. We sipped a crisp Italian Novita Trebbiano whilst we enjoyed fresh bread with oils and perused the menu. e Hollows specialises in small plate dining which draws on a variety of global influences such as Asian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern. Our helpful waiter explained that it is recommended to order around 3 small plates per person, either all at the same time or staggered throughout the evening. e menu is divided into meat, fish, salads and vegetarian/vegan dishes (as well as the oyster bar oﬀerings) and there is plenty of choice on oﬀer. We ordered our food to arrive all at once, beginning our meal with a portion of toasted hazelnuts with paprika salt which were so moreish. We then chose a selection of small plates to share, these were all beautifully presented and full of flavour. e seared Halloumi, prune and herb pesto, shallots and cherry tomatoes was exceptional; I adore Halloumi and the flavours here were superb. A dish of carrot, coconut and lime, violet potatoes and black garlic was a thrill ride for the

HOL LOWS CHESTER palate, rounded off perfectly with the creaminess of the coconut sauce, whilst toasted focaccia, tomato and pepper tapenade, was just dreamy with mountains of melted mozzarella. I have tried poutine before, so I was delighted to see e Hollows offer their own take on the classic French Canadian dish, with their chicken and crispy potato poutine with roasting juices, spring onions and Gruyere. is dish was a far cry from the traditional Poutine (chips, gravy and cheese curds) which can be slightly heavy, instead the freshness of the spring onion and the tender chicken made this dish light and delicious whilst the roasting juices and melted Gruyere offered a sinful decadence.

e soy, sesame and honey glazed chicken wings with toasted sesame, celery and fennel were tender and sweet with plenty of complex flavours and citrus from the fresh lime juice. Next, we tucked in to crispy potato chunks with bravas sauce and alioli, these were irresistibly crispy with a light spice from the bravas sauce and pleasantly tangy flavours from the alioli. After we had finished every morsel, we took a break to enjoy the flavours we had just experienced, you can tell that so much thought goes in to menu development at e Hollows as each dish has a wealth of flavours which complement each other perfectly. For dessert I chose dark chocolate, coconut and Bacardi pave with coconut cream. is was a delectable treat with sophisticated flavours and a taste of the tropical from the coconut and Bacardi whilst the dark chocolate was simply amazing. My dining companion had the white chocolate and Chambord panna cotta with honeycomb and crème fraiche. is was equally delicious; the white chocolate was sweet and rich whilst the Chambord provided a kick and the honeycomb was a delightful treat which had us reminiscing about old-fashioned sweet shops. We were also treated to another dessert of red wine poached pear, caramelised almonds, liquorice ice-cream and lemon crème fraiche compliments of the talented Chef Parth Bhatt. is dessert was a revelation, I have never tried liquorice ice cream before and it was a stroke of genius in this dish as it went perfectly with the sweet poached pear and the caramelised almonds whilst the lemon crème fraiche rounded the dish oﬀ with a delightfully citrusy tang. We had a lovely chat with Chef Parth before we set oﬀ feeling very contented after such a delicious meal. I love e Hollows and I think it is a really rare treat, a convivial restaurant where you can relax and take your time over a meal of small plates and excellent wines whilst a soundtrack of mellow tunes plays in the background. e food was simply sublime, full of flavour and flair and you are encouraged to linger over your meal and enjoy every moment. If you want after dinner drinks, you can pop next door in to e Suburbs, the cocktail bar twinned with e Hollows which is a perfect way to extend your evening. at the Hollows 20 Charles Street Chester Cheshire CH2 3AZ 01244 310245 www.atthehollows.co.uk

Autumn 2015

GivE kiTCHEN

Being Vegan is now cool

lashbulbs popped as Beyonce took to the red carpet at the Met Gala in New York recently, wearing a sheer Givenchy dress. e question on everyone’s lips was how had she managed to look so fabulous? e secret was in the 22-day vegan diet she had been following, during which she lost around 15lbs in weight. Founded by Paul Hampson and Dario Curcillo and launching in early June, Give Kitchen which is a part of the Give 2040 Foundation, will oﬀer clients the delicious vegan meals favoured by stars like Beyonce, delivered direct to their door. Clients will be able to savour premium vegan meals at their convenience, delivered to their choice of address. Based in Liverpool, Give Kitchen is starting oﬀ with a bang with a competitive £45.50 price point for seven daily nutritious meals and healthy desserts. Give Kitchen clients can follow the 22-day vegan challenge popularised by Beyonce for just £199, which will deliver them two meals and one dessert per day for 22 days. Give Kitchen clients will be in good company, as A-List celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez, Jared Leto, Jessica Simpson and Joaquin Phoenix are already devotees of a vegan lifestyle. Give Kitchen is completely changing the face of veganism by delivering delicious gourmet meals which are prepared from scratch at their state of the art kitchens using premium fresh 90

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natural, and where possible locally sourced organic ingredients. It is little wonder that so many celebrities have converted to a vegan lifestyle, when the eﬀects on physical appearance are so astounding. Vegan diets are often credited with putting an end to yo-yo dieting, as devotees feel fuller for longer and stop craving foods which are detrimental to health. Give Kitchen clients will discover the myriad benefits of a vegan diet, whilst enjoying the healthy and delicious meals available. Making veganism cool and sexy, Give Kitchen clients will receive tantalising dishes which will simultaneously benefit their health and their physical appearance. Paul Hampson and Dario Curcillo have both long been devotees of a vegan diet, finding that they were astounded by the health benefits they felt after switching to a plant-based diet. ey have brought to bear their passion for veganism and their wealth of experience, to create a company which will enable them to share the benefits of a vegan diet with clients whilst giving back to people in need via a one to one giving principle. Give Kitchen and Give 2040 Foundation has a responsible and ethical ideology as its foundation. ey have a philanthropic aim at heart, and Give Kitchen has the eventual aim of donating food to a person who is starving or in need every time a Give Box is purchased. is popular

GivE kiTCHEN one to one giving concept is a great way for the company to give back to people who are less fortunate. Exciting plans are in place for working in partnership with high-profile charities which mirror the ethical and socially responsible principles at the heart of Give Kitchen, who will facilitate the distribution of food to the needy each time a Give Box is purchased. Veganism is the hottest current Hollywood trend, with a host of celebrities adopting a plant-based diet which is fresh, clean, and wholesome. e benefits of this all natural diet are numerous and the effects speak for themselves, as demonstrated by the perfect figures and glowing beauty of its celebrity advocates. e superficial benefits of veganism are also compounded by the many and varied benefits to physical health. Following a vegan diet has often been linked to a reduction in health conditions such as asthma, fatigue, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and headaches. As well as the serious health conditions which can be ameliorated by the adoption of a vegan diet, weight loss is also linked to veganism. Often, those adopting a vegan diet notice a drastic weight loss within the first few weeks, as well as a reduction in the health problems linked to obesity such as high cholesterol and blocked arteries. e ethos behind the company is simple; delivering healthy and delicious vegan meals which introduce clients to the range of phenomenal health benefits associated with a plantbased diet. e astounding health benefits include weight loss, clearer complexion, higher energy levels and reduction of a broad spectrum of health problems. e clean eating principles of the vegan diet mean that the body is not exposed to the harmful additives and toxins often found in non-vegan foods. Give Kitchen meals are free from genetically modified ingredients, pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Give Kitchen will break the misconception that vegan food has to be boring by offering a wide range of exciting, satisfying and delicious options. Sweets and desserts will be on the menu too, with imaginative goodies like vegan carrot cake, chocolate brownies pistachio, lemon muffins and vegan truffles available. e emphasis will be on providing clients with meals that whilst healthy, are also flavoursome and satisfying sweets and desserts that are actually part of your “5aday” and good for your health are expected to be very popular. Give Kitchen is a lifestyle concept, rather than just a meal delivery service. Clients will feel their overall health and wellbeing improve in so many ways by following the nourishing vegan meal plans, safe in the knowledge that they are also benefiting the environment and giving back to those in need.

Give kitchen Edward Pavilion Albert Dock Liverpool L3 4AF For More information : Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Telephone : 0330 999 3888 E Mail : ask@givekitchen.com Website : www.givekitchen.com

Autumn 2015

Exclusive Magazine is delighted to have award winning travel writer Paul Knowles as our in-house Travel Editor. Each season, Paul ensures that Exclusive readers remain at the forefront of the hottest destinations, emerging travel trends and undiscovered locations. In every issue, he reviews a premium choice of destinations to suit everybody, which span across the globe. Paul hand-picks a selection of hotels, resorts and exciting places which will capture the imagination and take you on a journey of discovery. Whether you want a relaxing beach holiday in a far ﬂung location, or an exciting city break with plenty of sightseeing to do, the choices on

oﬀer in our Travel Section will give keen travellers plenty of insight. The readership of Exclusive is over 1 million people due to our distribution across top hotels and businesses, and we know that our readers want to be at the forefront of current travel trends. Paul delivers you in-depth reviews of the best places to go, and look out for his Exclusive Recommendations at the end of each review, where he gives you the hottest tips on what to do at each destination. With the Exclusive Travel Section, you will never again be stuck for an idea of where to go on holiday, instead you will be spoilt for choice as to where to visit ﬁrst!

Exclusive Travel

EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

The Mandarin Oriental S i n g a p OrE

rom the moment you walk in to the five star Mandarin Oriental, it is clear to see why this is regarded as one of the most opulent hotels in Singapore. î &#x201C;e hotel entrance is adorned by a beautiful sculpture by Antoine Poncet titled Fleur Marine, and an antique Mandarin fan made circa 1860 which

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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL depicts a court scene makes another focal point. e hotel is chic and modern with a stylish interior design aesthetic and facilities which offer unparalleled luxury. is is the perfect place to stay when you wish to soak up the local culture and experience the delights of South-East Asia. Situated in the heart of Marina Bay just minutes from the business district, this hotel is the ideal base whether the purpose of your visit is business or leisure. is is a haven of relaxation where your every need is taken care of by the hotel team who are on hand at all times to help with every request. Should you wish to relax by looking at some art, the third floor of the hotel boasts a collection of artworks, known as “e Art of the Orient”. e hotel has everything guests could possibly need, such as a selection of premium restaurants, a luxurious spa and WiFi throughout so that keeping up with business whilst you are away is easy. ere is a variety of accommodation on offer in the hotel to suit the needs of every guest from comfortable rooms to spacious suites with sea or city views. e rooms are decorated with guest comfort as the utmost priority, with spacious bathrooms, comfortable beds and pleasing views and the interiors combine modern comfort with signature touches of oriental style. Each room is furnished with every possible amenity guests could wish for including flat screen televisions and desk area. When you are ready to explore the local area, there is so much to do; a stroll around Marina Bay is a lovely way to relax and enjoy the beautiful views. If you enjoy shopping, there are many places to purchase something nice from designer boutiques to high street stores. ere are plenty of cafés in the area where you can stop for a coffee and at night there are many bars where you can sip an iconic Singapore Sling. e hotel is located in Marina Square, with the famous fan shaped design which was created by esteemed American architect John Portman. e hotel affords guests stunning views of the Singapore skyline, which is particularly striking at night when illuminated. Fine dining is paramount at the Mandarin Oriental and there is a selection of delicious dining options on offer and if you are feeling indulgent there is of course an extensive room service menu so that you can relax in your room for the evening. e stunning pool area is the ideal place to soak up the sun and enjoy a refreshing dip before retiring to the spa for a few relaxing treatments. From meetings and events to sightseeing trips, the hotel can help to arrange every element of your visit with the utmost courtesy and efficiency. is really is a home away from home and you will not want to leave!

EXCLUSIVE RECoMMEndATIonS

Visit Singapore Botanic Gardens to see incredible plants and flowers. Take high tea in the Tiﬃn Room at the iconic Raﬄes Hotel. Visit the Tiger Sky Tower, Asia's tallest free standing observation tower, for unparalleled views.

5 Raﬄes Avenue Marina Square, 039797 Singapore +65 6338 0066 www.mandarinoriental.com/singapore

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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

The Yas Viceroy a b u D h abi

he United Arab Emirates are famous all over the world for their luxurious and decadent hotels. One such hotel is undoubtedly the Yas Viceroy in Abu Dhabi which boasts 499 rooms and spacious suites, decorated with stunning design features such as floor to ceiling windows and suites fitted with surround sound.

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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL is is without a doubt a luxurious hotel to stay in during your trip to Abu Dhabi, there is everything you could possibly need to facilitate a relaxing trip and every request is accommodated by the hotel concierge team. You can spend a day relaxing on the beach or for those in need of restorative treatments and some time away from the stress of daily life, the hotel has an ESPA spa which offers a host of healing and rejuvenating treatments. e spa includes the Viceroy Presidential Treatment Suite which offers a full hammam, rain showers, steam room and fitness equipment. is is a world away from the ordinary, where you can relax and enjoy restorative treatments in the comfort of the hotel. Sightseeing trips can easily be arranged by the front desk at the hotel reception, and if you work up an appetite after your daily activities there are many restaurants to please you. e local produce in the area is all of an exceptional quality and the hotel has eleven restaurants offering exceptional cuisine from around the world, choose from Italian, Indian, sushi and more all cooked and prepared in the most exquisite way. If you are in the mood for a lighter bite, you can relax poolside and enjoy something delicious as you recline. ere are several bars and lounges to relax in at the hotel and guests can enjoy the amazing LED canopy which radiates colours, or watch high-speed races or practices at the Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit. is is a hotel which offers something for everyone and I highly recommend it as the perfect base for your stay in Abu Dhabi. EXCLUSIVE RECoMMEndATIonS

Try colour therapy at the hotel spa to feel awakened and restored. Indulge in cuisine from many countries during your stay, with Mediterranean, Asian and Far-Eastern cuisine all on the menu in the hotel restaurants. Ask the hotel concierge for shopping recommendations, there are many stores nearby oﬀering everything from luxury goods to aﬀordable souvenirs.

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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

hilton bomoti hotel i S Ta n b u l, TurkEY

stanbul is renowned as one of the most vibrant cities in the world, where visitors can enjoy a wealth of sightseeing and cultural activities whilst marvelling at the magnificent views and the buzzing ambience of the city. î &#x201C;e Hilton Bomoti Hotel has an excellent reputation and it is an ideal place to stay during your visit to Istanbul.

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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL e 34 storey hotel has a stylish and contemporary interior design throughout; it is centrally located in Sisli which makes an ideal starting point to explore the city and enjoy a wealth of activities. e shopping in the area is superb, with an enormous selection of boutiques and traditional markets in the city and there are plenty of bars and coffee shops nearby to rest in after a long day of sightseeing. e hotel staff are ready to oblige your every request and they could not be more helpful, the host of facilities on offer at the hotel is very impressive with everything from a 24 hour gym to a traditional Turkish bath on offer. ere are both indoor and outdoor swimming pools where you can take a refreshing dip and then relax poolside with a book. In the evening, I suggest unwinding in the rooftop bar which commands a spectacular view of the city and the Bosphorous, before retiring to the hotel restaurant to enjoy a leisurely dinner. EX C LU S I V E R E C o M M E n dAT I o n S

For a taste of history, visit the Museum of Archaeology. Visit the Topkapi Palace, to marvel at one of the most beautiful Ottoman buildings in Istanbul. Make a trip to the Hagia Sophia, a former basilica and mosque which is now a museum, to be amazed by the stunning architecture such as the great marble courtyard and the domed gallery. Ask the concierge for recommendations where to dine locally; there is every imaginable cuisine on oﬀer in the city including the famous traditional Turkish flatbreads and exceptional seafood restaurants.

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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

The Cunard MS Queen Victoria

he Cunard Line has a formidable history and fans across the globe who follow the every move of the Cunard ships avidly. e MS Queen Victoria is an awe-inspiring ship of elegance and grace, with 12 passenger decks and sumptuous facilities. e £290m ship is an incredible 90,000t and it was the first Cunard ship to have been built in Italy, constructed near Venice. It made

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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL its maiden voyage in December 2007 from its home port of Southampton. Travelling on the Queen Victoria 2 is an experience like no other, with a selection of amazing on board features to make your holiday truly unforgettable. ere are seven on board restaurants, thirteen bars, a theatre, a ballroom, three swimming pools and four whirlpools. Life on board is never dull with so many wonderful activities on offer every day, the Royal Court eatre hosts amazing productions and there are activities as varied as book clubs, watercolour art lessons and sporting pursuits all on offer. As you would imagine on a Cunard ship, dining options on board are astounding and there is food to accommodate every possible taste inspired by every corner of the globe. e fine dining on offer at the Todd English à la carte restaurant is renowned and the 450 seater Lido restaurant offers a more casual style of dining. ere is a casino and the Hemispheres nightclub on board for evening entertainment as well as a selection of bars. For those in the mood for a little culture you can visit the Cunardia museum with company memorabilia and a souvenir shop. When it comes to relaxation, there are many places on board to unwind; relax in e Golden Lion Pub over a few drinks or visit the exceptional on board spa. A voyage on a Cunard ship is a holiday like no other and it is an unforgettable experience with so much to see and do on board as well as during excursions when the ship docks. A world of refinement and elegance, the Queen Victoria is like a floating palace with everything you need to make your voyage truly special.

EXCLUSIVE RECoMMEndATIonS

Browse some art whilst on board at e Clarendon Fine Art Gallery Pick up some reading material at the on board book shop, which also sells souvenirs Enjoy fascinating talks by guest speakers on board, covering a wide range of topics.

www.cunard.co.uk

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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

kivotos luxury boutique hotel M Y k O n OS, grEECE

deally located close to the stunning Ornos Bay with the glittering azure blue water stretching in front of you, the five star Kivotos Luxury Boutique Hotel is a tranquil haven where you can enjoy a relaxing stay. î &#x201C;e hotel has played host to many illustrious guests and famous faces, who are attracted by the feeling of secluded luxury and sophistication and there is a private beach which further

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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL adds to the sense of escapism. e beautiful architecture of the hotel is second to none, and it is situated on a rocky slope enabling guests to enjoy elevated views of the phenomenal scenery. e climate in Mykonos is warm and sunny, so guests can wake up to blue skies most mornings before enjoying a delicious breakfast and setting off in to nearby Mykonos Town for a day of sightseeing. e 39 rooms and suites at the hotel all offer every amenity you could desire during your stay and the Deluxe Jacuzzi Rooms feature a bedroom and an opulent bathroom with a personal Jacuzzi to make your stay even more luxurious. e hotel spa can cater to your every need with a variety of treatments. e hotel is lavishly furnished with art and antiques and it even has its own private yacht, e Prince Neufchatal, with full crew and skipper which is anchored in the tranquil waters of Ornos bay, and available for day cruises and private dining. e luxurious spa has a hammam decorated with beautiful mosaic tiles, where guests can enjoy an array of deluxe spa treatments including massages. For over twenty years, this hotel has been at the forefront of the scene in Mykonos due to its unrivalled service and emphasis on guest satisfaction which is paramount. e concierge is available to arrange tailor made trips and excursions around Mykonos Town and beyond. e hotel exudes elegance and sophistication and for those seeking seclusion there is a private villa with its own private beach area and swimming pool which you can reserve for the course of your stay prior to arrival. e facilities at the Kivotos Boutique Hotel are excellent with four restaurants and bars, two swimming pools, a well-equipped gym and a boutique. is is a luxury retreat which offers world class accommodation and facilities, and it is an amazing place to stay during your holiday in Mykonos. EXCLUSIVE RECoMMEndATIonS

Take a sightseeing boat tour whilst on the island. Look out for local artisan crafts on sale in town. Take an evening stroll through the pretty streets of Mykonos and stop for some traditional Greek food in one of the many restaurants. Kivotos Boutique Hotel Ornos Bay 84600 Mykonos Greece www.kivotosmykonos.com

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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

Fergus Style Suites M a l lO r Ca, Spain

ocated in Santa Ponsa Bay on Costa de la Calma, the Fergus Style Cala Blanca Suites is one of the few four star hotels in Majorca. î &#x201C;is designer style hotel has a pleasingly contemporary aesthetic, focusing on cool colours and stylish interiors. î &#x201C;e hotel prides itself on providing guests with an optimal experience from the second they check-in to the moment they leave, and many

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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL guests return year after year to enjoy the exceptional location and superior service. is is a place which offers a beautiful seaside escape right on the Mediterranean coast; all rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, with free WIFI to make your stay even better. e hotel can arrange several interesting trips and activities nearby and there are many sporting activities on offer for those feeling more energetic, with cycling and water sports amongst the many pursuits available. e nearby Santa Ponsa golf club is only a five minute drive away from the hotel, making this an ideal place to stay for golf enthusiasts. ere is a variety of accommodation on offer to suit every budget at this hotel, from guest rooms with sea views to the extravagant suites which offer luxurious accommodation with pretty verandas affording views of the sea. is is a lovely hotel to stay at when you want a break from the stress of everyday life as it allows guests the opportunity to relax and unwind in the lap of luxury. Recline and top up your tan at the swimming pool area or visit the Cala Blanca beach or one of the many picturesque coves nearby to take dip in the blissful sea and enjoy a relaxing beachside stroll. What makes the Fergus Suites even more superior is its central location; you can reach the centre of the busy Santa Ponsa resort after just a short walk, allowing you to explore the local shops, restaurants and cafés in the thriving resort town. Food and drink is always an important part of any holiday and the Fergus Suites does not disappoint, with a variety of delicious dining options available including both an à la carte restaurant and a buffet style restaurant serving cuisine inspired by places all over the world. e Fergus Suites is a pleasant place to stay during your Majorcan holiday, where you can rest assured that you will be well looked after. EX C LU S I V E R E C o M M E n dAT I o n S

Request a sea view room for an even better stay. Try the vast array of fresh seafood at local restaurants. Take an evening stroll on the beach to enjoy spectacular sunsets. Fergus Style Cala Blanca Suites Huguet de’s Far, 27 07180 Santa Ponça Balearic Islands Spain www.fergushotels.com

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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

The plaza hotel n E w YO rk

here are so many hotels all over the world, but few can aspire to achieve iconic status. î &#x201C;e New York Plaza Hotel is however one hotel which can definitely claim to have achieved such status, regarded worldwide as a landmark and an integral part of New York City.

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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL e grand five star hotel has played host to numerous celebrity guests over the decades and it has played a part in several movies, including Home Alone 2: Lost In New York. ere is arguably not a hotel in New York which can surpass e Plaza in terms of luxury, opulence and service. Indeed, guests can even enjoy the services of a personal butler during their stay if they wish and the accommodation on offer at the Plaza is a world of elegance with luxurious rooms and vast suites on offer. Dining at the hotel is an amazing experience, a dream come true for gourmets with several places to dine including the renowned Todd English Food Hall which offers a varied menu inspired by Pan-European influences. ere are several different stations on offer in the Food Hall which serve a diverse selection of epicurean delights such as sushi, pizza, pasta, charcuterie and patisserie. You could easily spend hours sampling all of the delights on offer, but of course there is so much to explore in New York itself. Whilst in the city, don’t forget to explore Central Park, to take a ride on the world famous Staten Island Ferry, spend a day browsing the magnificent collections at e Guggenheim or MOMA and stop off at Serendipity III, which is famed worldwide for its frozen hot chocolate and cakes (not to mention its role in the eponymous film starring Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack). No visit to New York would be complete without a visit to the Empire State Building and of course the shopping on offer in the city is incredible, with famous department stores such as Bloomingdales and Macy’s to be found, along with more quirky vintage stores in Soho and e Meat Packing District where you can easily find one of a kind items. After so much shopping and sightseeing, you can unwind back at e Plaza Hotel with a trip to the spa followed by a drink in e Champagne Bar which overlooks Fifth Avenue and the Pulitzer Fountain. e Plaza Hotel is a hotel which redefines luxury and there is so much to do, you will not want to leave at the end of your stay! EXCLUSIVE RECoMMEndATIonS

Visit the Plaza Food Court where you can find every type of food from chocolate to noodles. Enjoy live jazz in e Plaza Hotel’s Rose Club every Wednesday. Visit the Warren Tricomi salon located within the hotel, to give your locks some pampering. e Plaza Fifth Avenue at Central Park South New York NY 10019 www.theplazany.com autumn 2015

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prince de galles hotel pa r i S

aris is always a good idea, so they say, and there is so much to see and do in this cosmopolitan whirlwind of a city. Art, architecture, shopping and fine food are just some of the highlights of any trip to the city and ideally you would need several months to soak up everything this incredible place has to oďŹ&#x20AC;er. î &#x201C;ere is no doubt that a trip to Paris can be made even better by

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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL touch of pampering you can even request in-room spa treatments, enabling you to luxuriate as you unwind in total seclusion. Paris is famed for its fine dining and there is of course an amazing array of excellent restaurants close to the hotel, but you can enjoy exceptional dining within the hotel with a choice of options available. La Scène restaurant has been awarded one Michelin Star with Chef Stéphanie Le Quellec at the helm, whilst the Les Heures bar is a tranquil escape which serves delicious cocktails and a selection of food. e hotel concierge can arrange transport around the city for you, or of course you could make like the Parisians and use le métro. However you decide to travel, there are several stops I suggest you make whilst in Paris. Visit the legendary Shakespeare and Co bookstore for a great selection of reading material, browse the luxurious boutiques of the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré which is lined with designer boutiques and stop oﬀ at Ladurée for a delectable selection of Macaron. I would recommend a trip to the Musée Eugène Delacroix which is located at the great artist’s former apartment on Rue de Furstenberg. You can take a tour of his home which is now the museum, including his studio located within the private gardens and marvel at the works of art on display.

staying in a lavish hotel. Although staying somewhere luxurious may be more expensive, it is worth it for a special occasion or when you just need to treat yourself. Located on the iconic Avenue George V, just a short walk from e Arc de Triomphe and e Eiﬀel Tower, e Prince de Galles is a five star hotel dating back to 1928 and furnished in an Art Deco style with marble floors, mosaics and bespoke wallpaper. It is renowned as a sumptuous hotel with stylish interiors and excellent facilities and its location close to tourist attractions and the legendary Champs Elysées makes it a superb central place to stay during your sojourn in the city of love. e hotel has 115 well-appointed rooms as well as 44 luxurious suites if you really want to experience decadence. e hotel exudes sophistication and glamour and there is a wellness spa oﬀering personalized treatments using Unique Elixir Paris products, soothing massages and a hammam for when you need to relax. e spa is a tranquil space decorated with white accents and green mosaic tiles, but for that extra

e Prince de Galles definitely oﬀers a sense of old-world Parisian refinement and grandeur and every aspect of your stay at the hotel is luxurious and pleasant. e hotel team is on hand to oblige your every request, from small things such as delivering a newspaper to your room every morning or greater requests such as arranging tailor-made sightseeing trips. Everything about this hotel is decadent and it is definitely a super place to stay if you want to take Paris in style! EXCLUSIVE RECoMMEndATIonS

Whilst in Paris take a sightseeing cruise along the Seine. Enjoy delicious hot chocolate and patisserie at the legendary Angelina tea rooms on Rue De Rivoli. Make a trip to e Louvre to witness the staggering collection of priceless works of art including the world famous Mona Lisa. Dine at the stylish and laid back Michelin Star awarded restaurant Septime (80 rue de Charonne, 11th arrondissement) where you can discover the innovative cuisine of Chef Bertrand Grébaut who is celebrated for his creative cookery style. Prince de Galles 33 Avenue George V Paris 75008 France www.princedegallesparis.com

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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL

luX* ari atoll M a l D i V ES

here is nowhere on earth which can rival the Maldives in terms of sheer mind-blowing beauty and tranquillity. Turquoise waters lap at the white sandy shores of the archipelago of tiny islands or atolls which are spread across the Indian Ocean. From the moment you arrive at the Lux Ari Atoll it is like you have been transported to a fantasy world, where picture perfect

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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL turtles, dolphins and whale sharks. You are in safe hands as the 5-Star PADI IDC Dive Centre offers a selection of options which suit all abilities from novice to advanced level. Gastronomes are well taken care of at the resort, with dining options which are many and varied. You can get every delicious food you could imagine, from fine dining to street food inspired dishes encompassing a fusion of different influences from traditional Maldivian to Japanese and Italian. e pizzas at the resort are said to be some of the best available in the Indian Ocean and there are a total of seven restaurants and bars to choose from so you can dine out every night with plenty of options! ere are always surprises on offer at the resort and there are often open air film screenings and live music to enjoy during your stay, whilst strolling along the unspoilt beaches never gets tiresome as the views are simply astounding. Holidaying on the Lux Ari Atoll is an experience which you will remember for the rest of your life, with the blissful beaches and azure blue waters creating a dream world which you will not want to leave. e service at the resort is impeccable and the accommodation contemporary and stylish. is is the perfect place to while away your holiday and create memories which last a lifetime, from scuba diving with whale sharks to relaxing on the beach, every moment of your stay is wonderful. EXCLUSIVE RECoMMEndATIonS

Try some of the locally caught fresh fish during your stay, which is an experience not to be missed. scenery is visible everywhere you turn. e Lux South Ari Atoll is the only settlement on the stunning island of Dhidhoofinolhu and the resort oﬀers a world of luxury with accommodation ranging from suites to ocean side villas where you can wander on to the idyllic beaches at any moment. ere are two swimming pools at the resort where you can have a dip or relax poolside beneath the shade of coconut palm trees and the waters of the Indian Ocean are naturally warm and clear, so swimming in the sea here is an experience not to be missed.

Explore some of the resorts ‘secret’ bars, ask your concierge for recommendations which to visit first! Take a relaxing stroll through the herb gardens to unwind and relax. LUX* South Ari Atoll South Ari Atoll Maldives www.luxresorts.com

When you get tired of reclining on the stunning beaches, there are plenty of activities to enjoy during your stay which can be arranged by the resort. You can also book a whale shark day whilst staying here, which comprises a snorkelling trip, whale shark spotting, presentations and lunch on a nearby island. is is a true playground for diving enthusiasts, as there is a lagoon on the island which is the ideal location for scuba diving where you can see many species such as manta rays,

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We at Woodward Solicitors are delighted to be supporting the Exclusive series of magazines. “As a keen golfer I am delighted to be associated with Paul and the team, promoting some of the finest golf courses in the UK” – Tim Wood, Managing Director, Woodward Solicitors Woodward Solicitors Ltd was established in October 2011 by myself, Mr Tim Wood and Mr Kevin Ward (KWLC – legal cost negotiators). Initially a small team of 3 specialising in Personal Injury and Industrial Diseases, we have progressively grown within 4 years to be an eﬃcacious team of 40 professional, experienced specialists.

Have you ever had an insurance claim Rejected?

Have you ever had an insurance claim Rejected? I nsuran ce cov erag e DI s put es

If you have had an insurance claim rejected within the last 6 years we can review the decision and advise whether you should take further action against your insurance company. We deal with all types of Insurance disputes arising from Household, Commercial property and Life and Personal Health. pro f ess Io nal ne gl I ge n ce

If you have reason to believe you have been let down by a professional, such as Doctor, Lawyer or Architect, it maybe possible to claim for the consequences of such mistakes.

Contact our Insurance Dispute Resolution Department e Insurance Dispute Resolution department is an exciting venture for Woodward Solicitors. Mr Peter Hall, specialises in this department which oﬀers our services to individuals or small to medium sized companies who have found themselves with the some what devastating consequences of having an insurance claim rejected. e department, on behalf of our client, works to resolve the dispute and I’m pleased to say, often with a successful outcome.

Tim Wood, Solicitor Managing Director Woodward’s (Personal Injury) Limited: T/A Woodward Solicitors is registered in England & Wales. Co No. 08108123 and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority - SRA Number: 596505 Woodward Solicitors 14 e Parks Newton-le-Willows MerSeySide WA12 0JQ Phone: 01942 418198 Tel: 0845 340 0061 e-mail: enquiries@woodwardsolicitors.co.uk www.woodwardsolicitors.co.uk

exclusive golf sponsored By

Fellow Golfers, Firstly may I say thank you for all of the positive feedback we are receiving both via e-mail and by word of mouth when out and about visiting courses in regards to our golf feature. Every week we have several clubs asking to be featured in the golf section and we are delighted that all these clubs see Exclusive Magazine as a publication to be seen in. In this edition we have included Ashton GC as we feel it complements the other courses in the Magazine and we are delighted to have them on board. As mentioned in the last golf feature we are looking to launch a corporate golf competition in association with Woodward's Solicitors and Cobra/Puma which will utilise the courses featured in the magazine. With this and the expanding golf programme we have decided to appoint a director of golf and we are delighted to announce that Kevin Swindles who has been involved in golf for over 40 years has joined the team. Kevin will now head up the Exclusive golf programme. In this latest edition of Exclusive Magazine we have featured a course from outside the North West for the first time and this is something we will continue to do in future. Great Yarmouth and Caister GC is the oldest course in Norfolk and a real test of links golf. It is also where the term Bogey originated. We have put together a package for stay and play utilising the club and the Old Hall Hotel Caister, which is only 5 minutes from the course. You will find the packages on our Golf and Travel Breaks page and also at www.oldhallhotelcaister.co.uk. Exclusive magazine has negotiated special rates for our readers and Packages start from just ÂŁ69 DBB pp and 1 round of golf. We will be looking to feature other Stay and Play Packages in other areas in future editions.

We are delighted to say that Andrew Greenbank is giving us glowing reports on Linda's progress under his direct tuition at the Preston Golf Academy. According to Andrew, Linda is already hooked on our great game and following her weekly lessons can be found hitting buckets of balls on the range. Lin seems to be getting on well with her new custom clubs provided by her sponsors Cobra/Puma Golf and we all agree she looks every part the golfer in her Puma attire. Hopefully it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be too long before Lin takes to the course and puts all that hard work with Andrew to the test

www.golfandtravelbreaks.com

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Hesketh golf club

Hesketh, founded in 1885, is the oldest of Southport’s five golf clubs; although it was initially known as the Southport Golf Club. It is set amidst the towering Victorian villas of Southport’s premier residential area – Hesketh Park, it stands alone on the crest of a tall sandhill, with the eye catching clubhouse dominating the golf course, and the surrounding district. Hesketh has made a major impact on the world of golf over the years and in addition to being closely associated with the formation of the Lancashire Union of Golf Clubs, the initiative to form the English Golf Union originated at the Club and the first President of the EGU, Mr Rayner Batty, was a Hesketh member. e Club has a distinguished record in competitive golf and its members have included the Bentley brothers, Harry and Arnold, whose joint success as amateur golfers is unlikely to ever be equalled. More recently European tour players Lee Slattery and Matthew Baldwin have been members of Hesketh. Hesketh was established as a professional championship course in the 1930s and has acted as a qualifying course for the Open Championship. Most recently it has held the R&A Junior Open and the R&A Amateur Championship Qualifying Rounds. In 2018 it will cohost the English Men’s Amateur.

ContACt DetAils

Course details :

HesketH golf cluB

Par : 72

Cockle Dicks Lane Southport PR9 9QQ

White : 6703 Yards Yellow : 6239 Yards

secretary ’s offIce

Red : 5639 Yards (Par 74) Tel : 01704 536897 (Ext 2) E Mail : secretary@heskethgolfclub.co.uk www.heskethgolfclub.co.uk Clubhouse : Standing alone on the crest of a tall sand-hill, the clubhouse dominates the golf course and the surrounding district. Course : Professional golf has been played on these famous old links from the club’s earliest days. Pro Shop : Scott Astin runs a vibrant and professional outlet with an indoor state of the art simulator. Junior golf is encouraged at Hesketh where the Professional takes a hands on active part. Practice Area : A good practice area situated close to the clubhouse. Customer Service : Quite simply known as the friendliest golf club in Southport. Visitors regularly praise the staﬀ and members for the warm atmosphere that greets them. Stay & Play Packages : Stay and play packages available upon request.

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preston golf club

Often described as a ‘Lancashire Gem’ Preston Golf Club is more the ‘Jewel in the Crown’. e USGA specification greens are recognised as some of the finest in Lancashire and quite possibly in the North West Region.

ContACt DetAils

Course details :

preston golf cluB

Par : 71

Fulwood Hall Lane,

White : 6278 Yards

Once played never forgotten Preston welcomes visitors whether they be individual 4 balls, Societies or companies wishing to experience the ‘Fully Managed’ Corporate golf days the club oﬀers.

Preston, Lancashire, PR2 8DD

Yellow : 5973 Yards

Set in a secluded location the course provides over 120 acres of stunning, tranquil parkland with a mixture of undulating and relatively flat tree lined fairways either side of a stream meandering its way through the course.

E Mail : stayandplay@prestongolfclub.com Telephone : 01772 700011

If the superb course is not enough of a draw, visitors are also able to fine tune their game in a golfing Academy that includes a 16 bay floodlit driving range, indoor or outdoor putting greens, short game practice areas all supported by a spacious, well stocked Pro shop. e complete golfing package also includes tuition available from qualified teaching professionals, with classes covering all ages and abilities. As a member of or visitor to Preston Golf Club you may rightly consider yourself part of one of the premier clubs in the North West of England. e club has several categories of membership, be it playing or just social, although numbers are restricted within each playing category to maintain exclusivity. Full details can be obtained from the club secretary 116

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Red : 5155 Yards

secretary ’s offIce

www.prestongolfclub.com Hospitality : Visitors and members alike can relax in our Bar and Lounge areas and enjoy the terrace overlooking the course. Function rooms : e Presidents Suite and Fulwood Rooms are the ideal environment for your business meeting or function. Academy : Purpose built teaching academy linked to a 16-bay floodlit driving range. Practice : Indoor putting green and several short game practice areas all located around a spacious and well stocked Pro Shop. Corporate : Our dedicated team will ensure that your golf day runs smoothly and your guests have a memorable day. We can help organise every aspect of your day. Stay & Play Packages : One night, two round Packages from £85.00. Bespoke packages available on request. For more information regarding Stay & Play Golf Packages please Email : stayandplay@prestongolfclub.com and we will respond within 48 hours.

lancaster golf club

Lancaster Golf Club is a hidden gem just 3 miles from the historic city of Lancaster.

ContACt DetAils

e home of Lancaster Golf Club is the grade 1 listed Ashton Hall which dates back to medieval times and has hosted kings of England in centuries gone by. It will impress even the most discerning visitor with its Gothic style architecture and superb setting, providing an unforgettable ambience.

Par : 71 Ashton Hall White : 6512 Yards Ashton-with-stodday Lancaster Yellow : 6269 Yards Lancashire Red : 5791 Yards LA2 OAJ Telephone : 01524 751247 E Mail : enquiries@lancastergc.co.uk

e golf course is situated in the old deer park and was designed by the legendary James Braid. e beautiful Lakeland mountains to the north and the rolling heather clad hills of the Trough of Bowland to the east form the backdrop to a most attractive, gently undulating parkland course on the Lune Estuary. e course is recognised as one of the best courses in the area. Corporate Membership Why not take out a corporate membership for your business and treat your valued customers to a round of golf and dinner in our impressive clubhouse. We have corporate memberships to suit all companies. dormy House We can accommodate up to 18 guests on residential golf packages. Packages include golf, accommodation and meals. All rooms are en-suite, guests have reserved tee times and dine in our “Fairway Restaurant” Visiting Parties A variety of packages including food are available for parties of 8 or more. Membership Full Membership is currently available.

Course Details :

lancaster golf cluB

www.lancastergc.co.uk Facilities : Hospitality : e 19th Bar for socialising boasting a large HD flatscreen TV and a well-stocked club bar. ere is also an adjoining snooker room. Function rooms : Ashton Suite accommodating up to 140 dining guests incorporating a polished dance floor. ere is also outside space available for functions in our courtyard, known as the e Green Court’. Pro Shop : Well Stocked Pro-Shop oﬀering a wide variety of equipment and clothing Practice : Golfing lessons are available. Ask for details in our Pro-Shop. Corporate : Our Ashton Suite is also perfect for corporate functions and our conference set-up board room can be used to provide additional space. Packages : We oﬀer a variety of golfing packages and full details of society visits can be obtained from the secretary. Autumn 2015

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Manchester golf club

Harry Shapland Colt designed this superb course which first opened to members in March 1912. Apart from relatively minor modifications the general layout of the course has remained much as Mr Colt originally designed it.

Lancashire welcome which includes the provision of traditional local fayre and local beers in our bars and sitting rooms.

Colt described the course as follows: ‘e general contour of the land is really delightful from a golfing point of view and resembles more the undulating character of a good seaside course than any other inland course that I have ever seen.’ Praise indeed from the architect who in designing the layout of the course made full use of the land’s stunning natural features.

ContACt DetAils

Set in over 240 acres or in metric terms one square kilometre the course is predominantly moorland in character but with heathland and parkland features, players who visit will find themselves surrounded by scenic, rural views of the Pennines. Host to the Lancashire Amateur Championship in 2011, the Northern Counties Championship in 2013 and the England Golf Captains in 2014, this is a course that is very well respected both in the local and wider golfing community. Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke both gained their European Tour cards following qualification at Hopwood. e Manchester Golf Club is a club where tradition is treasured but at the same time its forward looking and optimistic membership provides just about everything required to satisfy the modern day golfer. Visitors to the Club will no doubt take advantage of the fantastic practise and tuition facilities which include two short game areas, a driving range, a Golf Performance Centre and a Putting Lab or they might also like to make use of the golf club’s 3D flyover App which is installed on some of our buggy carts to help you navigate the course more easily. e same 3D flyover of the course can be found on our new website. www.mangc.co.uk. e Manchester Golf Club is a private members' club of quality and distinction and yet it is a club where members and visitors are welcome and alike can enjoy their golf and leisure time in a genuinely relaxed atmosphere. After a day out on the course the challenge of championship golf meets the warmth of a real

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All of the above is beautifully located just 20 minutes from City Centre Manchester and very close to major motorway links.

MancHester golf cluB

Hopwood Cottage Rochdale Road Middleton Manchester M24 6QP Tel : 0161 643 3202 E Mail : secretary@mangc.co.uk www.mangc.co.uk

Course details : Par : 72 White : 6491 Yards Yellow : 6246 Yards Red : 5696 Yards

Whilst you are in the area you might take advantage of a visit to one of the following local attractions: 1) e Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour. (30 minutes by car) 2) e Manchester City Etihad Stadium and Club Tour. (20 minutes by car) 3) City Centre Manchester - e beating heart of the region's business, culture and leisure oﬀer and home to leading museums, theatres, galleries, shops and restaurants. Vibrant day and nighttime activities. (20 minutes by car) 4) e Traﬀord Centre shopping mall with a fabulous selection of stores, 60 restaurants and cafes. (20 minutes by car) 5) Excellent location close to Manchester Airport (20 minutes by car) and major motorway links when visiting other parts of the region.

Worsley golf club

Worsley Golf Club, was founded in 1894 and designed by the legendary James Braid, and is located just six miles west of Manchester amongst some of the most beautiful and scenic parkland in the region. e course is characterised by gently rolling fairways lined with an attractive blend of mature trees. Our team of professional green keepers take immense pride in ensuring the course is always presented in immaculate condition. In 1903 Harry Vardon the six times open champion played a 36 hole exhibition match against the then professional Alex Brown, and afterwards commented that 'on no other inland course could one find a better test of golf'. We like to think that is still true today! Visitors and Societies are most welcome and can enjoy a relaxing, yet challenging round of golf in a tranquil setting. Please look at the website for the online booking system – “Society Deals” and “Online Booking” or contact our PGA Professional Andrew Cory to check on available tee times on 0161 787 8723. e clubhouse oﬀers the perfect environment to unwind, with a wide choice of fine food and wines available from the bar, and a grandstand view of the 1st tee and 18th green from the balcony. Please contact Darren our Catering Manager on 0161 789 4202 (Option 2) for information about the rooms and facilities available for conferences, weddings and special events.

Membership: 7, 6 & 5 day membership is currently available for all categories

Course details :

C o n tAC t D e tA i l s

White : 6235 Yards

Par : 71

Yellow : 6039 Yards

Worsley golf cluB Stableford Avenue Red : 5348 Yards Monton Green Eccles Manchester M30 8AP Telephone 0161 789 4202 (option 1) Email - oﬃce@worsleygolfclub.co.uk www.worsleygolfclub.co.uk

Proshop : We stock all major brands at the lowest possible price and can even match any genuine price. Custom fitting options are also available free of charge using Callaway’s Optifit Bag, Titleist’s Surefit Bag, and Ping Custom Fit, Custom Built Technology. With such a wide variety of products being tailored to your individual needs, we can be sure to get the right equipment for you, and get your game up to PAR Functions : Worsley Golf Club is the perfect setting for your wedding, christening or party celebration. Our beautiful black & white timbered period Club House will provide the perfect setting and we look forward to welcoming you on your special day. We will make it perfect for you! Packages : Worsley Golf Club extends a warm welcome to golfing societies with a minimum number of 12 players. Our friendly and professional staﬀ will endeavour to accommodate your needs.

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ashton under lyne golf club

Ashton under Lyne Golf Club Formed in 1913 is a wooded course nestling in the foothills of the Pennines on the edge of the Greater Manchester conurbation. Over the years great improvements have been made to the course; we have increased its length, added bunkers, improved tees and greens and planted many, many new trees. e club adopts a progressive approach to course management and development which has arguably elevated the course to being the best in the Tameside area. We are continually recognised by Lancashire having hosted multiple events over 2011,2012,2013,2014 & 2015 due to the quality of our course. We have a long standing reputation of producing some of the finest golfers in the area many of whom have represented Lancashire & England respectfully which also includes the current head Professional at Gleneagles, Andrew Jowett. Possibly the greatest success story is our very own European tour professional Matthew Nixon who remains aﬃliated to the club. Matthew Joined Ashton at the age of 4 progressing rapidly through the golfing ranks culminating in being crowned club champion at the age of 17 and lifting the British Boys amateur championship at Royal Aberdeen in 2006. Incredibly Matthew still finds time to compete in our annual Boxing Day club competition and is patron of our newly formed junior academy. Our clubhouse oﬀers all the usual facilities you would expect from an established club including exceptional views of our finishing signature hole aptly name ‘death or glory’ due to the large ravine that sits between the tee and green! We cater for all manner of occasions ranging from private dining through to weddings. Our function room is free to hire further details can be found on our club website.

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Membership:We currently have limited availability for 7 & 6 Day membership however we have recently launched a new 3 day membership category that continues to prove extremely popular to new golfers.

Course details : Par : 70 White : 6207 Yards Yellow : 5967 Yards Red : 5564 Yards

C o n tAC t D e tA i l s asHton unDer lyne golf cluB Gorsey Way Ashton under Lyne Lancashire OL6 9HT E-Mail – secretary@ashtongolfclub.co.uk Telephone number – 0161 330 1537 www.ashtongolfclub.co.uk Societies – No society is too big or small (Further information can be obtained from our club secretary Steve Martin) Pro shop – Colin Boyle has been with our club for in excess of 25 years with his son Michael Boyle joining him as joint club professional. e pro shop is stocked with all the latest equipment from all the leading brands. Michael has also taken up the role as the clubs teaching professional incorporating the latest swing technology in his methods. Social media Facebook - www.facebook.com/AULGC Twitter – www.Twitter.com/AULGC

golfandtravelBreaks.com

G o lF & sPA BReAKs Old Hall Hotel & Great Yarmouth & Caister Links GC. e hotel is only 5 minutes from the course GOLF PACKAGES FROM JUST £69 pp Golf DBB 1 Night & 1 round DBB £69 (2 Rounds £80) 2 Nights & 1 round DBB £110 (2 Rounds £120) Sunday Night Special DBB 2 Rounds Only £75 pp All packages based on 2 people sharing. Longer stays and group rates available on request. All guests have full use of our leisure facilities and free parking. For All Enquiries

Tel : 01493 720 400

Email info@oldhallhotelcaister.co.uk www.oldhallhotelciaster.co.uk

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sport

Manchester's world-class sporting pedigree

A guide to the best sporting events in Manchester this Autumn ere's more to sport in Manchester than just football you know? is is our guide to some of the most exciting alternatives to the Beautiful Game this Autumn, as the city gears up to host three world-class sporting events.

hile the red and blue halves of Manchester's football fraternity gobble up the majority of the back page column inches, the northern powerhouse has plenty more up its jersey for sports fans of another ilk. is Autumn, don't miss the chance to soak up all the live action of Australia's post-Ashes cricket tour, the Rugby World Cup on home soil, and Olympic medal-winning standard Taekwondo.

CriCket | englAnd v AustrAliA 8 & 13 septeMber | www.lCCC.Co.u k

With the battle scars of another bruising Investec Ashes series still fresh in the memory, there's no let up as a jubilant England go toe to toe with the Aussies once more for two Royal London One-Day Internationals in quick succession. e first match at Emirates Old Trafford, on Tuesday 8 September, is a day/night affair, followed five days later by a day game on Sunday 13 September. e home of Lancashire Country Cricket Club proved to be a happy hunting ground for England last time they played an antipodean team here. Back in June, they walloped New Zealand by 56 runs in a Twenty20 victory that saw Joe Root pepper the boundaries with 68 runs off 48 balls. England will be hoping for more of the same when they return for these latest grudge matches against their fiercest rivals.

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sport tAekwond o | wtF world tAekwond o grAnd prix | 16-18 oCtober 2015MuhAMMAd www.tAekwond ogp.CoM

After successfully hosting the inaugural outing of the WTF World Taekwondo Grand Prix in 2013, Manchester will once again welcome the world’s leading 250 athletes for three days of adrenalin-fuelled competition. e high class field of athletes will descend on the Manchester National Squash Centre, from 16-18 October, for what is likely to be an accurate barometer of form heading towards an Olympic year. e last time the Grand Prix was hosted here it was broadcast live on the BBC and in 97 other countries worldwide. e cream of British talent – including Olympic medallists Jade Jones and Lutalo Muhammad – will be battling for ranking points and form ahead of Rio 2016. e fervent home support at the London 2012 Olympics prompted them to reach unprecedented glories. So your support here could make all the diﬀerence! For more information about these, or any other sporting events in Manchester, please visit www.visitmanchester.com

ru g b y | r u g b y w o r l d C u p | e n g l A n d v ur u g uAy | 1 0 o C t o b e r w w w. r u g b y w o r l d C u p. C o M

Following hot on the heels of the Web Ellis cup's three-day touchdown in Manchester back in July, the city gets its taste of on-field Rugby World Cup 2015 action as Stuart Lancaster's England squad takes on Uruguay at the Manchester City Stadium on Saturday 10 October. Although the match has long since been a sell-out, diehard international rugby fans needn't miss out. ere is still a golden opportunity to soak up the tournament atmosphere, and watch the game in full big screen glory, at Manchester's Rugby World Cup 2015 oﬃcial Fanzone in Albert Square. e completely free Fanzone opens for three whole days from 9-11 October. With capacity limited to 8,000 people though you'd be well advised to get there early. Aside from the men in white, there's plenty to keep you occupied, with big screen broadcasts of other live RWC 2015 matches, food and drink stalls, rugby activities and homegrown entertainment to celebrate Manchester's World Cup contribution.

EVERY KICK

WE NEED YOU REGIONAL ARENA, MANCHESTER 16–18 OCTOBER 2015 ticketmaster.co.uk/wtgp

Autumn 2015

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sport

Let the Games Begin A preview of the new football season

it's out with the old and in with the new as another football season is under way. After a busy summer of transfer dealings, the team lists of some of our favourite north west sides look considerably diﬀerent this time around. we give you an exclusive guide to the major new signings and our predictions for how their clubs might fare.

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LiverpooL

Louis Van Gaal brought in proven international talent with Holland's Memphis Depay (£25m), World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger (£14.5m) and France's Morgan Schneiderlin (£25m) arriving at the eatre of Dreams. A depleted strike force was shorn of Radamel Falcao and Robin Van Persie – who followed Nani to Fenerbahce – and the disappointing Angel Di Maria was allowed to join Paris St Germain for £44m. While £12.7m Torino and Italy fullback Matteo Darmian was brought in to shore up defence.

Raheem Sterling eventually got his move, as Man City paid a record-breaking £49m for the 20-year-old Englishman. Liverpool splashed the cash, signing Aston Villa's Christian Benteke for £32.5m and £29m Brazilian playmaker Roberto Firmino, 23, who scored 49 goals in 153 appearances for Hoﬀenheim. e £12.5 acquisition of England right-back Nathaniel Clyne, 24, from Southampton, experienced England international James Milner, and highly-rated Danny Ings, also had the Anfield faithful purring.

In: Depay, Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin, Darmian, Romero, Martial, Poole Out: Van Persie, Falcao, Nani, Cleverley. Di Maria, Janko, James, Amos, Keane (Loan),Hernandez, Lindegaard, Januzaj (Loan) Verdict: Unquestionably stronger squad than last year and will be aiming for a top three finish.

In: Benteke, Firmino, Milner, Clyne, Ings, Bogdan, Gomez. Out: Sterling, Gerrard, Johnson, Coates. Lambert, Wisdom (Loan), Balotelli (Loan), Jones, Borini, Ilori Verdict: Lots of changes in the squad but should be challenging for Champions League football.

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sport

M A n c h e s ter city City had a typically industrious transfer window. Manuel Pellegrini finally landed £49m new boy Raheem Sterling, making the ree Lions forward the costliest English player ever and the late swoop for the impressive Kevin De Bruyne (£52m) makes city look stronger than ever. A change of heart saw Fabian. A change of heart saw Fabian Delph leave Aston Villa for an £8m move to the Sky Blues and the highly rated Nicolas Otamendi was brought in to strengthen the defence for £32m. With Fulham's promising 18-year-old midfielder Patrick Roberts heading north last year’s Premier League runners-up balanced their home-grown contingent following the exits of James Milner, Micah Richards and Scott Sinclair. In: Sterling, Delph, Roberts, Unal. Otamendi, De Bruyne Out: Milner, Sinclair, Richards, Boyata. Nastasic, Guidetti, Jovetic (Loan), Dzeko (Loan) Verdict: Strengthened well and definitely have the talent to challenge for the title.

everton Everton's transfers included some battle-hardened campaigners. Former Barcelona loanee Gerard Deulofeu, 21, swapped the heat of the Catalonian capital for the warmth of the Evertonian support, in a deal worth £4.2m. While England international Tom Cleverley was poached from under the noses of Aston Villa, with whom he'd spent the previous campaign on loan from Manchester United. Highly rated England International John Stones was the subject of intense interest and transfer bids from Chelsea but Everton made a statement of their intent by refusing to sell their star central defender. In: Deulofeu, Cleverley, Henen. Holgate, Funes Mori, Lennon Out: Distin, Alcaraz, Lennon, Garbutt (loan) Junior (Loan) Verdict: Without European distractions will hope to once again compete much higher up the table.

Catch your favourite team in action on Sky Sports and BT Sport. All signings correct at time of writing. Autumn 2015

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george best

Best of the Best

remembering George Best 10 years on November 25 2015 marks the 10-year anniversary of the untimely passing of one of the most naturally gifted footballers ever to lace up a pair of boots: George Best. e Manchester United winger's indefatigable joie de vivre, both on and oﬀ the field, make him still to this day one of the most charismatic footballing legends of all time. Words by Simon Grant When Manchester United's Belfast scout, Bob Bishop, first set eyes on the weaving, willowy brilliance of a young George Best his telegram to the venerable Sir Matt Busby simply read: “I think I've found you a genius.” Little did he know how prophetic those words would be for a player who’s artistry would make the Beautiful Game more beautiful and help to catalyse a remarkable United resurgence. t h e w o r l d At h i s F e e t

the greAtest plAyer in the world

e man that Pelé would later dub "the greatest player in the world" announced himself in typical style with a goal on his second appearance, in a 5-1 win over Burnley. Playing alongside Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, the number seven helped United to claim the league title in 1964-65, his maiden full season as a first team regular. e following season saw Best thrust into the global spotlight with a virtuoso two-goal performance that saw United thrash Benfica 5-1 (the Portuguese giant's first European defeat on home soil) in the quarter finals of the European Cup. at performance – coupled with his roguish good looks, swashbuckling talent and manicured mop-top – led the British press to label him “El Beatle.” bit tersweet europeAn redeMption

Born 22 May 1946, the skinny kid from Belfast's Cregagh estate was always to be found with a football at his feet. Despite being passed over by his local team of Glentoran, on account of his sleight frame, United were suitably impressed to give him his shot at the big time. 126

After signing for the Red Devils, on his seventeenth birthday, in May 1963, Best shook oﬀ homesickness for his native Northern Ireland and made his first team debut in September that year against West Bromwich Albion. He was an instant hit. Soon enough, Best – with his jinking, dancing, balletic dribbling – had the world at his feet.

Autumn 2015

e new crop of “Busby Babes” clinched the title again in 1967 and the following year saw United seal their bittersweet maiden European triumph, against Benfica once more, a decade on from the devastating Munich Air

george best Disaster. With the free-scoring Law on the Wembley sidelines with a knee injury, it was down to the genius of Best to break the 1-1 deadlock in extra-time. He duly delivered with a galloping run past the onrushing keeper, before cooly slotting home.* United went on to win 4-1 that night and became the first English club to lift “Old Big Ears.” It was the zenith of Best's imperious playing abilities. He would finish the season, not only with a European Cup winner's medal, but with the PFA and European Footballer of the year awards and 28 goals. at haul cemented his place as United's top scorer, a feat he would replicate over the next four consecutive seasons. In the intervening years, Best's star flickered intermittently, most notably in a six-goal performance during an 8-2 demolition of Northampton Town in the fifth round of the 1970 FA Cup. at is still the post-War record for the most goals scored by a single United player in one match. However, after 470 appearances for Manchester United, registering 179 goals in all competitions, Best's curtain call at the eatre of Dreams came in 1974, aged just 26 years old.

El Beatle's greatest hits Best didn't just show flair with a spherical leather object, he also had quite a way with words as these quotes attest to his legendary gift of the gab. On his talent: “If I'd been born ugly, you'd never have heard of Pelé.” On the women: "I used to go missing a lot...Miss Canada, Miss United Kingdom, Miss World." On his lifestyle: "I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. e rest I just squandered." On abstinence: "In 1969 I gave up women and alcohol - it was the worst 20 minutes of my life." On Eric Cantona: "I'd give all the Champagne I've ever drunk to be playing alongside him in a big European match at Old Traﬀord.” On Cristiano Ronaldo: “ere have been a few players described as the new George Best over the years, but this is the first time it's been a compliment to me.” On David Beckham: “He cannot kick with his left foot, he cannot head a ball, he cannot tackle and he doesn't score many goals. Apart from that he's all right." On Gazza: “"I once said Gazza's IQ was less than his shirt number and he asked me: "What's an IQ?" On self-destruction: "I was born with a great gift, and sometimes with that comes a destructive streak. Just as I wanted to outdo everyone when I played, I had to outdo everyone when we were out on the town." On his demons: "By the time I was 25 I felt the team was in decline and alcohol was taking over. For three years I was out every night and gambling became a drug, too." On regrets: "My one big regret is that I didn't play on for ten more years." On his charmed life: "If you'd given me the choice of going out and beating four men and smashing a goal in from thirty yards against Liverpool or going to bed with Miss World, it would have been a diﬃcult choice. Luckily, I had both."

re M e M b e r t h e F o o t b A l l

at is where our story ends. Best's tragic demise is known to all but as the man himself once said, "ey'll forget all the rubbish when I've gone and they'll remember the football. If only one person thinks I'm the best player in the world, that's good enough for me." We do. RIP George...thanks for the memories.

On confidence: "Pele said he thought I was the greatest ever player. I have always thought I was the best ever player – that's the way you have to look at it. I have never looked at another player and felt inferior.” *On his cheeky streak: “I used to dream about taking the ball round the keeper, stopping it on the line and then getting on my hands and knees and heading it into the net. When I scored against Benfica in the 1968 European Cup final I nearly did it. I left the keeper for dead but then I chickened out. I might have given the boss a heart attack!” Autumn 2015

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P IRAT E FESTIVAL

Yo Ho Ho And A Day Full Of Fun !!

Liverpool Pirate Festival A L b e r t D Oc k Liv e rP OO L

e amazing Liverpool Pirate Festival returns to Albert Dock Liverpool on September 12 and 13, 2015. Last year’s festival was Albert Dock’s most successful to date - with more people than ever before soaking up the excitement of this annual spectacle - featuring breath-taking live-action battles at the centre of the Dock, sword fights, and real-life buccaneers from the ZEBU Pirate Brethren. Organisers say 2015’s festival will be even bigger and more explosive! Every year the North West’s most visited free tourist attraction sails back to a time when the high seas were a treacherous, unpredictable and dangerous place to venture. e festival will feature the jaw-dropping live-action battle in the Dock itself between Pirate Brigantine ZEBU and Pirate Schooner VILMA, two authentic pirate vessels that lock in dramatic duel using real cannons and gunpowder! is is the climactic moment of a day-long, edge-of-your seat storyline, one of courage, emotion, capture and thrilling escape. Visitors will also be allowed to step aboard these impressive vessels and meet the notorious pirates from history, including Captain Ann Bonny and Captain Frenchy Hawkins, and bear witness to electrifying sword fights as the clash of metal reverberates around the Dock.

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P IRATE FESTIVAL

Peter Cronin, director of development and marketing for Albert Dock Liverpool, said: “Liverpool Pirate Festival has become a real favourite on the city’s annual events calendar, and we are delighted to announce its return. e festival continues to grow year on year in both the number of people attending and in the amount of family entertainment scheduled into the programme. “When you combine Albert Dock’s stunning maritime setting with the organisers’ authenticity and attention to detail, you have a totally unique pirate event that the whole city can be very proud of.” Liverpool Pirate Festival comes to Albert Dock with the creative and pioneering talents of the ZEBU Pirate Brethren at the helm, whose reputation of bringing sword fights and sea battles to the modern masses is second to none.

oﬀers and pirate-themed cocktails for the adults at selected venues. Families are urged to come dressed up in their finest pirate gear, including the adults. Liverpool Pirate Festival caps oﬀ a jam-packed summer season at Albert Dock. Upcoming on-going events include : • Tate Liverpool - Jackson Pollock: Blind Spots (Until October 18) : e new exhibition brings together the most significant showing of work by one of the most influential and provocative American artists of the twentieth century. • International Slavery Museum - Broken Lives: slavery in modern India (until April 24, 2016) : A powerful and moving exhibition that reveals stories of hardship, survival and hope for broken lives mended. • Merseyside Maritime Museum - Lusitania: life, loss, legacy : e new exhibition marking the centenary of the sinking of the Lusitania.

e event also includes cannon and musket displays, authentic 18th century encampments giving visitors a fascinating insight into how people lived and survived in these times, live birds of prey, face painting, and the Young Pirates Parade and pirate show, all interwoven with lively folklore and authentic sea shanties.

• Merseyside Maritime Museum - Cunard 175 : A display celebrating the people, ships, and events that have connected Cunard and Liverpool for 175 years.

Many of the Dock attractions, restaurants and shops also enter into the plundering pirate spirit, with kids-eat-free

For more information on all upcoming events at Albert Dock, please visit www.albertdock.com. Autumn 2015

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Black pool lIGhts

The Northern Lights Blackpool Illuminations | 4 September to 8 November 2015 | www.visitblackpool.com

Giant Spectacular, the Great City Games, the Crabbies Grand National – our region's biggest events are perennially the envy of the nation. But there's one granddaddy of them all that's been turning heads, and winning hearts, for longer than the rest. For Blackpool's dazzling Illuminations are a national treasure that keep on getting bigger and better with age. Words by Simon Grant 130

Autumn 2015

Witnessing the glimmering spectacle of the iconic Blackpool Illuminations is a bit of a right of passage. One of those bucket list activities that surely everyone should witness at least once in their lives. For many, it is a seasonal pilgrimage that definitively marks the onset of Autumn and lights the path towards Christmas. e glitzy new Switch-On Weekend, known as Blackpool iFest, kicked oﬀ proceedings in style on Friday 4 September with a free concert featuring some of today's brightest music stars, before throwing the switch to bring those thousands of twinkling lights to life.

Bl ackpoo l l IGhts Fun House favourite Pat Sharp and Vintage TV brought “a whole lot of fun” to the Saturday night with a host of old school megastars, like Bananarama and Jason Donovan. Before the Pub Landlord, Al Murray, and a 'who's who' of British comedy, wrapped up the weekend with some stand-up on the 2,200 square metre Comedy Carpet. e main event though is of course those incredible Illuminations. Last season's display, codesigned by Illuminations creative curator Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, wowed the masses. And with the former Changing Rooms stylist back at the helm once more, you can expect nothing short of another flamboyant riot of colour and fun if you head to the Fylde coast's premier attraction this year. sh e ddIn G l I Gh t o n B l ack po ol I l lu mI natI on s' I l lu s trI ous hI s to ry

In 1879, just eight arc lamps positioned along the Promenade were enough to draw enthralled visitors,

like moths to the flame, to enjoy the so-called 'artificial sunshine.' Much like a British summer though those moments of glowing 'sunshine' were fleeting, as the incoming tide would flood the cast iron wiring pipes and pitch onlookers into darkness. In May 1912, Blackpool’s first royal visit from Princess Louise was celebrated with a phalanx of lights along Princess Parade. So impressive were they that the council re-lit them that September and thousands of visitors rushed to see them. e commercial draw of such an annual event shone bright for all to see. e First World War brought a shroud of darkness but the lights went up again in 1925, with almost six miles of new Illuminations from Squires Gate to Red Bank Road. WWII prompted an extended blackout until 1949, when actress and singer, Dame Anna Neagle, sparked a long tradition of celebrity switch-ons. A 'who's who' of sporting and entertainment luminaries have followed since, from England great Sir Stanley Matthews (who also played for Blackpool) and three-time Grand National winner Red Rum (really!), to Hollywood bombshell Jayne Mansfield and Bolton super-comedian Peter Kay. In 2014, more than 3.5 million visitors tripped the lights fantastic to see the Illuminations. Making their enjoyment possible involves 65,000 staﬀ hours to plan, set up, maintain and eventually dismantle the thousands of fixtures and fittings. An astonishing array of more than 400,000 low-voltage neon lamps adorn the whopping 74 miles (120km) of cabling and wiring needed to power the Lights.

For more information, including all the switch-on times, check out www.visitblackpool.com. Autumn 2015

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cInema

Upcoming Film Releases Summer may be over, but cinematic talent is still at the top of its game. Here's just a few of the films you don't want to miss. by Becky hayes

M o c k I N gjAy, PART 2

The good dINoSAUR

2 0 t h n ov e m B e r

2 5 t h novemBer

e final instalment in the Hunger Games series is definitely not one to miss. Jennifer Lawrence returns to play the lead role of Katniss Everdeen, a young survivor with the weight of a revolution on her shoulders. If the film remains as authentic to the books as it has in the previous films, it is set to be a very explosive and very emotional end to the series.

Even after the recent worldwide success of Inside Out, there's still no stopping Disney and Pixar! As with any of their previous films, you just know e Good Dinosaur is going to be good. e trailer doesn't give too much away about the story, other than the idea of what might have happened if the meteorite never hit earth and dinosaurs and man-kind were hurled together. e main character is a young dinosaur called Arlo who is trying to find his way back to his herd. During his journey he befriends a human caveboy he names Spot and the adventure begins!

Katniss must overcome more heartache and fear than ever before, in order to defeat the ruthless President Snow and help secure the future of Panem and its people.

As with all Disney films this film will be perfect for adults and children alike. A family film that everyone will enjoy. 132

Autumn 2015

STAR WARS: The FoRce AWAkeNS 18th decemBer

Highly anticipated, this film is going to be huge! e likes of Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill have all returned to make this film simply unmissable. e film is set 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi, and features three new leading characters; a stormtrooper called Finn (John Boyega), a scavenger called Rey (Daisy Ridley) and an X-wing pilot called Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac). e trailer doesn't give too much away about the plot of the film, but with J. J. Abrams directing you know it's going to be created with a great deal of respect for the franchise. e Force Awakens is going to be an exciting new instalment that no Star Wars fan can miss!

cInema

PA N

SPecTRe

deAdPooL

16 t h o c t o B e r

2 6 t h octoBer

5th FeBruary

After the success of Alice in Wonderland (2010) and Cinderella (2015) it comes as no surprise that another Disney animation has now been re-imagined into a live-action film. e film is set to show the original story of Peter Pan and Captain Hook and how their rivalry develops. Starring Hugh Jackman, Garrett Hedlund, Amanda Seyfried and Levi Miller making his major film debut as Peter Pan himself.

James Bond is back! Once again portrayed by Daniel Craig. e Spectre trailer reveals everything you have come to expect from a Bond film; the right amount of mystery, explosive action and diﬀerent locations from all across the world.

Marvel is a big part of our yearly cinema screenings now. After the success of the ongoing Avengers franchise superheroes are in high demand! However, Deadpool isn't quite the hero you might have in mind. Ryan Reynolds stars as the infamous rude and crude anti-hero. After a rogue experiment Wade Wilson wakes up with accelerated healing and a new twisted sense of humour.

A new take on a loved classic, Pan is set to have all the action and adventure that you would expect to find in Neverland and is a definite watch for all the family.

After the events of Skyfall, the discovery of a cryptic message leads Bond on a perilous journey towards a mysterious and sinister organisation known only as SPECTRE. e future of MI6 itself is at stake and conspiracy is around every corner. Bond films are always full of that sense of danger and glamour, and Spectre is not set to disappoint.

Autumn 2015

e premise of the film is a revenge mission, to hunt down the man who tried to destroy his life. e Deadpool trailer sets up the film extremely well; with just the right mix of humour, action and just plain crazy.

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What ’s on Blackpool

RUdIMeNTAL

WILL yoUNg

16th October – 1st November 2015 Blackpool Opera House

Rudimental have announced the ‘We the Generation’ tour to coincide with the release of their new album of the same name which is available on the 18th September. Kicking oﬀ the tour in the USA on the 29th September in New York, they head back to the UK on the 13th October. Having headlined throughout the summer at festivals Rudimental are not shy of playing to huge crowds having recently played Wembley Stadium in front of 85,000 people having also played at Lovebox, Glastonbury and their very own ‘Wild Life’ festival in Brighton which sold out within hours of tickets going on sale. ey arrive at the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool on 14th October and expect to hear tracks from their new album along with the usual show stopping favourites.

David Hasselhoﬀ plays an 80’s DJ in Ibiza called Ross who doesn’t realise that a new decade has dawned and the club scene has replaced disco. He tries his best to keep up with his young new girlfriend Mandy (Kim Tiddy from Hollyoaks) but matters become a little more complicated when his teenage daughter Penny turns up. Having not seen each other for three years, due to a bad divorce between Ross and Penny’s mother, Ross is shocked to discover that Penny is longer a shy school girl but has transformed into a wild child who starts falling for Rik, the holiday rep. (Shane Richie Junior) Two generations collide and create a touching drama and a hilarious hit fest that takes us back to the 80/90’s for a bit of sun, sea, sex, drugs and rock and roll.

After four long years away, multi million selling, Brit Award winning, singer song-writer Will Young is finally back with his number one sixth album 85% Proof and his nationwide tour ‘Love Revolution’. e tour will consist of more than 20 shows across the country spanning the months of October and November and arrives at Blackpool Opera House on Saturday 14th November. It promises to be an incredible show from an incredible artist and you can expect Will to perform all of the songs from the brand new album. It is fabulous to see Will performing again.

kINg oF PoP

dIveRSITy – UP cLoSe ANd PeRSoNAL

STATUS QUo

21st November 2015 Blackpool Opera House

Moonwalk the night away with star of the show Navi who once received a standing ovation from the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. King of Pop-e Legend Continues is currently touring the UK and arrives at Blackpool Opera House on 21st November and Navi will be joined on stage by his brilliant live band and incredible dancers as he recreates all of those dazzling classics from the early Jackson 5 songs through to Michael Jacksons biggest solo hits. Having performed twice personally for MJ himself Navi is quite rightly regarded as the world’s number one Jackson impersonator and has performed as the King of Pop in over 57 countries around the globe. is promises to be a riller.

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LAST NIghT A dj SAved My LIFe

14th October 2015 - Empress Ball Room Blackpool

14th November 2015 Blackpool Opera House

27th November 2015 – Blackpool Opera House

28th November 2015 Blackpool Opera House

Having five sold out UK tours, selling 250,000 tickets, Diversity have now announced their brand new tour and they describe it as the most up close and personal one yet. Diversity will be performing distinctively choreographed routines based on their ITV special. Having entertained audiences with their ‘Limitless: e Reboot’ arena tour, they travelled all over the country performing for their devoted fans winning the hearts of the nation by performing to songs across genres from hip-hop to classic. After another hectic year for Diversity, the brand new ‘Up Close And Personal’ tour will be everything you already love about Diversity but on a more intimate scale.

Live Nation are proud to announce that Britain’s most beloved rockers are embarking on an 11 date tour ‘Accept No Substitute’ this winter throughout November and December . e tour will see the band returning to their fully electric set up after the huge success of the ‘Aquostic, Stripped Bare’ and ‘Aquostic! Live At e Roundhouse’ albums and tour. Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt, Andy Bown, John ‘Rhino’ Edwards and Leon Cave will plug back in and bring their roaring electric live show back to the nation’s venues. Overflowing with hits that are both new and old, taken from that incredible back catalogue, this is a performance not to be missed.

Autumn 2015

lIverpool echo arena

ASAP Rocky & WIz khALIFA

heLLo kITTy LIve

jIMMy cARR (FUNNy BUSINeSS)

19th October 2015

24-25-27th October 2015

14th October 2015

Two of hip-hop’s most formidable talents, A$AP Rocky and Wiz Khalifa, join forces for a co-headline arena tour of the UK this October, which will include a visit to Echo Arena Liverpool. With two No.1 albums on the Billboard charts, A$AP Rocky has firmly cemented himself as one of the most critically acclaimed rappers in the industry. Not only famed for his massive musical talent, he was also recently named one of GQ Magazine’s ’20 Most Stylish Men Alive’. A fantastic opportunity to see two incredible artists on the same bill and tickets are sure to sell out.

Set in modern-day London, Hello Kitty is a young girl who is full of dreams and ambition for her future. However before she can get there, she is faced with a challenge. Luckily Hello Kitty is not alone and with the help of her awesome friends including My Melody, Dear Daniel and Mimmy, she will take on this amazing opportunity that can change her life forever! is is a story of talent, friendship and a passion for creativity with amazing fashion and costumes. Combined with a lively and sparkling soundtrack including songs from Charli XCX, Bruno Mars, and Echosmith, this is a not to missed, distinctive and fashionable show for children, families and fans of all ages!

Live comedy is what Jimmy does best. His stand-up achievements to date include a British Comedy Award for ‘Best Live StandUp Tour’ and a Perrier Award nomination. Jimmy Carr is one of the UK’s most original and distinctive comedians and over 1.5 million people have seen Jimmy perform his ‘Funny Business’ tour which has taken in an incredible 200 dates around the country. On television he has hosted Channel 4’s popular panel show 8 Out Of 10 Cats for the last decade. Not only does he have all this UK success but Jimmy also has a growing reputation as a truly international star, playing to packed houses in Canada, South Africa, Australia and Ireland. Do not miss the chance to see Funny Business and see Jimmy doing what he does best.

hARRy eNFIeLd & PAUL WhITehoUSe - LegeNdS

NIckeLBAck

hoW NoW MRS BRoWN coW

19th November 2015

24-28th November 2015 Evening show starts at 7.30pm prompt Matinee starts at 2pm prompt

Multi-Platinum selling rock band NICKELBACK take on a massive headlining tour this year in support of their eighth full-length studio album ‘No Fixed Address’. e Canadian rockers bring the tour to Liverpool and will be performing at the Echo Arena on the 19th November 2015. With worldwide record sales in excess of 50 million, NICKELBACK are recognised as the second best-selling act in the USA this century highlighting how they have cemented themselves as one of the most commercially successful acts on the planet for over two decades.

e award winning Mrs Brown’s Boys will be returning to the Echo Arena as part of a nationwide tour with their brand new show ‘How Now Mrs Brown Cow’ on the 24th November for a five day run that will include evening and matinee shows. e success of Mrs Brown’s Boys has been nothing short of incredible and has seen the show pick up awards that include National Television awards, TV Choice Awards, BAFTA’S, IFTA and a TV Times award. e show has become a ratings smash across the globe and has broken box oﬃce records here in the UK and also in Australia. Set to be one of the hottest tickets of the year, this is a show that really should not be missed.

6th November 2015

Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse have been working together for 25 years and now for the very first time, they will appear live in a UK tour that promises to revive and revitalise a quarter of a century of classic comedy characters. Loadsamoney, the Old Gits, Smashie and Nicey, Kevin the Teenager, Julio Geordio, e Scousers, e Writer and the Landlady, e Surgeons, to name but a few… Harry and Paul said: "We've created characters together for over a quarter of a century and we're gagging to go on the road to showcase just about everything we've done for the first time live on stage. Why it's taken us so long neither of us knows, so we're enthusiastically getting our act together before we bite the dust."

Autumn 2015

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manchester arena

FALL oUT Boy Friday 9th October 2015

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dISNey oN Ice: WoRLdS oF eNchANTMeNT

MIchAeL McINTyRe – hAPPy & gLoRIoUS

Wednesday 14th – Sunday 18th October 2015

Thursday 29th – Saturday 31st October 2015

Multi-platinum selling band Fall Out Boy are returning to Manchester Arena as part of the American Beauty / American Psycho Album Tour. e tour supports their highly acclaimed sixth studio album of the same name which was released on Monday 19th January. e album features the huge single Centuries which dominated the charts worldwide upon its release and Immortals, from the movie Big Hero 6. American Beauty/American Psycho is the follow up album to the bands goldcertified studio Album Save Rock and Roll. Special guests at the performance will include Professor Green and Matt & Kim.

Enter the sparkling world of Disney magic, live on ice. Rev up for non-stop fun with four of your favourite Disney stories at Manchester Arena. ere will be high speed stunts as Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew of Disney Pixars Cars race across the ice like you’ve never seen before. Dive into a magical experience with Ariel and e Little Mermaid's undersea kingdom. e toys are back in town with reckless action when Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the Toy Story gang escape from the boisterous tots of Sunnyside Daycare and race for home, in their most daring journey ever! Plus, enter the wintery world of Arendelle with Sisters Anna and Elsa and pals Olaf and Kristoﬀ from Disney’s Frozen. Your family's favourite Disney moments come to life as Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment.

Michael’s previous tour ‘Showtime’, was the biggest selling comedy tour in the world in 2012, playing to over 640,000 people including six nights at the Manchester MEN. Since then, he has performed internationally, performing to sold-out arenas all over the world. His show in Johannesburg was the largest ever comedy show in Africa and his Dubai shows won the Time Out Best Night-Out Award. Michael has also released three very successful DVDs. 2008’s Live and Laughing was the biggest selling UK debut stand-up DVD of its time, Hello Wembley, which in 2009 became the most rapidly selling UK stand-up DVD of all time, and 2012’s Showtime, which beat its competitors to the Christmas Number One spot.

50 ceNT

WWe SMAckdoWN

dURAN dURAN

Friday 6th November

Tuesday 10th November 2015

Friday 27th November 2015

e award-winning rapper, entrepreneur, actor and producer will be joined in Manchester by members of his legendary G-Unit collective. 50 Cent is one of hip-hop's bestselling exports and one of the world’s greatest rappers, selling over 30 million albums worldwide. He grew to his high point with his first outstanding label release Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (produced by Eminem and Dr Dre) which hit number one on the Billboard 200, selling 872,000 copies within just four days. He was also the first individual artist with three singles in the Billboard top five in the same week with Candy Shop, Disco Inferno and How We Do. 50 Cent is currently working on his sixth studio album Street King Immortal, which is due out later this year.

WWE SmackDown! also known as ursday Night SmackDown! is a sports entertainment television program that first appeared on August 26, 1999. Before September 1, 2005 the show was broadcasted on ursday nights, then from September 9, 2005 to January 9, 2015, it was broadcast on Friday nights. However the show then returned to ursday nights on January 15, 2015. WWE Smackdown comes to Manchester Arena on Tuesday 10 November. e tickets are now on sale, so don’t miss the chance to purchase them. Fans will be able to see their most admired WWE Superstars and Divas all under one roof, including Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Rusev, Bad News Barrett, Ryback plus many more still to be announced.

British rock legends Duran Duran start the UK leg of their Paper Gods tour at the Manchester Arena in November. e whole band, Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, and Roger Taylor are returning to Manchester after not being back since their All You Need Is Now tour in 2011. ey will be playing tracks from their latest album and classic hits from their back catalogue including Hungry Like e Wolf, Rio and Girls on Film. ‘Paper Gods’ is the band’s 14th studio album since forming in Birmingham in 1978. Duran Duran are one of the most culturally significant and wealthy bands of all time, topping the charts around the world over the past three decades and selling a total of more than 100 million records worldwide.

Autumn 2015

southport theatre

AN INTIMATe eveNINg WITh RUSSeLL WATSoN

SALLy MoRgAN : PSychIc SALLy oN The RoAd

The johNNy cASh RoAdShoW

Tuesday 6th October 2015

Wednesday 21st October 2015

Russel Watson is one of the highest selling classical artistes of all time and his debut album ‘e Voice’ sold more than two million copies worldwide and spent a record breaking 53 weeks at Number 1 in the UK Classical music charts. His visit to Southport eatre is a unique opportunity to hear ‘e Voice’ as you have never heard it before. Russell will be performing an intimate evening with his musical director, a beautiful string quartet and local community choir.

World–renowned psychic and star of the TV’ Psychic Sally on the Road, Sally Morgan returns with her incredible live show. An ordinary women with a phenomenal gift, she believes she has the power to be able to speak to those beyond the grave. roughout her career Sally has built up a major client list to include high profile celebrities. Once a ‘best-kept secret’ she is now known as Britain’s beloved psychic. Now on her seventh year on tour, she continues to amaze the audiences across the UK, sharing messages with fantastic accuracy and validating the presence of spirit. Sally’s contagious fun and down-to-earth personality often leaves audiences in fits of laughter, which brings a refreshing twist to the work of mediums.

A show not to be missed by devoted fans or simply those casual listeners. is year there is a musical adventure traveling around the UK that is here to celebrate the fantastic career and music of the legend himself, Johnny Cash. e UK’s No 1 Tribute for Johnny Cash which is fronted by singer and songwriter Clive John with his Spirit Band, they really do re-enact with astonishing accuracy and they also capture the true essence of what it really was like to go to a real live Cash show. All the greatest hits will be included in the show such as Ring of Fire, Walk the Line as well as the Johnny and June Duets Jackson and If I Were a Carpenter, and many others.

oNe NIghT oF QUeeN

keN dodd

cIRcUS oF hoRRoRS 2015

Thursday 19th November 2015

Saturday 21st November 2015

Wednesday 25th November 2015

If you are feeling Under Pressure to choose a show that you and the Love Of Your Life or Your Best Friend will enjoy then this is A Kind Of Magic!

2014 marked the 60th anniversary of Ken Dodd’s remarkable career around a professional entertainer. He is a comedy legend: an icon and national treasure who has been entertaining audiences for a lifetime of enjoyment and laughter. Come and watch his famous Happiness Show and you’ll be absolutely discumknockerated (that’s Knotty Ash for ‘over the moon’) by a truly tattifelarius (Fun-filled) evening of laughter and songs presented by a comedy genius. Be entertained by a fun-filled variety show for all the family, with non-stop gags and a selection of songs.

e Circus of Horrors remains the only circus act to have reached the Finals of Britain’s Got Talent. Last year saw another first when the show became the first circus act to appear in a West End eatre for 100 years. e Circus of Horrors began at e Glastonbury Festival in 1995 and from then on became an instant hit. ey then started to tour all over the world taking in the likes of Japan, Chile and Argentina. e latest incarnation Welcome to the Carnevil is set in Victorian London in 1899 and the story twists and turns with gruesome murders and breathtaking shock’s – all interwoven with some of the greatest and most oﬀbeat circus acts on earth.

Over the past 9 years One Night Of Queen have had sold out audiences all over the World. Fresh from their second tour of the USA Gary Mullen and 'e Works' return with an impressive live concert featuring unbelievable staging and lighting eﬀects. Tear It Up and Keep Yourself Alive. Have One Vision before Another One Bites e Dust, pick up the phone to book a ticket now, it'll only take a Flash. Break Free and We Will Rock You!

Friday 30th October 2015

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pairs of Tickets to Be Won for Let it Be Live at e Royal Court eatre

In the opening track of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club who is it that they would like to introduce to you? e one and only….. A)

Willy Shears

Billy Shears

Crilly Shears

Lilly Spears

Competition closes 30th September 2015 submit your answer by visiting www.exclusivemagazines.co.uk

Let it Be tells the story of the greatest rock and roll band of all time, e Beatles, in the only way this pop music saga could possibly be told, by way of their legendary songs. Fresh from a critically acclaimed run the show is coming back to its spiritual home, Liverpool, at the Royal Court eatre. To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to the show on either Tuesday 13th or Wednesday 14th October 2015 all you have to do is answer the simple question above. Go to www.exclusive-magazines.co.uk to submit your answer to win a pair of tickets for this incredible show !

Do More - Enjoy More - Live More

What is the Exclusive Card?

Where Can I use my Card?

It is the UK’s only lifestyle card that allows you to do more of the things you enjoy and buy the things you love. From shopping, dining out, hotels and top tourist attractions to professional services, luxury purchases and travelling. Ultimately your card will save you money on everything you spend money on.

At launch there will be hundreds of oﬀers across the North West. We will be adding new oﬀers on a daily basis. Following the North West launch we will launch nationally. Should any of your favourite places not accept the card yet, please let us know and we will do our very best to get them on!

How do I use my card?

Many outlets throughout the area will be selling the card, or you can purchase directly from our website. Our discounted launch price is just £19.95 for a full year. Normal retail price £39.95

Easy. That’s the key, we think it is really important that our card is easy to use. No silly vouchers or code, simply present your card and enjoy a privileged life.

Let us help your business

Become a business partner and benefit from: • Free proactive marketing and PR • Reach new customers • Increase name awareness • Increase client base and profits • Improve profits in quite times with focused offers • Your competition will be involved you should too No Cost – No Contract – No Catch

How do I get mine?

All we ask of you:

• Give us the best offers you can The better the deal, the more you will benefit • Provide us with a short description of your business, images and logo So we can promote you in the best possible light • Ensure all your staff are fully aware of the card and your offers Vital to ensure a high quality and consistent service • Talk to us We work closely with you. You will have your own Partner Consultant ensuring you have the best possible experience and maximise your success

Sell the Exclusive Card

Excellent opportunity to provide an additional income for individuals and businesses: • £5.00 for every card sale made. • Sale completed online or via promo code • Online sales completed on any device in under 5 minutes • Automatic payment made directly to you every week • No stock to hold or purchase, clear proﬁt made with zero risk. Contact us to become and agent or an outlet.

Exclusive Media & PR Ltd, Heritage House, 9b Hoghton Street, Southport Merseyside, PR9 0TE, info@exclusivecard.co.uk www.exclusivecard.co.uk, Tel : 01704 516564

Exclusively for everyone

‘ VERY ’ BIG CATWALK

On the 4th-5th July 2015 the crowds gathered in Liverpool to celebrate the Atlantic 175 weekend, a sensational free event curated by Wayne Hemingway MBE and organised by Liverpool City Council in association with Very.co.uk. e weekend marked the conclusion of the One Magnificent City programme and celebrated transatlantic travel, fashion, food and music. e celebrations began on Saturday 4th of July when there were many events to enjoy against a backdrop of the River Mersey where the Cunard ship Queen Mary 2 stood graceful and imposing. A food festival formed a key part of the celebrations, with stalls offering a vast array of gourmet, artisan and street food. Hot dogs, pizza, homemade cakes, churros, Philadelphia cheese steak and fish & chips were just some of the foods on offer. An atmosphere of excitement prevailed as huge crowds turned out to enjoy the events which included Vintage on the Dock, with offered a host of food and fashion stalls filled with retro clothes for visitors to peruse.

‘Very’

Big Catwalk and Atlantic 175 Celebrations

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Autumn 2015

One of the star attractions of the weekend was the Very Big Catwalk event, when Liverpool attempted to smash the Guinness World Record for ‘most models on a catwalk’. e event was sponsored by fashion giant Very.co.uk and their ambassador Rochelle Humes appeared on the catwalk to mark the illustrious occasion. e previous Guinness World Record for the most models on a catwalk was held by Mexico where 3,083 models took to the catwalk in 2013, and a 40 metre long catwalk had been installed at the pier head in Liverpool for the record attempt.

‘ VERY ’ BIG CATWALK

e Only Way Is Essex star and Very.co.uk ambassador Lauren Pope got the expectant crowds warmed up with a DJ set and I watched the excitement unfold in the press area as models old and young took to the catwalk from all walks of life. Members of the public were able to register for a wristband allowing them to take their turn strutting down the catwalk in front of the huge crowds alongside community groups and representatives from local businesses. It was an unforgettable spectacle as the catwalk played host to everyone from dance troupes to Guide Dogs! Models also showcased an array of stunning fashions from both local and national designers. e crowds were delighted to see veterans of the fashion world Caryn Franklin MBE and Wayne Hemingway MBE, who took to the stage to announce that the Guinness World Record attempt had been successful, with an impressive total of 3,651 models taking to the catwalk on the day. It was a triumph indeed for everybody who took part and renowned DJ Greg Wilson got everyone dancing as he took to the decks to spin a few tunes for the Very Big After-Party. e pioneering DJ set the party oﬀ in style and there was a splendid firework display to mark the end of the festivities as well as the departure of the Queen Mary 2. e atmosphere was tremendous as the first day of events drew to a close and everyone celebrated the successful Guinness World Record attempt and waved goodbye to the iconic ship.

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TOURING

Motorhome Touring

t has been a busy few months both with travelling and also talking with Millenco Ltd a leading supplier of motorhome accessories. As always we have gone to our friends at Enginostics who carry out all our installation work, Badar who owns the company will fit all the Milenco products that we will be testing over the coming months. You can contact Badar at info@enginostics.co.uk for all your motor home installation requirements and electrical problems.

On the travel side we have spent 3 weeks in Norfolk, a county that offers some superb locations to spend a night but surely none can compare to the Old Hall Hotel Caister on Sea who offer in my opinion the best stop over rate I have come across on my many travels. For just £15 a night you can stay on a designated site, electric subject to availability and you get a £10 voucher which is redeemable in the bar or restaurant. I spent 2 nights at the Old Hall, the bar offered a warm and

Former European Boxing Champion Dave Boy Green MBE enjoys an evening at the Jaipur Indian Restaurant Great Yarmouth.

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friendly atmosphere and there was a wide choice of excellent cuisine on oﬀer from Breakfast through Brunch to evening Dinner in the restaurant. e hotel is only licensed for 5 vans so I suggest booking early to avoid disappointment as the secret is now out. www.oldhallhotelcaister.co.uk I can’t finish this feature without giving a special mention to the Jaipur Indian restaurant in Great Yarmouth and especially manager Laki and his team. Indian Cuisine is without question my favourite treat so when I was recommended the Jaipur I couldn't resist. e food was up there with the very best I have eaten and seldom I have met friendlier staﬀ. To cap the night and being a big boxing fan I couldn't believe that sitting next to me was Ex-boxing champion Dave Boy Green who was in the area promoting a charity golf event and visiting amateur boxing clubs. I sat and spoke with Dave for over an hour and it was a fascinating insight into the real world of boxing and Dave who recently received an MBE for his charity work was an absolute gentleman. I have passed Dave's contact details to our golf desk as he has promised to come to the NW to appear in one of the Exclusive golf events later in the year.

Do more of what makes you happy UK’s only lifestyle card Launching Autumn 2015

Our Promise to Business Partners

Our Promise to Cardholders

To raise name awareness of our partners and make them more proﬁtable by increasing client base and sales. No Cost – No Contract – No Catch

To help you get the most out of life by making the things you love to do and the things you love to buy more aﬀordable. For more exciting information see page 139.

Exclusively for Everyone

Exclusive Media & PR Ltd, Heritage House, 9b Hoghton Street, Southport Merseyside, PR9 0TE, Tel : 01704 516564; www.exclusivecard.co.uk