Life Magazines (Berkshire editions) March 2025

Extraordinary homes for extraordinary people

FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to one of the world’s oldest and most famous amateur sporting events. Watched by thousands along the banks of the River Thames and by millions more on TV around the world, The Boat Race is the world’s most famous rowing race, and one of the biggest free sporting events in London. 2025 will see the 170th Men’s Boat Race.

Surrey Hills International Music Festival (SHIMF) has announced the programme for its 2025 season, which will be the 16th edition of the much-loved classical music festival that, each Spring, brings world-class musicians to perform in beautiful venues across the Surrey Hills.

New Ashgate Gallery presents a year long series of still-life exhibitions in their Foyer Gallery, showcasing leading contemporary artists who transform everyday objects into compelling works of art. Still life has long been a powerful genre, capturing moments of quiet beauty, the passage of time, and the poetry of the ordinary. In 2025, the New Ashgate Gallery celebrates this enduring tradition with a curated programme of exhibitions that bring fresh perspectives to the art of still life.

Hop along to RHS Garden Wisley and join in the adventure with Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare on a family trail. Take part in craft and planting activities, join the Education Team for a guided welly walk and hear heartwarming stories.

Faye Manning Editor

EDITOR FAYE MANNING

EDITOR ASSISTANT KATIE MILLER

SUB EDITOR NICHOLAS PETER

FASHION EDITOR HAZEL ENGLANDER

ACCOUNT MANAGER ANITA HILL

DESIGN & PRODUCTION LISA WADE

ACCOUNTS TRACEY HALLS, ANDREE GEORGIOU

SALES JAMES MARSHALL

DIRECTORS RORY SMITH, PATRICK SMITH

Upfold Construction Ltd has been established for over 15 years and is a domestic builder providing services throughout Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire. Located in Cranleigh we are perfectly placed to offer a total building service to those clients seeking a local, professional and reliable builder. We carry out all aspects of building from extensions, renovations to a complete home refurbishment. Our expertise allows us to provide you with a complete package of design, planning, building and finishing. We are aware this is your home and will work closely with you throughout the entire project enabling you to achieve your dream home.

Both James Upfold, our Managing Director, and the company are members of the Chartered Institute of Building guaranteeing we are committed to giving quality of product, services and integrity of conduct. Concern for your needs as our client is paramount.

To find out more please call 01483 600335

email info@upfoldconstruction.co.uk or visit www.upfoldconstruction.co.uk

12 MARCH

BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR RHS HILLTOP - THE HOME OF GARDENING SCIENCE

Behind the scenes tour

RHS Hilltop - the Home of Gardening Science. Join a free behind this scenes tour to see the scientists at work and explore the many roles that make up the RHS Research and Collections teams. You will also learn about the building and the wonderful gardens surrounding it.

RHS Garden Wisley, Wisley Lane, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB

THE CALENDAR

UNTIL 31 MARCH

THE GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU GARDEN ADVENTURE

Hop along to RHS Garden Wisley and join in the adventure with Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare on a family trail. Take part in craft and planting activities, join the Education Team for a guided welly walk and hear heartwarming stories.

RHS Garden Wisley, Wisley Lane, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB

2 APRIL

CATHEDRAL TOTS

Our informal service for toddlers and pre-schoolers takes place on the first Wednesday of each month at 10.00am. Each session of Cathedral Tots includes toys, songs, a Bible story, prayer, craft and refreshments. Cathedral Tots is a free activity, with a welcoming and relaxed community of parents/carers and young children. There is currently no requirement to book places for these services. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7UP

20 MARCH

ART EXHIBITION: ICONS ON AMMUNITION BOXES

Guildford Cathedral invites you to step into its serene and aweinspiring space, where peace and creativity intertwine. As one of Surrey’s most iconic landmarks, the Cathedral offers visitors much more than its stunning architecture. Whether you are exploring thought-provoking exhibitions, joining a guided tour, browsing the gift ship or savouring tea and cake with friends in the Seasons Cafe, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7UP

14-16 MARCH

THE ORCHID SHOW

A great opportunity to see these fabulous plants on display in all their various exotic forms. There will be rare plants as well as plants for new growers, invaluable advice from the experts, photographs, and plant sales. Don’t forget to visit Wisley’s collection of orchids in the Glasshouse, too.

RHS Garden Wisley, Wisley Lane, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB

8 APRIL

STRUGGLING SUFFRAGETTES

Lean about the suffragettes and decide if you wish to join her fight to get the vote for women. Listen to her arguments and learn why some women at the beginning of the twentieth century were driven to drastic measures to get their voices heard by the Establishment. Understand the different methods used by these pioneering ladies, from peaceful protest to more militant tactics.

Bourne Hall Kids Club, Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell, Surrey KT17 1UF

28-30 MARCH

DOBBIES’ MOTHER’S DAY PLANTING & AFTERNOON TEA EXPERIENCE

This March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother’s Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.

Woodmansterne Lane, Wallington, Surrey SM6 0SU

5 & 6 APRIL

SURREY HILLS SPRING FAIR

Enjoy a vibrant celebration of rural traditions at the Rural Life Living Museum, including hands-on activities, demonstrations from blacksmiths to steam-powered machinery, artisan markets, live music, and fun activities for the whole family.

The Rural Life Living Museum, Reeds Road, Tilford, Farnham, Surrey GU10 2DL

13-15 MARCH

BLUE STOCKINGS

vIn Jessica Swale’s debut play, Blue Stockings, performed by the Young Oxted Players, Tess Moffat and her fellow first years are determined to win the right to graduate. But little do they anticipate the hurdle in their way: the distractions of live, the cruelty of the class divide or the strength of the opposition, who will do anything to stop them. The play follows them over one tumultuous academic year, in their fight to change the future of education.

Barn Theatre, 25 Bluehouse Lane, Oxted, Surrey RH8 0AA

20 MARCH

AMY JOHNSON: LAST FLIGHT OUT

Born in the year the Wright Brothers made their first flight and into an age where the romantic heights of flying captured her heart, Amy Johnson became only the second woman in the world to train and qualify as a ground engineer and then, in 1930, the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia. She lived her life for adventure and the future of aviation.7.30pm and tickets £13.00 - £18.00.

Barn Theatre, 25 Bluehouse Lane, Oxted, Surrey RH8 0AA

The Art of Still Life

New Ashgate Gallery presents a yearlong series of still-life exhibitions in their Foyer Gallery, showcasing leading contemporary artists who transform everyday objects into compelling works of art.

Still life has long been a powerful genre, capturing moments of quiet beauty, the passage of time, and the poetry of the ordinary. In 2025, the New Ashgate Gallery celebrates this enduring tradition with a curated programme of exhibitions that bring fresh perspectives to the art of still life. Featuring bold colour, intricate texture, and delicate observation, this series highlights the richness and diversity of contemporary still-life painting.

Opening the programme is Emma Dunbar’s “Colourful Conversations” (currently on display until 8 March 2025), a joyful exploration of pattern and colour. Known for her vibrant compositions, Dunbar creates playful yet sophisticated works that transform everyday moments into dynamic, decorative statements.

From 15 March – 26 April 2025, Angela A’Court’s “Objects of Contemplation” shifts the focus to soft pastel still lifes that embrace simplicity and texture. A’Court’s process is deeply tactile—she physically engages with her subjects, translating their presence into atmospheric, memory-infused compositions.

Annie Waring’s “A Sense of Calm” (3 May – 28 June 2025) brings a more meditative approach. Working in oils, she paints delicate arrangements of ceramics, flowers, and fruit, capturing a quiet

New Ashgate Gallery

elegance in the everyday. Her subtle use of light and tone invites viewers into a world of serenity and balance.

The summer programme presents Sally Anne Fitter’s “The Poetry of Everyday Moments” (5 July – 6 September 2025), where still life and landscape merge in richly textured, layered compositions. Drawing on her background in textile design and ceramics, Fitter’s paintings are filled with collage, gold leaf, and dynamic surface work, celebrating the changing seasons and the beauty of simple forms.

The series concludes with Rosalinda Kightley’s “Surrey Artist of the Year 2024 for Kightley’s One Year On exhibition (13 September – 1 November 2025), marking the culmination of her award-winning practice. Her still lifes blend bold floral arrangements with exquisite detail, offering a vibrant and expressive finale to this ambitious programme.

New Ashgate Gallery, Waggon Yard, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7PS. newashgate.org.uk

Top left: Sally Anne Fitter, “Evening Still Life with Pear”, Mixed media, 2024 Above: Annie Waring, “Clematis and Rose in Jar”, Oil on Linen Board

Below: Emma Dunbar, “Robin Enjoying Spindle Berries”, Acrylic

The Surrey Hills Spring Fair

Spring is just round the corner, and what better way to embrace the season than with a delightful family day out at the Surrey Hills Spring Fair? Set in the picturesque Rural Life Living Museum in Tilford, this vibrant event is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Surrey’s rich culture, heritage, and artisanal excellence.

A Celebration of Surrey’s Finest

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Family-Friendly Activities and Entertainment

Families will find a plethora of activities to enjoy together. Children can delve into outdoor woodland adventures, participate in nature-inspired crafts, and explore the museum’s interactive exhibits. The fair also offers live performances from talented Surrey Hills singer-songwriters, ensuring entertainment for all ages. For those intrigued by traditional skills, demonstrations in wood carving, blacksmithing, basket weaving, and willow crafts provide a hands-on experience of Surrey’s rural heritage.

Steam-Powered Attractions and Vintage Vehicles

Adding to the nostalgic charm, attendees can marvel at steam-powered machinery and vintage vehicles. Enjoy a ride on a steam-drawn trailer or experience the delight of a steam train journey, offering a unique glimpse into historical transportation methods. These attractions promise to be a highlight for both young and old, bringing history to life in an engaging and interactive manner.

The Surrey Hills Spring Fair is a celebration of local craftsmanship and traditions. Visitors can explore a variety of stalls featuring handcrafted goods, unique artworks, and traditional crafts from local artisans. From intricate jewellery and ceramics to bespoke textiles and homewares, there’s something to captivate every interest. Engage with makers, learn about their crafts, and perhaps find that perfect piece to take home.

Culinary Delights to Savour

No fair is complete without delectable food and drink, and the Surrey Hills Spring Fair excels in offering a gastronomic feast. Indulge in a variety of culinary delights, from sizzling street food to gourmet treats. Sample locally crafted beers, ciders, and spirits that showcase the region’s finest produce. It’s an excellent opportunity to support local vendors and perhaps discover new favourites to enjoy at home.

Support the Rural Life Living Museum

This year’s fair holds special significance as it celebrates the continued success of the Rural Life Living Museum, which has recently overcome the threat of closure. By attending, you’re not only enjoying a delightful day out but also supporting the museum’s mission to preserve and celebrate Surrey’s rural heritage. Your participation helps ensure that this invaluable resource remains for future generations to explore and appreciate.

Dates:

Saturday, 5th April (10 am–5 pm) and Sunday, 6th April (10 am–4 pm)

Location:

Rural Life Living Museum, Tilford, Surrey

Tickets:

Advance Tickets: £12.50 per adult; children under 16 go FREE

Tickets on the day: £15.00 per adult

Accompanying carers: FREE (no need to book—just bring ID)

Free parking on-site

Dogs welcome on leads

Book your tickets at surreyhills.org/event/surrey-hillsspring-fair-2025

THE GREAT GATSBY

From 11 April, London Coliseum

Asmash-hit musical on Broadway, The Great Gatsby is transferring to London this spring. Playing at the iconic London Coliseum - the biggest stage in the West End - expect a major scale spectacle of a musical. The limited West End season starts from 11 April and tickets are on sale now. Everyone is inivted to experience this dazzling new show, from the creative team of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

The all-star cast features Jamie Muscato (Moulin Rouge), Frances Mayli McCann (Bonnie and Clyde), Corbin Bleu (High School Musical), Amber Davis (Pretty Woman: The Musical), Rachel Tucker (Hadestown, Come From Away, Sunset Boulevard), John Owen-Jones (Les Miserables), Joel Montague (Hamilton) and Jon Robyns (The Phantom of the Opera)

Get ready to roar because the Tony Award®winning new musical THE GREAT GATSBY is coming to London, and will be the party of the century. Fresh from its sell-out success on Broadway, this “shimmering, sparkling spectacle” (Variety) “explodes with life and energy” (Entertainment Weekly). Book now for a strictly limited London season, opening this April at the London Coliseum.

Produced by Chunsoo Shin, acclaimed Korean musical producer, 5-time winner of Korea’s most prestigious theatrical award and OD Company

“Fresh from its sell-out success on Broadway, this “shimmering, sparkling spectacle” (Variety) “explodes with life and energy””

president, THE GREAT GATSBY is based on the classic American novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Set in the Jazz Age on Long Island, New York, this is “one wildly entertaining night at the theatre, and musical theatre at its finest” (Theatrely).

Directed by Marc Bruni (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), this story of extravagance and longing features choreography by Dominique Kelley (So You Think You Can Dance), a book by Kait Kerrigan (The Mad Ones) and a jazz and popinfluenced original score by Jason Howland (Little Women) and Nathan Tysen (Paradise Square).

Meet mysterious millionaire, Jay Gatsby. He entertains the rich and famous with riotous parties at his Long Island mansion yet never joins in. Gatsby longs instead to reunite with his former flame Daisy Buchanan, but Daisy comes from another lifetime, long before the money… Tickets available from £20 at londongatsby.com

Paralympics gold medallists honoured at WINDSOR CASTLE

By Mathilde Grandjean

AParalympics champion who won gold at the 2024 Paris Games said receiving an honour at Windsor Castle “tops” breaking a world record.

Track and field athlete Sabrina Fortune, who won the gold medal in shot put with a world record of 15.12 metres last summer, was made an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours 2025.

The 27-year-old, who attended an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday to receive the honour from the Prince of Wales, told the PA news agency: “An MBE is such an incredible honour – so is having a world record behind a name, really.

“But I think MBE really tops it just a bit.”

She added: “Though a world record is under your name and it’s something, people can still take it, when MBE is in your name, that is it.

“And then you can build on it, and I think that’s just what pushes it over.”

Ms Fortune, from Wales, was rewarded for services to athletics.

She suffers from speech dyspraxia, a condition which affects her ability to communicate and meant she struggled to speak for many years.

“I was a kid who was told I would never amount to anything,” she said.

But she became inspired after Paralympian Bev Jones brought the bronze medal she won in discus at the 2012 London Paralympics to the club where Ms Fortune trained.

Ms Fortune said: “I saw that medal and I thought, I want one.”

Fellow Paralympian David Ellis, 38, a visually impaired athlete who won gold in the men’s

“You will find that there are actually other ways you can practise your sport, whether you need to use a guide, prosthetics, or something else”

paratriathlon alongside guide Luke Pollard, was also honoured at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.

Speaking after the ceremony, the athlete said William had asked about his experience swimming in the Seine during the Games after the Paris events were postponed by 24 hours due to the poor water quality of the river.

Smiling, Mr Ellis told PA: “It’s probably a good thing I couldn’t see it (the water).”

Mr Ellis, whose vision began declining after he turned 16, also delivered a message of encouragement for disabled people wanting to engage in sports.

He said: “A lot of people with acquired disabilities will first tend to think ‘Oh, I can’t do that anymore…’.

“But you will find that there are actually other ways you can practise your sport, whether you need to use a guide, prosthetics, or something else.”

He added: “There are so many sports you can try – and the social aspect is also very important.”

David Ellis

Sabrina Fortune

David Mearns

WEST HORSLEY PLACE

The brickwork outside of West Horsley Place hides a secret.

The symmetry, the orange brick arches, and the Gothic doorway speak of a Georgian age. However, it is in fact a façade; a brick wall put up in the 1650s to disguise an old-fashioned timber building. Something that the Trust’s founder, the late Bamber Gascoigne, called a ‘glorious sham’.

West Horsley Place is far more ancient, with some beams dating to 1382 and wings of the manor first erected in 1425. The house, which was a private residence until 2015, has had wings built, knocked down, built over or extended multiple times over its lifetime, leaving a fascinating and charming building, displaying multiple layers of construction and architectural styles.

With over 600 years of stories to explore, the West Horsley Place Trust is using its monthly Open Days to bring history to life for visitors. Throughout 2025, each Open Day will discover a different period with something to snare your senses and take you back in time, including historical food, music and dancing. Historical interpretation specialists will be displaying clothes, weaponry and more, while they chat to visitors about the people of the past.

The next Open Day is on Sunday, February 23rd. In the month of Valentines, they will be dancing the day away Regency style! So, if you have ever watched Pride and Prejudice and looked on in envy as Elizabeth moves across the dance floor with Mr Darcy, now is your chance! Watch a display or get involved yourself with a workshop. You’ll be taught some of the lively dances of the Regency era. Catch up with a cotillion, and queue up for a quadrille. You can also taste the era with “Jane’s Historical Kitchen,” who will be serving tasters of the canapés and cakes which would have been in a Regency ballroom.

On Sunday, March 30th, the Manor House will be heading further backwards in time to explore the extremely popular and ever-fascinating Tudor age. It was recently discovered that the building was larger in the time of Henry VIII and that he not only owned it but used it as a personal residence for hunting and feasting. Costumed interpretation specialists will be wandering the halls in their finery ready to answer your questions, there will be a talk from the author of 1000 Tudor People and storytelling sessions. To find out more and explore all the Open Days on offer, simply visit the website at westhorsleyplace.org.

“On Sunday, March 30th, the Manor House will be heading further backwards in time to explore the extremely popular and everfascinating Tudor age”

The Braywood Discover Berkshire’s Newest Foodie Destination

The culinary landscape of Berkshire has recently welcomed a new star: The Braywood. Emerging from the site of the former Royal Oak in Paley Street, near Bray, this modern restaurant and cocktail bar is the latest venture from the team behind The Woodspeen in Newbury. Though its doors only opened in November 2024, The Braywood has already made a significant impact, captivating discerning diners with its understated elegance and exceptional menu.

From the moment guests step inside, they are greeted by an ambience of refined sophistication. A stylish, standalone cocktail bar complements the restaurant, where you can expect all the classics, expertly poured. But, there’s also an edit of inspired signature cocktails to discover, and a modish, contemporary vibe more commonly found in the destination hotspots of New York or London. An inviting terrace hints at al fresco dining in the Summer months to come.

The polished front of house team, expertly guided by General Manager Thomas Gammella (winner of the 2022 Gold Service Scholarship), ensures an impeccable and personalized experience for every guest.

At the heart of The Braywood lies a dedication to culinary excellence. Head Chef Sam Brennan crafts exquisite seasonal menus showcasing the finest British produce. Expect to savor dishes such

as Orkney scallops with black pudding, Barbecued monkfish with salt-baked celeriac, and Honey millefeuille with fig, honey parfait, and fresh honeycomb. The a la carte menu also features daily specials, such as Turbot with Champagne sauce and Glazed beef cheek, alongside a classic Sunday Roast.

The Braywood’s commitment to an exceptional dining experience extends beyond the kitchen. An extensive 600-bin international wine list boasts a diverse selection of both classic regions and exciting new discoveries, with over 20 wines available by the glass.

Conveniently located minutes from Bray, Maidenhead, Windsor, and Ascot, The Braywood is easily accessible from Junction 8/9 of the M4 or a short taxi ride from Maidenhead town centre, now served by the Elizabeth Line.

The Braywood and its cocktail bar are undoubtedly a welcome addition to Berkshire’s vibrant culinary scene, and with exquisite food, stylish ambience, and impeccable service, it’s certain to be a highly sought after destination this Mother’s Day.

Visit thebraywood.co.uk or call 01628 361873.

ESHER FARM SHOP SHORTLISTED IN FARM RETAIL ASSOCIATION AWARDS

Garson Farm in Esher, Surrey has been nominated as a finalist in the Pick Your Own of the Year category in this year’s prestigious Farm Retail Association (FRA) Awards.

Garson Farm PYO is proudly one of the UK’s largest PYO Farms. Spanning over 155 acres, the farmland has been tenderly cultivated since 1871 by the same Thompson family line. For 110 years, the farm’s fresh produce was transported to the London market traders up to 1981, when the gates opened to the public and PYO began.

The Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 12 March in Birmingham and is one of the highlights in the FRA calendar, showcasing the fantastic work which goes on around the country to promote and support real, local food.

Ben Thompson, Director of Garson Farm said, “We are delighted to be shortlisted for the FRA PYO of the Year award! The team at Garson Farm continues to work hard to offer customers a selection of nearly 30 different fruits, vegetables, and flowers for picking while also introducing bigger and better events each year, such as our Pumpkin Parade, Maize Maze, and Lavender Hill. Seeing this recognised within our industry amongst such great competition would be wonderful!”

Chair of the Farm Retail Association, Emma Mosey said: “It’s wonderful to shine a light and

celebrate our farm shops and farmers markets which are often independent, family-run businesses at the heart of communities. The sector is an important bridge between field and fork, sourcing fresh and nutritious produce with low food miles, from passionate and knowledgeable retailers.

garsons.co.uk

SURREY HILLS INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

6–17 May 2025

Surrey Hills International Music Festival (SHIMF) has announced the programme for its 2025 season – which will be the 16th edition of the much-loved classical music festival that, each Spring, brings world-class musicians to perform in beautiful venues across the Surrey Hills.

Taking place between 6 and 17 May 2025, highlights of this year’s concert series include: Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble VOCES8 celebrating their 20th anniversary and performing a special concert at Guildford’s Holy Trinity Church as part of their 20th anniversary world tour.

Musicians from the internationally acclaimed Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, New York performing with the outstanding Sitkovetsky Trio at the Menuhin Hall, Cobham and also in the Festival Finale at St Martin’s Church, Dorking.

Virtuoso pianist Alim Beisembayev - winner of the 2021 Leeds International Piano Competition, one of the world’s foremost music competitions –giving his first concert at the Menuhin Hall.

Continuing its commitment to support young and emerging artists, this year sees the return of the Festival’s Lunchtime Young Artist Concerts, featuring the award-winning Londinium Consort at West Horsley Place, and students from Surrey’s world-renowned Yehudi Menuhin School at St Michael’s Church in Betchworth.

Plus guided walks through the Surrey Hills National Landscape with musical interludes and a number of expert talks about this year’s programme.

Also announced today is the appointment of the Duke of Northumberland as a Festival Patron.

wonderful landscape.”

“We are honoured that His Grace the Duke of Northumberland has accepted the role of Patron of the Festival. His Grace has long been a champion for the Surrey Hills National Landscape and an advocate for creativity in our beautiful countryside, and we are very grateful for his kind support.”

She continued: “I also want to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful sponsors and Festival Friends, whose generosity makes our Festival possible. We are a registered charity, committed to supporting music education locally through the String Scheme and to nurturing the next generation of professional musicians through initiatives including our Young Composer Competition. We could not do what we do without this support.”

Surrey Hills International Music Festival Chairman, Julia Pearson, said: “Our 16th season has a captivating line-up of international soloists and chamber musicians, and we hope that our exciting and varied programme will entice musiclovers from the area, and from further afield, to enjoy some truly excellent music-making in this

THE DETAILS

Tickets for Surrey Hills International Music Festival 2025 are now on sale. For full programme details and to book tickets: shimf.co.uk

Alim Beisembayev © Nabin Maharjan

Above: Arnaud Sussmann from The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center New York. Photo: Matt Dine Left, circle: Kristin Lee from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center New York

The Londinium Consort

VOCES8. Photo: Andy Staples

PURE LUXURY BENEATH YOUR FEET

THE DETAILS

The showroom is conveniently located at 131 - 135 Oatlands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 9LB. 20 minutes from London and easily accessible from M25, M3 and A3.

Open from Tuesday to Friday, 12:00 – 19:00, and on Saturdays from 10:00 – 16:00 or by appointment.

Tel: 0800 669 6670 bazaarvelvet.com

Step into the world of Bazaar Velvet at its exquisite flagship showroom in the charming town of Weybridge, Surrey.

After nearly two decades of enchanting the Kings Road, Chelsea, they have relocated to a new haven where elegance meets innovation.

Discover an awe-inspiring array of contemporary, luxurious handmade rugs, available in a spectrum of cool hues and designs, ready for immediate delivery in a variety of sizes, including grand, statement pieces. Dive into their bespoke room, where your creative visions become reality. Choose from over a thousand designs and 3000 colours, crafted from the finest materials like wool, silk, cashmere, and even Alpaca, tailored to any size, shape, or design all made in entirely by hand of their skilled weavers.

Whether you’re seeking a unique piece for your home or multiple creations for designers, architects, hotels, and commercial spaces, Bazaar Velvet brings your dreams to life.

Discover the allure of their stunning collections by visiting in person or indulge in the luxury of a personalised home design consultation, bringing the elegance of their rugs directly to your living space. It’s the perfect chance to uncover the ideal rug that complements your home beautifully! Each piece comes with the GoodWeave label, that always ensures ethical practices are used at every step of the making process.

Bazaar Velvet - over 30 Years Supplying The Most Prestige Homes Around The Globe.

THE MICHELIN GUIDE Great Britain & Ireland 2025

The most-eagerly anticipated restaurant awards in the annual calendar have been announced - Michelin has announced its 2025 restaurant selection, with a total of 1,147 restaurants, ranging in style from counter dining to country houses.

NEW THREE MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANT:

Moor Hall, Lancashire - Chef Mark Birchall and his team have continued to hone their craft and have now achieved new levels of excellence. The ingredients, many from the kitchen garden, are outstanding; the chefs’ culinary technique is hugely impressive; and the judgement of flavours, of when to prioritise simplicity and when to add complexity, is exemplary. The Inspectors particularly enjoyed the classically based turbot cooked in brown butter, with seasonal kuri squash and Mylor prawns.

NEW TWO MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANTS:

Humble Chicken, Soho - while Chef-Owner Angelo Sato’s Japanese heritage provides the basis

for this modern, upbeat izakaya, his creative streak ensures the theatrical tasting menu takes on a style all its own. Clever flavour and temperature combinations feature throughout, as do the kitchen’s immense precision and technical skill. Pumping music contributes to a great atmosphere, whilst sake ‘journeys’ are encouraged to add to the experience.

The Ritz Restaurant, St James’s - with its stunning Louis XVI decoration, there’s a flamboyancy in the delivery of the dishes that

Top: Moor Hall Restaurant; Above: Humble Chicken Below: The Ritz Restaurant

lives up to the surroundings. Equally impressive is the cooking itself, displaying balance, refinement and depth of flavour. You need only take one glance at the menu to see that classical French techniques and luxury ingredients both play a big role in proceedings. The sharing ‘Arts de la Table’ dishes allow the impeccable service team to keep the theatre of the gueridon trolley alive.

Hide & Fox, Saltwood - outside of London, near the Kent coast, duo Allister Barsby and Alice Bussi have added another chapter to their impressive story, earning Two Stars for neighbourhood restaurant Hide & Fox. Allister and the team’s cooking is packed full of delicious produce, cooked with due respect to deliver dishes that succeed on every level. The service is equally endearing, helping to create an experience that is a true delight.

NEW ONE MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANTS INCLUDE:

OMA, London SE1 - on the edge of Borough Market, OMA has become The Guide’s first Greek restaurant to be awarded a Star in the UK and Ireland – thanks to lip-smackingly delicious dishes from Chef Jorge Paredes. This is the spot that the capital’s Hellenic food enthusiasts have been crying out for, with utterly delicious sharing dishes. The covered terrace overlooks Borough Market, the pacing from the kitchen is spot on and the list of coastal wines is great too.

AngloThai, Marylebone - ‘Rooted in Thailand, Uniquely British’ is the tagline of this joyfully run restaurant from John and Desiree Chantarasak – John is half-Thai, half-British, a duality that informs his cuisine. The exemplary ingredients are sourced from across the UK, including from Desiree’s family’s farm. You can certainly expect more than British ingredients simply married with Thai flavours.

DOSA, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair - the restaurant Korean food enthusiasts have been waiting for. Served at a marble counter in the Two-Key Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, Jihun Kim’s cooking is luxurious and supremely skilful. It’s all executed with utmost skill and the mostly British produce is of superb quality. The chefs and wellversed service teamwork in impressive harmony and have a real desire for you to understand the cuisine, but most importantly to enjoy it.

Plates London, Hoxton - the first fully plant-

based restaurant in the UK and Ireland to receive a MICHELIN Star. There’s an appropriately earthy, natural vibe to this elegant restaurant dedicated to promoting plant-based cuisine. Chef Kirk Haworth, who founded Plates with his sister Keeley – brings his strong classical technique to bear on inventive and inviting vegan dishes that give vegetables the respect they deserve.

Starling, Esher - the first solo project of Nick Beardshaw – who established his reputation working with Tom Kerridge – it’s a simple neighbourhood operation, but one with undoubtedly delicious food. While the menu consists of the kind of seemingly straightforward dishes that are tricky to pull off yet so easy to eat. Nick’s signature dish of Orkney scallop with Thai green curry sauce is a prime example, the technical skill and balance of flavours shining through.

Together with the restaurants which have maintained their distinction from last year, there are total of 181 One-MICHELIN-Star restaurants in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide selection for Great Britain & Ireland.

THE DETAILS

Explore the full list of restaurants added to The Guide this year by visiting guide.michelin.com and via the iOS and Android apps.

Top: The Ritz Restaurant Above: Starling, Esher Below: Anglothai Left: Moor Hall Restaurant

Matisse: Drawing with Scissors

Until Sunday 11 May 2025. Lightbox Gallery, Woking

The French painter, sculptor and designer, Henri Matisse (1869-1954) was one of the 20th century’s most influential artists. His vibrant works are celebrated for their extraordinary richness and luminosity of colour and his spectacular paper cutouts were his final triumph.

Matisse: Drawing with Scissors, a Hayward Gallery Touring exhibition from the Southbank Centre - opening at Lightbox Gallery on Saturday 8 February (to Sunday 11 May 2025) - features 35 posthumous prints of the famous cut-outs that he produced in the last four years of his life, when confined to his bed. The exhibition includes many of his iconic images, such as The Snail and the Blue Nudes.

Matisse continued creating highly original works into his eighties. For his cut-outs he used paper, hand-painted with gouache, which he carved into with scissors: ‘the paper cut-out allows me to draw in the colour … Instead of drawing the outline and putting the colour inside it…I draw straight into the colour’. The colours he used were so strong that he was advised by his doctor to wear dark glasses.

The lithographic reproductions in this exhibition are taken from a special double issue of Verve, a review of art and literature, published by Matisse’s friend, the critic and fine art publisher Tériade, in 1958, four years after Matisse’s death. The

publication was planned during Matisse’s lifetime and the first lithographic plates were prepared under his direction a few days before he died.

Matisse began his working life as a lawyer, before going to Paris to study art in 1890. At first strongly influenced by the Impressionists, he soon created his own style, using brilliant, pure colours, and started making sculptures as well as paintings. In 1905 he and his colleagues were branded the Fauves (wild beasts) because of their unconventional use of colour, and it was during this time that he painted his celebrated Luxe, Calme et Volupté (Luxury, Tranquillity and Delight).

‘There is no gap between my earlier pictures and my cut-outs’, Matisse wrote; ‘I have only reached a form reduced to the essential through greater absoluteness and greater abstraction’.

Matisse: Drawing with Scissors will be a longstanding touring exhibition, taking residency at further locations following its presentation at Lightbox Gallery. These locations will be announced at a later date.

Matisse: Drawing with Scissors is a Hayward Gallery Touring exhibition. thelightbox.org.uk

Clockwise from top left: Henri Matisse (1869-1954) Nu bleu II (Blue Nude II), 1952, Lithographic reproduction (1958); Henri Matisse (1869-1954) Fleurs de neige (Snow Flowers) 1951, Lithographic reproduction (1958); Henri Matisse (1869-1954) Vegetaux (Vegetation), 1952, Lithographic reproduction (1958) Henri Matisse (1869-1954) Nu aux oranges (Nude with Oranges), 1952-53, Lithographic reproduction (1958)

The Countdown Begins…

THE BOAT RACE 2025

Sunday 13th April 2025

Welcome to one of the world’s oldest and most famous amateur sporting events.

Watched by thousands along the banks of the River Thames and by millions more on TV around the world, The Boat Race is the world’s most famous rowing race, and one of the biggest free sporting events in London. 2025 will see the 170th Men’s Boat Race and 79th Women’s Boat Race.

The first ever race took place in 1829 in Henley on Thames, a challenge between old school friends. The Women’s Boat Race first took place in 1927. The contest between two rowing crews from the UK’s two greatest universities, Oxford and Cambridge, now spans nearly 200 years of sporting rivalry - and established itself as the epitome of amateur sport, raced by student athletes who combine academic rigour with elite physical prowess.

Since the second race in 1836, the contest

“The first ever race took place in 1829 in Henley on Thames, a challenge between old school friends”

has taken place in London and has become synonymous with British tradition and excellence, attracting global interest and offering an unrivalled educational experience to the student athletes who take part.

The Boat Race takes place on the famous Championship Course that stretches over 4.25 miles of tidal Thames in West London, between Putney and Mortlake.

The men’s and women’s top crews are known as the Blue Boats after the award their

universities give them for competing in The Boat Race. Both universities have reserve crews. For the men, Oxford’s reserve boat is called Isis, Cambridge’s is called Goldie. The women’s reserve boats are called Osiris (Oxford) and Blondie (Cambridge).

OFFICIAL HOSPITALITY 2025

Join others in the Thames Rowing Club for a VIP hospitality experience and enjoy the 2025 race. With a balcony offering spectacular views of the start, watch from the beautiful Thames Rowing Club and feel the intense atmosphere. Enjoy a Chapel Down English sparkling wine reception, followed by some delicious savoury bites and a traditional afternoon tea, and a unique experience at the stunning riverside location. Subject to availability.

Official Hospitality Package, Thames Rowing Club £295 per head (inc. VAT)

• Exclusive balcony viewing of the early stages of The Boat Race.

• Large screen TVs showing all the Live BBC

coverage of the action.

• Chapel Down, English sparkling wine reception.

• Complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks.

• Selection of canapes, bowl food and rolling afternoon tea.

• Q&A session pre-race with Boat Race alumni and/or leading GB rowing stars.

• Official event programme.

• Boat Race giftbag. Book via theboatrace.org/ boat-race-hospitality-2025-checkout

The Boat Race is regularly attended by over 200,000 spectators at the banks of the river and watched by millions more on television. Fans of The Boat Race from around the world usually pick one team to support! Cambridge University Boat Club wears the light ‘Duck Egg’ blue, whilst the Oxford crews wear dark blue. Whether you’re a supporter, fan, pundit or just love a good day out, you’re in for some great racing action!

For those of you who can’t be there in person, the next best thing is to watch the race live on BBC1. For more information visit theboatrace.org

CLARIDGE’S BAKERY

Set to open summer 2025 With internationally acclaimed baker Richard Hart

Claridge’s has announced that it will open Claridge’s Bakery in late summer 2025 with internationally acclaimed chef and baker, Richard Hart, named as Executive Baker & Creative Director.

Launching with a British-focused menu of beloved classics including Bloomers and Granary Loaves, as well as Jam Tarts, Custard Tarts, Belgian Buns, Iced Fingers, and more, as well as Hart’s globally renowned sourdough breads. The bakery will be located on Brook’s Mews, Mayfair, and sell delicious treats and goods straight from the ovens, with the sole aim of celebrating the art of British baking.

With delicacies available throughout the day, the menu will be created by Hart and take inspiration from Richard’s London upbringing and love and nostalgia for classic British bakeries, as well as Claridge’s own heritage.

The opening of Claridge’s Bakery marks Richard Hart’s much anticipated return to the UK, building on decades of travels and work across the globe, from San Francisco to Copenhagen and Mexico City. The founder of Copenhagen’s Hart Bageri acclaimed as one of the world’s best bakeries, Richard opened in partnership with René Redzepi of Noma. Originally from London, he

currently lives in Mexico City, where he is opening his newest project, Green Rhino. He is the author of Richard Hart Bread: Intuitive Sourdough Baking, published in the UK in January 2025 via Hardie Grant Books.

Richard Hart, comments, “I am excited and honoured to be the Executive Baker and Creative Director at Claridge’s Bakery. My goal is to celebrate timeless British baked favourites in one of the most notable British institutions. Bread and baked goods are an everyday staple that brings people together and I can’t wait to share my take on it with Londoners and visitors to the capital”. For further information, please visit: claridges. co.uk/restaurants-bars/claridges-bakery/ richardhartbaker.com

ABOUT CLARIDGE’S

At the centre of London’s Mayfair, Claridge’s, operated by Maybourne, embodies grand English style, timeless glamour and intuitive and highly tailored service. It is London’s Art Deco jewel, and home to elegant rooms and suites. From London’s finest afternoon tea in The Foyer, to vintage Champagnes at Claridge’s Bar and The Fumoir, dinner in Claridge’s Restaurant and cocktails at The Painter’s Room, all are part of the hotel’s unique splendour and charm maybourne.com

premier home design event

GRAND DESIGNS LIVE

Kevin McCloud will be back for a completely overhauled

Grand Designs Live, returning in a brand-new format to London ExCeL.

The show promises to be the best yet, filled with expert advice and endless home design inspiration across a revamped show, for an unforgettable day out. Over four exciting days, showgoers will have the chance to connect with specialists for one-toone advice sessions, plus new product ranges to inspire and turning dream homes into reality.

EXCITING FEATURES AT THIS YEAR’S SHOW INCLUDE:

The Grand House

An immersive, cutting-edge residence will bring the world of Grand Designs to life. The inspiring build showcases state-of-the-art, low carbon emission technology in the push for net zero, offering a glimpse into the future of eco-friendly living. Expertly curated by top architects and interior designers and its interactive features, allows visitors to see first-hand how smart design can transform a space at their fingertips.

Visitors can wander through stunning rooms such as high-tech kitchens, serene living spaces and incredible garden retreats, plus a brand-new section

“An

immersive, cuttingedge residence will bring the world of Grand Designs to life. The inspiring build showcases state-ofthe-art, low carbon emission technology in the push for net zero, offering a glimpse into the future of ecofriendly living”

featuring fresh talent and the newest, most exciting products breaking into the market.

New Dedicated Theatre & Expert Advice Offerings

Hosting an incredible array of experts, visitors can see an exciting and engaging lineup discuss everything from sustainability to innovation, whatever the nature of your home project.

• Build and Renovation Theatre – with panel discussions covering everything from planning to execution

• Sustainability Theatre – hosted by Max McMurdo and honing in on the best ways to achieve your home build in a sustainable manner

• Kitchens and Bathroom Theatre – covering all aspects of kitchen and bathroom builds from the experts

• Home and Gardens Theatre – partnering with the Society of Garden Designers and British Institute of Interior Design, this will be the place to go for advice on indoor-outdoor living

The Build and Renovation, Kitchen and Bathroom, and Home and Gardens hubs will all also host ‘Advice Centres’, which offer free one-toone advice for projects from independent experts.

Architecture Advice Centre

Grand Designs Live will also be hosting the Architecture Advice Centre, where attendees can consult with experts on a one-to-one basis on a variety of topics to help them with their own grand design plans, including architecture, structural engineering and planning for self-builds and renovations for interiors, landscaping and outdoor living.

There is so much to explore – be inspired. granddesignslive.com

A BRIGHT FUTURE. TOGETHER.

Sir William Perkins’s School to welcome boys from 2026

At Sir William Perkins’s School

Chertsey, students aged 11-18 are supported to embrace their curiosity, pursue ambitions, and realise their potential. The culture combines high expectations with a happy atmosphere, leading to outstanding academic results, seeing students progress to Russell Group universities, Oxbridge, art courses, conservatoires, and internships.

Students are placed at the heart of everything the school does. Staff expect the best from students, and in return students receive the highest quality teaching, where each individual is stretched, challenged and given the tailored support and attention needed to flourish. All students share a love of learning and academic curiosity.

Beyond the classroom, enrichment opportunities abound. Students lead on stage, on the pitch, join committees, and run clubs. Community is central to the ethos, with students participating in charity and service endeavours, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Sport is central to school life, building resilience and leadership while fostering friendships. The SWPS Rowing Club

“Beyond the classroom, enrichment opportunities abound”

enjoys student success at high-level competitions, including Henley Women’s and Henley Royal Regattas.

Subject to regulatory approval, the school is delighted to be welcoming applications from boys to join SWPS next year. On the school’s 300th anniversary, the decision to move to co-education is rooted in a long-term desire to enable any child who would flourish at Sir William Perkins’s School to benefit from a SWPS education.

The belief is that girls and boys are best prepared for life when learning alongside each other, collaborating and developing mutual respect both inside and outside the classroom.

With school transport options serving Camberley, Kingston, Richmond, Oxshott, Esher, Virginia Water and Woking, SWPS couldn’t be better connected.

Visit SWPS at one of their Open Events in March to learn more: swps.org.uk/visit

Opening the door to your child’s future

A guide to School Open Days

As we approach the new term, it is now when thoughts turn to Independent School Open Days - allowing you to get a genuine feel for the school and whether on first impressions it is right for your child.

TOP TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST OUT OF A SCHOOL OPEN DAY…

• Check on the school website if you need to make an appointment prior to visiting

• It is vital that you are prepared so read their school brochures thoroughly

• Take your child with you – their opinion is the most important. Children will get an idea whether they feel comfortable there.

• Talk to as many people as you can: pupils, teachers and the headmaster ideally

• Take an independent walk around with your child and chat about any reservations you might both have.

QUESTIONS TO ASK AT A SCHOOL OPEN DAY….

Some questions will differ according to your child’s age and whether you are visiting a day or boarding school.

• How selective is the school academically and what is the current pass rate for the common entrance exam?

• Are there high expectations and high academic achievements?

• Is the curriculum broad and well balanced? (you want your child to be successful but not too

“Take your child with you – their opinion is the most important”

compelled in pressure)

• What are the classroom sizes?

• What is expected of my child with regard to homework?

• Is there a healthy balance of fun and academia?

• Is there a bullying policy?

• What lunchtime meals are available?

• What sports and music facilities are available?

• What after school clubs and trips are available?

• How many pupils branch out into further education?

After the tour, you may have the opportunity to meet other parents and children on a more informal footing whereby the teachers and the head can answer queries over coffee and biscuits.

PRIVATELY EDUCATED PEOPLE DOMINATE TOP BRITISH JOBS

The study, by the Sutton Trust education charity, shows that virtually every key profession is dominated by privately educated pupils grabbing the senior management/director positions

Their grip on power is most noticeable in the judiciary, where 74 per cent of leading judges (those in the High Court or Court of Appeal) were privately educated.

Figures in the report also show that one in three MPs (32 per cent) was privately educated – as were half the members of the Conservative Cabinet. Even in Jeremy Corbyn’s Shadow Cabinet, 13 per cent of members went to private school. Nationally, the figure is just 7 per cent.

The report, carried out by Dr Philip Kirby, goes on to show that 71 per cent of senior Army officers – two-star generals and above – went to private schools. Only 12 per cent attended comprehensives.

“The

higher echelons of journalism are also dominated by the private sector, with 51 per cent educated in independent schools”

In medicine, 61 per cent of doctors were privately educated while 22 per cent went to selective state grammar schools and just 16 per cent to comprehensives. The list goes on – 48 per cent of civil servants were educated privately, 29 per cent went to selective grammar schools and 23 per cent to comprehensives.

The higher echelons of journalism are also dominated by the private sector, with 51 per cent educated in independent schools. And of those chief executives of FTSE 100 companies who were educated in the UK, 34 per cent were privately educated.

Nearly half the top actors – 42 per cent of Bafta Award winners – went to private schools, fuelling criticism that the profession is becoming more elitist.

“Our research shows that your chances of reaching the top in so many areas of British life are so much better if you went to an independent school,” said Sir Peter Lampl, the chairman of the Sutton Trust. “As well as academic achievement, an independent education tends to develop the essential skills such as confidence, articulacy and teamwork, which are vital to career success.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

– Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best –

IMAGE: CHARLY THERAPY

FASHION & BEAUTY

SLUMBER IN SILK

Enjoy a wonderful night’s sleep with this 100% mulberry silk eye mask. With organic cotton filling for extra padded comfort, these eye masks are perfect for use at home and while traveling. And elevate your leisure moments with the silk camisole and shorts set. The epitome of comfort and style, it’s perfect for those moments when elegance deserves to be at ease. theethicalsilkco.com

STYLISH STORAGE

Make a statement with the Umbra FERRIS Jewellery Organizer! This stylish jewelry holder is the perfect gift for yourself or a friend and is designed to hold and protect your rings with velvet-padded pillows. umbra.com

RETAIL THERAPY

Charly Therapy love vintage fashion as much as you do. In their online store you can find a wide variety of glasses, not only sunglasses but also glasses for screen. Because at Charly Therapy they take care of your eyes outdoors and indoors. charlytherapy.com

THE WEEKENDER

. This elegant holdall is crafted from premium nylon, finished with almond accents and gold hardware, and is ideal as hand luggage on airplanes, or as an overnight bag. itluggage.com

GREEN WITH ENVY

Skilfully made by hand, these quality earrings feature an intricate display of semi-precious stones and fabric inlays. curatedliving.co.uk

WE LOVE

This V&A Neckerchief Yellow Blu Flora Seguy. vam.ac.uk/shop

Dr. Peter Forrester

MBBS FRCA

With over 20 years experience in non surgical cosmetic medicine, Peter specialises in minimally invasive facial anti ageing treatments.

Ms. Helen McEvoy

MSc MA MBBChir FRCS (Plast)

Helen is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon based at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ hospital and she consults privately from her rooms in Esher.

THE DETAILS

The Cosmetic Doctors Company 6 Esher Park Avenue, Esher, Surrey KT10 9NP

Telephone 01372 469888 cosdocs.co.uk

COSMETIC SURGERY with The Cosmetic Doctors Company

In an exciting new phase, The Cosmetic Doctors Company now conduct Minor Surgery procedures to complement a comprehensive range of non surgical treatments.

At their private practice in Esher, they are now able to offer in-house cosmetic surgery procedures under local anaesthesia, including upper eyelid

reduction (Blepharoplasty), excision of skin lesions, moles, cysts, other lumps & bumps, and scar revisions.

These procedures will be performed by Ms Helen McEvoy MSc MA FRCS (Plast), a Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust where she has a special interest in breast surgery. At the clinic in Esher, in addition to minor surgery procedures, she also offers consultations for those considering plastic or cosmetic surgery. Ms McEvoy is on the GMC Plastic Surgery Specialist Register and is fully trained and accredited in all aspects of Plastic Surgery including facial surgery, breast enlargement, breast reduction & uplift, tummy tuck, liposuction and body contouring surgery.

Non-surgical treatments include anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, thread facelift, polynucleotide therapy, advanced micro-needling with exosomes”

Please get in touch and learn more about their highly personal approach that ensures your experience is satisfying, effective and importantly, very safe.

Richard Quinn creates a winter wonderland at London Fashion Week

British designer Richard Quinn created a winter wonderland and brought back Dior’s ‘new look’ silhouette almost 80 years later at autumn/winter 2025 London Fashion Week.

Quinn, 35, is famed for his classic, retro styling; often leaning into pared-down elegance, and this show was certainly no exception.

While the designs looked back to the greats of the past, as did the models, with 75-year-old Penelope Tree being cast in the show – a model who rose to prominence during the Swinging Sixties in London.

Quinn encompasses fewer theatrics and edgy thrills than his counterparts, instead opting for refined silhouettes, eye-catching embellishments and old-Hollywood glamour.

While his past collections have featured everything from latex to Lila Moss, the king of subversively joyous fashion seems to have stripped Keely Hodgkinson, Anais Gallagher and Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia Spencer were among the A-listers sitting front row. By Lara Owen

things back.

For his autumn/winter 2025 show, guests eagerly lined up in the soggy streets of St James, a canopy of bustling umbrellas keenly awaiting to enter.

Held in the Royal Horticultural Halls, Quinn transformed the ballroom into a winter wonderland, with a Georgian townhouse emblazoned with his name above the door and wrought iron gates guiding models through a glowing runway lined with street lamps and dusted with snow.

It was as though the show was encapsulated within a vintage snow globe.

As snow fell from the ceiling, classical strings began to play, and sumptuous silks, poufs and ruffles began to spill out onto the runway.

It seems inspiration lay in the likes of Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn.

Born in Lewisham, south-east London, Quinn’s cosmopolitan vintage style gowns are tailored

in a humble studio in Peckham.

Despite being famed for his liberal use of loud florals and capacious ruffles; this collection took a more refined approach – showcasing monotoned silks, pitch dark velvets and elegant embellished gowns.

However, that’s not to say the collection wasn’t without his quintessential florals.

Large eighties-style roses washed evening gowns, with exaggerated shoulder pads and cinched wasp waists, blending the extremes of striking confidence and soft femininity.

Quinn’s bridal collection was the jewel in the crown, and it is no wonder his bridal designs are currently booming.

Rumoured to be the next Vivienne Westwood when it comes to British wedding gowns, it comes as no surprise that Quinn’s designs are flourishing.

His breathtaking old Hollywood glamour, floorlength veils and refined embellishments offer the perfect timeless yet contemporary wedding dress.

Pluming collars and exaggerated cuffs are classical Quinn motifs, and he injected further fun

through silk blouson sleeves, exaggerated shoulder pads and voluminous skirts.

As the show came to a close, Pet Shop Boys’ upbeat Always On My Mind boomed through the sound system, as Quinn reminded us of the joy of his collection.

A-listers sitting front row dressed in Quinn included Olympic runner Keely Hodgkinson, daughter of Oasis star Anais Gallagher and sisters Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia Spencer.

Bora Aksu pays tribute to the royal ‘beauty queen’ Empress Sisi at London Fashion Week

The Turkish designer showcased a regal display at St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden. By

Lara Owen

Bora Aksu paid homage to the renowned royal ‘beauty queen’ Empress Sisi of Austria in his London Fashion Week show.

“Empress Sisi was always conscious about her look and she was trapped in the beauty that she was known for,” the designer told PA Media.

Empress Sisi’s tragic tale has seen many retellings across film, TV and now fashion, as Bora Aksu’s autumn/winter collection delved into the duality of beauty and sorrow.

Known for his dark, Romantic aesthetic, Bora Aksu is loved by the likes of Keira Knightley, Elle Fanning and model Coco Rocha.

The Turkish designer stayed true to his style roots through monochromatic frills, haunting veils and black opera gloves.

Swathes of lace, blouson sleeves and layered tulle peppered the runway.

The collection embodied the grandeur of the Austrian court through structured jackets and overcoats, sweeping veils and intricate lacework, evoking the Empress’s carefully composed public persona.

Meanwhile, the Empress’s repressed rebellion found its form through fluid silhouettes, sharp

tailoring and dynamic contrasts, infusing the collection with an edgier, more instinctive energy.

Velvet riding hats acted as the perfect accessory, as this was the pastime most favoured by the Empress.

The abundance of textures played across a palette of whites and creams, punctuated by stark berry reds, opulent purples and nautical blue tones. The result is romantic yet modern, restrained yet unbound.

There was a haunting beauty to the collection.

Delicate white lace and intricate feminine patterns evoked Empress Sisi’s ethereal presence, while dramatic silhouettes, veils and dark accents hinted at the turbulence beneath the surface.

Soft, flowing fabrics juxtaposed with bold tailoring created garments that captured both vulnerability and strength.

Aksu’s collection looked at the concept of beauty, and how is at once both celebrated and challenged.

“It’s whimsical, it’s really fun, it’s feminine and it feels really creative,” said actor Indira Varma, who was among the celebrities sitting front row. “I loved it.”

“Known for his dark, Romantic aesthetic, Bora Aksu is loved by the likes of Keira Knightley, Elle Fanning and model Coco Rocha”

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2K CRIMPING IS COMING BACK, ACCORDING TO FASHION WEEK RUNWAYS

Chet Lo’s autumn/winter show brought back hair crimping. By Lara Owen

Chet Lo brought back Y2K crimping at London Fashion Week, steering away from the hyper-natural hair trends of the moment, and leaning into style nostalgia.

The Asian-American designer, known for his clashing textural designs, collaborated with celebrity hairstylist Anna Cofone and Authentic Beauty Concept to create a textbook Noughties look.

Cofone combined pin-straight hair with uniform crimps, creating a quintessentially Y2K look for Lo’s autumn/winter 2025 collection.

“The inspiration for today’s look is very much a continuation of patterns and panels,” said Cofone, “we wanted to mimic the patterns in Chet’s clothes, so we’ve got these cool, crimped panels appearing at the back of the model’s hair and on some of the sides.”

As for the products, the goal was to look shiny and slick, so Cofone used Authentic Beauty Concept’s hair balms and glow serums to calm any flyaways and add that Y2K-style shine.

While flat and shiny hairstyles are reminiscent of the early Noughties, crimping also recalls the trends of the Eighties, which have been observed on this season’s runways.

“I think it’s great that it’s got this reference to the Eighties,” says Cofone. “Do I think [crimping] is going to come back? I think people can definitely play with crimps and see what shape they get – for sure.”

The nostalgic crimped hair was the perfect accessory for the low-rise skirts and asymmetric tops that flooded this season’s runway – ushering the return of early 2000s fashion – much to Gen Z’s happiness.

“Cofone combined pin-straight hair with uniform crimps, creating a quintessentially Y2K look for Lo’s autumn/ winter 2025 collection”

PAUL COSTELLOE

Costelloe showcases Eighties countryside glamour with his equestrian London Fashion Week show

Supermodel Jodie Kidd, presenter Olivia Cox, and Phoebe and Daisy Tomlinson were among the celebrities sitting front row. By Lara Owen

Irish designer Paul Costelloe gave a lesson in elevating country wear with his autumn/ winter 2025 collection at London Fashion Week.

Costelloe, 79, is best known for having been appointed Diana, the Princess of Wales’ personal designer in 1983, a collaboration that flourished until her untimely death. It seems this particular collection drew upon Diana’s looks from days at the races, when she was being courted by Prince Charles. Costelloe is famed for his elegant and classic tailoring, blending traditional and contemporary design – which was apparent in his chic but heritage outerwear.

Presented to the symphonies of Celtic music, Costelloe stayed true to his roots, incorporating heavy Magees of Ireland and Harris Tweed of Scotland – weaving Celtic accents into the collection.

Born in Dublin but now based in London, Costelloe presented his autumn/winter collection at the luxurious Waldorf Hilton Hotel.

The Grade-II Edwardian-style building posed as the perfect backdrop for a collection oozing with old-school glamour.

Inspired by the elite pastime of dressage, Costelloe reflected the volume, space and energy apparent in the hobby.

With sumptuous flowing gowns, ruffled miniskirts and pluming wool coats – the show provided a modern take on the equestrian style.

The palette was one of chestnut browns, creams, berry reds and forest greens.

As with his last collection, Costelloe played with loud prints, such as minidresses and evening gowns emblazoned with vintage photographs of showjumping and dressage.

Like with many collections this season, there were apparent nods to the Eighties through full waisted belts, broad shoulders and bold prints.

Combined with the show’s equestrian notes, it echoed the scenes of Jilly Cooper’s aristocratic Cotswolds set.

What was once an unglamorous aesthetic, equestrian accents have become an elegant and refined sartorial choice – with jodhpurs, riding boots and suspenders

bumping back up the style charts, following Gucci’s equestrian-inspired autumn/winter 2024 show.

In Costelloe’s collection, riding blazers and culottes were paired with dainty stilettos and wool stockings.

Pluming thick-waisted skirts were paired with suspenders and suede evening gloves. It was truly a marriage of stable gear and glamour.

The evening-wear was similarly a gorgeously feminine display – with the runway awash with autumnal bold florals.

The outerwear was undoubtedly the star of the show. Both feminine yet practical, the coats and capes evoked Chloé’s eminent fall/winter 2024 collection.

Costelloe’s voluminous silhouettes and sumptuous wool showcased cosy country glamour with a touch of preppy panache.

Accessories also played a key part, with saddle bags in full grain leather, thick waisted belts and fingerless riding gloves evoking the sophisticated country pastime.

The beauty looks also took inspiration from the dressage horse, with Toni & Guy’s Cos Sakkas designing braided ponytails with slicked side parts for the models.

The collection received a standing ovation (a rarity at London Fashion Week) as ‘we must say goodbye’ beamed through the sound system.

“I thought the prints were amazing, I’m obviously from an equestrian background, and I thought [the collection] was cut beautifully, elegant, and sophisticated yet sexy,” said supermodel Jodie Kidd of the collection.

“I thought he just smashed it – it was my dream collection –anything countryside-esque while being beautifully designed.”

HOW TO STYLE BAGGY JEANS AT ANY AGE

Fashion experts give their tips and tricks on styling baggy denim no matter your age. By Lara Owen

As horseshoe and barrel-leg jeans continue to the lead the denim trend, knowing how to style the avant-garde shape proves trickier than ordinary wide-leg jeans.

Whether you’re rocking horseshoe jeans or leaning into a more classic cut – there’s an art to nailing the effortlessly cool, never-sloppy look.

So, how do you make baggy jeans work without looking like you raided your dad’s wardrobe? We hear from fashion experts on their best tips for styling baggy denim at any age.

BALANCE THE LOOK

Volume is the trickiest part of styling baggy jeans. “If your jeans are exaggerated in shape, keep the top half sleek,” says fashion designer and podcaster Amanda Wakeley OBE. “A fitted tee, a fine knit or a tailored blazer works beautifully.

“Conversely, if you love an oversized top, opt for a half-tuck to define your waist. And always consider your outerwear – cropped or cinched jackets add definition, while floor-length coats create a dramatic, elongated silhouette.”

If you want to pair your favourite loose fitting tee with some baggy jeans however, the French tuck is your secret weapon.

“If you love loose-fitting tops, tuck just the front into the waistband and it creates shape without sacrificing ease,” says Seasalt Cornwall‘s chief creative officer, Laura Watson.

WHAT SHOES TO WEAR

When it comes to casual, baggy denim – get the shoes wrong, and your whole look falls apart.

“A pointed-toe pump or heeled boot instantly refines baggy jeans,” says Wakeley. “For something more effortless, go with a ballet flat or a luxe loafer.”

A baggy jean slightly easier to style just so happens to be the barrel, according to Watson, “since they taper at the ankle, they work with Chelsea boots for a surprisingly polished look.

“In summer, ballet flats or open-toe mules are perfect.”

Depending on the look you’re going for, “a pointed-toe shoe elongates the leg, while ankle boots balance the volume,” says personal stylist and celebrity consultant Oriona Robb.

If you’re wanting a more casual look, Robb suggests opting for a chunky trainer over a slim fit, to add height.

HOW TO STYLE IF YOU’RE PETITE

Any baggy-style of clothing can swamp you. And if you’re on the petite side, it can make going near baggy jeans rather off-putting.

“Proportion is everything,” says Wakeley. “A high waist is your best friend [if you’re petite] as it lengthens the legs instantly.

“A cropped length or a rolled hem also keeps the look from overwhelming your frame.”

If you veer on the petite side, “a heeled boot or a sleek pointed pump adds height and keeps proportions in check when it comes to baggy jeans,” says founder of pre-loved boutique, One Scoop Store, Holly Watkins.

HOW TO STYLE THE NEW TRENDS: FROM HORSESHOE TO BARREL JEANS

While denim trends come and go, horseshoe and barrel jeans are certainly having a moment.

“They have this sculptural quality that’s both modern and nonchalant,” says Wakeley, “utterly flattering when done right.”

Her tip when it comes to avant-garde silhouettes is to focus on proportions.

“Balance the volume with a sharply tailored blazer or a second-skin cashmere knit,” she says. “A great belt helps define the waist and pulls the whole look together.”

“The fit [of horseshoe jeans] is surprisingly flattering,” says Watson, “thanks to the way the seams curve inward. They work for everyone.”

The important thing to bear in mind when it comes to barrel-leg jeans is to keep your top or outerwear structured to create contrast and balance proportion. Robb suggests a structured wool coat or cropped jacket.

STYLE MISTAKES TO AVOID

In many ways, baggy jeans are easy to wear, but that also means they’re easy to get wrong.

“Drowning in fabric is the number one mistake,” warns Wakeley. “Baggy should look intentional, not accidental.”

Watson agrees, noting, “An oversized sweater over baggy jeans? It can swallow you whole. If you’re not into tucking, add a belt – it defines your shape without looking forced.”

Ensuring you find the perfect length is integral for baggy jeans. Robb’s pet peeve is pools of denim at the ankle. She recommends nailing the length – then the fit is easier to style in any way you like.

THE SECRET TO STYLING THEM THROUGHOUT THE AGES

While skinny denim jeans had a slight renaissance, it’s clear that baggy jeans aren’t going anywhere. And the secret to making them work is all about confidence.

As Wakeley puts it, “If you feel good, you will look good.”

Fashion’s biggest lie is that certain trends expire after 30. “Forget that nonsense,” says Wakeley. “Denim is ageless. It’s all about staying true to your style DNA.”

Wakeley’s formula is simple. “If you’re going all in, lean into the contrast – oversized blazers, crop tops, chunky trainers. If you want a polished take, reach for a silk shirt, a crisp bodysuit, or a luxe knit with a sharp-shouldered jacket.”

ARKET BRUSHED WOOL JACKET, £100 (WAS £169)

SCHUH BRYNN KITTEN HEEL BOOTS, £23.99 (WAS £40)

MANGO ZLATA DETACHABLE COLLAR JACKET, £45.99 (WAS £79.99), JOHN LEWIS.

ADIDAS SL 72 OG SHOES, £90

SPRING REFRESH & REJUVENATE

Your ultimate seasonal skin refresh with Dr Nyla Medispa

Prioritise self-care, rediscover your confidence, and embrace a fresh start for your skin and body this Spring with a transformative aesthetic treatment tailored to your unique needs at the prestigious Dr Nyla Medispa clinic. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skin quality, tighten and tone, contour your body or help with fat reduction, Dr Nyla’s award-winning clinics are here to help you spring into the new season with renewed energy and confidence.

With over 20 years of experience, Dr Nyla is trusted by celebrities and clients alike for her expertise in advanced, non-invasive aesthetic treatments. Her Medispa clinics offer a safe, welcoming environment where you can rejuvenate and rediscover the best version of yourself.

The Transformation Facelift™ is a bespoke treatment from Dr Nyla, unique to her clinics and combining a variety of incredible anti-ageing treatments to make you look and feel 10 years younger in the space of only six weeks!

This treatment offers non-surgical skin tightening and lifting to treat all anti-ageing

concerns, from textured, dull skin to deep wrinkles and loss of laxity. The treatment programme combines several super technologies dependent upon your specific concerns such as radio frequency skin tightening, laser technology, and microneedling as well as tweaking with injectable enhancements where necessary, to give immediate

and long-term results with minimal downtime. The skin will begin to feel smoother and tighter after the first treatment and results will continue to improve for up to six months.

The skin ageing process happens to everyone and is completely natural. However, it can be very difficult for some people and make them lose confidence in their appearance. As we get older, the production of

“The treatment programme combines several super technologies dependent upon your specific concerns such as radio frequency skin tightening, laser technology, and microneedling as well as tweaking with injectable enhancements where necessary, to give immediate and longterm results with minimal downtime”

collagen and elastin in our bodies slows, causing the common signs of skin ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles and loss of volume in the skin. Collagen and elastin are the proteins that exist within many of the body’s tissues, including the skin, and gives structural support, strength, elasticity and durability to the skin.

Transformation Bodylift

The Transformation Bodylift is your ultimate solution in sculpting, toning, and tightening key areas like the stomach, thighs, and arms. Using cutting-edge, non-invasive technology, this advanced treatment works to contour your silhouette, enhance skin elasticity leaving you looking and feeling your best for the new season.

Spring is the season of renewal, so why not give your body the refresh it deserves? By stimulating collagen production and promoting lymphatic drainage, the Transformation Bodylift not only helps to sculpt and define but also improves skin firmness and circulation, giving you a youthful, radiant glow. Whether you’re preparing for a special event, refreshing your body post-winter, or simply seeking a confidence boost, this treatment is designed to deliver noticeable results without surgery or downtime.

Tone + Tite Therapy

Say goodbye to lingering areas of concern and hello to a more toned you this Spring with Dr Nyla’s Tone + Tite Therapy treatment plan. Utilising high-intensity electromagnetic energy, this bespoke plan helps to strengthen muscles, reduce fat, and tighten skin in just a few sessions, offering a powerful yet noninvasive solution to sculpt your body. By delivering thousands of muscle contractions in a single treatment, Tone + Tite Therapy mimics the effects of an intense workout, helping to define abs, lift and firm the buttocks and tone arms and legs with minimal effort. As the electromagnetic pulses target deep muscle layers, they stimulate collagen production leading to smoother, firmer skin alongside improved muscle definition. If you’re looking for a quick yet highly effective way to boost your confidence, this treatment delivers visible results with zero downtime.

Luxury Gifting

The clinic also offers luxurious gifting options for those wishing to treat a loved one. Dr Nyla Skincare is a luxurious collection of seven refillable, cutting-edge skincare essentials that make the ultimate deluxe gift. Each glowgiving, restorative skin treat has been formulated with cuttingedge skincare using scientifically proven, consciously sourced ingredients that have been meticulously chosen to deliver powerful, targeted results. Dr Nyla Medispa gift vouchers are redeemable against all treatments and Dr Nyla skincare at all clinic locations, vouchers are available in any denomination and can be collected or posted from our clinics (postage deadlines and costs apply).

“With over 20 years of experience, Dr Nyla is trusted by celebrities and clients alike”

Dr Nyla Medispa London is located at 32 Dover Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 4NE. Call 0162 552 3307 / 0800 009 6661 to book a complementary consultation. doctornyla.com.

Come home to yourself with House of Grey Wolfe

In 2021, London welcomed Grey Wolfe, a luxury wellness sanctuary in Barnes founded by visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist

Sarah Jones St John. Rooted in the fusion of scientific innovation, spirituality and healing, Grey Wolfe quickly became a destination for those seeking deeper connection and wellbeing. Now, Jones St John extends her vision beyond wellness spaces to the home with House of Grey Wolfe – a lifestyle and homeware brand that exists in a space where design meets feeling.

At the heart of House of Grey Wolfe is the belief that our homes are more than functional – they are emotional landscapes that shape our experience and well-being. Inspired by the principles of emotional architecture, the brand curates timeless pieces designed to reflect our personal essence. Each product is thoughtfully created to cultivate a profound sensory resonance, allowing individuals to feel truly at home within their surroundings – hence the brand’s invitation to ‘come home to yourself’.

Sustainability and craftsmanship are core to the brand’s ethos. Partnering with independent

artisans who share a commitment to ethical practices, House of Grey Wolfe sources materials locally in the UK wherever possible. Whether organic cashmere loungewear, hand-poured candles or meditation cushions filled with wool and buckwheat, each piece is designed with integrity, ensuring luxury and sustainability coexist seamlessly. Even packaging is created with intention – sustainable and designed for reuse.

The brand’s inaugural collection, Solitude, is an homage to the natural rhythms of life – its ebb and flow, stillness and movement. Inspired by the curves found in nature, architecture, and personal reflection, each piece embodies a sense of tranquility and fluidity. Biomimicry informs the collection’s design, where every element has purpose and balance.

House of Grey Wolfe transforms interiors into sanctuaries, with the suggestion that our homes can act as our spiritual teachers in a world that seeks to speed us up and hurtle us forward. It is an invitation to slow down, embrace stillness, and reconnect with oneself. Because true luxury isn’t just about how a space looks – it’s about how it feels.

houseofgreywolfe.co.uk

“It is an invitation to slow down, embrace stillness, and reconnect with oneself.“

Re-Creating Me – Well YOU Actually!

With spring just around the corner, why not put a “spring” in your step by losing weight, whilst creating lasting change!

LighterLife is different, as you lose weight on our TotalFast programme, you will discover we are about a whole new way of living and thinking.

Like anything, mastering the skill of lighter living takes time and is best achieved with the support of a community of like-minded people and facilitated by your Mentor, Tracey Rawson, an NLP Master Practitioner. What matters is not just what’s going into your mouth but what’s going on in your mind that leads to what goes into your mouth. We don’t just focus on what you eat; we focus on WHY you eat and HOW you can change your mindset, to achieve lasting change.

As a part of a small group of likeminded people, we introduce different topics each week and by using CBT, Mindfulness and other evidence based psychologies, you will get to understand the “whys” of weight gain and the “hows” of change, so you will become more self-aware and mindful of your own experiences, alongside developing tools and strategies to support the change you wish to see going forwards.

Why LighterLife: Over 30 years developing a nutritionally complete Very Low Calorie Diet for fast weight loss

KETO advantage: our TotalFast Plan is low enough in calories and carbs to switch your

body into buring fat, whilst suppressing hunger, motivating you toward success

CBT Mindfulness Advantage: our Mindfulness programme looks at the importance of changing how you think, as our client Rachel is discovering, change is possible. Rachel has gone from a size 16 to 12 in 3 months and is now maintaining her loss on the LighterLife Management programme.

THE DETAILS

Do you want to be the change you wish to see – then contact your Mentor Tracey Rawson now, for a free, no obligation consultation or to book your free space to join her ReCreating Me Premium Plan Group. Call 07886 268802 or email tracey.rawson@lighterlifementor.com lighterlife.com/traceyrawson

The Kensington Wing

The Kensington Wing is the dedicated private maternity unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, providing women and birthing people with around-the-clock clinical care, comfortable en-suite private rooms and hospitality services.

Located in the heart of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital – part of one of the UK’s top rated hospital Trusts – your baby’s and your safety and wellbeing are reassuringly supported at all times. The Kensington Wing is immediately located next to the hospital’s outstanding and newly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a consultant anaesthetist remains on site at all times 24/7, dedicated to the needs of our patients.

To ensure the safety of women, birthing people and birth partners, The Kensington Wing has important infection control procedures for staff and visitors to adhere to but remain welcoming to your chosen birth partner for all stages of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay. Your individual room and en-suite facilities are a haven, and the catering and hospitality team ensures your stay is relaxing as well as safe. On the Kensington Wing the consultant obstetricians, midwives, nurses and maternity support workers provide care as a team and are delighted to offer both consultant-led and midwife-led maternity packages.

THE DETAILS

If you would like to talk to one of the team, call 020 3315 8616, email chelwest.kensington@nhs.net or visit thekensingtonwing.co.uk

The Kensington Wing’s highly experienced team of midwives welcome enquiries and the opportunity to discuss midwife-led care in more detail. These ‘meet the midwife’ sessions are always a relaxed and special time to talk and discover more without any obligation. For those women and birthing people who are appropriate for midwife-led care, the team provide full support throughout your pregnancy and the midwifery team are available 24 hours seven days a week for advice or concerns throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay.

The consultant-led care package allows you the choice of one of their experienced consultant obstetricians to personally guide you through your pregnancy and birth. Your consultant provides continuity and individualised expertise throughout your journey. They build a relationship with you and your partner through the antenatal period to give you confidence to birth safely with them in line with your birth preferences. They continue to support you through the postnatal period, including your 6 week postnatal check. All consultants are available to meet you and your birth partner without any obligation.

The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and answer any questions.

Can Exercise help Arthritis?

It’s known that exercise is beneficial for our health, but for people with painful joints it could feel like exercising is not possible. Arthritis is a common condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. In the UK alone, it is thought more than 10 million people have arthritis or other, similar conditions. While there is no cure for arthritis there are a number of treatments and lifestyle changes that can help ease symptoms.

Dr John Outhwaite, Rheumatologist at King Edward VII’s Hospital, explains how not exercising is actually worse for the joints.

“If you suffer with the pain and discomfort of arthritis, then exercise may be far from your mind. However, regular exercise can help arthritis sufferers to increase strength and flexibility, improve range of movement and mobility of joints and reduce stiffness. Being physically active can also preserve the density of your bones. All these factors can help to reduce the amount of pain you experience and may help to prevent your discomfort from getting worse.

It’s easy to become locked in the ‘deconditioning cycle’ if you have arthritis. This cycle starts with painful joints, which leads to being less active. This then means that the muscles become weaker, leading to unstable joints and more joint pain when you do move, completing the cycle.”

Dr Outhwaite advises that Arthritis sufferers should work out for 30 minutes, at least five times a week. It’s better to choose low impact exercise that puts less pressure on the joints such as walking, swimming and cycling. But you can still push yourself whilst doing these exercises if you wish to, as having arthritis doesn’t mean that you can’t carry out low impact exercises vigorously – you just need to be careful to stay within your limits. Strengthening exercises such as Pilates and yoga are also important to help strengthen your muscles and support your joints. If you’re experiencing a flare up and your joints feel inflamed, hot and swollen, avoid strengthening exercise until your flare up has passed.

MORE INFORMATION

Speak to one of King Edward VII’s Hospital’s leading specialists in Rheumatology and Orthopaedics. Tel: 0203 930 1392 Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm kingedwardvii.co.uk

LUXURY KITCHEN & BATHROOM GUIDE

– Everything you need to create the perfect kitchen or bathroom –

IMAGE: ROPER RHODES

Ca’ Pietra Portare Collection

In. With. The. New. You asked, and we listened. The Portare collection brings you the essential foundation tiles for any project. A brand-new collection of large format porcelain and decorative tiles alongside some of our bestselling favourites.

THE LOWDOWN

So, what’s it all about? Portare is our back-to-basics (but better) collection. Think good value, costeffective tiles but bang on-trend. The best of all worlds? Absolutely.

THE SHOWSTOPPERS

Shining bright can be done in a quiet, composed way, and there are plenty of Portare tiles that do just that. But then there are those more signature styles that stand out from the crowd in a heartbeat.

HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR TOP PICKS...

• Battersea – all the style of aged terracotta tiles, replicated in a smooth, easy-to-clean porcelain.

• Industry - a matt porcelain tile that replicates aged metal with its iridescent and moody colouring.

• Davos Chevron - echoes warm oak parquet flooring like a complete superstar.

• Canero – inspired by old French tiles, Canero has an authentically aged-looking effect.

• Buscot Blend – a warm toned, lightly aged honey-beige limestone. Ideal for warm, inviting spaces.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The whole thinking behind Portare is about collaborating with our makers to bring together a curated, cost-effective collection which doesn’t compromise on quality or design. The quality’s there. The look hasn’t been compromised a jot. So, what’s not to love? capietra.com

Your Dream Bathroom

Abathroom can be so much more than just a room for hygiene. You can create tranquil areas of relaxation and Cranleigh Bathroom Studios can help your ideas come to life.

With their experience in the industry they can create relaxing areas that will take away all of your worries and woes with ease. As well as giving you those relaxing moments, you can have a fresh bathroom for mornings to get you ready for the whole day ahead. Whatever you have dreamed of can be brought to your home in quick time with matching tiles, furniture and accessories in tow.

As well as full bathroom suites they can install shower enclosures that are effective and attractive. A wide range of shower enclosures include floor to ceiling glass screens and smaller effective screens depending on your needs. The shower enclosures they supply complete your bathroom and can keep water where it is supposed to be at all times.

If high quality tiles in a wide variety of colours, pattern and style is what you are looking for then you in the right place. With a wide range of superb tiles to choose from you can truly personalise your bathroom or build complete bespoke sets to suit your needs and taste.

At the showroom they have various tiles to explore, including mosaic, ceramic and pebble tiles for both flooring solutions and walls. They

understand that a bathroom is often a place for relaxing but also needs an element of freshness at the same time. To accomplish this tranquil atmosphere they work with you to build your dream bathroom from top to bottom so that you can really sit back and relax.

246 High Street, Cranleigh GU6 8RL 01483 272727

cranleighbathroomstudios.co.uk

As well as giving you those relaxing moments, you can have a fresh bathroom for mornings to get you ready for the whole day ahead

Bryn the Showroom dog - never forgotten

Patrick the Showroom dog

CALL TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Range of Tiles, Bathrooms and Showers from Thomas Crapper, Heritage Bathrooms and Burlington Bathrooms. Suppliers of Contemporary Ranges including Laufen, Roca, Vitra and Roper Rhodes.

Open 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday Saturday 9.00am to Midday Sunday Closed

SPRING AWAKENING

Porcelain Superstore on the tile trends set to dominate this spring

The experts at independent tile retailer Porcelain Superstore are sharing their predictions on the tile trends that will rule interiors this spring.

From the colours that are rising in popularity to the finishes and textures that will be everywhere, the team at Porcelain Superstore have used their knowledge of the market – honed over almost a decade in the industry – as well as consumer insight to shape their forecast.

Abbas Youssefi, Managing Director of Porcelain Superstore, said: “Natural influences are going to be everywhere in 2025, influencing the major design choices we make in the home. From colour palettes to finishes, we will see nods to natural world everywhere.

“We will also see historical nods to the past with the monochromatic elegance of Victoriana and Art Deco-inspired geometric stripes proving popular.” Here Abbas talks through the top trends and how to achieve them in 2025.

“These shades reflect a shift towards calming, nature-inspired interiors that feel grounding and timeless”

EARTHY TONES

In terms of colour, it’s all about earthy natural tones. Rich terracotta, deep ochres, soft clay hues and of course warm beiges. Abbas said: “These shades reflect a shift towards calming, natureinspired interiors that feel grounding and timeless.” The night sky and luscious forests are also making their presence felt when it comes to colour choices. Abbas added: “While green continues to dominate, we’re also seeing a move towards deep navy and smoky blues. Dwell Cobalt is fast catching up Dwell Emerald as our most popular wall tile.”

TEXTURE TRENDS

Artisanal-style tiles that have textured finishes, similar to the handmade beauties of centuries ago will reign supreme according to Abbas. He said: “Tiles with a luscious glaze, softly undulating surfaces and subtle size variations continue to be popular. They’re a great way to add warmth and depth to splashbacks.” Slatted wood tiles really came to the fore in 2024 and will

continue to be a hot trend in 2025. Abbas said:

“We’ll see a move away from bathroom feature walls and into other areas of the home, including fireplaces, kitchen islands and living rooms, as more people look to create grooved feature walls with all the benefits of porcelain.”

PAST TIMES

Nods to the past will emerge in 2025 with a modern spin on Victoriana and Art Deco-inspired styling emerging as a micro trend. Abbas said: “Checkerboard floors are back. Classic black and white leads the way but other tonal takes are coming in. It’s easy to create your own design, by using two contrasting coloured tiles from the same range “In a similar vein, striped walls are set to be a niche trend in 2025. Again, you can just take two different colours from the same collection, and lay the tiles in alternate colour columns. It’s a great way to create a completely new look that feels individual and won’t fail to catch the eye.”

porcelainsuperstore.co.uk

Turning Up the Heat with Luxury Outdoor Kitchens

As warmer days approach, the way we use our homes shifts. Living spills outdoors, entertaining moves into the fresh air, and the simple act of cooking takes on a new sense of occasion. The outdoor kitchen—once a novelty—has become a staple of high-end homes, seamlessly blending functionality with design.

It’s no longer just about a barbecue on the patio. Modern outdoor kitchens rival their indoor counterparts, featuring high-performance appliances, ample storage, and durable materials that withstand the British climate. The latest designs incorporate weather-resistant cabinetry, stainless steel construction, and customisable layouts, offering both style and longevity. Unlike traditional setups, these outdoor kitchens are built for all-year use, meaning entertaining doesn’t have to be limited to the summer months.

At I|E Interiors & Exteriors, a team of interior and exterior designers is bringing these fully equipped kitchens to Surrey homes. With an eye for detail and a passion for seamless design, they create bespoke outdoor cooking spaces that work in harmony with the rest of the home. Their kitchens feature modular units that allow for tailored configurations, whether it’s a compact setup for a townhouse garden or a sprawling outdoor entertaining space with a built-in pizza oven, wine fridge, and grill.

The rise of outdoor kitchens ties into a broader trend—the fusion of indoor and outdoor living. Homeowners no longer want a stark divide between their garden and home interior. Instead, materials, colours, and layouts flow effortlessly between the two, creating a sense of continuity. Worktops extend from the kitchen out onto the patio, cabinetry mirrors the style of the home’s joinery, and lighting schemes ensure a warm, inviting ambiance even as the sun sets.

Designing an outdoor kitchen is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that enhances how people live and entertain. The team at I|E understands this, offering both design and installation services that ensure every element— from practical cooking layouts to hard-wearing finishes—is considered.

For those looking to make the most of their garden, now is the perfect time to start planning. The I|E showroom on Esher High Street offers inspiration, showcasing the latest in outdoor kitchen design and high-quality materials selected by their expert team. Whether it’s for family dining, garden parties, or simply enjoying a morning coffee in the fresh air, these kitchens are redefining how we use our outdoor spaces.

I|E Interiors | Exteriors 114 - 116 High Street, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9QJ info@iehome.co.uk 02081 069731 iehome.co.uk

“At

I|E Interiors & Exteriors, a team of interior and exterior designers is bringing these fully equipped kitchens to Surrey homes”

TIMELESS DESIGN

Calypso’s Expanded Pentland Range

Calypso’s Pentland range has always been a customer favourite, loved for its timeless shaker design and elegant finish. Now, even more accessible with an expanded collection with new features that blend classic style with modern features.

Charlotte Tilby, Head of Marketing at Woodstock Trading Co says: “In response to the growing demand for versatile solutions, we’ve introduced new modular options to a number of our ranges, including our best-selling Pentland range. These additions provide a myriad of sizing options, ensuring that even the most compact bathroom spaces can be outfitted with the same beautiful designs. With our expanded ranges,

customers will no longer be constrained by size limitations, empowering them to realise their dream bathroom without compromise”.

HERE’S WHAT MAKES THE EXPANDED COLLECTION A MUST HAVE:

Timeless Elegance – The Pentland collection has seen sophisticated updates, ensuring that it remains a timeless choice. The classic shaker designs bring a sense of sophistication and allows the seamless blending of different styles within the bathroom, ultimately creating a space that is both sleek and inviting.

Must have Curved Units – Prioritising consumer feedback, Calypso has introduced refined curved vanity units – a true statement piece. The soft, rounded edges add a sense of luxury whilst also maximising space, giving the space a bespoke feel. Designed for All – With several flexible storage option available, Pentland covers all needs, whether you need extra storage or a sleek, clutter-free look, this range makes it easy to achieve a space that feels truly unique. Perfect for creating a bathroom that fits your lifestyle.

calypsobathrooms.co.uk

“The Pentland collection has seen sophisticated updates, ensuring that it remains a timeless choice”

Bathroom Trends 2025

Roper Rhodes reveals the top four trends set to dominate bathrooms in 2025

The days of cold, clinical bathrooms are over, according to the experts at bathroom specialists Roper Rhodes.

As we head into a new year, homeowners investing in a bathroom renovation are looking to embrace colourful schemes that pay homage to the past while embracing new technologies.

Zoe Jones, Senior Creative Producer at Roper Rhodes, said: “When it comes to bathroom renovations, in 2025 the focus will be on making design decisions that reflect individual styles and personal histories while creating timeless and comfortable spaces.”

Here Zoe shares her top four bathroom trends for the new year:

NEWSTALGIA

Set against a backdrop of modern technology, the trend for new nostalgia hones in on curated spaces that are warm and familiar, yet in keeping with contemporary context.

The result is a fresh approach to the colours, materials and designs that many grew up withfrom the resurgence of travertine tiles, terracotta colour palettes and shower curtains to the remaking of the tried and tested blue bathroom.

Zoe said: “Newstalgia is a common thread weaving through all our trend predictions for 2025.

“More than ever, people are seeking warm, inviting interiors that feel both familiar and full of life and colour. There’s a collective fatigue with ‘Instagrammable spaces,’ and this sentiment is influencing bathroom design, too.

“Whether you lean towards minimalism or maximalism, the focus is on personal expression — selecting materials, finishes, and fixtures that resonate and create an atmosphere you genuinely enjoy.”

• Get the Look: Newstalgia Combine traditional materials such as wood, zellige tiles, aged brass and natural marble to soften the conventional blue bathroom that was so popular in decades past. Roper Rhodes’ traditional Burford vanity is given a twist with a countertop basin and a wall-mounted style, while the walk-in shower layout keeps the look fresh and up to date. Full of colour yet subtly balanced, the result is warm and inviting.

FLIGHTS OF WHIMSY

Deviating ever-so-slightly from Newstalgia is the passion for all things whimsical. The 2024 micro trend for characterful, mood-boosting bathrooms will blossom and take shape in 2025, with designers and homeowners alike embracing whimsical, retro shapes such as scallops, waves, and pinstripes and employing warming, joyful colours in their bathroom spaces.

Zoe said: “A gorgeous mix of colour and

“Combine traditional materials such as wood, zellige tiles, aged brass and natural marble to soften the conventional blue bathroom that was so popular in decades past”

eccentricity, the trend for whimsical bathrooms looks a little like the dopamine decor bathroom of before, but with one key difference- it’s informed by the past. Whether it’s a Liberty print wallpaper, a scalloped edge or a candy-stripe tile, this bathroom trend blends the most vivid and fanciful elements from times past and creates something fresh and new.”

• Get the Look: Flights of Whimsy

This bathroom design is all about texture and shape, and adding characterful elements tastefully.

WORKS OF ART

The growth of AI will bring a very human-centric response in interior design in 2025. The revival of Art Deco, Art Nouveau and the Arts & Crafts Movement is not just a celebration of design heritage but also reasserts the importance of human touch and craftsmanship in an increasingly automated world. While distinct in their own respects, each style emphasises the integration of artistic expression into everyday life and objects.

Zoe said: “From the arched shapes and decorative detailing of Art Deco, to the organic lines of Art Nouveau and the Arts & Crafts movements, we will see this trend move slowly but surely into bathrooms through pattern, texture and colours - particularly through the use of brass, deep greens, nature-inspired wallpaper and opulent tile work.”

• Get the Look: Works of Art

A decorative arch is a great way to introduce this trend into your bathroom. Combine with warm, rich colours, wood furniture and lustrous artisan tile work.

PAST TIMES

Regency-inspired interiors are making a grand

“The revival of Art Deco, Art Nouveau and the Arts & Crafts Movement is not just a celebration of design heritage but also reasserts the importance of human touch and craftsmanship in an increasingly automated world”

return in 2025, bringing a sense of elegance and sophistication to modern homes and bathrooms. Defined by their timeless appeal, these designs draw from the neoclassical influences of the early 19th century, characterised by symmetry, refined detailing, and luxurious finishes. In bathrooms, this trend is expressed through features like freestanding clawfoot bathtubs, ornate mirrors, and soft, muted colour palettes accentuated by gilded touches and marble surfaces. The rise of this style reflects a broader cultural desire for refined, tranquil spaces that balance opulence with comfort, blending historical charm with contemporary functionality.

Zoe said: “The traditional bathroom will never truly go out of fashion, but where in the past we have seen a mix of old and new, this year we believe it’s back to basics. Chrome and nickel brassware, soft muted colours and decorative woodwork & mouldings are the hallmarks of the Regency bathroom, and we’re wholeheartedly here for it!”

• Get the Look: Past Times

For this bathroom, we went with the tried and tested formula of warm subtle colours, aged tiles and traditional cabinetry. Naturally, the freestanding bath with chrome detailing is the focal point, while a traditional illuminated mirror keeps the design in line with the demand of the busy modern bathroom.

roperrhodes.co.uk

HOME & PROPERTY

IMAGE: WEAVER GREEN

INTERIORS

NATURAL BEAUTY

Make a bold yet refined statement in your living space with the Eloise armchair. This beautifully designed piece features swooped arms and scrolled feet, creating a timeless silhouette perfect for classic and contemporary homes. Upholstered in Marlan Natural fabric our Eloise armchair adds a touch of understated luxury to any room. Whether paired with other pieces or styled as a standalone focal point, Eloise delivers comfort and sophistication in equal measure. oakfurnitureland.co.uk

TIME FOR BED

Retreat in seclusion with the charming Camelia. Inspired by the Regency era, it features a perfectly plump, winged headboard, exquisitely detailed with deep-set buttons. buttonandsprung.com

FEELING BLUE

Elegant velvet with tailored detailing - Brooklyn chairs are stylish with cool sophistication. Soft blue upholstery and slim black metal legs - with padded curved seats that make them comfortable too. A sleek silhouette that works well with tables or desks.

furniturechoice.co.uk

ANIMAL MAGIC

A few well designed cushions can easily transform the mood of your room. Our art cushions are handmade to order in a super soft faux-suede fabric. Our trendy quirky cushions are printed using a dye sublimation print process to give superior reproduction quality, with unrivalled durability and colour vibrancy. Cushions along with throws, blankets and other accessories are perfect for that boho interior look. Our faux suede cushions are elegant and decorative and will add flair to any decor style. If you’re a maximalist go for a wild mix of designs and lots of them! More minimal or Scandi? Then a couple of carefully chosen cushions will finish off your home decor perfectly. inkanddrop.com

WHY DO PEOPLE FALL IN LOVE WITH FURNITURE?

Harmony and happiness exist in the memories we make, the little things that bring a momentary shine to our lives, and even the objects we find simply aesthetically pleasing. All these joyful morsels of life, crumbled down from our love for the world around us, can be embodied in the furniture we collect when we design our homes to channel the love we have for our safe space.

We’ve asked around regarding matters of the heart and the home, and this is the picture we’ve built as to why design enthusiasts and casual couch chillers alike feel such endearment for their furniture. From decades old dining chairs to icons of our industry, here are 5 reasons that love belongs with our belongings.

SENTIMENTALITY

To quote Lou Reed, “I don’t like nostalgia unless it’s mine.” Your sentimentality is the warmest version of your favourite memories; all yours to treasure and hold dear. Nothing sticks more in the mind than that of the home you grew up in. Owning a chair that recalls emotions of a cherished childhood, or a sofa spent watching shows that gathered the family is a comforting way

to bring the best of your past into the present and create a loving environment.

ERGONOMICS

Life is a journey of deciding what works for you, and objects that ergonomically improve your home experience do exactly that. A piece of furniture that suits your space – slid into its spot with the satisfaction of a Tetris piece – can allow you to lean into a more laidback lifestyle or get deeper into your productive passion projects. Offer yourself room in your rooms and let decades of design research take the trouble off your shoulders. The more harmoniously the furniture fits your needs the more you’ll love it for doing so.

“Life

is a journey of deciding what works for you, and objects that ergonomically improve your home experience do exactly that”

ASPIRATION

Daydreaming, a powerful tool in visualising what you want without already having. Design aficionados like you and I yearn to own a piece of furniture history, an icon of interiors, with that instantly recognisable acclaim that even someone with no interest in design can identify. To look across the room and see a prestigious object and say, “This is a slice of history in my home.” A precious piece with its own story and identity that you’re allowed to wax lyrical about to all who enter.

SHAPE AND COLOUR

Shaping and shading your home is all part of the expressive experience. The tones that match your mood and the shapes that are easiest on your eye are a sure-fire way to make you fall in love with your space. Having a home that matches your aesthetic brings you closer to a true expression of self – a little bit of you in every nook and cranny. As with everything, it’s horses for courses: those with a more reserved approach find minimalism can make them feel more peaceful

and less overwhelmed, while those who enjoy big, bold statements can convey emotions through a collection of colourful objects that characterise them the best. Either way, always making sure your home matches your energy is a vital interior love language.

LONGEVITY

The reverse of nostalgia, these pieces don’t live long in the memory because they, very simply, are not memories. Owning something for so long it becomes a proverbial ‘part of the furniture,’ an irreplaceable part of your home that it wouldn’t feel like home without. This could be the first chair your bought for your apartment, or the unit that has held your TV aloft since pre-Britpop. Holding onto your furniture is environmentally, economically and evocatively important – and it works best when your furniture is bought with quality, craftsmanship, and care for production in mind.

chaplins.co.uk

“Shaping and shading your home is all part of the expressive experience”

INTEREST IN FLORAL WALLPAPER BLOOMS!

As interest in floral wallpapers soars, Beautiful Walls showcase the designs set to bring tranquillity into the home this spring

Floral wallpapers are set to be one of the biggest trends this spring, according to new research from the experts at wallcoverings retailer Beautiful Walls.

Using data from Pinterest, the family-run brand found searches for the term ‘floral wallpaper’ have increased 40 per cent over the last month.

Tim Dixon, Managing Director of Beautiful Walls, said: “Floral wallpapers bring the outdoors in, creating a sense of tranquillity and wellbeing within our homes. They’re a refreshing reminder of the natural world’s beauty and restorative power, something we all need in our busy lives.

“From bold and dramatic to delicate and subtle, there’s a floral design to suit every taste and interior style. Florals can add a touch of romance, vintage charm, or modern sophistication, making them a go-to choice for designers and homeowners alike.”

Beautiful Walls’ own statement collection of florals include the Classics range from Ronald Redding.

A fusion of timeless design staples with a contemporary touch, the range features Briarwood – a beautiful partnership of blossom and branches, Marguerite Vine, a Jacobean print which features swaying florals and the statement Lingering Garden Mural which was inspired by Japanese gardens.

Tim added: “Florals are back and blooming. And the Classics range from Ronald Redding will bring biophilic beauty wherever they are used.” beautifulwalls.co.uk

TREND: CURVED SOFAS

Darlings of Chelsea specialise in leather sofas, leather furniture and fabric sofas in a variety of contemporary and traditional designs. We also have a fine selection of leather chairs, leather beanbags, leather stools, leather ottomans and leather sofa beds. Read MoreWe are able to offer you leather sofas and fabric sofas that are not only individual in design but also built to last.

Darlings of Chelsea are designer sofa specialists offering handcrafted, contemporary and traditional sofas and furniture in a range of more than 170 premium fabrics and leathers. From sofa beds and corner sofas in various sizes and configurations to occasional chairs and loveseats and an exclusive collection of beds with premium mattresses too – you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Head to one of the showrooms located at Surrey, Hertford, Birmingham, or London (Parsons Green) – and sit, snuggle, lounge, or lie back on the range of sofa styles featuring everything from high backs and deep seats to curved arms and classic finishes. Or browse the ranges online –sofa hunting has never been so simple.

darlingsofchelsea.co.uk

Dazzling New Lighting Collection

My Furniture, the online furniture retailer we all love, has just launched a gorgeous new lighting collection.

This captivating collection features stunning table lamps and pendant lights made with beautiful confetti glass, luxurious travertine stone, elegant marble, alabaster and antique brass – the perfect mix of style and sophistication to brighten up any home.

The new lighting range showcases My Furniture’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and contemporary design. Each piece is carefully designed to create a statement in any room, from the warm glow of the Sabine confetti glass pendant to the timeless elegance of the Eden and Arturo travertine stone table lamps. The antique brass accents on the Ozias and marble Aura lights add a touch of vintage charm, creating a cohesive and visually appealing collection that not only illuminates a space but also serve as beautiful works of art.

The Confetti Glass lighting range includes: Sabine Pendant Light and Table Light and Vega Table Light, These eye-catching lights feature a playful confetti glass design that adds a touch of whimsy and personality to any space.

Travertine Stone range includes: Arturo table light and Eden Table light. The Travertine stone table lamps exude a sense of natural luxury. The unique veining and texture of the stone create a focal point in any room, adding sophistication and elegance.

my-furniture.com

Furniture for stylish May Day garden parties

Think of your outdoor space as an extension of your home, where furniture placement helps define areas for dining, lounging, and entertaining. Creating distinct zones can help entertaining run smoothly whilst matching the furniture styles maintains a cohesive look, ensuring each area flows seamlessly while catering to every guest’s comfort and needs.

Designate a dining area with a good sized table and comfortable bench chairs for social eating, a lounging space with more relaxed seating for casual conversation, and cosy daybeds for ultimate relaxation.

The Turin

Our Turin range features something for all areas of the garden, ensuring a consistent look across the space from dining to lounging and everything in-between.

Portable Touches

Create garden rooms that can move with the mood. If in need of extra seating look to versatile bean bags that work indoors and out, offering a laid-back, flexible option for larger

gatherings. Finally, add the perfect finishing touches to enhance both ambiance and comfort. Rechargeable table lamps and string festoon lights create a warm glow as evening sets in, while a portable fire pit adds both warmth and a cosy focal point for guests to gather around.

About Cox & Cox

Cox & Cox arose from a desire to create a unique collection of homeware products that couldn’t be found elsewhere, with customers encouraged to find their own style and to love every corner of their home. Today our collection continues to curate natural style for design lovers of all tastes, with every detail for a look that is distinct, harmonious and always unique.

Based in Frome, Somerset, all of our products continue to be chosen with you in mind. Our design led collections are inspired by tradition and trend to offer new ways to transform the homes and gardens of every interior enthusiast. From inspirational furniture, lighting, storage and accessories, we capture the season with a timeless aesthetic and effortless style. coxandcox.co.uk

“Cox & Cox arose from a desire to create a unique collection of homeware products that couldn’t be found elsewhere”

• Free site survey and written quotation

• High performance felt roofing

• Single ply and seamless liquid plastic

• Mastic asphalt roofing, flooring and tanking

• UPVC fascia, soffit and guttering, cappings

• Work by Jones Bros Ltd. directly employed staff

• 10, 15 and 20 year manufacturer’s warranties

MOON launches new interior collections for Spring

MOON is proud to unveil their new interior collection launches for 2025.

Both the Heritage II collection and the Plaids & Tartans collection are timeless additions to their library.

Crafted with over a century of expertise, Moon Heritage II is a celebration of timeless craftsmanship and the people who bring it to life.

As a vertical mill with deep roots in traditional design, we honour the artistry and dedication that have defined us for generations.

The collection is created from 100% pure wool and woven with our signature mélange yarns, these fabrics are a testament to their heritage of quality and craftsmanship. Each pattern tells a story; a perfect balance of plaids, stripes, plains and semi-plains, with many named after individuals who have helped shape our legacy; Aveyard, Coates, Oakes, and Walsh.

Drawing inspiration from classic country wear, some designs within this collection nods to their origins in apparel design. Rooted in tradition and made for modern living we’ve created designs that pay homage to the past while seamlessly incorporating modern tastes and trends.

With colour palettes inspired by the serene, understated beauty of the Norfolk lavender fields and the rolling landscapes of the Cotswolds, Heritage II brings the essence of nature into your home. Soft, muted tones echo the gentle hues of lavender, golden stone cottages, and lush green

“The collection is created from 100% pure wool and woven with our signature mélange yarns, these fabrics are a testament to their heritage of quality and craftsmanship”

meadows, creating a palette that feels effortlessly timeless.

Designed with a focus on natural shades and textures, these fabrics celebrate the harmony of the countryside, blending rustic charm with refined elegance.

Moon Plaids & Tartans celebrates timeless tradition bringing together classic designs that define showcase our legacy. Introducing brand new designs presented alongside a handpicked selection of our signature styles – time-honoured favourites that remain bestsellers to this day.

Plaids encompass a broad family of crisscrossing patterns, while tartans design are traditionally linked to a clan, a place, or a story passed through generations. This collection brings together the most beloved tartans from Moon’s apparel and accessories complemented by an array of classic checks, buffalo and ombre plaids in a selection of rich and earthy tones.

Used in interior settings plaids are extremely versatile; from bold tartans to refined plaids with enduring appeal, each fabric is crafted with the finest pure wool ensuring a beautifully soft handle and an exceptional finish.

At a time when checks and tartans take centre stage in both interior design and global fashion, let the Moon Plaids & Tartans collection transport you to a world where legacy meets innovation. moons.co.uk

PLUMBING/HEATING OIL GAS

• Air source heat pump servicing and installation

• Mechanical system design and upgrade

• Boiler installs / replacements

• Boiler Servicing

• Water tank replacements

• Underfloor Heating installs and balancing

• Power flushing and boiler balancing

• Radiator replacements, towel rail installations

• Full Bathrooms refits and Replacement

• Tiling and Micro cementing

CONSTRUCTION

• New Build

• Conversion

• Office Conversion

• Extensions

• Refurbishments

• Garden Rooms

• Garden Offices

SUSTAINABLY STYLE MOCHA MOUSSE PANTONE COLOUR OF THE YEAR

The Pantone Colour Institute has unveiled its highly anticipated Colour of the Year for 2025: PANTONE 171230 Mocha Mousse , a warming and rich brown that celebrates indulgence and comfort. Mocha Mousse is more than just a colour; it’s a lifestyle. To help you bring this chic hue into your home whilst keeping sustainability top of mind, Weaver Green offers a selection of rugs and soft furnishings that beautifully complement its earthy elegance, and as all their products are made from recycled plastic bottles, they are super eco-friendly and versatile, as they are all inherently water resistant and can be used both indoors and out! Prices start from £55 for rugs, £50 for cushions (including weather resistant inner pad)!. To explore the full range of beautiful, planet friendly products visit weavergreen.com

• Brick piers

Clearing the way for your property move

The rise of social media has significantly influenced the trend of home organisation, and has transformed it from a chore into a popular lifestyle living trend. Instagram and Pinterest have become hubs for sharing hacks, organisation tips and home aesthetics. The visual nature of these platforms allows users to see the immediate impact of decluttering or organising a space.

This trend has also fuelled demand for professional organisers and decluttering specialists, as homeowners seek to recreate the sleek, minimalist designs often seen online, showcased by home organiser influencers. As a result, home organisation has shifted from a practical necessity to a sought-after element of modern day living.

That being said, decluttering and organising your home is more than just tidying up. It’s about creating a space that works for you. If selling your home, it plays a large role in how it is presented to prospective buyers. Whether you’re looking to refresh your space for long-term living practicality or are in fact looking to sell your home, decluttering offers multiple benefits that go

beyond ‘Instagram aesthetics’.

Selling a home is as much about creating the right feeling as it is about the right price. Curchods, a Surrey and South West London estate agent, has teamed up with professional declutterer and organiser Francesca Harrison of ‘Your Tidy Space’ to help clients do just that. As part of the partnership, clients who instruct Curchods will receive five free hours of decluttering with Francesca, posing an opportunity to refresh their space before listing.

Decluttering isn’t just about making things look nice, it’s about creating an environment that feels calm and functional. Francesca, who studied Psychology at university, understands how our surroundings influence our mindset. “When working with clients, my focus isn’t just on aesthetics but on what works for their lifestyle,” she says. “A fresh perspective can make all the difference.”

Francesca is already familiar with the world of estate agency, having previously worked with the company as a weekend viewings assistant. This gives her an added advantage in helping sellers prepare their homes for photographs and viewings, ensuring they make the best possible first impression.

A well-presented home doesn’t just help with selling, it can transform how you feel in your space, and sometimes, an outside perspective is all you need!

More information is available at curchods.com/decluttering or via your local Curchods office.

If you’re thinking about giving your home a seasonal refresh, Francesca has a few simple tips to get started:

• Make a plan –Tackling clutter room by room makes the process more manageable.

• Start small –Begin with a single drawer or cupboard rather than an entire space.

• Ask the right questions –Do you use it? Do you love it? If not, is it worth keeping?

• Rethink your storage –Clever storage solutions can help maintain order long-term.

Discover the Charm of Oaklands Park: A New Standard in Modern Living

Shanly Homes are pleased to be partnering with Caroline Rogers and the Team at Curchods New Homes and their local Esher Branch in the sale of this collection of two, and three-bedroom apartments. Set within beautifully landscaped grounds, providing residents with a serene and sophisticated living environment.

Nestled in the picturesque town of Esher, Shanly Homes’ latest development, Oaklands Park, offers a unique blend of contemporary design and timeless elegance.

Buying a brand-new home comes with a myriad of advantages that make it an attractive option for the modern buyer. One of the most significant benefits is the guarantee that your new home has been built using modern construction standards and includes energy-efficient fixtures and features. This could help you lower your utility bills and reduce your environmental footprint. Using modern construction techniques and materials also means that our new homes will require less maintenance and fewer repairs, giving you peace of mind and more time to enjoy your new surroundings.

Shanly Homes is renowned for its commitment to quality and attention to detail. Each home at Oaklands Park is crafted with care, featuring high-specification finishes and thoughtful design elements that enhance both functionality and aesthetics. From energy-efficient appliances and underfloor heating to smart heating controls and A-rated boilers, every aspect of these homes is designed to provide comfort and convenience. The development also includes car charging points and excellent insulation to reduce heat loss, ensuring that your home is both eco-friendly and costeffective.

Residents of Oaklands Park can expect a lifestyle of luxury and convenience. The apartments are equipped with Siemens and Zanussi integrated appliances, contemporary kitchen units with stone work surfaces, and LED downlights in key areas. The communal gardens are meticulously landscaped, providing a tranquil retreat for residents. With excellent transport links, including a short walk to Claygate train station and proximity to major roads, commuting is a breeze. The development is also close to a variety of amenities, including shops, cafés, and restaurants, making it an ideal location for those seeking a vibrant community atmosphere.

Oaklands Park is more than just a place to live; it’s a lifestyle choice that offers unparalleled quality, convenience, and community. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to downsize, Oaklands Park is the perfect place to call home.

THE DETAILS

A two-bedroom apartment with terrace at Oaklands Park starts from £525,000. Please contact the sales team on 01372 679383 or via email oaklandspark@shanlyhomes.com

Wallsauce is excited to introduce its newest addition, Bloomery Decor, to its expansive designer wallpaper collection.

Since 2013, Wallsauce has dedicated itself to bringing life to bare walls worldwide. Its speciality is made-to-measure wallpaper murals, which allow for an array of bespoke choices.

Wallsauce’s latest designer collection features distinctive designs that blend timeless craftsmanship infused with bohemian flair. The stunning, neutral colour palette brings timeless design to traditional and modern homes.

Artist Julie Coste creates her artwork in her studio, nestled between the ocean and the vibrant flower fields of the Netherlands. She focuses on hand painting while digitally enhancing her artwork. In her collection of wallpaper murals at Wallsauce, you can discover stylish and feminine designs ranging from vintage florals and delicate panoramas to modern abstracts.

Wallsauce proudly offers more than traditional paste-the-wall wallpaper. Its peel-and-stick material is ideal for those who are not looking for a permanent change. Committed to planet preservation, Wallsauce maintains high environmental standards through eco-friendly practices. wallsauce.com

Bloomery Decor

Wallsauce Introduces Bloomery Decor to its Designer Wallpaper Collection

MODERN LUXE

Modern luxe is a sophisticated blend of contemporary elegance and refined comfort, defined by sleek lines, high-quality materials, and a timeless aesthetic.

At Peppermill Interiors, we have curated a selection of contemporary furniture pieces that capture this essence, blending clean lines, thoughtful functionality, and exceptional craftsmanship.

The Washington Leather Dining Chair combines Scandinavian elegance with Italian design influences, featuring a distinctive semicircular backrest and black Ashwood tapered legs. Upholstered in premium semi-aniline leather and available in Black, Latte, Olive Green (pictured), and Tan, this chair demonstrates how thoughtful design can marry aesthetics with exceptional comfort.

Complementing the dining chair, the Washington Leather Counter Stool brings the same sophisticated design to casual dining spaces. With its harmonious blend of Scandinavian simplicity and Italian flair, the counter stool features the same premium semi-aniline leather upholstery and architectural black Ashwood legs, making it perfect for modern breakfast bars and kitchen islands.

The Islington Dining Table celebrates natural materials and contemporary design, handcrafted

“The Montana Coffee Table rounds out the collection with its Mid-Century inspired design. Featuring a natural oak exterior with stunning patination and graining, complemented by a black wood veneer base, it proves that modern design can be both sophisticated and warmly inviting”

from solid oak with unique knots and grain patterns ensuring no two pieces are alike. The table’s matte black metal star base provides an industrial counterpoint to the organic warmth of the wood, available in Pebble Grey, Silverback, and Weathered (pictured) finishes.

Adding to the dining collection, the Ashfield Dining Table, showcases an innovative ribbed solid oak base that creates striking visual interest. This masterful blend of classic and contemporary styling is enhanced with precisely crafted metal hardware, demonstrating modern furniture’s ability to be both functional and artistic.

The Montana Coffee Table rounds out the collection with its Mid-Century inspired design. Featuring a natural oak exterior with stunning patination and graining, complemented by a black wood veneer base, it proves that modern design can be both sophisticated and warmly inviting. peppermillinteriors.com

Spring Revival

Escape into the wilderness in a new spring-inspired design

Family-run wallcovering specialists By Haleys is bringing the outside in this spring, with a new hand-painted mural bursting with biophilic charm.

A modern take on Chinoiserie-style, Ophelia in Zest is packed with colour and brings a 21st century touch to the classic design technique.

The design offers a whimsical escape into nature’s luscious wilderness, capturing the essence of tranquillity with suggestions of a far-off river adorned with vegetation.

What’s more, a sense of mystique and drama exude from opulent shrubs and blossoms, resplendent in vibrant shades of pink, green and blue, at the forefront of the design.

Richard Haley, Creative Director of By Haleys, said: “Ophelia was born from the popular chinoiserie style, but we wanted to dismantle and redefine the conventional stereotypes to unleash a whole new perspective.

“Our interpretation was to have more depth, to be raw and authentic, and to let the beauty of an unpredictable layout mimic the unruly yet graceful nature of overgrown fauna.”

Like all murals from By Haleys, Ophelia in Zest’s starting point was a sketchbook, with the design team bringing their vision to life, one paint stroke at a time.

Ophelia in Zest is available in three finishes: matte uncoated, premier vinyl and grasscloth. Ophelia is also available in two other colourways: Vintage and Pewter.

“The design offers a whimsical escape into nature’s luscious wilderness, capturing the essence of tranquillity with suggestions of a faroff river adorned with vegetation”

By Haleys offers customers the flexibility to choose the exact portion of the mural they desire, ensuring a perfect fit for their space.

Prices start at £48 per m2 and the collection is available now from By Haleys.

OPHELIA IN ZEST

With it’s whimsical charm, Ophelia in Zest captures the essence of tranquillity with suggestions of a far-off river adorned with vegetation, yet still infusing a sense of mystique and drama with its opulent shrubs and blossoms at the forefront. Your walls will sing with opulence with Ophelia, she’s a beauty!

Available now from byhaleys.com

Living Room Colour Themes

“When choosing a living room colour, start by considering the mood you want to create. For a calming atmosphere try soft, neutral tones like beige or light grey, or if you prefer something with more energy and personality, then vibrant colours like teal or mustard yellow might be more to your liking,” says Debbie.

Debbie Leigh, Design Manager, at ILIV, gives us her tips on choosing the ideal Living Room colour theme for your style and space your colour scheme with ease.”

“Next, consider the size and natural light of the room. If you have a small space then lighter shades can help to make it feel more open, whereas darker colours are more suited to creating a cosy, intimate vibe. You may also want to bear in mind any existing furniture, décor and adjacent spaces to maintain a cohesive flow. Another good tip is to test sample swatches on your walls at different times of the day to see how lighting affects the colour before making a final decision,” Debbie comments.

She continues, “When carefully planned, grey and yellow can work beautifully in a living room. If you are planning to use yellow as your main colour then it’s best to go for a more muted shade to keep the look soft and relaxing. Pale golds and mustards look lovely and mix well with shades of blue and grey for a modern feel. Add in natural accessories and houseplants to create an inviting, paired back scheme. Alternatively, use grey are your backdrop and introduce yellow accent tones in the form of soft furnishings and accessories. This approach is simple, cost-effective and allows you to update

“It’s also worth considering that we use our living rooms a lot during the Winter months, and so it makes sense to make them as cosy and inviting as possible. Colours which evoke a sense of warmth include rich reds and oranges, golds, mustard and berry shades. Use these colours in layers of soft furnishings, such as throws, cushions and curtains and you’ll soon find your room feeling warm and snug creating a sense of comfort which is known to boost wellbeing. Cleverly layered textiles help to create a cohesive look and have a significant impact on the overall feel of a room,” advises Debbie.

ON TREND FOR 2025

“Green is predicted to be on trend for living rooms in 2025 and is a great choice for creating a natural, calming scheme. Green brings a sense of tranquillity to a room, reflecting the rejuvenating qualities of nature. If you have large windows or plants in the room, this shade is also great for enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Green works with a range of styles from rustic to modern and pairs beautifully with neutrals and wood tones, making it a timeless choice,” says Debbie.