Fine vol v small by Fine Magazine

Arundel ~Jewel in the Downs

2016 VOLUME V Focus on... Food and drink

Autumn / winter staycations

Arundel by Candlelight

In this issue...

30 ARUNDEL BY CANDLELIGHT

36 THE KINDNESS OF COOKING

Read the latest on what to expect from the holiday season’s sparkliest festival.

Fine Editor, Catherine Ross, met one of the brains behind Ruby & Kind, Cranleigh’s own provisions store.

34 GENERATION GOODWOOD

38 PASSAGE TO TASTY

The Goodwood Estate is investing in the next generation of chefs with its innovative Chef Academy.

The Pass at South Lodge has a new head chef. Fine Editor, Catherine Ross, met the new top dog, Ian Swainson.

48 ANNUAL APPLE PRESSING

54 EXPERIENCING THE

What the supermarket don’t want doesn’t mean it isn’t tasty enough to use as the main ingredient for other things such as apple spirits.

52 IN THE DIARY Our roundup of what’s on in Surrey and Sussex this festive season.

4 | fine

NORTHERN LIGHTS

Whether you want to opt for a cruise as there is very little light pollution out on the open waters, or to stay on terra firma, Katrina Smith can help you see the light.

62 TINSEL AND GLASS – CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN LEEDS

The third biggest shopping city in the UK has loads to offer the enthusiastic Christmas shopper. Louise Turner tries it out and tells Fine what she thinks.

40 FINE DINING AT HOME

42 COOKBOOKS FOR CHRISTMAS

Ever fancied the idea of having your own private chef? La Belle Assiette makes that dream a realisty for those special occasion dinners.

Whether you’re planning your own Christmas feast or looking for a gift for the foodie in your life, check out this round up of the latest cook books to hit the shelves.

50 PICTURE POWER

58 STAYCATIONS

Benjamin Rice uses the latest photographic technology to create stunning murals of old stone walls to dress up your internal walls.

At this time of year, what we could all really do with is some R&R. Fine Editor, Catherine Ross, personally road tests a couple of bolt holes.

64 PEUGEOT 308 GTI Fine’s motoring correspondent, Ade Holder, takes the new Peugeot 308GTi for a spin. It’s fair to say, he likes what he’s tried.

74 FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD – AND TAXES If you run your own business, you might be trying to figure out how to reward your staff this Christmas. Luckily, Carolyn Burchell is on hand to explain the potential pitfalls.

BEATING LOW INTEREST RATES WITH BLING With interest rates at rock bottom, diamonds could be the perfect investment. Dominic Sakakini of Sakakini Jewellers offers his industry insight. .

78 BRITANNIA WAIVES THE RULES Worried about when Brexit’s going to bite? Shiraz Rustom from 1215 Chambers offers some legal insight.

In this issue | 5

Gardens designed and landscaped by Jack Dunckley

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

CONSTRUCTION

MAINTENANCE

JACK DUNCKLEY LIMITED KIDDERS LANE HENFIELD WEST SUSSEX Telephone: 01273 494058

Email: design@jackdunckley.com

PLANTS

BN5 9AB

Website: www.jackdunckley.com

A word from the A

editor

utumn. The season of cosy knitwear, box sets on the telly, eating, drinking, making merry and preparing for Christmas. I love it all. It seemed to make sense, therefore, that our food issue should immediately follow harvest time, when we turn our attention to hunting and gathering to prepare us for the long and barren winter ahead. For me, researching this issue has been a real treat. As a food lover, it has been an extraordinary privilege to eat dishes prepared by exceptional chefs. I have also visited a Cranleigh-based business that’s bigging up local food suppliers, reviewed five of the season’s best cookery books and learned how Goodwood is investing in the next generation of chefs. For our travel section this issue, I’ve focussed on staying local and getting cosy, with reviews of Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa in Bagshot and The Capital Hotel in London. In the interests of journalistic integrity, I can safely say I have personally sampled everything we’ve recommended in this issue, from produce direct from Ruby and Kind in Cranleigh to the sumptuous delights of Pennyhill Park and The Capital hotel and Ian Swainson’s fabulous menu at The Pass at South Lodge. It really has been a wonderful couple of months! Which leaves me only to tell you to get

FINE MAGAZINE LTD finemagazine.co.uk 01243 717578

EDITOR Catherine Ross catherine@finemagazine.co.uk

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Philippa French production@finemagazine.co.uk

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

yourselves to Arundel for the Arundel by Candlelight festival. It’s the most Christmassy you can get before the big day. The beautiful lights in the market town, stalls selling hot chocolate and mulled wine, choirs and bands performing carols and songs and scenes from the local pantomime. Put 3 December in your diary and enjoy. Merry Christmas, everyone, and a very happy new year from everyone at Fine. Catherine Ross EDITOR

On the front... Photo supplied by Peter Lincoln of Devotion Photography www.devotionphotography.co.uk. For more information about Arundel by Candlelight, organised by Arundel Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Pegasus Properties, see page 30.

Ade Holder Maxine White Katrina Smith Carolyn Burchell Shiraz Rustom

PHOTOGRAPHY Alan Wright Photography

CIRCULATION distribution@finemagazine.co.uk

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Terry Oliver toliver@finemagazine.co.uk

MANAGING DIRECTOR Matthew Wheeler mwheeler@finemagazine.co.uk

The views and opinions expressed in the articles herein are those of the authors concerned and are not endorsed by the publisher. Whilst every care has been taken during the production process, the publisher does not accept any liability for errors that may have occurred or for the views expressed. Fine Sussex & Surrey 2016 Volume V This publication is protected by copyright. ©2016 Printed in the UK by Foundry Press

A word from the editor | 7

Semi-rural Storrington, West Sussex

Enjoying panoramic views over Naonal Trust ﬁelds to the South Downs

Price Guide £1,100,000

Beaufully presented 10 year-old Scandia-Hus home. Tradional farmhouse design with light, neutral décor. Impressive 3,320 sq  (309.6 sq m) accommodaon over 3 levels, designed for maximum light and space

St Joseph’s Abbey, Greyfriars Lane, Storrington

Unique and very praccal 3,000 sq  4-ﬂoor home in this historic Abbey conversion Beaufully presented, with natural light entering through stone-mullioned windows

Price on Applicaon

Just 5 minutes from the village, a pleasant stroll from the South Downs at the top of the lane. With its own secret garden in addion to 5 acre communal parkland grounds & residents’ tennis court. A 20 x10 garage with lo storage is included. 4 main bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 suites) | Imposing own hall & entrance | Elegant drawing room | Formal dining room | Study (carpets an opon to living, dining room & study) | Full appliance-fied kitchen | Breakfast room opening to garden | Semi-basement with TV room and occasional bedroom 5 | Feature staircase | Top floor ideal as an “apartment suite” for home office, guest suite or university age offspring | Gas CH | Walled secret garden not applicable (Listed4LA Building) | 12 Church Street, Storrington, West| EPC Sussex RH20

01903 74 12 12

e: property@clarkeandcharlesworth.com

Clarke & Charlesworth Independent Estate Agents

01903 74 12 12

e: property@clarkeandcharlesworth.com

www.clarkeandcharlesworth.com

Village & Country Homes in West Sussex

Storrington, West Sussex

A 3/4 bed contemporary chalet home with a beauful interior & mature gardens

Guide price £550,000

Versale 1,700 sq  transformed “contemporary coage” interior | Refurbished with quality & flair | 2 refied bath/shower rooms | 1st floor main bedroom & luxury ES bathroom | Superb 21 x 14 sing room with peaceful garden view and woodburner | All-year conservatory dining room | Breakfast & family dining room opening onto rear terrace | Fine refied kitchen in classic cream | Entrance hall & luxury cloakroom | Light, neutral tones and quality floor finishes | A+ double glazing & extra insulaon | Ideal quality downsizing home close to country walks | Secure gated parking with 22’ garage & workshop/store | Lovely sunny gardens on 3 sides with a wealth of shrubs and enjoying high natural privacy | EPC D 59 |

Rural Coolham, West Sussex

Charming 1999-built Poon Heritage detached house with country views

Price on Applicaon

12 Church Street, Storrington, West Sussex RH20 4LA

01903 74 12 12

www.@clarkeandcharlesworth.com

Wineham, West Sussex A charming and beautifully presented Grade II listed country house set in landscaped gardens and with fine southerly views to the South Downs. In all about 1.6 acres.

Guide Price ÂŁ1,895,000 Freehold 6 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms Superb Vaulted Kitchen/Family Room 2 Reception Rooms and study area Garaging with office above

Horsham Sales 01403 342101 horsham@hamptons-int.com

Landscaped gardens with pond

Sales . Lettings . Land . New Homes . International . Property Finance . Auctions . Sales . Lettings . New Homes . Property Finance . Auctions . Sales . Lettings . Land . New Homes . Property Finance . Auctions . Conveyancing . Sales . Lettings Land . New Homes . International . Property Finance . Conveyancing . Sales . Lettings . Land . New Homes . International

Hookwood, Surrey A charming 16th Century Grade II Listed house, refurbished to the very highest standard with indoor swimming pool complex and fabulous detached garden house/annexe with additional accommodation, set in stunning grounds of about 9.8 acres.

Guide Price ÂŁ1,500,000 Four Bedrooms Detached Two Bedroom Garden House Indoor Swimming Pool & Gym Outbuildings

Dorking & Reigate Sales 01306 519417 dorking@hamptons-int.com

Garage

facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Albourne, West Sussex

A substantial period property, on the edge of the village of Albourne, with swimming pool and south facing rear garden. Haywards Heath 9 miles Brighton 10 miles Horsham 13 miles London 45 miles

Guide price Guide price £1,475,000

Edward Jackson Horsham Office

Paula Moore Horsham Office

01403 886 877

facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Thakeham, West Sussex

An historic Grade I listed house with arcadian views over the South Downs. Brighton 10 miles Horsham 14 miles Gatwick 29 miles London 55 miles

Guide price Guide Price ÂŁ6,000,000

Ken Roberts Horsham Office

Nicola Craddock Country Department

01403 886 877

020 7318 5187

Jackson-Stops

jackson-stops.co.uk

& Staff

Patching, West Sussex An individual detached family home set in a plot of approx. ¼ of an acre, located in the lovely village of Patching, within the beautiful South Downs National Park • Entrance Hall • Cloakroom • Sitting Room • Dining Room • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Utility Room • Master Bedroom with En-suite • 4 Further double Bedrooms • Family Bathroom • Partially walled gardens • Detached Double Garage • Parking for several vehicles

Guide Price £835,000

EPC rating E

Arundel 01903 885 886 arundel@jackson-stops.co.uk

Holmbury St Mary, Surrey Reception hall • cloakroom • magnificent main reception room with vaulted ceiling • study/sitting room • kitchen/breakfast room • utility room • master bedroom with his and hers dressing rooms • twin bathroom/shower rooms • 3 further bedrooms – all with en-suites • double garage • second utility room • sauna • bedroom/studio above with shower room • outstanding landscaped grounds • in all • about 2 acres.

Guide Price £2,500,000

EPC rating F

People Property Places Offices in London & across the country

Dorking 01306 887560 dorking@jackson-stops.co.uk

NOW SELLING OFF PLAN Introducing a collection of 16, beautifully designed contemporary apartments within the centre of Chichester.

Visit the marketing suite within the Novium Museum Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm

chichester@jackson-stops.co.uk

01243 786316

sales@vanderbilthomes.co.uk

01243 781682

Jackson-Stops

jackson-stops.co.uk

& Staff

Eagle Brewery Yard Arundel old town

Eagle Brewery Yard is an exciting and exclusive gated residential development of 13 houses and apartments located in the heart of Arundel old town.

The properties will be beautifully finished to a very high specification and comprise a mixture of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom dwellings, some being conversions of existing brewery buildings and some new build, all with the benefit of private allocated parking.

This picturesque market town is situated on the banks of the River Arun and located at the foot of the South Downs National Park. It’s history shows traces of early Roman development, however it mainly developed as a Saxon town referred to in the Domesday Book in 1086, by which time Arundel had become a flourishing market town and port. The town has a wealth of artisan shops, bistros, cafes and restaurants as well as the Castle, home to the Duke of Norfolk which dates from the end of the 11th century and the Catholic Cathedral, regarded as one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the country.

With the majority of the properties already reserved, those still available include a mid terrace 3/4 bedroom townhouse with rear courtyard garden at £595,000, end of terrace 3/4 bedroom townhouse with rear courtyard garden at £615,000, 3 bedroom ground floor apartment with small private courtyard at £575,000, 2 bedroom first floor apartment at £575,000, a 2 bedroom maisonette at £475,000 and a 3/4 bedroom detached house at £735,000, benefiting from its own generous gated parking area to the front and fantastic sunny walled rear courtyard garden.

The development has good transport links to the A27 and is located within half a mile of Arundel’s mainline station with services to Brighton and London Victoria, via Gatwick.

People Property Places Offices in London & across the country

The development is scheduled to be completed before Christmas 2016. Please contact Jackson-Stops & Staff on 01903 885886 for further details or to arrange a site visit.

Prices from £475,000 to £735,000

Arundel

01903 885 886 arundel@jackson-stops.co.uk

Exceptional

in every sense

AZURE, Marine Drive, Rottingdean

CIELO, Withdean Road, Brighton

Seaside Apartment Living at its Finest

A Visionary Concept in Brighton

There are some apartments which surpass all expectations, and Azure in the Sussex village of Rottingdean delivers a true ‘Wow!’ factor. Set upon the clifftops of one of the South Coast’s most quintessentially traditional seaside villages, this boutique development of just nine apartments offers breath-taking panoramic sea views along the coast towards Brighton.

Cielo is the perfect choice for buyers who want the ultimate designer home. Designed with flair and passion by legendary architects John Pardey Partnership - one of Britain’s top residential design practices - Cielo fuses the best influences from modern European and Californian architecture. Created by boutique developers Baobab, the result is a sensational work of architectural art where every element has been chosen with utmost care, and the palette of natural autumnal colours offers a beautiful harmony with the landscape.

Created by Generator Group, Azure delivers a true seascape vista, and it is a wonder to watch from the expansive balconies as the skies turn deep crimson, orange and even lilac and turquoise as the autumn sun sinks below the horizon. This magical location is only a short drive or bus ride to the vibrancy and energy of Brighton city centre. There are just two spacious apartments still available, one on each of the top two floors, and each offers an exceptional specification, a south-facing balcony, secure underground parking and cycle storage. There is a choice of two or three bedrooms. Rottingdean village has been a magnet for artists and intellectuals and boasts a well-informed population. There are numerous societies social and sports activities on the doorstep, and the South Downs National Park is just a short walk away. Both apartments at Azure are ready now, and prices start at £850,000 to include underground parking. Call joint agents Mishon Mackay New Homes 01273 829300 or David Webb Residential 01273 300525, or email newhomes@mishonmackay.com for your appointment to view.

Flowing, visionary concepts of space are in harmony with the adventurous choice of materials. The ceiling heights, the subtly glowing grey internal bricks, the warm timbers - all this combines the warmth and natural beauty of the Sussex landscape with the boldness of the Californian avant garde. With 4680 Sq ft of gloriously planned internal space over three floors, Cielo has five double bedrooms, five bathrooms, a double garage, cinema room and exceptional specification. The true Wow factor as you step into the magnificent open plan living space is almost overwhelming. With glass walls giving a superb woodland and copse view across the Withdean Valley, and a ‘Winter Garden’ roof terrace, giving an ever-changing, timber framed view, this space must rank as one of the finest in the city. Cielo is set on Brighton’s popular Withdean Road, in a longestablished residential area of the city known for its secluded family homes and villas, its leafy avenues, trees and attractive woodland areas. Cielo forms one of a group of just three exceptional new homes, and is the last available. The price is £2,250,000 and for more information contact Mishon Mackay New Homes 01273 829300 or email newhomes@mishonmackay.com

Property | 19

MARINE DRIVE - ROTTINGDEAN

S t u n n i n g pa n o r a m i c S e a v i e w S Two Superb Luxury Apartments - Quintessential Sussex Seaside Village Setting Just Three Miles From Brighton contemporary Designer Specification – Superb Spacious Layouts intelligent wiring tv/av System - South Facing Balconies & Secure parking

2 & 3 BedrooMS FroM £850,000

www.azurerottingdean.co.uk To book your viewing call: A DEVELOPMENT BY:

01273 300 525 01273 829 300

Chesworths Estate Agents 26 North Street, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1RQ    

01403 255420 www.chesworthsestates.co.uk facebook.com/chesworths twitter.com/chesworthsestates

West Hoathley, West Sussex

ÂŁ1,100,000 Guide Price

4 Bedrooms

Multiple Parking

4 Living rooms

A beautifully presented four bedroom detached chalet style bungalow with double garage and heated swimming pool set within a private estate. The property boasts 1 acre of land, more than 2,700 sq ft and further use of communal grounds.

5 Bathrooms

Detached

EPC Rating: D

A treasure

trove for your elegant home Nestled in the heart of Arundel, in the shadow of the South Downs, lies a haven for style-seekers on the hunt for stunning decorative stimulus.

family run business, Antiquities has been beguiling their worldwide clientele for over twenty-five years—from trade buyers and designers to private clients and tastemakers. Every last customer is drawn to the shop’s uncluttered and inspirational stock; encompassing both period and modern furniture, alongside lighting and accessories. Antiquities know that the present must exist alongside the past, especially when you’re catering to the demands of decorative living. That’s why they curate their inventory with the utmost care, ensuring a complimentary aesthetic, regardless of whether the item is contemporary or antique.

24 | fine

Making this gem on the south coast a must stop destination for those ‘in the know’.

Antiquities take immense pride in looking for these treasures. Which is why they scour every auction, market, dealer and private collection across the UK and Europe—personally selecting every object in their showroom. The result is a subtle eclecticism, ranging from period dining tables, armoires and buffets to mirrors, garden statuary, chandeliers and much, much more. Life moves pretty fast, which means the stock can change completely from one week to the next. But disappointment is a dirty word at Antiquities, and that’s why they operate a finder’s service, sourcing incredible one-offs on request— indeed, if there is an interior lacking decorative grace, you can be sure they’re ready to track down the ideal item for you. It’s for all these reasons that Antiquities is respected internationally as one of the finest antique shops in the UK. Their effortless blend of refined elegance, industrial chic, country charm and daring old world glamour, making this gem on the south coast as a must stop destination for those ‘in the know’. 5 Tarrant Street. Arundel. 01903 884355 www.antiquitiesarundel.com

Favourite things | 25

Arundel

by candlelight

A rich heritage, lovely antiques shops and a lively cultural buzz make this an alluring getaway...

ARUNDEL MUSEUM During December and January Arundel Museum is packed with activities and fun for adults and children of all ages. In addition, Santa will be in his grotto at the Museum every weekend from the 3rd December to the 18th December. Don't miss him! Arundel Museum, Mill Road, Arundel West Sussex BN18 9PA www.arundelmuseum.org

WEST SUSSEX CLASSIC WEDDING CARS Chauffeur Driven Vintage and Classic Cars for Events, Film, TV, Special Occasions, Weddings and Personalised Tours. Rolls Royce, Bentley, Mercedes, Riley, Triumph. Very Stylish Transport, Very High Customer Satisfaction. We love Unique Requests. Please Contact Us to arrange a viewing appointment. Phone 01243-814112 or Mobile 07765-770149 www.westsussexclassicweddingcars.co.uk

ZIMMER STEWART GALLERY Zimmer Stewart Gallery have been exhibiting contemporary art in Arundel for over 13 years. Work on show consists of paintings, prints, ceramics and sculpture by both emerging and established artists. So if you are thinking of starting or adding to your collection, there is no better place to start. See their website for full details of all artists and available works, as well as a host or other useful articles including their “Art Buyers Guide”. 29 Tarrant Street, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9DG Tel: 01903 882063 • Web: www.zimmerstewart.co.uk

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SARAH-LOUISE TEXTILE & HABERDASHERY SHOP We are a small local business supplying keen quilters, knitters, dressmakers and crafters in the area. Our shop stocks a wide range of fabrics including designers: Michael Miller, Riley Blake and individual designs by Sarah-Louise. For the knitters, there is an extensive range of wools plus ribbons and haberdashery products. In addition we offer an alteration service. Unit 11, The Old Printworks Arcade, Tarrant Street, Arundel, BN18 9JH Tel: 01903 882295 Web: www.sarah-louisedesigns.com Email: sarah-louisedesigns@outlook.com

FESTIVE SWIMMING AT ARUNDEL LIDO Make a quick dip in our heated pool part of your festive tradition. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve, New Years Day 10:00am-1:00pm Cost: £5 per adult, £2.50 Under 16, FREE for over 80’s/Under 5s No booking needed, just turn up! Contact us for more information email: manager@arundel-lido.com phone: 01903 884772 Follow us on Facebook: ArundelLido Twitter: @ArundelLido Website : www.arundel-lido.com

Arundel by Candlelight, one of the major Christmas events in the south of England, is on Saturday 3rd December

JENNINGS FINANCIAL PLANNING Financial Adviser practice in Arundel High Street, helping people and businesses with face to face advice based upon a thorough understanding of our client's circumstances. Advice given in several areas, including savings & investments, pensions & inheritance tax. Please call 01903 883388 for a no cost meeting. 39 High St, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9AG

SWAN HOTEL A Grade Two listed building in the heart of Arundel, The Swan Hotel is a traditional country pub with 14 boutique rooms, offering those who are staying or passing a warm relaxing surrounding to enjoy fine food, great ales and delicious cocktails. The Swan Hotel provides the perfect background for everything from small family catch ups to birthday parties and even weddings. Why not try us this January and February with 15% of your bill when you quote Fine Magazine. The Swan Hotel, 27-29 High Street, Arundel BN18 9AG 01903 882 314 | www.swanarundel.co.uk/

Arundel | 27

THE PARSONS TABLE At the heart of The Parsons Table lies an utter dedication to local and seasonal ingredients, relaxed informal dining and impeccable service. The restaurant reflects the immense experience of Lee’s journey as a Chef and the influence of the leading professionals he has worked with, enabling him to showcase the best in traditional techniques and add his own flair for contemporary takes on truly classical cooking. 2 & 8 Castle Mews, Tarrant Street Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9DG 01903 883477• 07711 868897 www.theparsonstable.co.uk

DECOGRAPHIC COLLECTORS' GALLERY We specialise in vintage radios, gramophones, records and toys from 1880 to 1980. Established 22 years, we have a wide range of vinyl and 78 rpm records, and offer servicing of equipment, digital transfer and consultancy. Nineveh House Antiques Centre, Tarrant Street, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9DG Mobile: 07799 488 794 • Tel: 01243 787391 • info@decographic.co.uk • www.decographic.co.uk

ARUNDEL HOUSE RESTAURANT Our charming 19th century townhouse, with a typical English feel offers a perfect sanctuary for those looking for something a little more special. Crisp white linen, candelight, cushion seating make this a faboulous, relaxed comfortable restaurant. Using only the best local ingredients our chefs offer the best of British food. Please call 01903 882 136 www.arundelhousewestsussex.com 11 High Street, Arundel BN18 9AD

FANNY ADAMS BOUTIQUE Fanny Adams is a unique Boutique in Arundel selling a fantastic range of unusual, interesting and affordable clothing that seems to appeal to everyone! Our stock is continually refreshed with new styles every week so there is always something new to see. We also sell shoes & Boots, fabulous handbags, jewellery, millions of different scarves and much more. Open 7 days a week from 10am. Find us on Facebook as 'Fanny Adams Boutique' or call us on 01903 883083 for more info. 1 Castle Mews, Tarrant St, Arundel.

28 | fine

A unique relationship that brings organic meat from our field to your table.

Goodwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new restaurant and bar, yards from Home Farm opens 24 November.

GOODWOOD ESTATE, CHICHESTER, PO18 0QB. 01243 755070. GOODWOOD.COM

Arundel

at Christmas

ÂŠ www.devotionphotography.co.uk

For the ultimate festive field trip in the area, look no further than Arundel by Candlelight. This annual event has been delighting Christmas lovers for years and just keeps getting better.

30 | fine

rundel is one of the prettiest towns around all through the year, but at Christmas, the historic market town really comes into its own. Christmas concerts in the iconic cathedral, carols in the town square, fairground rides, Father Christmas, pantomime excerpts and market stalls combine in the shadow of Arundel Castle to create a truly festive atmosphere. © Beatrice Holland

Now in its 14th year, this year’s festival, on Saturday 3 December, promises to be the best yet and sees the return of the beautiful lantern procession, which lights up the centre of town. The Norfolk Arms Hotel will host lantern making workshops for children from 12:30-3:30pm. Arundel by Candlelight, organised by the Arundel Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Pegasus Properties, creates a special sort of magic throughout the town and delivers the perfect warm up to the Christmas season. This year’s event will showcase a wonderful range of handpicked independent stall-holders, selling unique ranges of clothing, jewellery and seasonal gifts. The seasonal treats on offer also include roast chestnuts, mulled wine and hog roasts, all in addition to Arundel’s amazing range of independent shops, art galleries, great restaurants, pubs and cafes.

A procession led by three churches, Local choirs, and The Chichester Young Farmers with their animals will open the event at 12 noon followed at 12.15 by the Church led Carol service. MP for Arundel and South Downs, Rt Hon Nick Herbert will be lighting the Christmas tree at 4:45 and Father Christmas will be spreading his own special magic at Arundel Museum in Mill Road from 12:00-7:00pm. The Chichester Young Farmers Club will recreate a ‘Live Nativity’ scene with costumes and a parade through the town at 12 noon to their final static destination next to the Museum, raising money for their chosen charity. Crown Yard will feature vintage Victorian fairground rides from Hortons Steam Fair, including a Big Wheel and helter skelter.

So to kick off your Christmas season in serious style, head to Arundel on 3 December for some charming Christmas cheer.

Arundel | 31

Courtesy of Richard Wickenden - Arundel Framing Workshop

A Jewel in

The Crown

Nestled in the vale of the South Downs lies Arundel, a market town with a thousand years of heritage on its streets, a wealth of country pursuits on its doorstep and a vibrant, modern approach to life at its heart.

32 | fine

ÂŠ www.devotionphotography.co.uk

Arundel is more than meets the eye and will have you coming back time and time again to rediscover its magic.

tand on the crenellated turrets of the medieval castle that overlooks the high street, and you would witness the many changes Arundel has undergone; from civil war and royal visits to the thousands of tourists and visitors who now flock into the town every year.

ÂŠ Festive Illuminations

They come for a taste of Arundel's rich pageantry and contemporary delights; from fantastic attractions like the castle and cathedral to the proudly independent shops, galleries, restaurants and cafesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;not to mention a host of charming inns and taverns. Beyond these delights, Arundel is a gateway to a world of leisure pursuits. Whether you want to walk across the South Downs, cycle along the highways and byways or take a canoe along the River Arun. These things and more mark Arundel out as a thriving and diverse town, which feels the world away from city life, but lies on the doorstep of London. Of course, that's not to mention the growing calendar of events which run throughout the year, drawing people from all walks of life and catering to every taste. For the gourmand there is the food festival and regular farmer's markets; August brings arts and entertainment to the town with the acclaimed Arundel Festival; while Arundel by Candlelight brings a little bit of pre-Christmas magic for all the family as the town comes alive with the spirit of the season. For more information on dates for all these events, you can check out comprehensive listings on www.visitarundel.co.uk

Courtesy of Richard Wickenden - Arundel Framing Workshop Festive Illuminations or Visit Arundelw

Arundel | 33

Generation

Goodwood

With its range of dining venues, its own organic farm and onsite butchery, Goodwood makes a real investment in its food. Now, it is also investing in the next generation of chefs with the Goodwood Chef Academy. Fine Editor, Catherine Ross, met with Henry MacAskill, the estate’s Head of Procurement and Training, to find out more.

It’s really key, as a chef, to know where food is coming from and it makes me appreciate the food I cook even more

hether you’re dining in the Kennels, the Bar and Grill, the Aero Club Café or one of Goodwood’s other eateries, you’re bound to notice that high quality and attention to detail are always the order of the day. A large part of the estate is made up by Home Farm, the UKs largest lowland organic farm. It is from the farm that the estate kitchens, working with the in house butchery, source their meat and dairy products. This farm to fork philosophy runs through Goodwood’s entire food offer.

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It’s no surprise, then, that Goodwood is also investing in home grown talent. Working in partnership with Chichester College, the Goodwood Chef Academy is now in its third year. Each year, the estate recruits one promising young chef who has completed their first year at catering college and provides a paid training place. For the first year, the budding chef learns about the origins of the food they use with eight weeks on the Home Farm. The first week is spent milking the cows. The 5am starts would be enough to put off all but the most determined and ambitious young apprentices.

Henry MacAskill, Head of Procurement at Goodwood, is the driving force behind the chef academy. “Goodwood has a strong reputation in the food community, which helps us attract the highest quality staff for our kitchens, but the chef academy is really all about giving something back. We want to instil in these young chefs a real sense of the value of the ingredients they use. “After their first week milking the cows, they also spend time learning about bottling and low temperature pasteurising for milk, and cheese making. Then they spend a week each with the pigman, shepherd and cattleman to learn about good livestock husbandry before spending the last two weeks of their first rotation in the butchery. It can be a bit of a baptism by fire, but really gives these budding chefs an appreciation of the ingredients.” Following their time on the farm, each recruit is put through their paces in each of the Goodwood kitchens, learning the difference and similarities between cooking for a fine dining restaurant and feeding the masses at large scale events. Goodwood currently has a first and second year trainee in place and one graduate from the academy, who is now working in a Goodwood kitchen. Sam Green is one of the trainees. Why did you apply for the Goodwood Chef Academy? He applied because he knew that working for Goodwood would be an amazing learning experience and would help him gain the skills he needs to meet his own career goal of travelling. Sam said: “The most surprising part of my trainee-ship so far is working at Goodwood House kitchen and seeing how the chefs prepare for large events and different weddings. On occasion we have to prepare food for over 1,000 people.” He also says that his time on the farm has helped him appreciate food more: “It’s made me think more about what I eat and just appreciate the work load that goes into caring for the animals. It is also a joy to cook food that you have taken part in raising. It’s really key, as a chef, to know where food is coming from and it makes me appreciate the food I cook even more.” So would Sam recommend the Goodwood Chef Academy to other trainee chefs? “Definitely, it’s an incredible experience and is well worth the time and effort you put in to complete this academy programme.”

Food | 35

The Kindness of cooking If you grow up as the elder sibling among 13, responsible for family meals each day, there’s a good chance you’re going to end up into the food industry. That’s exactly how Jody Gillet ended up where he is today, at the helm of the Original Supper Box Company and provisions store, Ruby and Kind, alongside brother Graeme and their friend, Danny. Fine editor, Catherine Ross, took a trip to Cranleigh to find out more about the venture.

estled on Cranleigh high street, right next to The Richard Onslow pub, lies one of the village’s oldest shops. Known locally as “the camera shop”, the building that now houses Ruby and Kind is easy to miss if you don’t know what you are looking for, but if you’ve been once, you’ll be back again. Jody Gillet, co-mastermind behind the Original Supper Box Company and its sister business, Ruby and Kind, speaks proudly of the shops refit. “We workedclosely with the landlord. They really understood what we wanted to do with the business and how it would benefit the local community. When we

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took on the premises, being from a big family really came into its own, it was time for my siblings to pay us back for all those meals we cooked over the years. It was all hands on deck. We built the shopfittings ourselves from old pallets and kept costs as low as possible”. In fact, the shop used to be a provisions store, so it lends itself well to its current incarnation. The shelves are stocked with a wealth of local products, from locally grown fruit and vegetables to locally brewed beer and cider, cakes and brownies, cheeses and coffee, among other things. Jody knows the stories behind every brand on the shelves

and, in several cases, has helped these small businesses launch and grow their customer base. “The ‘Kind’ in Ruby and Kind describes our values. As a company, we really believe in supporting our fellow businesses and using the influence we have for good. As a result, we work with some cracking suppliers. Debbie, who makes the jams and marmalades, for example. She makes all her products herself using ingredients she has grown in her garden and they’re always amazing. The only downside is that she’s only able to make limited stock of each product, so when it’s gone, it’s gone.”

Through this approach, Jody and Graeme have provided introductions to national food distributors for some of their suppliers and Ruby and Kind is fast establishing itself as an incubator for new food and drink companies in Surrey and Sussex. In line with the company’s philosophy, Jody and Graeme also made a conscious decision to avoid competing with other independent food businesses on Cranleigh high street. The village already has its own butcher, baker and fishmonger, so customers won’t find fresh meat or fish in Ruby and Kind’s fridges and the store only stocks artisan breads. But Ruby and Kind was far from the family’s first venture. In 2013, they launched the Original Supper Box Company, one of the first of the recipe box companies. Customers can choose their recipes and receive all the ingredients for each dish delivered to their door. The idea won the Business Matters Business Innovation award in 2013. Jody is responsible for recipe development. “I started working in commercial kitchens as a pot washer when I was 14 and by 16 was a chef. From there I ran my own pub kitchen then went on to become the catering manager for 50 schools in south London and another 40 in Brighton. Food is where I’m at home. “With the Original Supper Box Company, we wanted to help people get past the difficult and boring bit associated with cooking great food; deciding what to cook and shopping for ingredients, and get straight to the fun, creative, rewarding stage.” Just three years on, the Original Supper Box Company delivers 1,200 recipe kits each week. “We are constantly innovating and developing new recipes, so our customers never have a chance to get bored, but we also guarantee we’ll never tie customers in to long term subscriptions. One of the reasons it works so well is that it can be as flexible as it needs to be to suit our customers.” Jody and Graeme have grand plans for the future for their businesses. With their generous attitude and commitment to kindness, it’s definitely a company that’s going places.

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Pass-age to Tasty It was Matt Gillan, former head chef at The Pass at South Lodge, who really put the restaurant on the map. New head chef, Ian Swainson, wants to build on The Passâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; success and has an impressive CV. Catherine Ross caught up with Ian to find out whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in store for food lovers.

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an Swainson joined South Lodge in April. He left his award winning, Michelin starred restaurant in the Lake District to take on, arguably, Sussex’s best known kitchen. Before that, Ian’s culinary credits include L’Ortolan in Reading, Seaham Hall in County Durham, Le Becasse in Ludlow and Chewton Glen in Hampshire. After 15 years in professional kitchens, Ian has settled at The Pass at South Lodge to share his gastronomic gift with the south east. The Pass was put on the world stage by your predecessor, how do you plan to build on that success while making it your own? Matt did an exceptional job growing The Pass from its beginning and that really comes through not only from our regular guests but also from the team at South Lodge. I now want to build on that fantastic reputation and take The Pass into a new era. Whilst we have already made significant menu changes diners should watch closely for more changes coming very soon. What should diners expect from a meal at The Pass these days?

In essence our job is to create a story for the guest.

In essence our job is to create a story for the guest. The main narrative is of course what’s on the plate in front of them and each dish has a title. However the dining experience also has a narrator as each course is introduced by a member of the brigade with the reasons behind the dish title. Of course aside from that guests should expect great hospitality lead by our Restaurant Manager Tommaso de Cristofaro. Do you have any plans for TV stardom/ book publishing/ your own range of sauces or are you focused on the food you’re producing in the restaurant? At the moment the main focus for me is The Pass and ensuring that we’re living

up to the very well-earned reputation for outstanding food a seamless service. But, never say never. What’s your favourite meal of the day and why? For me dinner as this is the meal in a day that can be an occasion and the experience of going to a new restaurant, experiences sometimes new dishes and sometimes new interpretations of classics is what life is about. There can be something romantic about dinner which arguably you can’t create at lunch or breakfast, even if it is served in bed! What themes are most consistent in your cooking? Big flavours! I want to create dishes where flavours aren’t usurped so that the diner gets a full experience. Aside from that colour – colour is my life and my aim is to create something of beauty and intrigue on the plate If you could cook for anyone, living or dead, who would you want to cook for? My Grandmother. Sadly she has passed away now but I’ve never had a critic like that and I know she would put me through my paces. And who would you want to have cook for you? Ferran Adrià. I know my opinion is shared that he is a living legend of cookery and like many others I look to him for inspiration time and time again.

Diners can enjoy Ian’s surrealist art inspired menu at The Pass at South Lodge from noon to 1:30 for lunch Wednesday to Saturday and 12:30-1:30 on Sundays and 7:00-8:30 for dinner Wednesday to Sunday.

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Fine dining

at home

Cooking can be a joy, cooking for beloved friends and family even more so, but sometimes, even the most willing of home cooks deserves a night off. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where La Belle Assiette comes in. Pairing people with local chefs for professionally catered dinner parties. Fine Editor, Catherine Ross, hosted a La Belle Assiette dinner party in the name of research.

e love having dinner guests. As parents of young children, eating at home eliminates the need for babysitters and avoids the rush of the closing time bell. But cooking, cleaning up and finding time to get dressed for dinner, while trying to wrangle said small children into their beds early, so dinner isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t interrupted, is a timetabling challenge for even the most organised host.

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A chef-cooked meal at home has significant appeal. Out goes the shopping, chopping, wiping, washing and cooking and all that is replaced with sitting back and enjoying the company of friends along with some truly excellent food. La Belle Assiette paired me with Christopher Bailey; a Brighton based chef who won a coveted Michelin star when he ran his own restaurant in Winchester. Chris phoned me a week before the dinner to discuss

our menu preferences and dietary requirements before sending over a four course menu for approval. On the day of the dinner, Chris arrived two hours before dinner with everything he needed to cook an exquisite meal. He even brought his own plates to serve it all on. While he got on with the prepping, I was able to set the table and even find time to get changed and open the wine. Instead of greeting my guests at the door still in my pinny and dashing straight back to the stove to tend to the food, I was able to welcome my guests with a glass of fizz and then sit down with them to enjoy our evening. From that point on, all was perfection. Chris’s menu included a pre-starter of beetroot and goats chees, then octopus carpacchio with charred cucumber and crispy whitebait followed by local turbot served with shrimp and cauliflower. It provided the gastronomic pleasure associated with dinner in an excellent restaurant. The Pistachio torte with rose petal syrup, gelato and condensed milk finished off the meal perfectly, leaving us all satiated, but not stuffed. Chris’s presence in the kitchen was unobtrusive – no Gordon Ramsayesque cheffy histrionics, just calm, methodical food service. At the end of the meal, Chris cleared away every last crumb, leaving the kitchen (arguably) cleaner than when he had arrived and off he rode, into the night, leaving us to enjoy nightcaps and cheese at a leisurely pace that’s difficult to enjoy when waiting staff are setting restaurant tables for breakfast and turning up the lights in an unsubtle bid to encourage diners to go home. La Belle Assiette offers a range of menu options to suit all occasions. Visit www.labelleassiette.co.uk for more information and to book. La Belle Assiette offers a range of menu options to suit all occasions. Visit www.labelleassiette.co.uk for more information and to book.

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Cookbooks for Christmas

Whether you’re planning on cooking up a storm at home this Christmas or looking for the perfect gift for the foodie in your life, the cookery book section in your local bookshop offers a treasure trove of culinary delights. Fine editor, Catherine Ross has read and reviewed a selection for your dining pleasure.

or inspiration and ideas about what to cook, there’s no better resource than a good cookbook. Some of mine have become so well used they are almost like good friends; reliable, supportive, knowledgeable and challenging in equal measure. Delia’s Complete Cookery Course, Jamie’s Ministry of Food, these are books I go back to time and again for my favourite recipes. I’d never make a Christmas cake other than Delia’s (what’s the point, it’s perfect). If I have leftover veg and want to turn it into a soup, Jamie Oliver is my man. That said, it doesn’t feel like I’m being unfaithful to look elsewhere for new inspiration and ideas. It’s often said that families rely on the same half dozen recipes week in, week out, which seems a shame when the ingredients on offer lend themselves to a much more varied palette. Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Cookbook Jamie’s recipes are always reliable, easy to follow and (usually) use the kinds of ingredients and equipment most half decent home cooks can put their hands on. I also love that he always includes photos of every dish, so you know what the finished product should look like. In his Christmas Cookbook, Jamie has rounded up a stunning collection of festive recipes to suit all Christmas occasions. For Christmas day, The Main Event section includes recipes for roast turkey, goose, beef, duck and chicken as well as less common, but equally delicious alternatives, including porchetta, turkey wellington and roast venison. Other sections include Edible Gifts (try the homemade hot chocolate), Canapes, Gravy, Sauces and all the Trimmings and what to do with leftovers.

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Gizzi’s Season’s Eatings, Gizzi Erskine Gizzi Erskine takes a longer approach to the holidays in her seasonal offering, with recipe inspiration from Halloween through to New Year. In her introduction, Erskine describes her desire to look at the way we “embrace eating during the winter season”. It’s my kind of philosophy! The book’s opening chapters offer Devilish Delights for Halloween, Sparkle and Pop for bonfire night and Celebrating the Harvest for Thanksgiving. Whether you’re an American abroad or just a USAphile, the creamed corn, clambake and brown butter salted maple pumpkin pie will put you right in the heart of the November holiday. The rest of the book is dedicated to Christmas and New Year with buffet ideas, festive baking, Christmas Eve, which takes inspiration from European Christmas Eve traditions, and Christmas Day, which comes with a super-handy Christmas countdown calendar and includes recipes for cooking the meat and all the trimmings.

Simple by Diana Henry This lovely book might just become another year-round favourite. As the title suggests, Henry focusses on simple food made extra tasty. The book’s written from the point of view of someone who wants to nourish their family and feed their friends without spending days in the kitchen. In her introduction, Henry lists the briefest of equipment requirements and focusses instead on “food which doesn’t take much hands-on time”. She does celebrate the increasing availability of a broader range of ingredients. The recipes in the book are straightforward and even the newest, least experienced home cook can benefit from some of the directions (how to properly chop and clean leeks, for example. And her descriptions at the beginning of every recipe highlight potential pitfalls and offer extra advice and ingredient alternatives.

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Toast, Hash, Roast, Mash by Dan Doherty This might just be the ultimate comfort food book. Coming from the point of view that the trend for brunch is on the rise, Doherty has muddled up the idea of what we should eat when. As he points out, the “starch – and protein-based recipes intended for breakfast or dinner are interchangeable”. I couldn’t agree more and often enjoy huevos rancheros or kedgeree – typical breakfast dishes – at tea time. The book has an entire section on pancakes and another on hangover cures. This is food for restoration, for lazy Sunday mornings and cosy winter evenings. It’s also a great book for using up leftovers as the section on hash includes loads of stuff that might have been left over from your Sunday roast.

It doesn’t feel like I’m being unfaithful to look elsewhere for new inspiration and ideas

Rick Stein’s Long Weekends Published to accompany the BBC TV series of the same name, Stein’s latest offering includes recipes from his travels around Europe. Part cook book, part travel guide, Long Weekends includes beautiful photography of the food and the places that have inspired it. It’s arranged in sections according to when in the weekend you’re likely to be eating. From Friday night to Saturday Brunch and lunch and from Saturday night nibbles through Sunday lunch to Sunday night. As a result, the book contains a huge variety of recipes, from full dinners to tasty morsels to share with friends. The monkfish fritters with cumin, garlic and pimento from Cadiz are heavenly!

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Deck

the Halls

tems of Southwater has everything you need for the festive period. We hand make bespoke traditional wreaths to dress your front door and table decorations to provide a perfect centerpiece for your festive feast. We also stock an extensive range of unique gifts and interiors, which you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find anywhere else on the high-street. Visit our beautiful shop to find out more about our products and place your orders for Christmas.

Stems of Southwater 19 Lintot Square, Fairbank Road Southwater West Sussex RH13 9LA

Website: www.stemsofsouthwater.co.uk Email: stemsofsouthwater@hotmail.com Tel: 01403 738670

Your money, your business | 45

Loafing about

Coughlan’s Bakery is like a history lesson in commerce, the recessions, the sales, the purchases, the highs and the lows, this small business has seen it all. A third generation family business with 70,000 customers a week is an unusual find. Maxine White met Sean Coughlan to find out more.

learnt a lot when I met Sean Coughlan (one of four Directors of Coughlan’s), firstly that I have never done a hard day’s work; when training at 17 Sean didn’t sleep for 36 hours in a row each week. I sometimes struggle to get two packed lunches done; Coughlan’s will produce 200,000 mince pies this Christmas.

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After 79 years of trading they’ve got good at this baking lark, set up in 1937 by Grandad Jack Coughlan, this small, local business has continued to work hard ever since. With four shops in Croydon originally, a fortuitous marriage to another family business meant they added six shops, three cafes and a restaurant to their empire.

The continued success of Coughlan’s means they are up to 22 shops and still growing. The latest addition is in Godstone, on the quaint old high street, overlooking the green, a perfect location (with another due in Lingfield soon). The shop used to be a butchers, an old butchers, like really old, the building dates back to the 1500’s, they have retained some original features including the butcher’s hooks and used them in their displays. Set up in the style of a classic farmer’s market, this is a hark back to the good old days, on leaving the bakers you could find yourself looking for the candlestick makers. It’s the kind of place you might head to after school, to select your own Father Christmas gingerbread man and put it into a small bag before you head home with it wafting “eat me smells” from your pocket, the feeling that online shopping, the supermarket or the convenience store will never give you. At the heart of this business is knowledge and passion, expertly trained bakers who love to bake. Sean is a Director but he is also a highly skilled artisan when it comes to baking, there is nothing they sell that he can’t make himself, and probably better than anyone else, if he does say so himself. Sean Coughlan, or Mr Bun the Baker as he is affectionately known, lives bread. He is also passionate about supporting other local businesses. This is beautifully illustrated in the circular relationship that exists right there in Godstone, Coughlan’s gives stale bread to Glebe House to feed

the organic pigs they are raising to supply meat to local pubs and restaurants. Coughlan’s is a family business in the truest sense, there have been 21 family members employed over the years, Sean’s three children are already destined for Saturday jobs at the very least. At present he is the Production Director, Jackie, his sister, is the Sales Director and Virginia is the Company Secretary, doing all things finance. Dad, Peter Coughlan, Chairman of the business since 1971 hasn’t decided that he’s had enough yet, a 30-year member of the British Confectioners Association, an invitation only club for elite artisan bakers (Sean has had a membership for 12 years) Peter has always been Sean’s role model. Peter was responsible for supplying Harrods, Selfridges and Thornton’s for 20 years. Sean’s first introduction to baking was as a four-year-old, the 34,000-square foot bakery is very close to Crystal Palaces football ground (where Sean dallied with an alternative career in his youth) and on the way home from the football they would stop at the bakery so they could “knock back the dough” and walk the bakery guard dog Sabre. This was the beginning of a life surrounded by dough. A recent calculation showed that the 250 Coughlan’s staff have 1500 years of experience between them. If you haven’t tasted fresh bread for a while I’d recommend a visit, because

everything is handmade, every biscuit, yum yum and sour dough has been touched by the human hand. With a busy bakery boasting a 60-strong workforce, each product must meet Sean’s very high standards. It would clearly be difficult to leave Sean’s company without samples of bread or cakes, or biscuits, or whatever new baked good he is creating. The cronut is the latest innovation, watch this space. It was nearly grounds for divorce when his wife came home with a wellknown branded cake. When I asked Sean whether he thought the next generation would be up to the challenge he wasn’t sure, but he has options, did I mention he has two-year-old twins? And there you go, yet again he’s made me feel pretty lazy.

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How do you like those apples? Making excellent drinks from surplus and damaged fruit stock is a niche industry. Will Edge at Greensand Ridge Distillery has cornered the market and has just completed its annual apple pressing season.

o much of what fruit farmers grow doesn’t make it onto the supermarket shelves because it isn’t pretty enough, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t tasty enough to use as the main ingredient for other things. At Greensand Ridge Distillery on the Kent and East Sussex border, Will Edge is turning his passion for reducing waste into some innovative and beautifully crafted beverages. Will has spent months working with farmers and other producers to offer a market for the stuff they can’t sell. “A lot of people don’t’ realise that every apple needs to be picked, even if it can’t be sold. Farmers can’t let the fruit fall and rot on the ground as it changes the pH of the soil and, as a result, the quality of the following year’s crop.” Says Will. “One local fruit farmer was hit by a freak hail storm early in the growing season which meant half the crop being marked, and therefore unsuitable for supermarkets. Too much stock for juicers, and too low value to run the cold stores, this beautiful fruit would have ended up struggling to find a home.” The fermenting apple juice from this year’s apple pressing is destined for customers next year as an unaged apple spirit, and in years to come as a Calvados-style barrel aged apple brandy. As well as the forthcoming apple spirits, the distillery has also released a limited edition, and the UK’s only Raspberry eau-de-vie; a delicate, clear, raspberry-

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flavoured spirit made from surplus, quality berries grown by local farmer Giles Cannon. And the Greensand Ridge London Dry Gin competed the current line-up, which includes eight botanicals that grow within a mile of the distillery, including cobnuts, gorse flowers and oak moss. Will’s passion for sustainability extends to the distillery’s own waste, which goes to feed locally raised boar. In turn, the distillery uses the boar meat for their events. “It’s a real circular economy on a community level” says Will, “I couldn’t be more delighted”. Although apple spirits will be a core line, other future releases will depend on the availability of surplus produce. “It’s not the way to riches” says Will of his business model, “but I get to live out a passion making small batch spirits of unrivalled quality, and do so with integrity.” Spirits can be bought at www.theginboxshop.co.uk www.masterofmalt.com and www.greensanddistillery.com

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Picture

power

Benjamin Rice is a photographic artist who brings the natural world into sharp relief by creating dramatic and beautiful wall art. Fine Editor, Catherine Ross, spoke to Benjamin to learn more. Above: Gritstone in the eastern Peak District is often considered dark and dull, but this photograph, taken early one autumn morning, reveals an unexpected palette. The vibrant almost neon - green pattern is where water has found its way over the contours of the stones.

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“I couldn’t have done this five years ago,” says Benjamin Rice, photographic artist and creator of these powerful, yet peaceful images of dry stone walls, “no one could.” He’s referring to the level of detail visible at this print size, (from seven to sixteen feet wide) that comes from his use of innovative technology in cameras, lenses and post-production. Preface that technology with his thirty years peering through a viewfinder to achieve professional perfection, and you realise why you can’t take your eyes off the result.

for the marriage between nature and technology, as building with dry stone is surely one of man’s earliest technologies”. The images show nature’s slow, enhancing, embrace; Benjamin calls them portraits rather than landscapes. He likes walls with character, standing strong against centuries of weather and jostling livestock, monuments to the skill of their craftsmen builders, bonded only by nature’s unique ‘mortar’, a seasoned mix of mossy roots, windblown soil and seeds, the detritus of insects and small scurrying creatures.

His aim in this remarkable project is to capture the beauty of nature’s repossession of the environment, and show it in sharp focus. Benjamin describes dry stone wall as ”an evocative metaphor

The physical size of these images is crucial; they must be presented larger than life. The viewer can then see every detail in absolute clarity, all the precision and variety of nature in almost unimagined

Left: Taken in Espedaillac, south-west France, on a wet day in summer. I was told this area was rich in dry stone walls, Benjamin says, but I drove for miles without seeing any, wondering if I’d come on a wild goose chase. Then, five minutes from the village I found them, and plenty of them, too, concentrated in just a small patch of less than a square mile.

close-up. “It’s as if you have a private viewing of an Old Master,” he explains. “Instead of having to gaze between the heads of other visitors, you’re close enough to see the individual brushstrokes. Only exceptional cameras and lenses have the acutance to resolve the light passing through them so crisply, permitting us to see as clearly in the corners as in the centre of the frame.” Pursuit of the perfect wall took Benjamin Rice, over the course of a year, to the Scottish Highlands, Cumbria, Derbyshire, the Cotswolds, Cornwall, Normandy and the Lot valley in France. He has tramped for days in sodden fields far from the beaten track, tripod in hand, rucksack heavy with photo equipment, intent on recreating an almost tactile evocation of this one element of the land-scape. He has examined many miles of wall, rejecting

all but the most perfect examples to take photographs that contain, at first glance, nothing... but on closer study, everything. And while he credits the forces of time and weather with the beauty in his subjects, his is the skill that brings them to print, the artist’s instinct that turns them, with minimal digital enhancement, into works to draw our gaze and command our attention.

For more information about Benjamin’s extraordinary work and to order a piece, contact Benjamin directly at his studio on 0207 261 9753 visit www.benjaminrice.co.uk or email benjamin@benjaminrice.co.uk.

Anyone with a smart phone can take snaps of the scenery as they pass through, but those pictures are merely aidesmemoire. The magic this photographer elucidates is in the macro detail of the life -animal and vegetable - living on the stones, turning the wall itself into a vibrant micro landscape. He has pared away as many distractions as possible, so the walls reveal their own narrative through a patina polished by wind and rain, and the flora slowly expanding over the surfaces.

Left: A 2% detail from the original: most photographs blown up by this amount would just be a mosaic of unintelligible squares, says Benjamin, but the exceptional size and quality of the master image allow this degree of enlargement.

In the picture | 51

In the

diary

What are your plans this festive season? Take your pick from our seasonal events to help you prepare for your own festivities. Merry Christmas. Saturday 19 November – Monday 2 January

11, 18, 21, 22 and 23 December

DRUSILLAS WINTER WONDERLAND ILLUMINATIONS

SANTA CRUISES ON THE WEY AND ARUN CANAL

Starting at 4:30pm every day and designed by Channel 4’s “King of Christmas Lights”, Drusillas Illuminations incorporate an animal themed light show synchronised to music.

Saturday 26 – Sunday 27 November

Wednesday 21 December

WEALD AND DOWNLAND MUSEUM CHRISTMAS MARKET

BURNING THE CLOCKS

Combine a day out visiting buildings from through the ages with a traditional Christmas market with over 100 stalls, showing arts, crafts, food and much more.

Saturday 3 December ARUNDEL BY CANDLELIGHT Arguably the most spectacular Christmas festival in Sussex. See our feature on page 30 for full details.

Sunday 4 December CAROLS BY STARLIGHT AT OBSERVATORY SCIENCE CENTRE Join the St. Peter and St. Paul church choir from Hellingly for an evening of Christmas Carols, with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie and view the night sky through the historic telescopes. Book early to avoid disappointment.

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Take a 40 minute trip aboard a festive canal boat. Tickets include a gift from Santa for children, with mince pies and mulled wine for adults.

The winter solstice sees thousands of people gather to make paper and willow lanterns to carry and burn on the beach to mark the shortest day of the year and to greet the lengthening days.

7 January – 12 March 2017 TURNER AND THE AGE OF BRITISH WATERCOLOUR EXHIBITION, PETWORTH HOUSE This new exhibition at the National Trust’s Petworth celebrates the age of British watercolour with works by JMW Turner that explore his leading role in shaping this uniquely British art form.

T H Baker

Gift Ideas

For Men

Gucci Mens G Timeless Two Tone Bracelet £670.00 Available from T H Baker

TAG Heuer Mens Carrera Watch £1,850.00 Available from T H Baker

TAG Heuer Mens Aquaracer Bracelet Watch £1,700.00 Available from T H Baker

Gucci Silver Britt GG Cufflinks £175.00 Available from T H Baker

For Women Gucci Running G 18ct Gold Logo Earrings £295.00 Available from T H Baker

Gucci Ladies Bangle Watch £575.00 Available from T H Baker

Rosa Lea Rose Gold-Plated Open Flower Mandala Pave £34.95 Available from T H Baker

9ct White Gold Diamond Pendant Set £2,000.00 £995.00 Available from T H Baker

Rosa Lea Silver Pave Infinity Bracelet £22.95 Available from T H Baker

Horsham • Brighton • www.thbaker.co.uk

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Experiencing the

Northern Lights

Travel Counsellors Katrina Smith gives Fine Readers the benefit of her expert insight into how best to see the lights. From late Autumn until early Spring the northern skies come alive with the awe inspiring lights of the aurora borealis.

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TIP : Camera batteries do not last long in cold conditions. Always take spare batteries.

ost people that have written a bucket list of places to visit and sites to see will have the Northern Lights on their list. A client I spoke to recently had, and thought it would be too expensive and she would never get to see them. In fact when we looked at her options it was easily affordable and she is off to Tromso in Northern Norway to view this spectacular natural phenomenon later this month. There are many ways to view the Lights, many people opt for a cruise as there is very little light pollution out on the open waters. Imagine standing in the dark on the deck of the ship and everything is quiet. There is a sudden flicker of light and your attention is grabbed by cascades of green, violet, yellow and red dancing across the skies. A truly memorable experience. The other way to experience the Lights is to book a land based trip which offers a fully organised package including flights, accommodation, food and various excursions. The closest destinations from the United Kingdom to visit to view the Lights are Iceland, Greenland, Finland and Norway. To maximise your chances of seeing the Northern Lights you need to head out to the countryside away from any light pollution, which is why it is good to book a mini-bus or coach excursion that will take you to the places where you have the best

chance of seeing the lights. A favourite destination with my clients is Tromso which is inside the Arctic Circle to the far North of Norway. You can also enjoy snowmobiling or husky sledging as well as whale watching. If you book the right excursion they will include warm thermal clothing, along with hot drinks and food and if you don’t see the lights on your trip some excursion companies will take you out again the next night for free, subject to spaces being available. We all want a fabulous photo from our holiday, but photographing the aurora borealis is not easy. A DSLR camera with wide angled lens and a tripod will provide the best results. Start practicing at home on the nighttime sky before you travel.

Katrina Smith is a highly experienced travel consultant within the Travel Counsellors network. As well as being ATOL licensed all Katrina’s clients are protected by Travel Counsellor’s unique financial protection trust. Katrina has over 10 years experience in both retail and tour operations and has travelled extensively herself. www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/katrina.smith Phone: 01403 887190 E : Katrina.smith@travelcounsellors.com

Travel | 55

The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna

One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai

Sun Gardens, Dubrovnik

One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai

The New York EDITION

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WONDERFUL

Winter Escapes Book a tailor-made Elegant Resorts holiday with Symphony World Travel, full of the finer things in life. Whether you’re looking for the perfect shorthaul escape to Europe with the whole family, craving winter sun and warmer climes in Dubai or looking ahead to the New Year for the perfect celebration destination, we will confidently match you with the right luxury property and location to suit your requirements. For a short-haul multigenerational getaway, the fascinating continent of Europe offers a plethora of incredible destinations to explore. Iconic Christmas Markets are, undoubtedly, the main attraction at this time of year and November is a particularly perfect month as there are fewer crowds. Offering a relatively dry and crisp climate during the winter months, breathe in the refreshing air during Advent season at The RitzCarlton, Vienna’s Atmosphere Rooftop Bar, which transforms into the city’s highest and most exclusive Christmas Market, where one can sample delights such as mulled wine and goulash soup. For a milder climate, head to Dubrovnik in Croatia, fast becoming one of Europe’s most popular holiday hot spots. Having recently added a number of new and exclusive luxury hotels to our Croatian collection, we recommend the stylish, award-winning Sun Gardens, Dubrovnik, as a perfect family-friendly resort, located on the pristine Dalmatian coast near Dubrovnik Old Town. The Canary Islands are known for their year-round mild climate and classic holiday offering. Star-gaze on Mount Teide and keep an eye out for whales on the Atlantic horizon in Tenerife, or venture to some of our new hotels in Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, where you can kick back on the warm sands.

For an excursion further afield, New York truly proves itself as the city that never sleeps, with numerous events held whatever the weather – the perfect destination for a special birthday, family event or romantic anniversary. Situated in a fantastic location, The New York EDITION is located in the heart of midtown New York’s Flatiron District, steps from Madison Square Park, and will be your home-away-from-home during your luxury stay. If you’re in the mood for exploring, the Statue of Liberty and Times Square are well worth a visit, and the iconic Empire State Building stands at one-hundred-and-two storeys, boasting outstanding views across New York City. Return to your hotel for a celebratory meal at the signature Clock Tower restaurant by Michelin starred Executive Chef, Jason Atherton, before a visit to the striking Gold Bar, the perfect venue for post-dinner cocktails. Alternatively, the renowned Miami Beach is one of the most sought after spots, with powdery sands, eclectic cuisine, fun activities for families and the Everglades National Park. Acqualina Resort & Spa On The Beach is the perfect hotel for a family celebration on the beach, with winter temperatures still averaging around 21oC. Some of the Arabian Gulf ’s most desired temperatures occur in our winter months, where sizzling sunshine makes a welcome change from the dreary skies of home. The extravagant emirate of Dubai has risen from the desert floor and transformed into a towering metropolis, boasting decadent dining, after-dark activities and ultimate indulgences. Escape to the sunshine and discover soaring skyscrapers, lavish shopping and white-sand beaches, where you can lounge under palm trees and soak up the perfect sunshine. The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, superbly located on Jumeirah Beach just steps from JBR Walk, is set in front of 350 metres of private beach, perfect for those who desire a peaceful getaway. Venture downtown to take in spectacular 360-degree views from the iconic Burj Khalifa and soak up the culture at one of the bustling souks, before indulging at one of the umpteen bars and restaurants and enjoying sundowners at the Jetty Lounge in One&Only Royal Mirage, The Palace, perched on the sparkling Arabian Gulf.

For more information please contact Anthony at Symphony World Travel on 01737 362 626 or email anthony@symphonyworldtravel.com

Travel | 57

The magical power of

staying in

At this time of year, going out is great, but staying in can be a real treat. Battening down the hatches against the cold and the horizontal rain, cosying up with a good book in front of a fire. Eating, drinking, making merry and avoiding the Christmas shopping crowds. With that in mind, Fine Editor, Catherine Ross has looked into the perfect travel destinations for staying in. 58 | fine

t’s not that I don’t like this time of year. On the contrary, a country walk on a crisp autumn day, scuffing boot-clad feet through freshly fallen leaves is one of life’s great pleasures. But that only works on days when it isn’t raining and the pre-Christmas season is one of the most stressful times of year for many. Wouldn’t it be nice, then, to go somewhere that’s built for staying indoors and indulging in a little R&R? Yes, you’re right, it would. Allow me, then, to propose a couple of ideal destinations, one in Town and one in the heart of the countryside.

Staying in – Town As far as I’m concerned, London is always a top travel destination. One of the greatest cities in the world with plenty for everyone, whether you’re looking for shopping, culture, excellent food, entertainment or anything else. What you need, if you’re going to spend time in our nation’s capital in the run up to Christmas (or any other time of year for that matter) is a bolt-hole. Look no further than The Capital Hotel, a Pride of Britain Hotel. Formerly two Knightsbridge town houses, the “grand hotel in miniature” is a family owned and run business, and has been since it first opened its doors 45 years ago. Its independent ownership allows a level of attention to detail and commitment to British sytling that’s hard to match, the elegant yet cosy interiors, attentive staff and beautifully styled bedrooms and suites make it the perfect place to hide from the crowds outside after an afternoon shopping in neighbouring Harrods or Harvey Nichols. As well as owning The Capital, the Levin family has its own award winning vineyard in the Loire Valley, from which it sources its house range of Levin wines. The Capital is also home to the outstanding Outlaw’s Restaurant, where double Michelin starred Nathan Outlaw oversees the everchanging seafood menu. In addition to its beautifully appointed bedrooms, The Capital also offers access to a number of partially services apartments with their own private entrance. The apartments combine contemporary styling with sumptuous fabrics and furnishings to provide the ultimate in luxury for weary shoppers. If you’re really getting into the “staying in” thing, fluffy bathrobes are provide as standard, so wrap up and cosy in. To book a stay at The Capital visit www. prideofbritainhotels.com

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Multiple course tasting menus for lunch and dinner, inspired by seasonal ingredients

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Staying in – Country If the buzzing metropolis isn’t quite your speed and you’re looking for a little more indulgence, may I recommend Pennyhill Park in Surrey. This elegant country house hotel has benefited from several extensions over the years, which all lovingly complement the original building. Set in a vast swathe of parkland with its own nine hole golf course, Pennyhill Park offers guests the perfect combination of outdoor pursuits (the hotel has just taken delivery of a brand new tandem bicycle for couples wanting to put their relationship to the test) and indoor luxury. Each room is individually designed using the finest fabrics, handmade mattresses, top end electrical goods and the very latest bathroom technology. Whether you prefer a Jacuzzi bath or a rainforest shower, be sure to specify when you book so you can be allocated a room to meet your preferences. For the ultimate experience in indoor luxury and indulgence, you’ll need to head to The Spa. 45,000 square feet of space dedicated to making you feel the most relaxed you’ve ever been. I loved the 25m swimming pool, which is half Olympic size, meaning you can swim proper lengths and actually feel like you have swum, rather than simply stewed for a while. But it’s across in Thermal Heaven that you’ll feel like you’re in, well, heaven. As well as the indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool, there are 11 “cabins” offering a variety of “temperatures, humidities and aromas”. The aromatherapy steam rooms are truly out of this world. If that’s not enough for you, book a treatment to nudge you into relaxed bliss. I’ll understand if you never want to leave, and The Spa does have its own Themis restaurant, but to leave Pennyhill Park without dining in the Latymer Restaurant would be a huge mistake. Matt Worswick arrived in March as the restaurant’s head chef. He offers multiple course tasting menus for lunch and dinner, inspired by seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s sommelier selects wine pairings to complement each dish. Service in the Latymer is attentive without being stuffy or overbearing. The waiting staff are extremely knowledgeable and take great pride in making recommendations. Oh, and if you’re offered the cheese course, take the cheese course! To book a stay at Pennyhill Park, visit www.exlusive.co.uk/pennyhill-park.

Travel | 61

Tinsel and glass – Christmas shopping

in Leeds

Leeds is fast becoming a top shopping destination. With the festive gift buying season in full swing, it may just be worth considering a trip. Louise Turner did just that, and tells Fine how she got on.

ormally when shopping you might crane your neck to get a glimpse of an impressive shop window – think Harrods or Macy’s in New York at Christmas – or that dress which you first see out of the corner of your eye. In Leeds, despite the plethora of impressive shop windows in what is now the third largest retail city in the UK (after London and Glasgow), your gaze is drawn in an altogether different direction. Whether you’re in Trinity Leeds – a modern retail masterpiece which connects an old church with the more central shopping area – the historic arcades of the Victoria Quarter or new jewel in the crown, the £165m Victoria Gate, each has an impressive glass ceiling, which honours the city’s Victorian arcade traditions. Traditional and modern Both Leeds Trinity and Victoria Gate boast striking geometric sweeping ceilings reminiscent of King’s Cross St Pancras. It’s no surprise Trinity Leeds won the

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International Council of Shopping Centers’ “Best of the Best” Design and Innovation Award in 2015, making the most, as it does, of multiple levels despite its footprint being squeezed among existing buildings, capitalising on previously unused space. It’s a suitably well-bred home for brands notoriously careful about where they invest, such as Apple and luxury D&D London restaurant Angelica, from which you get the best view of Trinity’s glass centrepiece. In Victoria Gate twin arcades sweep you gently downwards, almost inevitably, towards the five-storey John Lewis which anchors the whole development. The highly polished monochrome marble floors reflect the 1,030 diamond-shaped panels of glass in the angular ceiling above and it’s easy to amble through shops such as Aspinall of London, & Other Stories and Cos on your way to the new northern flagship store for John Lewis. It features an opulently-styled interior, personal shoppers and an exclusive coffee bar serving rare brews. To crown the new arcade, roof terrace restaurants are planned in April 2017.

The outside of the building honours the city’s existing Victorian architecture, consisting of pillars of red and white bricks and an entrance embellished with terracotta mouldings. Inside the arcade the dual-height space draws the eyes upwards with polished marble pillars and understated black signage which matches that of neighbour, the Victoria Quarter. Far from homogenising the brands this approach lends a chic consistency to the shop frontages, allowing each shop equal opportunity to engage passers-by with its window displays.

encompassing many independent labels along with stand-alone stores usually only found in the capital, a dedicated shopper could fill many hours within Leeds’ few square miles of retail centre.

There’s a plethora of dining options within a few minutes’ walk of the city centre. Head for Brasserie Blanc for classic French food, a wide selection of gin and whisky plus a view of the river.

Whether you like small and exclusive – like the chic Louis Vuitton store and divine scents at Joe Malone, both in the Victoria Quarter or the independent boutiques of the Grade I listed Corn Exchange – or to be spoiled for choice by department stores, Leeds won’t disappoint.

Or if you prefer something out of the ordinary book The Man Behind The Curtain, Leeds’s first Michelin starred restaurant run by cuisine maverick Michael O’Hare. Ensure you book in advance though – you’ll need around six months’ notice to secure a booking.

Knightsbridge of the North

Eating and drinking

It’s no surprise then that Leeds is dubbed the “Knightsbridge of the North” and is the ideal destination for a city break combined with a bit of retail therapy.

One of Leeds’ many impressive Victorian buildings is the former Leeds City Tramways building, now home to the riverside 4* Malmaison. The building is graced with high ceilings, large windows and a sympathetic conversion, plus a good dose of Yorkshire humour – door hangers read “Clear Up” on one side and “Clear Off” on the other, plus the toiletries actively encourage you to take them home. To book or for other options of where to stay visit www.yorkshire.com

The city is easy to access from the south being just 2.5 hours straight up the M1 from London. It benefits from regular trains from London taking just over two hours along with direct flights from Heathrow to nearby Leeds Bradford Airport, which also has capacity to receive private jets or helicopters.

The sheer variety and quality of shops in this compact city centre which really make it worth the trip. Home to the one of just seven Harvey Nichols stores and now to the largest John Lewis outside of the capital, the list of shops you can find in Leeds reads like a Draper’s A-Z. From Anthropologie to Victoria’s Secret and

Getting there

For more information on Leeds shopping, eating, drinking and accommodation options visit www.yorkshire.com.

Travel | 63

Peugeot 308 GTi Style and Real Substance Peugeot reinvents its GTi badge and Fineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s motoring correspondent, Ade Holder, has had a test drive. Here, he tells us what he makes of the new 308 GTi.

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It walks that very thin line between aggression and beauty almost perfectly

hen it comes to designing truly stunning cars the Italians have the best track record. The Germans tend to make the most reliable and well built cars and the French…well the French have always done things their own way. Brands like Citroen have often pushed the design envelope and always thrown the rule book out the window. Peugeot may not have been quite as left field in their design but they have also made a lot of “very French” cars over the years. Alongside these more stereotypical efforts Peugeot’s GTi badge has found its way onto a few rather feisty cars too. The 205 GTi was an 80s icon and the 306 GTi6 looked even better. After that, things in the GTi camp got a little flat; until now that is! The new 308 GTi may just be the car to take things to a new level.

Catwalk Looks There is simply no debate, well not in my head anyway, the 308 GTi is a very pretty car indeed. It walks that very thin line between aggression and beauty almost perfectly. The wide and brutish stance is perfectly tempered but the smooth and feminine lines producing a rather intoxicating effect. That being said this is not a flamboyant car by any means and people who are not interested in cars might not really notice it. This is subtle beauty, it is refined and for those with a good pallet it is all rather delicious.

Power and Grace One problem with the GTi badge is that over the years it has found its way onto some less than sporty cars across various brands as well as some classics. For a time, it became a mark of sporty seats rather than sporty performance but now, it seems, it is back where it should be; on a feisty and fast car. The test vehicle I borrowed for a week had the 266 bhp version of the 1.6 litre turbo charged engine and it was a really nice surprise. 60 mph arrived in just six seconds from a standing start while the handling was focused and confidence inspiring. The engine noise in the cabin, when the car is in sports mode, is enough to fix a smile on any petrol head’s face but beware all is not what it seems. The engine noise is real but it is augmented using the speakers so it’s a lot louder inside than out. This means you may feel like you are driving around in a rally car but no one else will be sharing that experience; this may or may not be a bad thing. The six speed gearbox is a pleasure to use and it just adds to the overall driving experience which is taut, poised and thoroughly enjoyable.

Inside and Out It is important to point out that the 308 GTi is no boy racer car. Yes it is pretty quick, yes it looks the part and yes it sounds great if you are inside. But, it is also a very practical and quite luxurious. It really carries a German interior feel in terms

of quality but has flashes of French style too and this makes for a very nice cabin indeed. Child seats fit in the back perfectly and the boot is roomy enough for a fair bit of shopping. But it is touches like the sumptuous panoramic sunroof that really make it a nice place to be. The seats are sporty but comfy and the steering wheel is a joy to hold on to. One slight issue here is that the instrument binnacle sits over the wheel so you do not look through it to see the dials. This means the wheel is very small but this simply adds to the fun sporty feel and the power steering balances it very well. The top models comes with a very efficient infotainment system and all the mod cons you would expect too.

Je ne sais quoi The temptation to simply put down the feelings I have about this car by using that classic French phrase is perhaps not doing it justice. Rather than it being a case of “I don’t know what” but I like it, it is really the fact that “I know exactly what” and I love it! This car is good because it looks better than the vast majority of daily cars on the road, it drives faster and better than them too and it is also very well kitted out and very comfortable. What does it cost to have a pretty, fast and generally great car? Well the well spec’d test car was just shy of £29,000 and I think it is worth every penny!

Motoring | 65

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Mind the

generation gap

Households in the UK are facing a savings time bomb as younger generations struggle to put money aside for retirement. Wealth management firm Brewin Dolphin urges the older generation to consider passing on wealth to their children and grandchildren during their lifetime to prevent a future financial crisis 70 | fine

n Rising living costs, low interest rates and the battle to get on the housing ladder are putting enormous financial strain on generations younger than 50. Many are struggling to put enough money aside for retirement – not because they don’t want to, but simply because they don’t have enough spare cash to save. This is potentially storing up huge problems for the future. Liz Alley, Divisional Director of Financial Planning at Brewin Dolphin, says: “The harsh reality is that the outgoing ‘Baby Boomer’ generation - who are already retired or retiring soon - will be the last to enjoy a comfortable retirement unless urgent action is taken now.” Disaster can still be averted, but it requires new ways of thinking about how we pass on wealth to future generations – and careful planning as a family. The extent of the UK’s pension and savings crisis is revealed in shocking detail in the newly published Brewin Dolphin Family Wealth Report, produced with the think tank Centre for Economics and Business Research. Over a quarter of the population are saving nothing at all, according to the survey of 11,000 people nationwide. UK households now save an average of only 6p out of every pound of disposable income against 15p in 1992. Given the high cost of school and university fees and rising levels of debt, even “well-off” families can feel their finances are out of their control. Nationally, one in four respondents with a household income of between £60,000 and £70,000 are saving less than 1% of their net income, while 14% of households with income of £100,000 to £150,000 save virtually nothing. The gulf between retirement expectations and reality is stark. On average, Britain’s 18-44 years olds think that an income of £30,000 per year would be sufficient to afford them a comfortable lifestyle in retirement. They would need a pension pot of £725,000 to buy an annuity at prevailing rates to provide that income. However, the average expected size of this age group’s pension pot is just £175,000, a shortfall of £550,000*. To secure the desired £30,000 a year of income in retirement, an 18-year old would need to contribute £437 a month to a pension, a 30-year old £793 per month and a 44-year old £1,840 a month1. That level of saving isn’t realistic for many, though not, as some suggest, because the younger generation have a ‘live-for-today’ attitude. Younger generations want to save more for retirement and a good pension income is one of their most important financial goals – they simply don’t feel they have enough money to do so.

A potential solution could lie with the older generation who hold more wealth than younger people, both in cash terms and in their homes. UK pensioners’ incomes are typically rising faster than that of the working population due to generous final salary pensions and the ‘triple lock’ on state pensions. The over-65s in the UK are also sitting on an estimated housing wealth of £1.3 trillion**. Older people are generally very willing to leave their wealth when they die to their offspring. However, a more effective way of improving the financial position of their children and grandchildren could be to pass on wealth during their lifetime. Alley says: “Our findings show that whilst we may be a challenged nation when it comes to savings, we are also a generous one when it comes to passing on wealth. However, often this wealth is being transferred in an inefficient way.

situation and the confidence to help your family now.

“A huge difference could be made by making regular contributions to a grandchild now via a Junior ISA or pension.”

For further advice on planning for your own and your family’s future, or to download the Brewin Dolphin Family Wealth Report, visit brewin.co.uk.

Grandparents can make pension contributions of up to £2,880 a year on a grandchild’s behalf. They are also able to invest up to £4,080 a year, or £340 per month, into a Junior ISA for a child under the age of 18. Save this amount each year into a Junior ISA from birth and it would be worth £73,440 at the recipient’s 18th birthday, even without any investment growth. Lifetime gifts can also save inheritance tax (IHT). If a gift is regular, comes out of income and does not affect your standard of living, any amount of money can be given away and ignored for IHT. “The potential long term investment growth, the effect of compounding and the inheritance tax savings from this approach mean that one ‘silver pound’ gifted and invested today, could be worth three times as much to grandchildren later on,” says Alley. Many older people are reluctant to pass on wealth now because they do not know whether they will need it in the future. However, with careful planning you can make life-changing gifts during your lifetime without compromising your own retirement plans.

This assumes a 4% return after charges

The value of investments can fall and you may get back less than you invested. No investment is suitable in all cases and if you have any doubts as to an investment’s suitability then you should contact us. Please note that this document was prepared as a general guide only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. While we believe it to be correct at the time of writing, Brewin Dolphin is not a tax adviser and tax law is subject to frequent change. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances; therefore you should not rely on this information without seeking professional advice from a qualified tax adviser. *Model calculation based on an inflation-linked annuity for a healthy single at age 65, non-smoker, without dependents or a guarantee period, not taking out a tax-free sum. **Total estimated using average values of homes and average adult household size from Understanding Society Wave 5 (2013/14), which was restricted to homeowners and excluded the top and bottom 1% of values; weighted and adjusted for sampling design (clustering & stratification); and, applied to population estimates and projections from the Office for National Statistics.

As one of the UK’s leading wealth managers, Brewin Dolphin can help work out your potential financial needs in retirement and if you are in a position to be making financial gifts. Our experts will build a tailor-made plan that can give you clarity about your current and financial

This is the life | 71

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Food glorious food… and

taxes! Even food and drink has accounting and taxation considerations if you are running a business. Luckily, regular contributor, Carolyn Burchell from Composure Accounting and Taxation, is here to help.

Photo by Sophie Ward Photography

he Food is a hot topic and whilst celebrity chefs are campaigning for fat tax and sugar tax, HMRC has had its fingers in this particular pie for some time (enough already with the puns I hear you groan). Back in 2012 the Chancellor was pulled into a media battle with food retailers about extending VAT to Cornish pasties after HMRC took the stance that VAT should be charged on a wider range of takeaway foods. Hard to believe, but the arguments hinged on defining terms like ‘bread’, ‘premises’ and ‘above ambient temperature’. Leaving VAT to one side for a brief moment (best place for it) and looking closer to home, especially with the festive season almost upon us, food and drink will be a prominent feature of many a workplace. Employers want to show their gratitude but employees will not be feeling the love if they end up with a personal tax bill as well as a hangover. So if you’re the boss and feeling a bit flush, what are the “dos and don’ts”?

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You can • Spend up to £150 (including VAT) per head per year •

Hold more than one event per year

•

Invite partners but the £150 limit per employee still stands

•

Buy seasonal gifts such as a box of chocolates or an ‘ordinary’ bottle of wine – not a Château Margaux 2009!

•

Reclaim the VAT on what is spent on employees

•

Benefit from tax relief against business profits

You must • Organise the event primarily for your employees (even if a few customers or suppliers are invited) •

Invite all employees, not just managers or directors

•

Include all costs in the £150 limit e.g. taxis, hotels

•

Apply the £150 limit to the whole year not each event

You must not • Spend even a penny more than £150, otherwise some or all will become taxable

So if you’re the boss and feeling a bit flush, what are the “dos and don’ts”?

•

Reclaim VAT on money spent on customers or suppliers a.k.a. business entertaining

•

Claim tax relief against business profits for business entertainment expenditure

For the rest of the year, refreshments such as tea and coffee are tax-exempt as long as they are available to all employees and small gifts are acceptable provided they mark a special event. Anything that HMRC considers to be a reward for doing the job or that is a cash equivalent (e.g. vouchers) will be taxable in the same way as money paid through payroll. So what happens when workers are away from the office or home? The rules are (un)surprisingly complex and differ according to whether you’re employed or self-employed. The general rule for employees is that when it is not practical for meals to be taken in their normal place, for example you are temporarily working away from your regular base or travelling outside of standard working hours, you can reclaim the cost of a reasonable meal. You can even have an alcoholic beverage if it forms part of the meal. Propping up

the bar for the night does not count. The rules are stricter if you are self-employed. Most food and drink will not be an allowable business expense as it doesn’t fit the “wholly and exclusively for the purpose of the trade” mantra. Our first stop for information is generally the internet. When you look online, there is a lot of guidance from a variety of sources. Some reliable, some less so. One accountancy software company describes workers as self-employed who run their own limited company which is misleading. This makes you a shareholderemployee, not self-employed, and a completely different set of rules apply. Tax law is complex and constantly changing, so get yourself a good accountant - look for one that is a member of a respected, professional body. It’s our job to keep up to speed with legislation – more than that, it’s in our DNA. We don’t have a Christmas party. Please don’t worry though. It’s not because the boss is a complete Scrooge - December and January are just pretty hectic around here. Instead we have a Survivors’ Dinner once we have got through busy season. “Cheers” for now from us all at Composure HQ.

For more advice on this or any other accountancy and taxation issues, contact Carolyn Burchell and her Team at Composure on 01403 211865 or email cburchell@composureaccounting.co.uk

Your money, your business | 75

Beating low interest rates

with bling With bank interest rates at rock bottom, holding cash is just not lucrative right now. According to Dominic Sakakini of Sakakini Jewellers, the thinking person’s money is in diamonds. “Are you happy with the new and very low interest rates of 0.25%?” asks Dominic Sakakini, of Sakakini Jewellers. “Or the fact that the banks are now even suggesting they may have to charge you for their services? Where does that leave your hard savings and more importantly wouldn’t you like to earn a lot more on your investments? Because I know I would” The latest drop in interest rates represent depressing news for anyone with or thinking about putting their money in a bank, ISA or savings account, but there are other ways

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of securing a much better return on your money, advises Dominic. And they’re risk free. “Did you know, for example, that the value of a ‘0.50ct G colour slight inclusions’ diamond has gone up by 48.5% in the last 5 years? That’s a profit of £1,390 on an initial investment of £2,878!” explains Dominic, “Imagine earning that rate of return on your £10,000 ISA! Most people would jump at the chance and those figures aren’t mine. They’re independently compiled by Safe Guard based on an average retail mark up and VAT and then compared

with international diamond prices for additional accuracy. In fact over the last 30 years, diamonds have consistently and significantly gone up in value, year after year.” “There have been no significant diamond deposits discovered for the last 20 years and the diamond market is carefully managed, making it a much safer investment than gold or just a savings account. And with our diamonds, we offer a guarantee, namely that we’ll always buy a diamond that you buy from

us back at the price you paid for it, making it quite literally safer than houses and a definite win, win! Each of our diamonds comes with an internationally recognized certificate and when it comes to selling your stones, I always recommend an auction house to increase the potential for profit.” To find out more about to beat the investment blues or next event contact Dominic at info@sakgems.com. or visit www.sakgems.com.

Your money your business | 77

Britannia Waives the Rules* As Britain prepares to sail away from the EU world of ever closer union can the UK now look forward to a regulation free world of bendy bananas? Shiraz Rustom, a Barrister with 1215 Chambers offers his legal insight.

The short answer is, not any time soon, no.

What, but i thought we were going to abolish the regulations that cost british business £400 million a year? Well we might, but there’s a lot to do first: We have to trigger the process by invoking Article 50 which sets a two year period for negotiations and fixes the last date for leaving, The exact process for invoking article 50 is currently under challenge at the High Court1 but our Prime Minister tells us that BREXIT means BREXIT so it will probably happen, perhaps after March.

So after March 2019 - No more EU regulations? It’s not quite that simple. Many EU regulations have a direct effect- they pass straight into UK law. Leaving the

78 | fine

EU without replacing those laws would leave huge holes in our legal provision, particularly with things like proper disposal of dangerous waste and wildlife protection. The current proposal is for a Great Repeal Bill – ending the European Communities Act, but adopting all the EU regulations as British Law so we can “decide later” what to keep and what to shed.

So soon after that then? Probably not, there are 43 years of EU legislation to unpick, this could take a while.

So what about in the meantime? Nothing changes, absolutely nothing. Britain remains a member of the EU, all the EU laws and regulations apply, free trade and free movement still apply.

Businesses with a European angle, particularly on the production side, might be advised to look for other countries to work with where the position in the medium term is clearer.

Nothing to do then? Not quite, although the latest suggestions are that the UK wants tariff free access to the EU market this will need to be negotiated. Canada only just finalised its trade deal with the EU after seven years (and having been blocked by a small regional parliament in Belgium). Unless an interim deal is made, there may be a period after Brexit where trade with the EU is in limbo. Businesses with a European angle, particularly on the production side, might be advised to look for other countries to work with where the position in the medium term is clearer. Contracts might also need to be amended, either to insert a Brexit clause allowing the contract to be broken in the event of Brexit without a trade deal, or to preserve specific contractual provisions that might be lost on exiting the EU. Businesses that trade with or produce using partners or components from the EU should probably talk to their lawyers.

Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you tell us anything useful? Not really, nobody can.

And the Bananas? Probably best to leave the Bananas, they contain a lot of potassium and are mildly radioactive in any event and you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get one with excessive curvature any time soon.2 For more information about this or any other legal issue, which affects you or your business, visit www.1215chambers.com or call 020 3291 1215. 1

Miller v Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union

http://www.europarl.org.uk/en/media/euromyths/ bendybananas.html

* Martina Anderson, MEP

Your money, your business | 79

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