Life Magazines (Hertfordshire editions) November 2018

Discover THE inimitable Fusion collection

FROM THE

Radlett Premier Bathrooms

EDITOR

W

ith a history that spans more than 114 years, Danish Design House Georg Jensen was founded in 1904 by Georg Jensen himself. The brand represents quality craftsmanship and timeless aesthetic design, creating silverware and flatware, fine jewellery, watches, accessories and a home collection.

Located within the 12-acre grounds of Sopwell House Hotel, a stunning 18th Century Georgian manor house, the glamorous country retreats are perfect for those seeking privacy coupled with the benefits of the hotel’s elegant restaurants and spa.

After nine years at Hatfield House The Frost Fair will this year take place at Aldenham Country Park. Just 8 miles from Hatfield with extensive, easy to access, parking Aldenham offers a new and exciting location for The Frost Fair.

The iconic art deco hotel in the heart of Mayfair, is launching a series of Claridge’s Christmas hampers, bringing the magic of its time-honoured traditions, and its secret recipes of the festive season to be enjoyed at home.

There’s only one place to do your Christmas shopping this year, and that’s the new-look, bigger and better intu Watford. intu is bringing festive cheer, joy and plenty of goodies for shoppers this Christmas with more shops, restaurants and goodies galore.

Faye Manning Editor

THE TEAM PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD

17, The Broadway, Old Hatfield, Herts, AL9 5HZ, UK www.thelifemagazines.com 0844 800 8439

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Opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Fish Media Group Ltd. We accept no liability for any mistakes and no responsibility can be taken for the content of these pages.

Editor Faye Manning ••••• Editor Assistant Katie Miller ••••• Sub Editor Nicholas Peter ••••• business DEVELOPMENT manager Kelly Pauling ••••• Design & Production Lisa Wade ••••• SALES Lewis Casserley ••••• Accounts Kathy Manning, Andree Georgiou ••••• Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith

64 Watling Street, Radlett, WD7 7NP Tel: 01923 850444 | Fax: 01923 850456 Email: sales@radlettpremierbathrooms.co.uk www.radlettpremierbathrooms.co.uk

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D A V O N P ORT N a t u r a l l y

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Experience Classic English Elegance

1 Moneyhill Parade, Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth, H a Hertfordshire n d c r a WD3 f t e7BQ d in

C o l c h1 eMoneyhill s t e r ,Parade, England Phone:Road, +44(0)1923 773906 Uxbridge Rickmansworth, celia@moneyhillinteriors.com Hertfordshire WD3 7BQ moneyhillinteriors.com Phone: +44(0)1923 773906 celia@moneyhillinteriors.com d a v o n p o r t . c o m

To request a portfolio or speak to

m o n aedesigner: y h i l l01206 i n t e 760 r i o 800 rs.com

28/10/2015 18:49

out & about – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – i ma g e : IC E S K ATING AT T H E N ATUR A L H ISTOR Y M US E U M

OUT & ABOUT

24 november

Think Hertford, Think Christmas Christmas markets, craft workshops and seasonal offers. The Town Centre will be alive with music, performances, grottos and giveaways, making Hertford and its diverse array of shops, the place to be. 10am-4pm.

Hertford Town Centre Hertfordshire SG14 1HR

[ eve n t s ]

the calendar monday evenings

16 & 17 NOVEMBER

17 November

Cheeki Monkeys Baby & Children’s Christmas Market Watford Our market venue is buggy friendly and able to accommodate hundreds of people. The majority of the stallholders will be offering their pre-loved goods for sale; these are complimented by craft stalls offering handmade and unique products. Plus, family fun day and entertainment stalls. Goody bags will be handed out to the first 50 visitors. Plenty to entertain the kids. 12pm - 2pm.

Westfield Academy Tolpits Lane, Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 6NS 12 NOVEMBER 2018

Reed Annual Book Sale Book Sale in Reed The Annual Book Sale will be held on 16th and 17th November in Reed Church from 9am-5pm on both days. Admission free. Do come and enjoy a cup of coffee and browse our large selection of paperbacks and hardbacks, both fiction and non-fiction. 9am-5pm.

St. Mary’s Church, Church Lane Reed, Hertfordshire SG8 8AP

Karate in Potters Bar FREE first lesson. Beginners welcome to learn karate with TISKA (www.karatepottersbar.co.uk).

All ages are welcome (typically 6 to 65 and new Tots karate for 4-6 yr olds), special family rates and no special clothing required (karate suits available).

Classes are given by husband/wife (Kevin Coles and Eve Coles) team who have over 20 years teaching experience, including daily in primary schools.

Email: tiskastalbans@aol.com or call either 01707 322482 or 07824 832159. 6pm-7pm on Mondays Music Studio at Dame Alice Owens School, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 2DU

17 November

16 November

Chair-based Exercise at Hertford Museum Join Viv Thornton as she leads these great, low impact sessions.

It’s a fun, new way to keep fit!

Refreshments are provided.

Third Friday of the month,10.30am-11.30am. £1.

Hertford Museum 18 Bull Plain Hertfordshire SG14 1DT

20 November

15-18 November

Frost Fair at Aldenham Country Park 2018 An exciting established Christmas Fair. Wonderful gifts for family & home. Original and unusual crafts Fine foods direct from the producer. Great choice of street foods. Festive atmosphere and Father Christmas. Over 150 exhibitors. Please call 01487 814800 for more information Elstree Hertfordshire WD6 3BA

Elizabeth Arden Pamper Party Boots in St Albans are hosting a fabulous Elizabeth Arden Pamper Party in aid of local charity the A-T Society. Join us for a relaxed and enjoyable evening of expert skincare and make-up demonstrations, lots of beauty hints and tips, exclusive special offers for you, or as perfect Christmas gifts, and a raffle.

A glass of wine or soft drink and light refreshments are included in the ticket price. Just 30 tickets are available so book early to avoid disappointment!

Book at www.atsociety.org.uk/events/pamper or by calling 01582 760733.

Boots, St Peters Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3DH

3 & 10 December

Christmas Wreath Making Join us for Christmas Wreath Making with all proceeds to Rennie Grove Hospice. Make your own door rings which will last throughout the Christmas season. Price includes oasis bases, fresh foliage and ribbons but please bring your own secateurs! Monday 3 December 7pm-9pm or Monday 10 December 10am-12pm.

Grove House, Waverley Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL3 5QX

9 DECEMBER

Santa Dash Perfect for all the family - let’s paint the town red as we dash through Hemel Hempstead... This year will be as Christmas-y as ever, and we’ve got some seasonal surprises lined up for you, so register you interest today!

Riverside, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP1 1BT

NEW Winter Wonderland Ball Sparkle your way into the beginning of the festive season at our black tie ball! Live music, dancing and dinner. £60/person Tables of 10 to include a three course dinner. Tickets need to be pre-booked by contacting fundraising@ chilternsmscentre.org Bar opens 7pm, dinner served 7.30 carriages at 1pm. A fabulous night will be had by all!

Pendley Manor, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 5QY

18 November

The Harpenden Wedding Fair Rothamsted Manor The Secret Harpenden Wedding Fair at Rothamsted Manor returns!

This beautiful wedding venue really is a hidden gem tucked away in the Hertfordshire countryside with many period features and is surrounded by landscaped gardens. The Wedding Fair is open between 11.00am -3:30pm and features over 35 leading exhibitors from the Harpenden area and beyond. There are two fashion shows at 12.30pm and 2.30pm showing the latest wedding dresses together with live entertainment and the odd surprise too. With free admission and car parking this wedding venue is certainly worth viewing.

Why not pop along and join us.

We very much look forward to meeting you. 11am - 3.30pm Free entry and parking Rothamsted Manor House, Rothamsted Estate, Hertfordshire AL5 2BG

6 December

25 NOVEMBER

Charity Quiz Night Join us for a charity quiz night at the Three Hammers Pub in aid of Rennie Grove Hospice Care. All money raised will help to provide precious hours of care for patients with a life-limiting illness. A raffle will be held on the night and there will be a prize for the winning and losing team.8pm for 8.30pm start. Tickets £5 per person, no need to pre book The Three Hammers Pub, 210 Watford Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL2 3EA

Christmas Carol Concert Get into the Christmas spirit with this Evening of Festive Music with proceeds to Rennie Grove Hospice. Hosted by Pam Rhodes and featuring The King of Hearts and The Amici Singers, led by BBC Proms Conductor Douglas Coombes. 6.30pm for 7pm start. £15 includes drink and mince pie St Peter’s Church, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3HG

NOVEMBER 2018 13

OUT & ABOUT

RESTAURANT REVIEW

GIGGLING SQUID, Harpenden Christmas at Giggling Squid Giggling Squid are open on Christmas Day. With a packed Thai Sharing Feast including a glass of prosecco you will be treated to some of the many tastes of Thailand including prawns cooked the way they are on the beaches of Western Thailand, squid reminiscent of Rayong, flavoursome beef and chicken and an array of Thai style vegetables cooked in a rich array of different flavours. If this sounds right up your street, enquire now and book soon!

F

antastic! That’s how we felt after our meal at the new Thai restaurant Giggling Squid, a recent addition to Harpenden.

Set in stunning location in the heart of Harpenden the restaurant has a warm, friendly and buzzing vibe as soon as you step inside. The decor boasts a beautiful gold and blue theme with stunning artwork and unique furniture. An interior that is individual, yet familiar to Giggling Squid fans at the same time.

We were shown to a table upstairs by very welcoming front of house staff, overlooking seating below. This gave a great view of the large chandeliers and romantic lighting. Dining on a Friday evening, every table in the restaurant was in use – the word is out – Giggling Squid is a restaurant that you need to experience!

Right from the off, we were attended to, with water and prawn crackers (Thai ones – delightful!) bought straight to our table. Recommended by the waiter, we chose the house red wine and that did not disappoint.

After perusing the menu and enjoying the prawn crackers, we chose our meals. My husband chose the Lime and Chilli Beef as a starter and for main course Beef and Basil Gra Pao with Egg Noodles.

I chose Moo Ping – grilled marinated pork on skewers to start, followed by Thai Green Curry with coconut rice for main. As a side, we shared some vegetable spring rolls. My husband likes spicy food, the chef added an extra ‘kick’, which really hit the spot.

Portion sizes at Giggling Squid are generous, and whilst it was a struggle to consider dessert,

14 NOVEMBER 2018

we managed! The Prosecco and Muddled Berry Cheesecake was divine, a was the Molten Chocolate Dessert. As it says on their menu, this one definitely got a ‘thumbs up’! The perfect end to to the perfect meal came in the form of Mekhong – a Thai spiced spirit which is a mixture of rum and whisky, with sweetened and spiced cream. That was amazing! If you’ve not tried Giggling Squid yet, put it on your ‘must-visit’ list, you will not be disappointed. www.gigglingsquid.com

The private dining room available in Giggling Squid Harpenden, which holds up to 14 people, provides the ultimate choice for a family gathering or party celebration.

Giggling Squid -Victoria Works, Amenbury Lane Harpenden AL5 2BT Tel: 01582 461 210

OUT & ABOUT

The Mews at Sopwell House

Nestled deep within the rolling Hertfordshire hills, The Mews at Sopwell House offers understated luxury in a prime countryside setting.

L

ocated within the 12-acre grounds of Sopwell House Hotel, a stunning 18th Century Georgian manor house, the glamorous country retreats are perfect for those seeking privacy coupled with the benefits of the hotel’s elegant restaurants and spa.

Originally an old stable block, the newly refurbished oasis comprises 16 Mews Suites surrounding a stunning botanical garden designed

by Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medallist, AnnMarie Powell. An infinity edged hydrotherapy pool with ceramic detailing sparkles in the centre of the stunning bespoke garden offering barefoot luxury throughout the year. Accessible only via private gates and surrounded by two-metre pleached hornbeam, The Mews provides optimum exclusivity for its guests. The Mews suites also encompass their own private courtyards with sunken private spa baths and dark wicker seating areas.

16 NOVEMBER 2018

“Originally an old stable block, the newly refurbished oasis comprises 16 Mews Suites”

Boasting elegant English naturalism and charm, each mews has a botanical name such as Juneberry, Foxglove and Hawthorne. With the choice of studio, one bedroom and duplex mews houses, each of the properties is styled in a quintessentially British manner, offering guests their own living space. Six of The Mews also have kitchenettes.

Adorable country home features - such as real timber wood flooring, farmhouse doors, pristine Wellington boot stands, exquisite wall coverings and cosy window seats - are set against elegant slate and leather furnishings. A muted colour palette of rich mustard and subdued tan tones, complemented with dark accents, echoes throughout each property.

Eclectic artwork hangs on the walls, while a contemporary take on traditional tartan fabric adorns each sofa. The immaculate bathrooms have under-floor heating, bespoke vanity units, luxurious gowns and slippers, along with chic ESPA toiletries.

For colder months, most of The Mews offer neatly stacked logs alongside sleek gas fireplaces.

Sparcstudio designed the award-winning spas at Dormy House and Calcot Manor and so applied a spa-like approach to the design of the interiors. Beverley Bayes Director at Sparcstudio, the Architects/Designers of The Mews, said: “We designed the suites to be ‘glamorous country’ in style. They are private and self-contained, making them perfect for a romantic stay away from the city, especially the four-poster bed suites, with double-ended in-room baths and the all important Champagne bottle rest.”

The Mews communal garden offers an enchanting haven of colour created by awardwinning garden designer, TV gardening presenter, journalist and author, Ann-Marie Powell. There are an abundance of gardener’s delights including a

stainless steel architectural sphere, living pergolas, umbrella trees creating a shadow effect, and unique yew onion bushes punctuate the space. A paved passageway leads guests through the garden towards a central raised patio, boasting an infinity hydrotherapy pool with a modern ceramic tile backdrop and water feature. Ann-Marie Powell said: “We wanted to create a gloriously tranquil space

“We wanted to create a gloriously tranquil space”

that is as versatile as it is beautiful. By planting exotic bulbs and jewel-like flowers that punctuate the seasons, an abundance of colour will blossom throughout the year”.

The Mews suites share the facilities of Sopwell House Hotel. Director of The Mews and Sopwell House, Rafi Bejerano says, “The Mews at Sopwell House offers a fantastic concept and unique hotel experience which is unusual for the UK and surprisingly close to London, whilst providing guests with complete seclusion and privacy away from the outside world.”

The Mews at Sopwell House, Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, AL1 2HQ. For reservations, please call: 01727 864477. www.sopwellhouse.co.uk/ rooms-suites/mews-suite

NOVEMBER 2018 17

COVER STORY

Discover Georg Jensen’s inimitable Fusion collection “Nina Koppel, one of Georg Jensen’s most iconic designers and daughter of the legendary Danish designer and master silversmith Henning Koppel, shares the same incredible talent for design that her father is known for”

W

ith a history that spans more than 114 years, Danish Design House Georg Jensen was founded in 1904 by Georg Jensen himself.

The brand represents quality craftsmanship and timeless aesthetic design, creating silverware and flatware, fine jewellery, watches, accessories and a home collection.

The philosophy of Georg Jensen himself was to create designs possessing both functionality and beauty. His artisanal skill and artistic talent combined with his continuous ability to identify and support design talent was the foundation on which he built the Georg Jensen brand in Copenhagen.

18 NOVEMBER 2018

Georg Jensen also prided himself and his business on collaboration with iconic designers of the time – an honoured tradition that is still ongoing today. The design house has seen collaborations from Henning Koppel, Prince Sigvaard Bernadotte, Arne Jacobsen, Nanna Ditzel, Nina Koppel, Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe, Zaha Hadid and Patricia Urquiola to name a few.

Nina Koppel, one of Georg Jensen’s most iconic designers and daughter of the legendary Danish designer and master silversmith Henning Koppel, shares the same incredible talent for design that her father is known for. She is known for her ability to combine simplicity with mysticism – a sentiment

“In 1987, Nina Koppel designed a silver ring that led to the creation of the iconic Fusion collection” is a departure from traditional jewellery because it encourages the wearer to be part of the jewellery design by offering endless combinations which fit together perfectly to create one unique ring.

The ability to design a Fusion ring according to the tastes of the wearer is what has always set Fusion apart. Whether it is rose, yellow or white gold with or without diamonds, the rings can be put together in any combination, seamlessly interlocking with each other.

Fusion represents an iconic chapter in the rich history of Georg Jensen designs by combining the finest materials with the highest class of craftsmanship. The collection has now expanded and evolved to also consist of bangles, pendants and earrings. www.georgjensen.com/uk

expressed so well in the Fusion collection.

Nina Koppel studied textile design at Kunsthåndværkerskolen – Denmark’s School of Arts and Crafts. She graduated in 1966 and later that year established her own workshop. She began her collaboration with Georg Jensen in the 1980’s with her initial designs created in silver.

In 1987, Nina Koppel designed a silver ring that led to the creation of the iconic Fusion collection.

Ushering in a new way of design in modern jewellery, Fusion’s endless combinations encourage the wearer to create their own personal ring.

Now created in 18 kt. gold with and without diamonds, Nina Koppel’s iconic Fusion collection NOVEMBER 2018 19

OUT & ABOUT

GET YOUR SKATES ON THIS WINTER A guide to London’s coolest ice rinks London is a wonderful place to be at Christmas. With twinkling Christmas lights and trees set to the backdrop of some of London’s most iconic locations, a trip to an ice rink is a must-do for the views alone. They are only open for a limited time so get your skates on before it’s too late!

SKATE BACK IN TIME AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE Open 23 November – 6 January 2019 (except Christmas Day)

SKATE AT SOMERSET HOUSE WITH FORTNUM & MASON Open 14 November - 13 January 2019 (except Christmas Day)

HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND Open 22 November - 6 January 2019 (except Christmas Day)

Enjoy the perfect winter day out at Somerset House.

The stunning Edmond J. Safra Fountain courtyard is the backdrop to London’s most beautiful ice rink, where you can skate day or night with family and friends. Skate Lates features an extra special series of music nights throughout the season - the perfect start to your weekend. Après-skate, treat yourself at Fortnum’s Lodge with one of our Skate Extras – all designed for two to share; relax and take in the spectacle rink-side with a drink or warming snack in the Skate Lounge.

Fortnum’s Christmas Arcade returns, transforming the West Wing into a one-stop, essential festive shopping destination.

Book online at www.somersethouse.org.uk or call 0333 320 2836.

Skate on the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink….and this year, it’s even bigger! Located around Hyde Park’s picturesque Victorian bandstand, there will be live music as skaters take to the ice. With twinkling Christmas lights and trees set to the backdrop of some of London’s most iconic locations, a trip to an ice rink is a must-do for the views alone.

Book online at www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

20 NOVEMBER 2018

For an unforgettable festive experience, look no further. The 1,040 square-metre outdoor ice skating rink offers spectacular views of the magnificent Tudor palace, where King Henry VIII once lived. There will be fun and excitement for all age groups and skating abilities, Whether you’re a skater or a spectator, you can enjoy delicious snacks and drinks day and night at the Ice Rink Cafe Bars. Offering a tempting selection of warming drinks, delicious snacks and a great bar with Wines, Beer, Cider and Mulled Wine. The perfect place to meet friends against the backdrop of one of London’s finest Palaces.

Book online at www.hamptoncourtpalace icerink.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

ICE RINK CANARY WHARF Open until 16 February 2019 (except Christmas Day)

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Open until 7 January 2019 (except Christmas Day) Set against the stunning backdrop of one of London’s best-loved landmarks. The glistening ice rink which runs alongside South Kensington’s treelined streets will be topped off with a sparkling 30ft Christmas tree. The Café Bar, run by Benugo, will be open for seasonal treats, providing a place to stay warm out of the winter chill. Visitors can watch all the skate action from a perfectly-positioned viewing balcony. Ticketmaster returns once again to curate and present a series of intimate and unique free acoustic performances from some of the best new and emerging musical talent currently in the UK – Acoustic Lates Live 2018.

Book online at www.nhmskating.com or call 0844 847 1576.

TOWER SKATE Open 23 November – 6 January 2019 (except Christmas Day) London’s most famous castle gets festive. Ice skate at the Tower of London and you don’t just get to do it with the city’s most iconic historical landmark as a backdrop – you’re actually in it! As you glide around the 1040m² rink, take in the magic and ambience of the castle beside the Thames, which offers a unique and unforgettable setting. There’s something for everyone whether you are a novice or an expert. Try the early morning sessions – perfect for little skaters and families, leading into picturesque afternoons and bustling evenings. The Tower of London Ice Rink gets an extra helping of stunning in the evenings when the lights, set against the castle wall adds to the dramatic jaw dropping views. For history with a modern twist, there’s no better winter location.

Book online at www.toweroflondonicerink.com 22 NOVEMBER 2018

Set to the backdrop of Canary Wharf ’s twinkling towers and enchanting greenery, this spectacular 1,200 square-metre outdoor ice rink runs for sixteen magical weeks in the picturesque surroundings of Canada Square Park. If you want to eat, drink and shop all in one go, this is the place to go. Skaters can expect a few new surprises along the way this season with exciting new activities, including winter sports, on the agenda. For those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground, the perfect spectating spot can be found in the rink-side bar or choose from the array of restaurants, bars, and shops surrounding the ice rink.

Book online at www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk

WINTERVILLE 2018 Open 15 November – 23 December Get to Clapham Common for London’s Alternative Festive Experience! You can glide across the 600 square-metre outdoor Ice Rink constructed from real ice. If gliding across the Common doesn’t appeal, then why not enjoy a winter warmer in the neighbouring cafe, where you can check out all the action in comfort.

There are lockers (£2) and penguin skate aids available (£5 each) for kids on a first-come, first-served basis.

Book online at www.winterville.co.uk

SKATE AT SKYLIGHT LONDON, TOBACCO DOCK Open until 27 January 2019 (except Christmas Day) Europe’s only rooftop real ice rink is back! Stellar cocktails, seasonal shenanigans and that view, Skylight will take your evening or weekend to new heights. Show off your ice dancing skills and get cosy up in one of the stunning igloos or down in the snug bar. Delicious foodie offerings including killer street food style options from Yiro and some indulgent cheesy delights from The Raclette Brothers. Skaters can wind down with seasonal drinks including mulled wine and warming cocktails served alongside a range of beers and ciders.

Book online at www.skylightlondon.com

FEATURE

A girl’s best friend Choosing Your Diamond And Designing The Ring When choosing a diamond our customers are always given the opportunity to choose their favourite stone from a selection of at least five of the same size and quality that they are looking for. We explain in straightforward terms the characteristics of each one and help you fully understand what you are buying.

Designing a beautiful setting for the selected diamond is as important as choosing the stone itself. We like to spend time and find out about your taste and the look that you prefer by sketching detail and proportion and also by showing examples of similar ideas in finished rings. We then go on to make CAD images and an exact wax model that can be tried on with the diamond superimposed onto it.

This allows you to fully appreciate all aspects of the design before we finally hand make it in platinum or gold. The end result is a one-off custom made ring exactly as you imagined at a cost which needs be no more than buying a mass produced, often foreign made, ring off the shelf.

Buying On Line versa Your Expert Jeweller If you decide to buy your diamond online, according to your required grading, the price may well be attractive, but there is always a good reason for it and it is indeed a risky business for the buyer.

By allowing us to help with that all important choice you will immediately have the advantage of our 70+ years’ experience and expertise in the diamond trade and at the same time receive our total support and commitment along the journey.

“By allowing us to help with that all important choice you will immediately have the advantage of our 70+ years’ experience and expertise in the diamond trade” Colours and Cuts Some of the most beautiful diamonds are the natural colours from soft pinks and blues to brilliant hues of purple and red. Graded from fancy light, fancy, fancy intense and fancy vivid. As the intensity of colour increases so does the value.

Pink and red colours are produced when these diamonds have a mutation within their crystal lattice that alters the stones molecular structure. Blue diamonds are caused by the addition of boron, a very rare element within the earth whilst yellow diamonds have nitrogen incorporated into their 24 NOVEMBER 2018

FEATURE

carbon crystal structure.

The purer colours of pink, blue and red are extremely rare and valuable and in their natural form an extremely finite source.

The shape and character of your diamond is determined by the cut. By far the most popular is the round brilliant cut followed by the square modified brilliant or princess cut, then the cushion cut which can be square or oblong in shape with softly curved sides and corners. After those the oval cut, the emerald cut, the radiant cut also square or oblong, the marquise cut, pear shape and Asscher cut are all fairly similar in popularity.

Emerald and baguette cuts are very different to most other diamonds in so much as they have fewer facets and they are step cut with cut corners for the emerald cut and full corners for the baguette.

Whilst they do not sparkle as much as Brilliant or other similar cuts they have a very different and sophisticated look which is really attractive. They are also like mirrors and easily show any imperfections within. We would always recommend choosing a very clean stone when selecting these cuts. When choosing a fancy cut it is imperative to look at a really good selection of similar stones as they are even less predictable than round brilliant cuts.

The certification does not tell about the variations of any particular shape For instance, an oval or marquise cut can be slightly long and skinny or short and fat, both of which can look very unattractive. Similarly a cushion cut which is only slightly heavily cut can look very small and the accompanying certificate could still rate the symmetry as ‘good’.

Again this is where our expertise and experience will guide you through this minefield!

A beautiful diamond is to cherish for life and then pass on to the next generation. Its beauty never diminishes, its value increases and it gives endless pleasure.

“By far the most popular is the round brilliant cut followed by the square modified brilliant or princess cut, then the cushion cut which can be square or oblong in shape with softly curved sides and corners”

THE DETAILS Wharton Goldsmith 1-2 George Street, St Albans AL3 4ER 01727 859489 www.whartongoldsmith.com

26 NOVEMBER 2018

Gift Ideas for Christmas Give something special this year

Finding a thoughtful present becomes harder each year. Let Gallery Rouge help you identify a gift as unique as they are. Below are a few suggestions to stimulate ideas!

Nigel Cooke ‘A Quiet Day’ Original Acrylic on Board, £750

Katy Jade Dobson ‘Solstice’ Signed Limited Edition, £395

Allan Morgan ‘Hillside View’ Original Oil on Board, £595

JJ Adams ‘Princess Diana Selfie’ – Signed Limited Edition, £540

For more inspirational ideas, visit the Gallery Rouge website at

www.galleryrouge.co.uk

GALLERY ROUGE ST ALBANS: 27 Chequer Street, St Albans, AL1 3YJ stalbans@galleryrouge.co.uk

GALLERY ROUGE HARPENDEN: 78 High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2SP harpenden@galleryrouge.co.uk

01727 860401

01582 760332

ART

Turning your House into a Home A

s the winter evenings draw in, our attentions invariably turn from summer travels and blissful holidays, to the enjoyment of our houses and internal space. Creating the warmth and cosiness which we all crave can prove rather challenging, especially when you may have just moved in to a new place or recently renovated.

Creating a home is more than decorating and accessorising; it takes time, effort and love. Homes are full of objects that have a story to tell, that make us smile and inspire us. As the great Winston Churchill once said, “We shape our homes and then our homes shape us”.

For over 11 years Gallery Rouge have helped thousands of clients’ secure artwork that contributes to the creation of their homes. Firmly established as a leading destination for discernible artwork collectors in the UK, Gallery Rouge have been at the forefront of showcasing original pieces within Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and North London. With two established studios in St Albans and Harpenden, their passion for fine art has seen them work with incredibly talented artists from around the world.

How can Gallery Rouge help you?

Recognising that identifying artwork can be a daunting challenge, the team of

Kevin Burton ‘Rising’ – Original Mixed Media - £1,595

consultants at Gallery Rouge are there to help you every step of the way. With a wealth of experience to call upon, they can guide you through your journey by; Suggesting artwork – As the cliché goes, you don’t know what you don’t know, and the same applies to art.

“Their passion for fine art has seen them work with incredibly talented artists from around the world”

www.galleryrouge.co.uk 28 NOVEMBER 2018

“Not content with simply making suggestions for you to view in the gallery, the aim is to ensure all artwork balances with your home”

David Renshaw ‘Summer Sunset’ – Original Oil on Board - £995

Flexible Payment Options – Sometimes the perfect piece may place a stretch on finances. Compromising due to price may ultimately lead to a disappointing decision, which is unsatisfactory in the long-term. Gallery Rouge have this covered too, offering Interest Free financing options which ensure you don’t have to compromise.

Whether you are new to buying artwork or a seasoned collector, why not contact Gallery Rouge and see how they can help you bring warmth and light to your home.

Eric Waugh – Original Acrylic on Canvas – From £1,395

Gallery Rouge have solid connections with hundreds of artists, enabling them to source works of varying styles, sizes and budget. Working with you, they’ll be able to offer alternatives that will help you shape your understanding of available artwork and identify works which most appeal to you.

Home appraisal – This must be one of their strongest and most valued services. Not content with simply making suggestions for you to view in the gallery, the aim is to ensure all artwork balances with your home and creates exactly the right impact. Consequently, they will bring paintings to your home for you to review in location. An exceptional service, which removes the guesswork and any potential regrets!

GALLERY ROUGE ST ALBANS: 27 Chequer Street, St Albans, AL1 3YJ | stalbans@galleryrouge.co.uk | 01727 860401 GALLERY ROUGE HARPENDEN: 78 High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2SP | harpenden@galleryrouge.co.uk | 01582 760332 NOVEMBER 2018 29

OUT & ABOUT

OVER 70 YEARS OF STUNNING JEWELLERY DESIGNS I

f you follow the signs to St Albans Cathedral you will come across George Street, one of the treasures of our City, and sitting proudly at the top is the showroom and workshops of Hertfordshire’s leading jewellery designer, Christopher Wharton.

Born and bred in St Albans, the Wharton family have been an integral part of the city’s life since 1947, having celebrated its 70th Anniversary last year. Their reputation for excellence in all aspects of the jewellery trade has developed over the years through providing outstanding workmanship and customer service.

Today Christopher and his son Sam work closely with their team of highly skilled goldsmiths producing not only exciting innovative new designs but also bringing new life to old jewellery through special commissions.

With probably the largest collection of loose diamonds and gemstones, adventurous customers are able to get involved in firstly selecting a gemstone and then being an integral part of the design process. The use of computer aided design images and a wax model in pre-production ensure there are no suprises – just a beaming smile that says ‘That’s Perfect’.

The showroom is not just about our own design but boasts a host of other brands to make your visit well worthwhile. Breitling features strongly in our watch department with Mark, our passionate Breitling Specialist, always available to help and advise.

The Georg Jensen department just goes from strength to strength with the largest collection of jewellery and giftware in the Home Counties. Just arrived, the latest ‘Halo’ Collection in 18ct gold and

30 NOVEMBER 2018

diamond is promising to be a winner this Christmas, and the 2018 Christmas Collection decorations are now flying out with December fast approaching.

Marco Bicego has yet again produced a stunning new collection, based on the Africa Collection but with tiny pave set diamonds. The Sales Team were unanimous – absolutely gorgeous!

The showroom offers gifts and ideas for all ages this Christmas from childrens silver jewellery to ‘Hairy Viking’ cufflinks for the man who has everything. A warm welcome awaits all our customers.

“Adventurous customers are able to get involved in firstly selecting a gemstone and then being an integral part of the design process”

THE DETAILS Christopher Wharton Goldsmith Ltd, 1-2 George Street, St Albans AL3 4ER 01727 859489 www.whartongoldsmith.com

Christopher and Sam Wharton

OUT & ABOUT

IDEAL HOME SHOW CHRISTMAS RETURNS FOR 2018

T

21st – 25th November, Olympia London

he UK’s best loved seasonal home event, Ideal Home Show Christmas is returning for its eighth magical year at London’s Olympia - with over 600 exhibitors and enough festive filled content to create the ultimate Christmas at home.

The most established and celebrated show of its kind, brings together all of the seasonal essentials to create the ideal Christmas for loved ones, split across five dedicated festive sections. And for the second year, the show will be co-located with the Eat & Drink Festival Christmas, giving visitors of Ideal Home Show Christmas FREE access to the ultimate foodie experience!

Tick off the Christmas list in the Christmas Gift section and shop this season’s top toys, gadgets, artisan gifts, stocking fillers and the perfect gifts for him, her, the kids and pets. Alternatively, for those with a penchant for handmade, head over to the Christmas Theatre where a host of the nation’s most loved experts from each of the show’s sections will come together to teach the skills behind a truly traditional home-made Christmas.

Indulge in a packed schedule of live Q&A’s and How To’s on everything from Christmas dinner party etiquette, home decoration tips and advice, crafty homemade gifts, essential gift wrap skills and even the latest fashion trends and make-up tips in time for the party season.

Six Christmas roomsets have been designed and styled around the key dates of the festive season Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. You will see the top colour trends, key themes and

32 NOVEMBER 2018

must-have decorations to create the perfect living and dining spaces to wow your guests.

After all that shopping, visitors will also be able to enjoy Christmas lunch early, set in beautifully festive surroundings of the Christmas Restaurant, where resident chefs will serve up a traditional Christmas menu with a twist, allowing visitors to sample different options created and freshly prepared by the team to inspire any Christmas menu. It will leave tastebuds festively fed! Those with a sweeter tooth can indulge in this year’s Festive Afternoon Tea, with a variety of Christmasfinger sandwiches, traditional British Cream Tea and a selection of mini mince pies, cinnamon brownies and traditional stolen.

The sound of Christmas will fill the air with entertainment from the nostalgic Doo Wop girl group The Hey Las, harmony arrangements by Stella Mann College, nationally acclaimed gospel choir group Enchorus and funky contemporary choir Natural Voices.

For the perfect end to the festive filled day, visitors can unwind and enjoy a glass of fizz in the Champagne Bar sponsored by Hydropool, or enjoy being pampered in our Pamper Lounge with a range of FREE treatments.

Visitors can also participate in exclusive show offers and competitions which this year includes access to a special late night shopping event on Thursday 22nd November for just £5 a ticket, which will see an evening of festive fun and games, special show content, live entertainment until 9pm.

There truly is something for everyone at the Ideal Home Show Christmas 2018.

For more details visit www.idealhomeshowchristmas.co.uk

“Tick off the Christmas list in the Christmas Gift section and shop this season’s top toys, gadgets, artisan gifts, stocking fillers and the perfect gifts for him, her, the kids and pets”

OUT & ABOUT

34 NOVEMBER 2018

OUT & ABOUT

Snoopy is coming to town!

Your own personalised copy available from St. Albans based GALLERY105…

O

n October 2, 1950, the four-panel comic strip by 27-year-old Charles M. Schulz made its debut. Known as Peanuts, it eventually became one of the world’s most widely read comic strip turning its characters—Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy, Peppermint Patty and Schroeder—into pop culture icons.

“Snoopy’s appearance and personality have changed probably more than those of any of the other characters. As my drawing style loosened, Snoopy was able to do more things, and when I finally developed the formula of using his imagination to dream of being many heroic figures, the strip took on a completely new dimension.”

– Charles M. Schulz, 1975

How did Peanuts come to be called Peanuts?

“I don’t like the name of my strip at all. I wanted to call it Good Old Charlie Brown, but the person at the syndicate who selected Peanuts just picked it at random from a list of possible titles he jotted down.

He hadn’t even looked at the strip when he named it. The syndicate compromised on Sunday, though.

Once I rebelled and sent it in without any title. We finally agreed to put Peanuts at the top and include Charlie Brown and His Gang in the sub-title on Sunday – Charles M. Schulz, 1969 Following the 1967 Apollo 1 fire disaster, NASA officials contacted Charles Schulz to use Snoopy as their safety mascot. Schulz helped design a pin for the Silver Snoopy award, which was presented to aerospace workers for outstanding contributions toward safer spaceflight operations. Later, during the Apollo 10 mission (which served as the dress rehearsal for the historic Apollo 11 moon landing), NASA dubbed the lunar module “Snoopy” and the command module “Charlie Brown.”

“Stars” Limited Edition The official Limited Edition “Stars” published under license from Peanuts Worldwide LLC also features an official photograph from the NASA archives 36 NOVEMBER 2018

Snoopy, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame right next to the star of the creator of Peanuts comic strips, Charles M. Schulz. Snoopy happens to be the first fictional Beagle to be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The character was honoured with the star just 4 days before the movie’s premiere worldwide in November 2015.

The famous comic had an audience of 355 Million people!

Launching with a Preview Evening on Thursday 25th October, Gallery 105 based at 105 Victoria Street, St. Albans in association with official license holders “Art You Grew Up With LLC” will be offering a unique opportunity for you to order customised merchandise from the iconic and beloved characters of PEANUTS® The range will include framed and unframed art prints plus mugs in the colours, characters and messages of your choice.

Commenting on the forthcoming exhibition, Gallery owner Jean Dennis said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer something very special for the people living in and around Hertfordshire this Christmas.

Snoopy is such a well known and loved character appealing to all ages. PLUS …. the opportunity to personalise the print of your choice just makes it even more special when purchasing as a gift.

Working in association with the official licensee of Peanuts is a great privilege. We are really looking forward to this event”

THE DETAILS Preview Evening Thursday 25th October Exhibition runs through to end November 2018 An exclusive range of Limited Edition Prints, Prints and Vintage Items will be available to purchase throughout the exhibition For further details contact Gallery 105 on Tel: 01727 833 557 Gallery 105 105 Victoria Street, St. Albans AL1 3TJ Tel: 01727 833 557

OUT & ABOUT FEATURE

A day in the Life T

“At the workshop, teachers will be on hand to shed some light on what life is like for a boy with a passion for performing arts and dance studying at Tring Park School”

38 NOVEMBER 2018

he prestigious Tring Park School for the Performing Arts is hosting a dedicated day-long workshop for boys with a passion for performing arts and dance in December.

The Life in a Day workshop is being held on 7 December and will focus solely on dance and will cater for boys aged 10-16. During the day, students will take part in a dance technique class, get some tips on how to get the most out of auditions as well as observe a masterclass by world-class teachers.

At the workshop, teachers will be on hand to shed some light on what life is like for a boy with a passion for performing arts and dance studying at Tring Park School.

As well as having the taster sessions, boys attending the workshop will get the chance to hear about how the day is structured and the balance between academic and performing arts classes.

Academic studies are just as important as dance, acting, musical theatre and commercial music education with Tring Park School, says Principal Stefan Anderson. “The school’s teaching staff and students pride themselves equally on academic success and performing arts achievements and this is reflected in the school’s glittering alumni, who have left Tring Park School fully prepared for whatever career path they choose to follow.”

When it comes to its alumni, Tring Park School has some seriously strong credentials. Director and choreographer Drew Mconie is a Tring Park graduate, and at the tender age of 33, he already has an impressive CV. Drew won the 2016 Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreographer for his work on In the Heights and was nominated for the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreographer for Jesus Christ Superstar.

He has also directed and choreographed Strictly Ballroom in the West End this year and is set to

make his name on Broadway as the director of King Kong the Musical, which previews in October. Like fellow Tring Park graduates, Daisy Ridley and Lily James, Drew has made a name for himself all over the world.

Currently, there are a number of ex-Tring Park students performing in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, including Will Bozier and Max Westwell, while former Tring Park School boy Ned Porteous has had a lot to shout about this year after he made the shortlist for Most Popular Newcomer in the National Television Awards for his role as Joseph Tate in Emmerdale.

Ex-student Zach Wyatt has landed his first professional role alongside Game of Thrones’ Maisie Williams in the UK premiere of Lauren Gunderson’s I and You, at the Hampstead Theatre later this autumn.

In the world of musical theatre, Kit Esuruoso has been starring as Craig Turner in the original cast of West End hit show Tina the Musical. Kit will also be starring in a new film called Akoni. And of course, there’s not forgetting, the incredible Kaine Ward, who is one of six boys from Tring Park School who have played the lead role of Billy Elliot in the smash-hit West End musical and UK tour.

Kaine attended Tring Park from the age of 10 and graduated from the school last year to follow his dancer’s dream to New York City where he was one of just 24 dancers selected worldwide to attend the world-famous Juilliard School of Performing Arts, whose alumni include Robin Williams, Christopher Reeve and Val Kilmer.

So, Tring Park School’s credentials speak volumes when it comes to teaching boys with a passion for performing arts, and the Life in the Day for boys workshop is the perfect experience to give boys an insight into life as a performing arts student.

For more information, go to Tringpark.com.

The deadline for applications is 29 October.

OUT & ABOUT FEATURE

A Rounded, Holistic Education A t Felsted, emotional and social development is valued as much as academic and intellectual development.

From the moment that your son or daughter joins Felsted’s supportive and close knit community, they will be nurtured and challenged.

They take pride in knowing and valuing every child as an individual, stretching, encouraging and appreciating them for every contribution that they make to the community.

Pupils thrive in a school which cares for the individual and gives so many opportunities to excel both academically and in a wide range of activities.

Away from the classroom, every child becomes a valuable member of sporting teams, involved in drama and music or many of the other clubs and activities available. The welcoming Boarding and Day Houses ensure that strong friendships are made, with an extensive co-curricular programme to ensure your child is happy and stimulated.

A Variety of Modern Boarding Options Parents in the region are seeing the benefits of their children boarding for anything from one to five nights a week. Giving their children the opportunity to experience a modern boarding education allows them the time to take advantage of the huge range of co-curricular opportunities available. Without the hassle of commuting, children are able to spend more time doing the things they love, being with their friends and completing homework with their peers in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Top Exam Results Felsted prides itself on extending the most able students at the same time as offering experienced 40 NOVEMBER 2018

support for those that need extra help. Pupils perform at their best in a nurturing and happy environment and our exam results are a testament to that.

• IB Diploma: 100% pass rate, 35.5 average score (equivalent to A*A*A). Five students achieved over 40 points, a top 6% worldwide score.

• A Levels: 65% A* to B grades, 90% A* to C grades, 99.5% pass rate.

• GCSEs: 48% 9 to 7, 97% 9 to 4. Top scorer gained nine grade 9s and one A* For further information, please contact our Admissions Office on 01371 822605 or admissions@felsted.org.

“Pupils thrive in a school which cares for the individual and gives so many opportunities to excel”

FEATURE

Music at Merchant Taylors’ School Director of Music Simon Couldridge writes of how music is integral to all facets of life at Merchant Taylors’.

W

e are keen to ensure as many of our pupils as possible participate in school music. At one end of the scale boys joining the school at 11 are all given the opportunity to receive individual trial lessons on an orchestral instrument with some of our 23 visiting music teachers, whilst at the other, some of the more advanced musicians attend the junior departments of the Royal Academy of Music and Royal College of Music and go on to win Choral and Organ Scholarships at Oxbridge colleges.

With nearly 300 instrumental or singing lessons taught each week, and close to half the school participating in performing music throughout the academic year, there is a lot to reflect upon.

An informal concert series provides the ideal platform for solo and small group performances.

A recent informal concert programme featured a sublime performance of Bach’s Toccata in D major, followed by the Merchants of Groove playing Alligator Boogaloo. This typically eclectic juxtaposition is part of what makes music at Merchant Taylors’ so vibrant and exciting.

There are 22 ensembles and bands, from the Junior Percussion Ensemble to the Symphony Orchestra, the Guitar Ensemble to the Concert Band, and the Sinfonia String Orchestra to Taylors’ Brass. There are also three jazz bands which play modern jazz and rehearse weekly to prepare for regular performances.

Singing is hugely important at Merchant Taylors’.

Whether it is the 140-strong Choir leading the singing at St Paul’s Cathedral for the Triennial Service, the Chamber Choir performing at the Carol Service or the a cappella Vocal Group shining in concerts at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall in the City, our choristers play a full part in major school events.

Parents also have the opportunity to sing with the School Choir annually as part of the Choral Society,

42 NOVEMBER 2018

which has recently performed works including Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, Puccini’s Messa di Gloria, and Rutter’s Gloria.

Music Scholars enjoy regular visits to concerts and recitals in London, and internationally renowned musicians visit the school to work with the boys and give recitals. Recent visitors include Bob Chilcott (OMT) and Clive Carroll. The Chamber Choir and Chamber Orchestra embark upon biennial music tours that give the boys opportunities to perform around the world, most recently to Belgium, Austria, the USA, Spain and the Czech Republic.

Musical composition is also gaining greater prevalence with the recent expansion of music technology facilities. The two music technology suites, combined with the recording facility in the Recital Hall, have generated a real buzz around the department and helped enhance the position of music at the heart of the school. www.mtsn.org.uk

“With nearly 300 instrumental or singing lessons taught each week, and close to half the school participating in performing music throughout the academic year, there is a lot to reflect upon”

OUT & ABOUT

44 NOVEMBER 2018

OUT & ABOUT

AT YOUR SERVICE

Sit back, relax and let Harrods take the reins this festive season

from decorating your tree or creating a showstopping floral display, to arranging a personalised grotto visit.

To find out more email beyond@harrods.com or call 020 3626 7127.

PERSONAL SHOPPING From gift buying and wrapping to picking an outfit, Personal Shopping can help with every aspect of the festive season and is completely complimentary.

For more information, or to make an appointment, call 020 7893 8000 or email personalshopping@harrods.com.

T

heir experts source unique and unusual products from all over the world, ensuring that there is something to suit every personality, passion and pursuit. From worldwide exclusives to exciting new brands, Harrods is home to everything you need this Christmas.

GIFT WRAPPING SERVICE Make sure your presents steal the spotlight! The Gift Wrapping station offers an array of wrapping papers, decorations and ribbons.

Visit the Gift Wrapping Service on the Lower Ground Floor or contact the team on 020 3036 6299.

BEYOND AT HARRODS The team will bring any Christmas vision to life,

46 NOVEMBER 2018

THE WELLNESS CLINIC Refresh and restore both body and mind over the festive period with treatments from the New York Dermatology Group, 111Cryo, The Elixir Clinic and The Louise Parker Method and more, all on the Fourth Floor.

To book an appointment, call 020 7225 5678 or email thewellnessclinic@harrods.com.

HARRODS HAMPERS Send gourmet friends and family a hamper brimming with edible delights. All hampers can be personalised with a leather tag monogrammed with up to three initials. Personalisation is available in-store, by phone, email, or through the Corporate Service team.

For more information, or to make an appointment, email foodentertaining@harrods.com.

OUT & ABOUT

“Personal Shopping can help with every aspect of the festive season”

HAIR & BEAUTY SALON Enjoy a moment of indulgence with a selection of treatments and services and pampering products from the world’s top beauty brands. The Salon offers facials, body treatments, hamman experiences, hairstyling and much more.

To book, call 020 7893 8333 or email hairandbeautysalon@harrods.com.

SALON DE PARFUMS Give a loved one the gift of a new signature scent. Salon de Parfums on the Sixth Floor features the world’s finest and rarest scents within 17 boutiques. The team can also create personalised fragrance bottles or a completely bespoke scent.

WINE CONSULTATION Find the perfect match for your festive menu.

Visit the specially designed Consultation Room in the new Fine Wines & Spirits rooms for advice covering everything from flavour profiling to drinking preferences.

To book, contact the team on wine@harrods.com.

CUSTOMISED CAKES Create an edible masterpiece this Christmas. With just a picture or an idea – from a Nativity scene to Father Christmas – designers will model your cake in any flavour imaginable.

Call 020 7893 8041 or email foodentertaining@harrods.com.

48 NOVEMBER 2018

CHRISTMAS FLORISTRY TOY CONCIERGE Guarantee yours is the mostplayed-with present this year.

Their highly-trained team can provide industry knowledge and advice on the latest toy trends in the newly refurbished Toys department on the Fourth Floor.

To book an appointment, email toyconcierge@harrods.com

Deck your halls with a beautiful door wreath, table centrepiece, or an entire Christmas tree courtesy of florist Neill Strain. Visit the Food Halls on the Ground Floor to see ready-made designs or to discuss bespoke styling.

MONOGRAMMING AT HARRODS From scarves and notebooks to perfume and cutlery, your gift deserves an extra flourish!

• Emboss your Smythson Gifts from £6 per letter.

Third Floor • Emboss your Aspinal of London gifts from £15 for four letters. Third Floor • Engrave any bottle from Salon de Parfums. Prices vary, Sixth Floor • Enjoy complimentary monogramming on all gifts from My 1st Years. Baby Gifts & Layette, Fourth Floor • Until Sunday 2nd December, enjoy monogramming of initials or a name on any purchase from Johnstons of Elgin. Men’s Collection, Lower Ground Floor www.harrods.com. @Harrods #HarrodsChristmas

OUT & ABOUT

A London Season:

Works of Art from a Private Collection in Eaton Square Christie’s, London 21 November 2018

E

ncapsulating a quintessentially British taste for the arts, A London Season: Works of Art from a Private Collection in Eaton Square will be offered for sale at Christie’s on 21 November 2018.

This charming private collection includes Sporting Art, Old Master Paintings, Impressionist and Modern Art, Decorative Arts and Chinese Works of Art, from a magnificent residence in Thomas Cubitt’s stucco terrace overlooking Eaton Square.

Highlights are led by an exceptionally fine Ben Marshall portrait (estimate: £200,000-£300,000) a William III silver-gilt casket (estimate: £150,000£250,000)and a set of 12 George III mahogany ‘gothick’ dining chairs (estimate: £50,000-£80,000).

With estimates ranging from £300 to £300,000, the collection is expected to realise in excess of £1.5 million.

Leading the sale is this atmospheric picture of a Sportsman with a Pointer in a Landscape, from 1799, by Ben Marshall, who was described by art historian Sir Ellis Waterhouse as ‘the most distinguished sporting painter in the generation after Stubbs’ (estimate: £200,000-300,000). Long considered to be a self-portrait of the artist, it has been more recently suggested that the picture is the untraced work exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1801, showing the celebrated sportsman J.G. Shaddick. A full- length portrait of the sitter by Marshall is now in the National Gallery of Art, Washington. A work with notable provenance, it was originally in the collection of Edward Balfour (1849-1927), of Balbirnie, Fife, later owned by Eric Moller, a businessman and racehorse owner who assiduously restored Thorncombe Park in Surrey, which housed his outstanding collection of furniture, clocks and pictures.

Leading the Decorative Arts from the collection is this William III silver-gilt casket, with the mark of Pierre Harache I, London, 1695 from the ‘Burghley Toilet Service’ (estimate: £150,000–250,000) A note

50 NOVEMBER 2018

“Leading the Decorative Arts from the collection is this William III silver-gilt casket, with the mark of Pierre Harache I, London, 1695 from the ‘Burghley Toilet Service’”

THE DETAILS 8 King Street, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6QT. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060. www.christies.com

Viewing Times Nov 16: 9am - 4:30pm Nov 17: 12pm - 5pm Nov 18: 12pm - 5pm Nov 19: 9am - 4:30pm Nov 20: 9am - 8pm

in the 2nd Marquess’ Day Book/Diary, recently discovered by Jon Culverhouse, the curator at Burghley House, records that the service had been a gift from his stepmother Elizabeth, Dowager Marchioness of Exeter (1757-1837). ‘Silver Gilt Toilet once that of King William III given to Lord Exeter by the Dowager Lady Exeter...’. He also records that it was first used by the Duchess of Kent on her visit to Burghley in September 1835 with her daughter, the future Queen Victoria, ‘...& first used by HRH the Duchess of Kent on her visiting Burghley with the Princess Victoria September 21st 1835’.

Orlando Rock, Christie’s Co-Chairman Decorative Arts and UK Chairman: “This magnificent flat in Thomas Cubitt’s stucco terrace overlooking Eaton Square bore witness to the happiest of times over more than 40 years. During their London Seasons in May and October, the generous hospitality of this inspiring and peripatetic couple was legendary. Business titans, politicians, cultural arbiters and invariably guests from the racing world – owners, breeders, trainers and bloodstock agents – were all welcome Christie’s, the world’s oldest fine art auctioneer, has sold fine art, furniture, jewellery and wine since James Christie conducted the first sale in London on 5 December 1766. Ever since Christie’s has continued to provide the perfect backdrop for the sales of the world’s finest collections and greatest works of art before their auction.

THE LUXURY

CHRISTMAS GUIDE

– Everything you need for the perfect Christmas – i mag e : C L A RIDG E ’ S

CHRISTMAS GUIDE

Beautiful Royal Blue Sapphires and Sparkling Diamonds Wolf 1834 Exotic Python-Embossed Leather Single Watch Winder

Designed and Made in our Own Workshops.

Individually Priced.

£485

the Christopher Wharton GOLDSMITH

Christmas Gift guide Deakin & Francis travel size shoehorn Made from the finest Scottish cow horn and a matt black skull head with jaw dropping ruby red eyes £325

The Deakin & Francis matt black skull head crystal decanter that reveals cultured ruby red eyes when jaw drops £610

54 NOVEMBER 2018

Mix The Elements of the Fusion Collection In White Rose & Yellow Gold

By Georg Jensen.

Prices From £625.00

18ct White Gold Diamond Tennis Bracelet.

Game, Set and Match; never fails to win!

Prices from £1,980.

Suki Double Star Necklace in Solid Silver with Rose Gold Detail A Perfect Gift For Your ‘Little Star’ £69.00

18ct White Gold and Diamond Curved Studs Astley Clarke Friendship Bracelets

To Add Just a Little Sparkle to the Earlobe £1285.00

Stack and Layer for a Truly Personal Style.

From £95.

The Brand New Breitling Navitimer 8 Chronograph Automatic

Marcia by Georg Jensen Stunning Sterling Silver Two Strand Bangle Plain or Diamond Set. £450 or £ 2,450.

43mm £5050.00

Paradise by Marco Bicego.

A Graceful Assortment of Pearls and Multi-coloured Gemstones in 18ct Yellow Gold.

Bracelet £1,610.

Raymond Weil New AC/DC Limited Edition Watch Pays Tribute to the Legendary Rock & Roll Band £1795.00

www.whartongoldsmith.com NOVEMBER 2018 55

CHRISTMAS GUIDE

[NEWS]

FESTIVE DINING running reindeer Inject the colour of Christmas into festive feasts, drinks and parties, and set the scene beautifully with this red jute hessian style table runner. Use this rustic table decoration to complement your place settings, inside and out or to cover sideboards and coffee tables. www.luckandluck.co.uk

TAKE TO THE TABLE

Meet the Cult Living Loretta chair, inspired by the designs of Xavier Pauchard, the brain behind the famous Tolix chairs.

The Tolix chairs were designed in the 30’s - 40’s and can still be found in many restaurants and homes all over the world. It’s a robust, versatile chair that looks good anywhere. We took the Tolix-style chair to another level! The Loretta chair has the iconic Tolix shape but with an interesting, industrial twist: beautiful hairpin legs and back with a sturdy wooden seat. The chair would look great in industrial homes, offices or commercial spaces. www.cultfurniture.com

PRINTED BY HAND

These linen napkins feature a hand printed design inspired by wreaths and classic winter foliage. Made from 100% linen, these handmade napkins are available in natural with a raspberry red printed design, or red with white print. www.madebyhandonline.com

crackers, ideal to adorn your festive table. www.saramiller.london

PLATED UP

Set in a sea of enchanting stars and sparkles, this delightful design featuring geese dressed in party hats will add a splash of colour to your festivities. www.saramiller.london

MIDNIGHT FEAST

Clarissa Hulse is one of the leading lights of the British textile world, uncompromising in her passion to deliver the ultimate combination of colour, print and fabric. She produces beautiful and luxurious home accessories, wallpapers and fabrics. We just love this midnight blue set, ideal for a Christmas dinner party. www.clarissahulse.com 56 NOVEMBER 2018

PULL A CRACKER We love these beautiful seer

CHRISTMAS GUIDE

Celebrate with Bill’s Available 20 November - 31 December

I

ts hard to believe we are almost at the end of the year, but Christmas will soon be knocking at the door – and what better way to celebrate than with us at Bill’s?

At Bill’s St Albans, our Christmas Menu has something to suit everyone. Enjoy a welcome drink, nibbles, and 3 courses for only £27.95. We accommodate all family, friends, work Christmas parties and more.

We will make it special, and in the heart of St Albans town centre we are in the perfect location.

Simply book your table and let us do the rest! AVAILABLE 20 NOVEMBER 31 DECEMBER 2018 Bill’s also prides itself on being family friendly, with lots of space for buggies and prams, and we are open for breakfast! So why not pop in for a coffee or one of our exquisite breakfasts. We have comfy sofas and seating areas, making Bill’s the ideal place for a coffee morning or meeting place. Also, if you have tickets to the Odyssey Cinema or The Alban Arena, why not pop in for pre or post event meal – being only 5 minutes walking distance from both venues, and also only 2 minutes walk from the Cathedral/Abbey, Bill’s is the perfect place for dinner.

58 NOVEMBER 2018

Find us at: Bill’s St

Albans, 2 Che quer St, St Alb ans AL1 3XZ T: 01727 8514 36 E: stalbans@ bills-email.co.u k

THE DETAILS 2 Chequer St, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3XZ 01727 851 436 Email: stalbans@bills-email.co.uk bills-website.co.uk @BillsRestaurant Opening times: Monday – Thursday: 8:30am – 10:30pm Friday – Saturday: 8am – 11pm Sunday (and bank holidays): 9am – 10:30pm

NOVEMBER 2018 59

CHRISTMAS GUIDE

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at intu Watford

Shop opening times:

T

here’s only one place to do your Christmas shopping this year, and that’s the new-look, bigger and better intu Watford. intu Watford is bringing festive cheer, joy and plenty of goodies for shoppers this Christmas with more shops, restaurants and goodies galore.

To kick off the season of festivities, join thousands of people for a stunningly spectacular light switch on, Thursday 15 November from 4pm.

BBC Radio 1 presenter & DJ Chris Stark will be joined by players from Watford FC, The Palace Theatre Panto Cast, Santa and special guests to press the plunger.

Families are invited to join the celebrations that will see a host of entertainment, roaming acts, family fun and treats starting from 4pm. Then the finale from 6pm is when the countdown begins on the bridge outside John Lewis and ends with the light switch on and a stunning firework display over the centre’s roof.

It’s expected to be the biggest Christmas in Watford thanks for the now-open £180m development, packed with Debenhams, H&M, New Look, Superdry, Jack Wills, YoSushi! and much more for all to enjoy.

If something catches your eye, get your lists at the ready as Santa is waiting in his grotto from Friday 23 November all the way up to Christmas Eve. Plus, getting into the centre is even easier, with more car parking than ever before and from December 3 it’s FREE after 6pm! intu’s stunning mall refurbishment has made the entire centre look spectacular and, with additional

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From Monday 3rd December until Sunday 9th December: Weekdays: 9am – 8pm Thursdays: 9am – 9pm Saturdays: 9am – 7pm Sundays: 11am – 5pm festive decorations, it will be transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland that will fill you – and your family – with a warm Christmas spirit.

So, to make this your merriest, most joyful, and shopping-filled Christmas ever, discover intu Watford.

Santa’s also bringing a new nine-screen IMAX Cineworld cinema and Hollywood Bowl to Watford – we told you it would be the best Christmas ever! www.intu.co.uk/watford

From Monday 10th December until Sunday 23rd December Weekdays: 9am – 9pm Saturdays: 9am – 8pm Sundays: 11am – 5pm Christmas Eve Monday: 9am – 5pm Christmas Day Tuesday: Closed Boxing Day Wednesday: 9am – 6pm Thursday 27th December: 9am – 9pm Friday 28th December: 9am – 6pm Saturday 29th December: 9am – 7pm Sunday 30th : 11am – 5pm New Year’s Eve Monday 31st 9am – 5pm New Year’s Day Tuesday 1st January 2019: Closed with Selected stores open 11am – 5pm

CHRISTMAS GUIDE

The Frost Fair

at Aldenham Country Park Thursday 15th, Friday 16th, Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th November 2018, 10am-5pm

A

fter nine years at Hatfield House The Frost Fair will this year take place at Aldenham Country Park. Just 8 miles from Hatfield with extensive, easy to access, parking Aldenham offers a new and exciting location for The Frost Fair.

Our main marquee, a very distinctive, “T” shaped traditional marquee will create a wonderful centre piece for the event. We are guaranteed over 160 exhibitors, many returning from previous years whilst some are new to us with exciting and unusual gift ideas.

Father Christmas will be with us throughout the four days, courtesy of Hatfield Rotary, complete with his helper Elves.

Local Rock choirs are with us on all four days with their special brand of enthusiastic singeing – always a delight to watch and hard to stand still when they are performing! Prepare to be amazed by our strolling street entertainers, puppeteers, balloon modellers and magician appearing throughout the fair bringing creating a great atmosphere and fun.

Our caterers have cooked up some new ideas to feed you throughout each day with a covered seating area and wide choice of foods from mid-morning coffee through a selection of street foods, perhaps a gin or relaxing beer to afternoon tea.

Exhibitor traders have been working hard to develop and source new, exciting, unusual and 62 NOVEMBER 2018

“Hand crafted candles, jewellery, hats, clothing, personalised presents, garden tools, pictures, pot pouri, furniture, bags, books, ceramics, bath bombs, cards, decorations…”

unique gift ideas for all the family. Some are hand produced by our crafts people, some made locally and some abroad but all linked by the taste and style of our vendors.

Hand crafted candles, jewellery, hats, clothing, personalised presents, garden tools, pictures, pot pouri, furniture, bags, books, ceramics, bath bombs, cards, decorations – just a few of the stands making up this year’s Frost Fair- gifts for family, friends and pets.

The Fine Food marquee offers a complete experience in taste and smell – sample foods and drink from near and far – multi flavoured sausages, spices, sauces, fudge, bakery, wines, pies, gin, vodka, beers, cheeses, confectionary, some old favourites and some new but all wonderful – order now for Christmas.

We pleased to again be working with the Willow foundation as our charity of choice with a donation from every ticket going to them. They will have both a stand and staff on site to explain their good works.

If this is not enough you also have free access top Aldenham Country Park (small charge for the farm) including hundred acre wood where you might catch a glimpse of Pooh!

For further details see www.battenburgevents.co.uk or call Battenburg Events Ltd on 01487 814800.

CHRISTMAS GUIDE

CHILDWICKBURY CHRISTMAS MARKET Completely Different Christmas Shopping

THE DETAILS Where: Childwickbury Estate, Harpenden Road (A1081), St. Albans AL3 6JU (‘Childwickbury’ for best Sat Nav directions) When: Sat & Sun 24th & 25th November. Open 10am - 5pm

O

n the 24th and 25th November the Childwickbury Estate will open its gates for the tenth annual Childwickbury Christmas Market. The beautifully restored 19th century horse-stalls and

64 NOVEMBER 2018

tack rooms provide a unique setting for a wide variety of Christmas gifts including fine art, stained glass, jewellery, quilts, clothing, tableware, pottery, food gifts and much more.

As usual, the Childwickbury Christmas Market will be offering unique gifts of high quality for sale so why not start your 2018 Christmas shopping season with us?

Fresh cooked food, drinks and mulled wine will be also available all weekend.

Free Entry / Free Parking Dogs welcome on leads www.childwickburyarts.com E: info@childwickburyarts.com

CHRISTMAS GUIDE

BRING THE MAGIC OF MAYFAIR HOME THIS YEAR WITH CLARIDGE’S CHRISTMAS HAMPERS THE DETAILS

T

he iconic art deco hotel in the heart of Mayfair, is launching a series of Claridge’s Christmas hampers, bringing the magic of its time-honoured traditions, and its secret recipes of the festive season to be enjoyed at home.

Claridge’s Christmas Hampers are full of the gastronomic treats that make the hotel such a popular haunt - from the famous Christmas puddings steeped in generous measures of the finest cognac and dark rum to the first ever Claridge’s Christmas Crackers festooned in the signature black and white chevron.

Presented in handmade willow baskets in the distinctive Claridge’s livery, the artisan treats are hand selected by Executive Chef Martyn Nail. From Claridge’s moreish vanilla shortbread biscuits, to the homemade aromatic raspberry preserve served with scones in the foyer, to the legendary Claridge’s Cookbook complete with Christmas recipes and of course the ultimate ‘Fumoir’ olives to be served with a chilled bottle of Laurent-Perrier, nothing has been left to chance.

Commenting on the Christmas Hampers, Claridge’s Executive Chef Martyn Nail said “This year, we have opened our secret address book, sharing some of our favourite festive ingredients to spread a little Claridge’s

66 NOVEMBER 2018

magic to those who can’t join us in Mayfair this Christmas.”

To create the all-embracing Claridge’s experience, in the larger hampers you will even find the distinctive Fornasetti candles that flicker nightly in the hotel lobby, a set of Claridge’s bone china mugs inspired the art deco design and of course a Claridge’s apron – a must for any aspiring chef.

Christmas is a favourite time of the year at Claridge’s, where the unveiling of its annual Christmas tree in the hotel lobby has become a festive landmark, and its glamourous decorations and famous Christmas afternoon tea draw visitors from around the world.

The hampers are available in five sizes; The Mews Hamper - £150, The Grosvenor Hamper - £250 The Brook Hamper - £250 The Davies Hamper - £495 The Mayfair Hamper - £795 The Claridge’s Christmas Hampers are available for delivery or collection from 12th November, 2018 and can be ordered by visiting www.claridges.co.uk/christmas/ hampers-gifts www.claridges.co.uk Claridge’s, the Connaught, the Berkeley Maybourne Hotel Group www.maybourne.com

CHRISTMAS GUIDE

THE LONDON CABARET CLUB

CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS WITH A GATSBY SHOW At the Bloomsbury Ballroom for their fifth-year anniversary

D

uring December, The London Cabaret Club is delighted to announce they will be celebrating Christmas with a dazzling, 1920s full-scale festive extravaganza with A Gatsby Christmas show in The Bloomsbury Ballroom. The show will take guests into a 1920’s inspired evening, from Bearcats in flappers welcoming guests to glittering cabaret dancers. The immersive cabaret experience, like all shows at The London Cabaret Club, will feature an evening of majestic live performances, exquisite dining and quintessentially British cocktails.

True to Gatsby himself, the showcase will be filled with expert illusionists, distinguished singers, cunning magicians and skillful acrobats. The London Cabaret Club’s attention to detail, from in-house costume designs, astounding choreography, talented live bands and a one-off dining experience will encapsulate guest’s attention from start to finish.

Whilst enjoying the show, guests can indulge in The London Cabaret Club’s celebratory menu from delicious confit rabbit terrine, piccalilli, marsala

68 NOVEMBER 2018

“True to Gatsby himself, the showcase will be filled with expert illusionists, distinguished singers, cunning magicians and skillful acrobats”

reduction, crostino to pan fired hake, lentils, cavolo nero, salsa verde. Paired with a selection of sweet treats to finish including spiced plum crumble to a decadent chocolate & raspberry log.

The London Cabaret Club will also be offering a selection of exclusive cocktails designed to fuel an evening of celebration with The Spicy Berry’s, which will feature a delightful combination of strawberries and blackberries shaken with honey and Tanqueray 10 Gin whilst AFTER#8 will include Zubrowka vodka, fresh ginger, honey, peach and pineapple.

What originated as a pop-up and rapidly turned in to the most unique night out in the capital offering award-winning cabaret, gourmet dining, expertly crafted cocktails and late night dancing all under one roof while being ideally situated between the West End and The City. The London Cabaret Club mixes the nation’s iconic past with its vibrant present to create a uniquely immersive cabaret experience, like no other.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at The Bloomsbury Ballroom, Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square, London, WC1B 4DA

CHRISTMAS GUIDE

UK’S TOP CHEF COOKING UP A STORM FOR CHRISTMAS W Christmas has come early at Mill & Brew in Mill Hill and customers can enjoy some deliciously, heavenly tasting festive Christmas treats created by Aidan Mannion, the new head chef.

Mannion, who was recently named as one of the UK’s top chefs under the age of thirty, has assembled a fresh list of mouth-watering dishes full of Christmas cheer.

From the heart-warming butternut squash, sage and chili soup to the aromatic and indulgent roasted beetroot, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.

Above: Mannion stood outside his beloved restaurant, Mill & Brew Images by @Notsobasiclondon

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ith locally sourced ingredients and a relaxed down to earth decor, Mill & Brew is the ultimate place to unwind with a slice of our famous freshlybaked cake and a coffee on a cold winter’s day.

Just four years ago Aidan Mannion was a lowly pot washer working all hours struggling to make ends meet.

Now the talented 22-year-old is cooking up a storm in the kitchen, as head chef at Mill & Brew on the Broadway in Mill Hill after being trained by celebrity chef, Jamie Olivier.

And instead of waiting on tables, he’s serving up tasty food for regulars like EastEnders star Jake Wood, former boxer and Sky TV presenter Spencer Oliver, ex -Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg and a host of players from Saracens Rugby Club who pop in after training.

Rising star Aidan was chosen from 200 applicants for Oliver’s year-long course and was one of only 11 to graduate from the prestigious programme in 2016.

Aidan said: “It was an amazing learning curve and even though he is a big celebrity, he didn’t act like that and treated us all like family.”

He discovered his passion for cooking when he used to skip school to work at a Toby Carvery and he loved it so much he even ditched plans to study history at university.

He added: “I quickly realised that when you want something you have to make it happen. No one is going to come to you and say ‘it is your turn to carve the meat.’ You have to make it your turn.

“It didn’t make sense for me to continue studying anymore so I applied for the Jamie Oliver apprenticeship.

“It was an intensive 6 day a week course with long hours and strict expectations. If you were late you were fined and missing days was not an option!”

He also had to forget everything he had learned about cooking and start from scratch but nonetheless Aidan looks back fondly at his experience and said he would do it all again for free.

Initially wanting to work in fine-dining he landed a job in the kitchens at the famous Grove Hotel in Watford, where the England Football team often stay and he worked to a punishing schedule learning everything about the business.

Now cookery influxes every aspect of his life and if he is not cooking in the restaurant he is baking for his friends and family. He also maintains an allotment and enjoys foraging to produce his own preserves.

He then landed the top job at Mill & Brew after being recommended by Jamie and has never looked back.

He said: “I’ve been in the 5-star hotels and whilst it’s exciting I’m stuck in my corner at my station frying steaks or doing sweets and I don’t move.

“Today at Mill & Brew we have a nice bond with all the customers and a great team that has grown into a family, which is how I was brought up at the Jamie Oliver school, to work as a family.”

As head chef, Mannion has designed everything on the menu and it shows his passion for flavour and precision.

He is particularly proud of his ‘protein salad’ which contains quinoa, chargrilled broccoli, poached chicken and ground almonds (plus an optional poached egg.)

It was designed to cater for the large number of athletes who dine at Mill & Brew from the local boxing gym and rugby stars.

Aidan stressed the importance of engaging with your customers and enjoys the intimate environment of Mill & Brew.

Growing up around Mill Hill all his life, Aidan said another benefit of sourcing local produce is supporting his community. As head chef, he enjoys being able to ensure each ingredient is the best it can be.

Mill & Brew is a breakfast, brunch and lunch bar and Aidan said: “We are a modern hybrid of a restaurant and a café. We source the best coffee beans and have the same ethos with our food.

“It’s about finding the blend of making sure the food and the coffee is just as good as the other. We focus on perfection.”

CHRISTMAS GUIDE

[NEWS]

CHAMPAGNE HOUR KEEP IT COOL

A luxury champagne bath crafted in nickel plate with leather handles and champagne hammered finish.

Holds up to three bottles - perfect for parties and family gatherings when one bottle of wine or champagne is simply not enough.

A stunning bath to keep all your wine and champagne chilled. Also perfect for bottle of beers and other drinks. www.annabeljames.co.uk

serve in style

WE LOVE

These cute drinks napkins by Talking Tables, and Champagne bucket from Marquis & Dawe. www.talkingtables.co.uk www.marquisanddawe.co.uk

Farrar & Tanner specialise in luxury bespoke gifts for men, with a focus on delivering high quality gifts designed and crafted to last a lifetime. They source a premium range from the most esteemed companies around Britain and the rest of the world to provide a lavish, diverse collection. We love this drinks cabinet gift selection. www.farrar-tanner.co.uk

LITTLE TOUCHES

Add a touch of glitz to your glass this Christmas and make your special day with friends and family even more memorable. These little antler decorations attach to your guests’ glass this Christmas for that added touch. www.gingerray.co.uk

BE AN Individual

Annabel James is an online boutique selling home accessories, jewellery and gorgeous gifts, beautifully wrapped and delivered.

Ideal for any festive gathering are this set of four hand made Lulu champagne flutes, each in a different coordinating design, presented in a gorgeous gift box. www.annabeljames.co.uk 72 NOVEMBER 2018

Taking over the reins AT GATWARDS E

stablished in 1760 in Hitchin, Gatwards the jewellers is the oldest family jewellers in the UK having passed through 7 generations of the Gatward family. 258 years since opening, they are delighted to welcome the 8th generation – Charlotte Gatward, whose mother Lisa Gatward & aunt, Anna Gatward are taking a back seat.

Gatwards source their jewellery from all over the world as well as here in the UK, providing the widest ranges to suit all tastes and budgets. Integrity is at the heart of the business and Gatwards gem set

jewellery is all hand selected by our highly qualified buying team from conflict free and award-winning suppliers.

The highly trained team at Gatwards strive to give every customer a memorable experience when they step into the beautiful, medieval showroom in Hitchin’s market square. Having guided and advised their customers through 8 generations of the same family, maybe your grandparents or even great-great grandparents shopped at Gatwards! www.gatwardsofhitchin.co.uk

“Gatwards source their jewellery from all over the world as well as here in the UK”

Putting the Sparkle Back into Christmas since 1760

20 Market Place, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG5 1DU • 01462 434 274 NOVEMBER 2018 73

CHRISTMAS GUIDE

Winter at Dutch Marketplace

A

s the gardens start to change colour at this time of year, it’s fair to say autumn has truly arrived here at the Dutch Marketplace. Our plant area looks as stunning as ever with deep rustic colours of golden foliage throughout. It’s not too early to start planning for spring, plant spring bulbs now to enjoy the fruits of your labour with fresh vibrant colours for next year with our wide selection of bulbs to suit any garden. If you’re up for a garden tidy up our tools section will have everything you need for sweeping up the leaves, cleaning the patio or feeding your lawn, including our autumn range of wellies.

Our food hall is looking fantastic with lots of new products arriving, as we start to think of Christmas its fair to say it’s time to start some early shopping. Autumnal seasonal favourites such as cabbages, cauliflowers, kale, turnips and swedes are available together with venison and guinea fowl from our butchers. With Christmas only weeks away why not serve up the highest quality British roast.

Bridget B’s butchery is now taking Christmas turkey and meat orders including beef, pork, gammon, cooked hams and poultry for the best Christmas feast from field to fork!

Our deli counter is bursting at the seams with some amazing cheeses, Snowdonia range, barbers vintage and keens cheddar just to name a few. If you love a pie you must take advantage of our new range from ‘Toppings”, Handmade with love they offer a classic range of seasonal pies and pastries, great for all the family. Traditional pork pies, gala pie, game pies and quiches are just some of our

74 NOVEMBER 2018

cooked pies, baked to perfection, ready for you to take home. The Dutch Marketplace Christmas shop is now OPEN! Shop for decorations, ornaments, trees, lights, tinsel, garlands, wrapping, cards and so much more, its Christmas here every day!

Our annual Christmas tasting extravaganza is nearly here, join us for a fun magical evening of fine food tasting at it’s best! We will be giving all our lovely visitors an opportunity to explore our range of ‘special offers’ together with tasting the finest in food and drink. A special supper of lamb hotpot will be on the menu served in our café for only £6.95 per person, together with a full licensed bar for you to enjoy a glass or two! Double points for all loyalty card holders and special discounts when you spend over £75, date for your diary is Tuesday 29th November 5.00pm-10.00pm The café will also be serving up Christmas lunches (see our website for dates) so don’t forget to pick up a menu and order form whilst visiting! www.dutchnurserygardencentre.co.uk

“Our deli counter is bursting at the seams with some amazing cheeses, Snowdonia range, barbers vintage and keens cheddar just to name a few”

CHRISTMAS GUIDE

Celebrate at Ware Priory W

hy not come and enjoy yourselves at Ware Priory this December t’is the Season to be Jolly after all! Our Christmas Parties, held in Fletcher’s Lea, offer the perfect excuse to celebrate with work colleagues, team members and friends.

Your ticket price of £49.95 per person includes a complimentary drink on arrival, a delicious 3 course meal, mince pies and crackers and DJ entertainment from to get the party started. Our pay bar will be open throughout the evening or you can pre-order your drinks for the table before you arrive...

We are also booking private parties for groups of 60 or more For more information please contact our Events Team on 01920 460316 or email events@wareprioryco.uk

THE DETAILS High Street, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 9AL Telephone: 01920 460316 Email: events@warepriory.co.uk Website: www.warepriory.co.uk Twitter: @warepriory Facebook: warepriory

Christmas Party Nights for 2018 Friday 7th December Saturday 8th December Thursday 13th December Friday 14th December Saturday 15th December Thursday 20th December Friday 21st December Bar Opens 7.15pm. Dinner Served 7.45pm Carriages Midnight

Christmas Party Nights

selling fast for 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 20th & 21st December 2018

High Street, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 9AL Telephone: 01920 460316 Website: www.warepriory.co.uk @warepriory 76 NOVEMBER 2018

Email: events@warepriory.co.uk warepriory

CHRISTMAS GUIDE

Light up your Christmas…

… with a Taylor Benfield Scented Candle

Taylor Benfield’s luxury scented candles range has all the ingredients to make this the most wonderful time of year.

E

vocative of travels to far-flung places (and some closer to home), there are six tantalising scents designed to perfectly capture beautiful holiday memories and bring them into the home. What more could you ask for when the skies are grey and the days are short?

Lovingly hand-poured in England, Taylor Benfield candles’ distinctive grey, white and silver packaging brings a touch of sophistication to any room. Choose from: Crimson Rose & Oud: A heady scent inspired by the sweet aromas of Bali. The perfect winter fragrance.

Spiced Noir: A cosmopolitan combination of wood and spice; a real winter warmer.

Grapefruit & Orange Blossom: Feminine tones that blend the Mediterranean’s citrus groves with sweet orange blossom heart notes from the South Pacific.

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Summer Haze: Inspired by the great outdoors with crisp notes that conjure up memories of holidays by the sea.

Floral & Ginger: Botanical garden scents and floral tones take you straight to bloom-scented breezes on holiday.

Citrus & Lemongrass: Now that winter is upon us, this zesty option is a refreshing pick-me-up.

Christmas All Wrapped Up Whether you’re looking to imbue your home with beautiful aromas over the festive season or are on the hunt for fool-proof Christmas gifts, the Taylor Benfield range has something for everyone.

The larger Home Candles (£30) are impeccable Christmas gifts for friends and family alike while the smaller Travel Candles (£12) are ideal stocking filler size. And there is also a Trio of Travel Candles (£30) which makes a wonderful present too. Enjoy complimentary gift wrapping with every purchase.

What are you waiting for?! Create an enriching ambience in every room with Taylor Benfield this Christmas. Visit www.taylorbenfield.com and take a closer look.

“A heady scent inspired by the sweet aromas of Bali.

The perfect winter fragrance”

CHRISTMAS GUIDE

Celebrate Christmas in style with Beales Hotels W

est Lodge Park is a four star country house hotel in Hertfordshire, nestled into 35 acres of stunning grounds. Home to 58 luxury bedrooms, the Mary Beale restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon teas and dinner and a number of conference and banqueting rooms, West Lodge Park is the perfect location for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The festive period at West Lodge Park includes some wonderfully enchanting events, such as themed party nights, festive lunches, afternoon teas and dinners Christmas Day, Boxing Day lunch and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The party night themes are 80s & 90s-night, Hollywood night and rock & roll night. The party nights include a red-carpet entrance, prosecco drink reception, a candlelit three course dinner and entertainment into the night from just £59.50 per person.

Enjoy a festive 3-course lunch or dinner at West Lodge Park from 29th November to 30th December for just £32.50 per person, serving up a variety of delicious dishes made with locallysourced produce.

Celebrate New Year in style at the black tie Gala Dinner, starting from 7.00pm with a champagne and canape reception, followed by a 4-course dinner and entertainment by the resident DJ until 1.00am, £150.00 per person.

The four star Beales Hotel is the finest contemporary hotel in Hatfield, home to 53 modern bedrooms, the OutsideIn Restaurant and the TalkBar, serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon teas and dinner.

There’s something for everyone during the festive season at Beales Hotel, including party nights, festive lunches, afternoon teas and dinners, Christmas Day lunch and New Year’s Eve celebrations!

Enjoy a memorable party night at Beales Hotel from just £49.00 per person, which includes a 80 NOVEMBER 2018

welcome drink, 4-course dinner, entertainment and novelties.

The OutsideIn Restaurant will be serving festive lunch and dinner from 28th November to 23rd December - £19.95 for 2 courses and £24.95 for 3 courses.

Celebrate New Year in style at the Beales Hotel black tie ball, starting from 7.00pm with a champagne and canape reception, followed by a 4-course dinner and entertainment by the resident DJ until 1.00am.

Packages start from £87.50 per person.

We look forward to seeing you at Beales Hotels this Christmas and New Year.

To find out more visit www.bealeshotels.co.uk or call West Lodge Park on 020 8216 3900 or Beales Hotel on 01707 288500. West Lodge Park, Cockfosters Road, Hadley Wood, Herts, EN4 0PY. Beales Hotel, Comet Way, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9NG

“Celebrate New Year in style at the black tie Gala Dinner, starting from 7.00pm with a champagne and canape reception”

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fashion, HEALTH

& beauty – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i mag e : A NI M A L M A GIC

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

[NEWS]

BEAUTY & FASHION Hold Your Horses

RADIATE ROYALTY The Sao Paulo bag radiates royalty. The mosaic pavement outside the Ipiriranga Palace in Sao Paulo inspires the embroidered pattern. Fancy but nevertheless sustainable, this bag is made from high quality, handpicked deadstock leather and recycled plastic bottles and textiles. For every Sao Paulo bag purchased From Belo donates six meals to an amazing organisation, Casa De Maria, which supports the homeless and in need in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. www.frombelo.com

COSY FOR WINTER

A SPLASH OF COLOUR

This luxury woven accessory, is so fabulously ample that it will keep you covered all year long. Extra large, this grey merino wrap looks great with charcoal greys, blacks, blush pinks and neutrals. Made from merino wool, this woven pashmina style accessory is warm without being too bulky. www.tollymcrae.co.uk

at one with nature This beautiful Sterling Silver Daisy and Leaf Ring is both elegant and stylish. Can be worn alone as a statement ring or stack with more of your favourite rings for an eyecatching look. www.limelace.co.uk 84 NOVEMBER 2018

This elegant silver bangle brings together contemporary design with a classic equestrian theme.

Part of the Farah Collection by the Scottish jeweller, Sylvia Kerr Jewellery, this piece takes the wearer from day to night from office to cocktail party without effort thanks to its sleek, minimalist lines and the designer’s signature ‘leather strap’ detail which weaves its way across all their beautifully unique collections.

Farah Bangle: RRP: £285 Gallop away with beautiful jewellery: www.sylviakerrjewellery.com

sleep well sleepdeep® is the world’s first range of premium sleepwear that’s scientifically proven to increase sleep quality. In scientific trials, people who wore sleepdeep® fell asleep 53% faster, experienced 75% fewer sleep awakenings, and achieved 64% more deep sleep. www.sleepdeep.co.uk

A luxury cartridge bag crafted in the finest yellow grain leather trimmed with black leather. With adjustable 2” webbing shoulder sling. Gorgeously lined in black suede. Made in Great Britain. www.annabeljames.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

ICONIC LIPSTICK LOOKS FROM THE 1950s TO NOW

Marilyn Monroe’s trademark red One of the most iconic lipstick looks of all time comes from Fifties bombshell Marilyn Monroe, whose luscious scarlet pout helped to cement her status as one of the most popular sex symbols in the history of showbiz.

And if you thought Kim Kardashian invented contouring, think again.

Monroe started contouring her lips lining them with a deep red shade then adding ruby on top and a moisturising shine to achieve her pristine pout - way before the social media stars of today.

86 NOVEMBER 2018

Twiggy’s pale pink Teen trendsetter, daring dresser and ultimate Sixties fashion icon - Twiggy shunned the previous decade’s love of bright, bold shades, instead opting for a chic, muted pink or a shimmery beige shade, which became a trademark part of her famous look. The model’s subtle lips made sure not to detract from her huge blue eyes and doll-like lashes, instead making her lips look naturally full.

Boy George, the colour chameleon

Gwyneth Paltrow’s bevy of browns

In his Eighties heyday, Culture Club singer Boy George experimented with outrageous hair and makeup looks. Pairing multi-coloured eye make-up and voluminous hair with dark purple, red or even black metallic lipstick to create his flamboyant look, the pop star was never afraid to stand out - and he still rocks his androgynous style with confidence.

During the age of super-thin brows, Friends and the rise of grunge, Gwyneth Paltrow was one of many celebs who opted for the earthy, brown lip look. The actress wore this popular Nineties trend in a range of shades, from a moody mocha to a reddish spiced cinnamon, varying from a matte finish to gloss to suit any outfit or occasion.

Harriet Evans looks

back on some of the most famous pouts of all time.

W

hether you have a signature shade, or a library of lipsticks to choose from, we all have our favourite lip look. Lipstick has evolved and expanded massively over the years, and served as far more than just make-up. From being an expression of femininity and sexuality in the Fifties, to a provocative statement in the Eighties. The purpose of one of our make-up bag staples has continued to

change as the years have passed, often reflecting the mood, trends and climate of the time.

The history of adding colour to the lips actually goes back hundreds of years, long before the days of liquid lip kits and Instagram lip art, and we’ve seen our fair share of memorable looks from celebrities through the decades. Here’s a look back at some of the most iconic celebrity lipstick looks through the years...

“Kylie Cosmetics launched in 2016”

Britney Spears’ girly gloss

Alexa Chung’s barely-there pink

Noughties nostalgia is everywhere at the moment, including a resurgence of the kind of lip gloss championed by the princess of pop around the turn of the millennium. Britney Spears’ often reached for a caramel nude or sweet pink hue, smothered with a sticky gloss finish, sometimes even adding shimmer on top to achieve a frosted look - another Noughties favourite.

Renowned for her effortless natural beauty and much-copied style, Alexa Chung’s soft pink lip look has become recognisable alongside her smudgy eyeliner and artfully undone hair. The model-turned-presenter has been a fashion icon since the Noughties, her style evolving from indie ingenue to edgy red carpet glamour, but her make-up has remained subtle and never overdone.

Nicki Minaj’s potent pink

Kylie Jenner’s many mattes

It’s not uncommon to see the pink-obsessed hip-hop diva Nicki Minaj - whose albums include Pink Friday and The Pinkprint - clad from head to toe in her favourite bubblegum shade.

The music star’s hot-pink pout can often be seen perfectly cocoordinating with her manicured nails, showstopping clothes, and sometimes even her candyflosscoloured hair.

The baby of the Kardashian clan, Kylie Jenner used her favourite lip look as the springboard for a hugely successful business, when Kylie Cosmetics launched in 2016 with a range of sell-out matte liquid lip kits, modelled by her own cosmeticallyenhanced pout (although she recently revealed she’d had her lip fillers removed). Still only 20 years old, the reality TV star’s make-up brand continues to grow, and she’s reportedly set to become America’s youngest-ever self-made billionaire.

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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Affordable Luxury at the laboratory spa & health club

L

uxury, style and elegance create the perfect environment to escape the many pressures of London life. Relaxation is essential to the body and mind and the Laboratory Spa and Health Club provides a gateway to undisputed tranquillity.

Twice winners of the UK Health Club of the Year award (National Fitness Awards) and previously voted best private Health Club and Spa in London by Time Out. No expense has been spared. Innovative, motivational and led by some of the UK’s finest and most-respected fitness professionals, the Lab offers an unrivalled and envied timetable to cater for every age, interest, and schedule.

Their expansive gym floors flooded with natural daylight boast the very latest Lifefitness™ treadmills and bikes, designed in America they have both cutting edge technology and ergonomic engineering at their core.

A personalised fitness and well-being programme with over 100 different fitness classes that includes: • Schwinn cycling • BodyPump • Salsa • Aquatics • Yoga • Pilates • Meditation • Zumba Each Club also offers: • A spectacular 25 metre swimming pool cleansed

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with the latest UV light technology, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene with minimal levels of chlorine.

• Twin spa baths • Marble steam rooms • Scandinavian saunas The Lab’s philosophy is to not just treat the body, but the mind and soul as well. The Day Spa is a haven of peace and calm providing a chance to escape the stresses of daily life.

• Facials • Massage • Body care therapies • Hot stone and reflexology to name but a few.

The Laboratory Spa & Health Clubs are one of the few remaining independent, privately owned Clubs in London. The Club is surrounded by its own secluded gardens where you can sun-bathe or relax in private.

Seb Barre, General Manager says “Our members stay with us because they value what we offer and love what we do. We provide an oasis of calm in a busy life. We aim to help you achieve your goals and increase your individual wellbeing. At the Lab you will be transported to a world of serenity, where muscle tension and the mind’s concerns simply melt away allowing you to emerge refreshed, balanced and energised.”

Lab members have full use of all facilities.

Non-members are welcome to use the Day Spa.

“Innovative, motivational and led by some of the UK’s finest and most-respected fitness professionals, the Lab offers an unrivalled and envied timetable to cater for every age, interest, and schedule”

THE DETAILS For further information and to book a no obligatory tour, call: Mill Hill: 020 8457 3300 1a Hall Lane, NW4 4TJ. Muswell Hill: 020 8482 3000 The Avenue N10 2QE. www.labspa.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

CHANGE YOUR WORLD er, r a e W s e s s a l G Dear

t? It’s n late at nigh your kitche ddenly in e su on en al th been sound. But a t no ave you ever is ed the e tic hadn’t no iet and ther ise that you cozy and qu al how re e u is yo al d re u ops an ieter and yo qu the fridge st en re ev s s It turn is however it’ ge restarts. noise. Now hile the frid w a ng. r yi te jo af then had been en lence is. But silence you stead of the e in th e ng lovely real si tim bi is ur ence but th tr usive, dist same experi noisy and in imagine the u s that stops! se yo as n the gl ca r l, Wel rmal all of your need fo is it eyes are no … ng ur , pi yo ts op d ac st an nt r ge co re id fr clea put in your erything is e freedom ur glasses or th yo Suddenly ev of nd fi nk hi to d rs a day. T is no need wake up an you 24-hou time. There one day you e, clear for er at d th th an e is g in in on ag si ss your vi how distre joy. Then im om ed! Imagine uld then en fr rn m tu re do s ee ha fr that you co ses period of ence on glas ld be. That ou’re back to your depend a thing wou g them is. Y ch in su ed g ne in new ap nc t, ordering inconvenie hat a handic king them ou and handicap ed to you w ta at , tr es us ns ill le s glasse burden ing in your liday- all the ore of putt an ever the daily ch them on ho y is safer th ke er ta rg to su r ng se ri la be ’s es. You ay em ns m od le T t re , ones able contac of your life. os st sp re di e dom th ily r da fr and this ee revisited fo an wearing femto laser even safer th ith w ct y fa da in to is and glasses ade free from rmanent could be m vented a pe r. at you’ve in ve th re t that fo s en st n’ la om so d coul for a m re for Parkin to imagine eone overed a cu m sc so di d I want you u un yo y fo sa agine you sease. Let’s ch ses. Then im re. You wat cure for a di ive in all ca ct d of your cu fe ar ef d he ’t an sure you dn m ha I’ ho it. was safe w e ith as live w it om the dise and trying to re and how suffering fr the disease out your cu ab ith w em g th lin ll gg te them stru to them to the disease. to rush over possible with would want the fetters of om fr what is now em at th y e el at os er cl to look would lib heard before courage you what you’ve on ly re ’t So let me en ion of femto on . The precis nologies. D te ch da te r of se results t la modern mpletely ou e long-ter m is already co lleled and th ra at pa th e un us is ca be safety nishing, the lasers is asto are stable. self, Inform your iClinic Director, Myogist, Clinic ol m al th ph O ger Mr. John Bol

H

90 NOVEMBER 2018

“Your vision is there, clear for you 24-hours a day.

Think of the freedom that you could then enjoy”

My-iClinic, 960 High Road, North Finchley, London, N12 9RY 0208 445 8877 www.my-iclinic.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Get your coat!

I

t’s time to think about coats again, the weather has suddenly gone cold and we are feeling the nip of frost in the air most mornings, so a great coat should be top of your shopping list. Winter coats are a staple in any wardrobe and this season there is an over whelming choice of coat styles to choose from. So fortunately there is something for everyone to snuggle up into regardless of your style and shape. With everything from checks to colour blocking and fake fur, there are plenty of exciting trends to update your winter wardrobe.

FAUX FUR Faux fur is a major winter coat fashion trend this year and a favourite of many street style bloggers and fashion editors. When shopping the many fashionable options, keep your eyes open for faux fur winter coats that feature special details, or use colour blocking in their design, a trend that takes this winter style staple to the next level. A faux fur coat is a great investment as it can be versatile across many different social occasions such as wearing it with; jeans and ankle boots to look fabulous for weekend brunches and days out, or with a leather skirt outfit or a mini-dress and high heels for special date nights.

LEOPARD PRINT Animal prints are a major fashion trend on the high street right now — and no animal-inspired fabric is more stylish than the classic leopard print.

Strut your stuff this winter in a glamorous, faux fur leopard print coat, whether you’re wearing over a work outfit, or more casual looks. A three-quarter length, leopard print winter coat is super versatile for layering over all your outfits this season. It dresses up a basic jeans and sweater outfit, giving you polish for meeting your girlfriends for brunch or shopping. A cross body purse in a bold colour is a style statement to this classic print.

COLOURED COATS The classic, menswear-inspired, long wool coat makes a comeback this season, adding a chic, classy element to winter wardrobes. There are plenty of affordable versions of this coat out there, you can invest money in a timeless piece that will stand the test of time and last you multiple seasons or go for a bright colour for a great price that you know will only last you this season. When shopping for a 92 NOVEMBER 2018

good wool coat, you’ll want to look for high-quality fabrics, and a slim silhouette that fits you well, but still allows room for layering sweaters or hoodies underneath. Colours to look out for are red, burgundy, bright pink, electric blue and forest green to up your outerwear style.

CHECKS Plaid or check coats were all over the runways so if you are looking to make a style statement this Winter this printed coat should be top of your list!

From hounds tooth plaids and gingham, to Tartan and windowpane checks, you’ll look of the moment in a long, plaid winter coat this season.

SKI JACKETS Ski jackets have left the slopes and made their way to street style. This year, make your casual winter coat a puffy ski jacket, which matches well with jeans, wide leg trousers, polo necks and other casual separates. A fur-trimmed hood is a nice detail that makes your overall look more expensive.

It’s worth buying a winter coat that you will love wearing all season, because you are bound to get alot of wear out of it to stay warm through Winter.

So whatever your choice, the perfect coat should be comforting, warming and regardless of how little time you have taken to get ready, instantly polished.

If you need any help shopping for your Winter wardrobe then contact Nina on email at nina@edits-styling.com. www.edits-styling.com

have moved to 6 Upper Dagnall Street St albanS, HertS, al3 5ea

denture relines and repairs • Cosmetic dentures soft comfort dentures • new & copy dentures Free consultation • Metal frame dentures Money back guarantee

Call 01727 856967

www.albanydenturecentre.co.uk Previously at dolPhin yard holywell hill

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

LOUISE REDKNAPP’S BEAUTY ESSENTIALS The singer reveals her skincare, hair and make-up must-haves. WORDS: Katie Wright

A

s a busy mum constantly juggling home life with work projects, Louise Redknapp doesn’t have much time for pampering.

“I don’t often have a lot of different beauty treatments,” says the singer and former Eternal star, who split from her ex-footballer husband Jamie last year.

“I’m not someone who goes and has different facials, but my mum is a facial reflexologist and I swear by that.”

The practice involves massaging pressure points on the face that are said to correlate with different parts of the body and is intended to improve facial muscle tone and firmness.

“It’s really good for anti-ageing,” Redknapp, 43, says. “She uses the crystals. It’s great for skin rejuvenation and lifting.

“So that’s really the one thing that I love to do to pamper myself, and it’s kind of holistic and you get to zone out, especially when your mum does it, so it’s a bit of a bonus.”

And it seems to be working, because the mumof-two looks fabulous.

Facial sessions with mum aside, Redknapp likes to keep it simple with her home beauty routine and is a big fan of natural oils and hard-working skincare so that she doesn’t have to wear a lot of make-up.

Here, she shares her five favourite beauty products and why she loves them so much...

Dr. Frances Prenna Jones Formula, £38 “I use it day and night. I love it. It’s something 94 NOVEMBER 2018

I’ve used for ten years now and I swear by it,” says Redknapp of the serum, which is packed with antioxidants and should be used after cleansing and before moisturising.

Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, £30 “I hate a heavy make-up look,” she confesses, preferring to use the Nars cult favourite for her base. “It’s a really natural tinted moisturizer, really glossy. I can just apply it easily.”

L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil, £36 “I love almond oil or any sort of oil just to put on my eyebrows and eyelashes - really just to try and keep them as healthy and strong as possible. “Again, I’m not really into the fake eyelashes and drawing in my brows so I try and use oils.”

Neal’s Yard Rejuvenating Frankincense Facial Oil, £32 “I love frankincense oil for my skin, face, and body,” the singer says. “It’s really lovely on your face. I tend to use that if my skin is really dry.”

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, £41, Space NK Redknapp keeps it simple with her hair too, finishing it off with a GHD straightener, “just to smooth out the end of my hair for hair product.

I love Oribe texturizing spray on my hair, that’s a great product.”

Louise Redknapp has partnered with Specsavers to launch Frame Styler. For more information visit specsavers.co.uk.

Save 30% on all courses of Soprano Ice Laser Hair Reduction until the end of January 2019

info@harpendenskinclinic.com

10% OFF any tReatment

(Quote “Harplife� valid until end march 2019, one per client)

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

PRP The “no

chemical” treatment you have been waiting for

A

s we come into the festive period, our skin begins to change from the healthy glow of summer to the lacklustre dry skin of the cold winters.

There is a treatment that can help you to avoid this without using anything but what your own body provides – blood.

“It is quite an extraordinary treatment, magnifying your body’s own unique regenerative properties and using these in an entirely natural way to promote that youthful glow”

We call it PRP “Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy” PRP is used for facial rejuvenation, you may have heard of it being made famous by the Kardashians with the so called “Vampire Facial”.

This term really is quite misleading as there is nothing really “vampire” about it as you will find out. It is quite an extraordinary treatment, magnifying your body’s own unique regenerative properties and using these in an entirely natural way to promote that youthful glow.

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Platelet Rich Plasma acts as a tissue growth accelerator which amplifies the natural process of the tissue reparation and healing, due to its potency.

Studies have revealed that PRP stimulates the production of new collagen.

This treatment can be used all over the body, face, neck and décolletage, hands as well as the scalp.

It can also help with hair loss for men and women!!

The procedure itself takes about an hour.

Numbing cream is applied to the area and blood is taken from the arm in a way identical to having a blood test. This is then prepared and injected with a tiny needle all over the face. As the treatment is natural it can be injected right up to the lash line and is one of the few treatments that can be used to treat the delicate skin around the eye area. After the treatment a gentle micro needling treatment is performed to enhance the effects of the PRP. Down time is minimal with any swelling usually settling within 24 hours.

Usually a course of three treatments are carried out four weeks apart before maintenance therapy of one annual session. PRP can be used by itself or in combination with most other treatments as a complementary treatment. The effects can usually be seen within a few weeks of the first treatment.

Let’s get your glow back.

Dr Ravi Jain

THE DETAILS For more information visit my informative website www.riverbanksclinic.co.uk and subscribe to my email list.

Or if you would like to schedule a consultation with one of my aesthetic doctors call 01582762877 to book in.

LOOK GOOD, FEEL

GREAT

A medical team comprising of;

4 Aesthetic Doctors 4 Aesthetic Skin Therapists 2 Nurses 4 times winner of… …UK’s best Cosmetic Clinic

Hormone Profile Testing now available for both men & women.

GP referrals are not necessary

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

animal magic

Less is more when it comes to this fierce look, says Katie Wright

Sosandar Snake Print Mesh Top, £39; Black Leather Look Pleated Midi Skirt, £49 (shoes, stylists own)

Lipsy Leopard Wide Leg Trousers, £38, Next

T

he major trend of autumn/winter, animal print is everywhere - but how do you style leopard spots or snakey stripes without looking like fashion roadkill?

For starters, ignore the catwalks.

Well, not entirely, because that’s where the trend originated, with Victoria Beckham’s abstract leopard print midi dress, Tom Ford’s skinny snake trousers, and Halpern’s sparking zebra frocks - plus so many leopard-spot coats we lost count.

At Max Mara, Lara Stone and Gigi Hadid went on a style safari, clad in layer upon layer of leopard - and as cool as they looked on the runway, this is not, in all honesty, a look that works in real life.

Instead, you want to take a leaf out of Beckham’s ever-stylish book, choosing one - and only one printed piece to showcase per outfit.

These bold prints are best used sparingly, letting them take centre stage alongside neutral hues and sleek separates.

There are so many gorgeous animal print midi dresses around, perfect for pairing with knee-high boots (or ankle boots and black tights when it gets colder).

Leopard is the most prevalent print in the shops, but faux snakeskin is a chic choice for accessories, from muted grey or brown bags, to bright red or yellow boots.

And a fluffy zebra stripe jumper is the ‘it’ knit of the season - team yours with skinny black jeans and a pair of statement earrings for a fun Eighties feel .

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Faith Multicoloured Snake Print Drawstring Duffle Bag, £20, Debenhams

Lydia Bright attending the Crazy Rich Asians Premiere

JD Williams Brushed Zebra Tunic with Sequin Detail, £45; Magi Petite Straight Leg Trousers, £35 Hobbs Georgiana Dress, £159; Maddison Belt, £59; 100d Tights, £12; Linden Cuban Boots, £179

V by Very Farida Leather Cone Heel Ankle Boots Leopard Print, £68

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

A hand-picked doctor for you - new exclusive GP membership service

H

ave you ever wished for a relaxed consultation with your GP so you could discuss several issues at one time, instead of rushing through your visit?

Or perhaps you’ve been frustrated that you can’t make a timely appointment with your preferred GP, you have to see whichever GP is available? If so, the new Concierge Choice UK membership programme might be right for you.

The new service offers access to experienced GPs who care for NHS patients with the time and convenience that can sometimes be hard to secure. For an annual membership that costs just

£100 per month, you have exclusive access to your hand-picked GP. This includes special hours each week dedicated to members so you can always secure a same-day/next-day appointment, and even your GP’s private email and mobile number for convenient and direct after-hours communication.

This bespoke programme is perfect for anyone who wants to better manage their health, especially anyone with chronic or multiple health concerns.

The annual membership includes an annual comprehensive health MOT that lasts up to an hour which gives you the opportunity to spend uninterrupted, meaningful time with your GP to discuss all your health concerns, establish your starting point and help you develop wellness goals to work towards for the coming year.

Perhaps most importantly to patients, you get 102 NOVEMBER 2018

peace of mind knowing you always have access to the GP you want. Your appointments will always be scheduled with the GP you choose, the doctor who knows your whole health history. These appointments are scheduled for 30 minute intervals, ensuring you can take your time and ask all the questions you need to feel comfortable.

Another benefit of membership is that children of members receive complimentary membership.

For many busy families, knowing they have their personal GP’s private mobile for any after-hours concerns that may arise, or even the convenience of emailing their GP for simple questions, is invaluable.

There are participating GPs available throughout London and the home counties. Patients are able to select whichever GP they prefer, as long as they are not registered with that GP on the NHS. Concierge Choice UK GPs are dedicated to their service with the NHS. Their concierge membership programmes are limited in nature so as not to impact their service to NHS patients. Customer service representatives are available to discuss eligibility and programme benefits.

Patients are urged to call 020 7776 9065 or visit www.ConciergeChoice.co.uk to secure their spot before the spaces sell out.

“For many busy families, knowing they have their personal GP’s private mobile for any afterhours concerns that may arise, or even the convenience of emailing their GP for simple questions, is invaluable”

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

New exclusive GP membership service launches in Hertfordshire Offers convenient relaxed consultations (up to 30 minutes) from GPs who care for NHS patients

T

oday Concierge Choice UK launches a new private GP membership service in Hertfordshire, offering residents access to GPs who care for NHS patients combined with the personalised approach, time and convenience of private healthcare.

Members will be able to hand-pick a GP from a network of local GPs who have signed up to the service. They will see the same GP every time they visit the surgery, allowing them to form a long-term, personal relationship and ensuring continuity of care. While the service is available to all, a patient can register at a practice with a participating GP only if they are not registered as an NHS patient at that practice.

For an annual fee, the membership service will provide patients with access to same-day or next-day relaxed consultations (up to 30 minutes) and an annual health check-up, lasting up to an hour, which includes blood tests and urine analysis. The results are used to set personalised health and wellbeing goals which are then monitored and reviewed throughout the year.

Members will also receive their concierge GP’s mobile number and email for out of hours concerns. Some participating GPs will also offer home visits for an additional cost.

NHS England’s recent GP patient survey shows that 67% of patients in the Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) area were satisfied with appointment times offered by their GP practice, and 67% were offered a choice of appointment.1

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“For an annual fee, the membership service will provide patients with access to same-day or next-day relaxed consultations (up to 30 minutes) and an annual health checkup, lasting up to an hour, which includes blood tests and urine analysis”

Further to this, 57% of patients in the Herts Valleys CCG have a GP that they prefer to see, but 26% get to see their preferred GP all the time.

Dr Ian Gold, a GP from Red House Surgery in Radlett who is participating in the service, stated: “The Concierge Choice UK programme will allow me to provide a bespoke private service to people who are not registered at my NHS Practice but who might want to avail themselves of health screening and medical care on a personalised basis. This will be at mutually convenient times outside of my NHS commitments.”

NHS GPs are permitted to generate income through non-NHS sources such as occupational health medicine, sports medicine, acupuncture or private care. Because the Concierge Choice UK membership programme is so limited in nature, with each GP having no more than 75 members, they can offer appointments to patients who join the Concierge Choice UK membership programme during the time they would use for these non-NHS services, so their NHS patients will not be affected.

Participating GPs are able to choose what services they offer within the programme to fit within their NHS commitments, and to set their own costs. Generally membership will cost £1,200 per year (£100 per month), with follow up appointments costing around £30.

Dr Mark Sweeney, medical director for Concierge Choice UK, said: “I have been an NHS GP for over 25 years, and nowadays it has become harder to offer personalised care, where you form long-term relationships with patients and their families, which was the reason many of us became GPs in the first place. With the Concierge Choice UK programme, as well as focusing on patient needs, we wanted to enable GPs to form these personal relationships with patients and rediscover one of the most satisfying and rewarding parts of the job, continuity of care.”

54% of 1,500 UK patients Concierge Choice UK surveyed said they would be interested in paying a membership fee for a range of services, including timely consultations, the ability to contact their GP directly for urgent concerns, an annual physical and advice on overall health and well-being.

The membership service is available in a number of areas, including Bushey and Radlett in Hertfordshire. A full list of participating GPs is available at www.ConciergeChoice.co.uk.

Paediatric Services Launched at One Hatfield Hospital T

o celebrate the launch of paediatric services, One Hatfield Hospital is holding a free Christmas paediatric open day on Sunday 9th December.

Children can book their ticket to see Santa in his winter wonderland Grotto and receive a free gift as well as take part in in Christmas craft activities.

Parents will enjoy complimentary coffee and mince pies whilst having their questions answered by our Paediatric Consultant Dr Kavita Chawla on children’s respiratory and allergy concerns. Andy Wood, Managing and Hospital Director commented ‘We are delighted to be able to offer this event to all families in the community and across Hertfordshire.

There are so few private paediatric facilities in and around London that we are fortunate to be able to offer this services to support the local area and further afield.’

One Hatfield Hospital is Hertfordshire’s newest private hospital and benefits from the latest technology, excellent nursing care and offers consultation and treatment by leading Consultants.

A full range of outpatient and inpatient services are offered for adults and children, including orthopaedic, ENT, urology, gynaecology, physiotherapy and private GP services.

One Hatfield Hospital, 3 Hatfield Avenue, Hatfield Business Park, AL10 9UA. 01707 44 33 33 hatfield.info@onehealthcare.co.uk. www.onehatfieldhospital.co.uk Open day tickets can be booked at www.onehatfieldopenday.eventbrite.co.uk

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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

PRO Longevity

Live Healthy For Longer carry only a single spoonful of sugar at any given time – that‘s about 5 millilitres.

“The next time you buy a smoothie drink look at how much sugar and carbs it contains!”

Manor pharmacy have found a way to identify the highest risk factors for overweight,obesity, blood pressure, diabetes and pre-diabetes and can help you reverse them Did you know that a long and healthy life is only 20% genetic and an incredible 80% is down to lifestyle? Would you like to make some simple changes that will help you to “live healthy for longer” ?

This is all about lifestyle and NOT a diet – We find other foods that are healthy for you -so there is no need to go hungry!

O

ur new service is extremely simple and involves taking no additional medication. It is based on sound clinical and scientific evidence plus a good dose of common sense. It’s really easy to follow and involves making small, incremental changes to what you eat plus some physical activity. “A long, healthy life is only 20 per cent genetic and an amazing 80 percent about lifestyle.”

Most of us know that obesity is linked to poor health yet we unknowingly continue eating and drinking the “wrong” things in vast quantities.

Carbohydrates and sugars (not fats!) are the two most unhealthy food groups and both feature in gargantuan proportions in most fast and refined foods. One of the biggest problems is the constant and conflicting evidence put out by the NHS and the food industry. Many GPs are overwhelmed and unable to keep up with the latest developments in understanding how nutrition affects our health – and the big multi-national food and drink companies don’t even want us to think about it.

It’s all too easy to ingest vast quantities of sugar and unhealthy carbs. We all know the dangers of fizzy drinks, but fructose-laden drinks such as fruit smoothies are as bad or worse. {Fructose is fruit sugar which sounds healthy doesn’t it? - but the reverse is true} Our bloodstream is designed to

Our PRO_Longevity service is already showing remarkable results. (Weight loss; drops in blood pressure; improved blood sugars etc) The process begins with a chat about lifestyle (either online or face-to-face) and background information such as height; weight/waist size and blood pressure are recorded.

In addition information such as smoking, drinking and exercise are taken into consideration as well as prescribed medication. A small sensor is included in the kit and attached to the body to monitor your blood sugar levels continuously (Careful observers have noticed that Theresa May has one!)

The sensor stays attached to the skin for periods of two weeks and during that time you keep a record of everything you eat and drink. A free Smartphone app makes correlations between your diet and any spikes in blood sugar (and therefore insulin) levels.

It is understanding and preventing these fluctuations which are key to the process and enable us to see most accurately which foods and drinks are to be avoided by an individual.

This is all about lifestyle and NOT a diet - we find other foods that are healthy for you – so there’s no need to go hungry! Weight loss is pretty much guaranteed and as the eight week course continues it is the nutritional reeducation, the understanding of the effects of good and bad food and drink, which have an extraordinary impact. It is not a miracle cure but it is certainly one of the most effective and long-lasting ways of addressing - and reversing - the lifestyle habits which threaten us all. Within 8-weeks most people lose several kg, their blood sugars normalise as does their blood pressure. They feel far healthier and more energetic. With the GP’s agreement prescribed medication can be reduced.

Please call us, visit your local branch of Manor pharmacy or to find out more visit www. manorpharmacygroup.co.uk/prolongevity.php and check out our YouTube channel youtu.be/pZoVhjIWEaA

2 High Street, Wheathampstead, Herts. AL4 8AA • Tel & Fax: 01582 832102 3 Leyton Green, Harpenden, Herts. AL5 2TE • Tel & Fax: 01582 760624 136 Southdown Road, Harpenden, Herts AL5 1PU • Tel & Fax 01582 712783 37 High Street, Bovingdon, Herts, HP3 0HG • Tel & Fax 01442 832127 42/44 The Broadway, Letchworth, Herts. SG6 3BX • Tel & Fax 01462 685915 347 Watling Street, Radlett, Herts. WD7 7LB • Tel & Fax: 01923 856695

www.manorpharmacygroup.co.uk

Our PRO_Longevity service will help you lose weight, and reduce your risk of Type-2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease, blood pressure and dementia – diseases we all fear.

Did you know that a long and healthy life is only 20% genetic yet an incredible 80% is down to lifestyle? Would you like to make some simple changes that will help you to “live healthy for longer”?

Based on solid scientific and clinical evidence we provide a unique service with remarkable results:

The kit

• No additional medication • Specially tailored nutrition advice • Weight loss • Drop in blood pressure • Improved blood sugars • NOT a diet • NO calorie counting • You wont go hungry

The sensor To book your FREE consultation with Superintendent Pharmacist Graham Philips Call 01582 629765 or email graham.phillips@manorpharmacygroup.co.uk . Pop into one of our local branches to discuss the service with our qualified pharmacist.

2 High Street, Wheathampstead, Herts. AL4 8AA • Tel & Fax: 01582 832102 3 Leyton Green, Harpenden, Herts. AL5 2TE • Tel & Fax: 01582 760624 136 Southdown Road, Harpenden, Herts AL5 1PU • Tel & Fax 01582 712783 37 High Street, Bovingdon, Herts, HP3 0HG • Tel & Fax 01442 832127 42/44 The Broadway, Letchworth, Herts. SG6 3BX • Tel & Fax 01462 685915 347 Watling Street, Radlett, Herts. WD7 7LB • Tel & Fax: 01923 856695

www.manorpharmacygroup.co.uk

HOME &

PROPERTY – A collection of Hertfordshire’s finest house and garden companies, plus stunning homes for sale in the area – I M AG E : CR E ATING A ST Y L IS H B AT H ROO M

H OME & PROPERTY

[NEWS]

INTERIORS Seventies swagger A NEW LEASE OF LIFE

Lovingly crafted by hand, in his workshop overlooking the sea in South Milton, Devon, Mike, alongside his wife Emma, have created a range of individually hand-made items, each one made from carefully hand-picked reclaimed wood. After serving his apprenticeship with a specialist joinery company in The Cotswolds, Mike recently moved to Devon to set up his own business to enable him to create his own range of products. Vincent Trading use highly skilled traditional joinery techniques to create timeless designs, from benches, side table right to chopping boards and trays from old scaffolding boards. You can check out their beautiful items online. www.vincenttrading.co.uk

With retro shapes, dark woods and vibrant velvets infiltrating the key trends for AW18, it is safe to say that seventies style is making a comeback. These striking new items from Distinctify radiate a mid-century modern vibe and are perfect for getting your s eventies swagger on. www.distinctify.com

SHEER LUXURY

Lounge in sheer luxury this autumn with the arresting Arundel range from Darlings of Chelsea. Featuring a sofa, snuggler and coordinating footstool, this striking and sophisticated collection is sure to inject glamour into your living room. The Arundel Extra Deep Fabric Midi Sofa is a gorgeous 2-seater sofa, which is ideal for lavishly lounging on in splendid fashion. Boasting strong scrolling arms and deep proportions, the fully buttoned seat is softened by plump scatter cushions for a unique and balance look, creating a modern opulent feel. www.darlingsofchelsea.co.uk

a touch of glamour

WE LOVE

These offerings from The French Bedroom Company. Feminine curves, pastel tones and subtle hints of romance​. www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk 110 NOVEMBER 2018

Looking for some luxury interior inspiration? We adore these new selection of tables, mirrors, seating and other stunning decor ideas - each with a distinctly luxury feel. Take a look at what’s new and get inspired. www.melodymaison.co.uk

H OME & PROPERTY

Creating a Sociable Living

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brilliantly sociable living situation led Sarah and Anthony White to contact Origin to finally build the swimming pool they had always dreamed of.

After selling a company, the Whites were able to purchase the two neighbouring houses and have friends come to live in each one. Knocking down the garden barriers made it clear that all that was missing from this otherwise ideal set up was a bespoke pool for them all to enjoy.

Keen to find a reputable company that could manage the project from start to finish, the couple got in touch with Origin, the UK’s leading luxury indoor pool company, who quickly got to work on creating the couple’s beautiful indoor pool and spa.

The Right Time Not only did the White’s housing situation now perfectly suit the project, but the timing also could not have been better.

Sarah explains: “We have three children; two of them have recently finished rather stressful exams.

The new addition to the garden provides the perfect space for them to relax and have fun with friends every evening. I quite often look out of the kitchen window to see the lights turned on and the kids having a whale of a time, it’s absolutely wonderful.”

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The new addition is not only perfect for entertaining, but for exercise too, and Sarah now begins every day by swimming 30 lengths.

Space with an Indoor Pool

inspired to contact our friend who landscaped the whole area. It’s just brilliant – the garden has been completely transformed into something communal for all our neighbouring friends and family.”

Life with Origin

Revolutionised Space From the first ideas all the way through to the final build, the Whites had the full attention of the experts from Origin. The couple had regular meetings with the team, whilst the builders on site ensured they were kept informed with every single decision that was made.

Sarah comments on the building process: “Origin were great with advising on how to incorporate a spa and a long pool, and even invited us to look at three of their other pools for inspiration. We experienced the flexibility of the service as they quickly reconfigured the plans to meet our new requests.

“The space has been entirely revolutionised.

What used to be an area of shrubs and trees is now completely useable. After the build, we were

“Origin were great with advising on how to incorporate a spa and a long pool”

Sarah and Anthony are delighted with their new pool and continue to be impressed with Origin’s services, even now the pool is complete.

“Origin has been brilliant with the aftersales follow-up and we were not left alone with the new responsibility of looking after a pool. We chose to opt for Origin’s aftercare package; every month an engineer visits to carry out routine maintenance and check pool chemistry levels. Every query we’ve had has been answered immediately.”

Origin has over 35 years’ experience building award-winning swimming pools. The company can work with you to build your dream pool house, just like they did for the White family.

To speak to the Origin experts please contact 01895 453996.

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H OME & PROPERTY

Plan an exciting new kitchen for 2019 Poggenpohl kitchens are designed to fit your lifestyle

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“All Poggenpohl kitchens are made to measure so that they exactly fit the space available and perfectly match your lifestyle”

114 NOVEMBER 2018

ave you been dreaming of a beautiful new kitchen, it may be too late to get this installed for Christmas, but why not make 2019 the year you update your home. The kitchen is the heart of the home, so having a kitchen specifically designed to fit the space available and exactly match your lifestyle should be a priority, and Poggenpohl St Albans are the kitchen showroom to make this happen.

Founded in 1892, Poggenpohl is an upmarket German kitchen brand with a worldwide reputation for producing precision engineered contemporary kitchens. Poggenpohl has long been at the forefront of innovation having created the first unit kitchen, the first white lacquer furniture and the first island kitchen.

All Poggenpohl kitchens are made to measure so that they exactly fit the space available and perfectly match your lifestyle. The designers at every Poggenpohl showroom start each project with a blank sheet of paper working closely with you to create the right kitchen - whether you want a practical family space, a kitchen packed full of the latest appliances or a room that can transition from day time practical to a night time party space.

Poggenpohl kitchen designers have a wealth of experience but the journey doesn’t stop there, Poggenpohl oversee your project from start to finish. Once you have settled on a design that is right for you the kitchens are installed by professional fitters and you will be assigned your own Installation Manager who will conduct regular site visits to ensure a smooth and co-ordinated process. And this level of service continues even after your kitchen is installed. All Poggenpohl customers are visited at home by a member of the team who will arrange a professional cleaning service for the new kitchen and demonstrate the basic functions of the new appliances (if purchased from Poggenpohl) helping to ensure that you get the most out of your investment.

Looking to the future, Poggenpohl continues to push the boundaries of design, introducing new finishes and flexible kitchen solutions, just as the company has done for the last 126 years. You can see the quality of these kitchens for yourself at Poggenpohl’s St Albans showroom on London Road.

Poggenpohl St Albans. www.stalbans. poggenpohl.com or 01727 738111

H OME & PROPERTY

IMPROVING, RATHER THAN MOVING STILL THE TREND

A visit to your local council’s planning portal will highlight the significant numbers of planning applications from home owners seeking to extend their homes rather than fork out the exorbitant costs of moving house

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hether it is a loft extension, kitchen extension, conservatory extension or double extension, the desire to create affordable additional living space that can be used 24/7 is evident from the huge numbers of planning applications and the increase in the numbers of property owners (particularly in the last two to three years) who are having new orangeries or conservatories designed to integrate with their existing dwelling. These structures can, if designed appropriately within the bounds set by each local authority, be built without the need for Building Regulation Approval or the need for planning permission, if the home owners have sufficient Permitted Development Rights intact.

That said most new structures with solid roofs 116 NOVEMBER 2018

are very likely to need both planning permission and to comply with the Building Regulations, so ensure you get professional advice and talk to your local council before embarking on any development or placing an order.

Previous research published by the Halifax Building Society showed that almost 20% of those questioned desire to move into a UK property that requires no home improvements. If this is still true to this day, it means a staggering one in five of the population would prefer to buy a house that needs nothing doing to it, which if they can afford to throw money away like that OK, but not so sensible

“Most new structures with solid roofs are very likely to need both planning permission and to comply with the Building Regulations”

a move for hard working middle England who tend to work more hand to mouth.

Buying a “ready made” home is often very expensive option, as one either pays a premium to the property developer who built or renovated the property, or alternatively a handsome profit to the home owner who did up the property in order to gain a substantial return on a relatively modest investment in risk/reward terms.

Consequently, is it not far more sensible financially for anyone considering buying a house to instead actually be the property owner who carries out the home improvements, thereby being the ones to benefit from any subsequent increase in property value?

Independent double glazing manufacturers and installers Hazlemere Windows have seen an increasing number of property owners enquiring about replacement double glazed windows and doors for their extension and/or loft conversion.

In addition, growing families are looking into the feasibility of adding a conservatory onto their house to provide much needed extra high quality living space, be it a kitchen/diner, gym, home office, play room, dining room, extra or enlarged living room.

Building a conservatory can be more aesthetically pleasing than a full blown brick built extension with a tiled or flat roof. Despite the changes to the Building Regulations that came into effect back on 1st October 2010, and the new legal requirement that all UK property owners (replacing any existing windows and/or doors, or indeed building an extension) must now fit compliant higher performing thermally efficient fenestration products, it is still easier and less costly to obtain the necessary permissions to build a conservatory.

Also a UPVC or aluminium double glazed conservatory is much less expensive to build and

“Building a conservatory can be more aesthetically pleasing than a full blown brick built extension”

available for home owners to utilise as additional living space a lot sooner than an actual extension with a tiled or flat roof that nearly always requires both time consuming planning permission and Building Regulatory Approval, plus signing off by a Building Control Officer from your local planning department when finished.

That said, having an extension built that matches in, loft conversion and/or conservatory will add value to any home; whilst at the same time provide invaluable extra living space. These types of home improvement options done professionally to a high standard are far less costly than the massive expense of moving house, especially when you take into account legal fees, removal costs or van hire, surveyors costs, estate agency fees (all of which attract 20% VAT), mortgage or loan set up charges, and of course stamp duty (which collectively can amount to tens of thousands of pounds). Is it any wonder that many UK property owners prefer to improve rather than move.

To find out what the potential home improvement options and budget costs are for your particular property from one of Hazlemere’s experienced experts, visit their showrooms in Welwyn Garden City in Herts or High Wycombe in Bucks, both open 7 days a week or call 01727 238658 or visit www.hazlemere.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2018 117

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home for Christmas Here at Melody Maison Christmas is our favourite time of year. We boast a beautiful selection of Rustic, Glamorous and Traditional Christmas decorations that will help you get in the festive spirit. www.melodymaison.co.uk

118 NOVEMBER 2018

INTERIOR DESIGN

Creating beautiful functional homes that inspire and give lasting pleasure InterIor desIgn servIces Include: Floor plans and elevatIons • KItchens • Bathrooms • BespoKe joInery • FurnIture home cInemas • lIghtIng plans • upholstery • soFt FurnIshIngs • WIndoW treatments • FloorIng • handles and FIttIngs archItectural detaIlIng • spacIal plannIng • FurnIture layouts and Full colour schemes

andreamaflin.co.uk

H OME & PROPERTY

Relax into AW18 T

here’s nothing like unwinding in an inviting armchair at the end of a long day and with these great new, on-trend designs, you can now do so in style.

With a whole host of exciting new styles, it’s never been easier to pull up a seat and get comfy. MY Furniture pride themselves in bringing customers original products made with exceptional quality at remarkable prices, and these latest additions are certainly no exception. With the colder months just around the corner, we can ensure our living rooms are inviting, cosy and ready to see us through the Winter season and beyond.

Whether it’s dusty, vibrant or pastel, pink is set to be all the rage for AW18. It works well with popular grey schemes and adding a stylish armchair in this colour is a great way to introduce it. The sumptuous new Georgie armchair fits the trend perfectly and is shown upholstered in luxurious pink velvet with deep buttons for extra style and comfort. Georgie is also available in grey linen or velvet. For a more contemporary look, Bonetti features a striking metallic frame, creating a contrast with the plush velvet upholstery. Shown here in blush pink, Bonetti is also available in slate grey and natural colourways.

If a more glamorous living room is on your wish list for this festive season, look no further than the eye-catching new Thea armchair, available in black, pink or grey. Shown here in dramatic black velvet, the stud detailing and elegant turned front legs make a real statement and give a nod to antique French styling.

Dark and moody blues also work really well for Winter interior schemes and these sophisticated armchairs are right on trend for AW18, with navy tipped to be a prominent colour. The navy velvet on these designs allows the brushed gold framework to really stand out, resulting in a stylish modern look.

With so many brilliant new styles to choose from, and with many available in a choice of colours, it’s never been easier to add an instant update to your living room.

Visit www.my-furniture.com or call 0800 092 1636 for further information.

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H OME & PROPERTY

GARAGE DOORS BY GAROLLA G

arolla are manufacturers of high quality, roller shutter doors, who pride themselves on their dedication to delivering customer satisfaction time and time again. A Garolla garage door will help you stand out from the crowd with its sleek design, patented security features and effortless remote opening system, we’re sure to have the right garage door for you.

With Garolla there’s no pushy salesmen, just clear-cut, rock bottom prices all year round. We’re so confident in our prices that we display them on our website, and with Garolla what you’re quoted is what you pay. No more, no less. Meaning you’re never going to be hit with any hidden costs.

Roller shutter doors are fast replacing the clunky garages of old. The door neatly tucks away so there’s no need to clear any space for big swinging doors, allowing you to use every square inch of your garage.

Our garage doors can also be operated using a cloneproof remote from the comfort of your car, so no more battling the elements to get access to your garage.

Manufactured from aluminium, our garage doors are built to last. The doors are strong and sturdy whilst remaining lightweight and easy to use. We keep safety in mind with every element of our roller garage doors.

The bottom slat is reinforced and we use a patented locking system with a 70m octagonal barrel that ensures your belongings are kept safe and secure.

With over 18 colours to choose from, it’s easy to design the roller garage door of your dreams. Using our online design wizard, you can input your exact

122 NOVEMBER 2018

“Our garage doors can also be operated using a clone-proof remote from the comfort of your car,”

specifications and colour choices to see a realistic idea of what your garage will look like.

Once you have ordered your Garolla garage door one of our friendly installers will come and survey your doorway and work with our head office in Leeds to start the manufacturing process.

Once complete, your garage door will then be delivered and fit by the same installer who took your measurements.

You’ll be left with a modern and stylish garage door that freshens up the appearance of your home and enhances your kerb appeal.

Find the perfect garage door for you, at www.garolla.co.uk

H OME & PROPERTY

Pylon Suspension Light Duo: £549

Done by Deer Pendant Lamp: £42.95 Industrial Pendant Trio: £859

Funk Pendant Light Medium: £419

Gala Pendant Light, Green Stem: £349

Africa Pendant, Burnished Metal: £436

A penchant for pendants B

uild atmosphere and drama throughout your home with Urban Avenue’s stunning selection of pendant lights. Available in a mix of styles and materials, each with an ability to create texture and interest, add ambience and facilitate conversation.

Industrial-style lights and architectural pendants are great for adding edginess and a sense of instant cool to a room. The statement Pylon Suspension Light Duo would look great in an airy warehouse style space and has a contemporary, architectural design with functional appeal in spades. The pair of pendants are suspended from a single ceiling rose, each featuring a pulley mechanism that allows for flexible positioning on the ceiling and easily adjustable height. Offered in black or white, the metal structure has a feel of industrial elegance.

The Industrial Pendant Trio is a modern take on classic industrial lamps designed by Kaschkasch for Dreizehngrad. The clear anthracite crystal glass shade is supported by a solid oak cone, which also houses the LED bulb and technical components.

The hand-blown glass naturally has slight variations - signs of the traditional glass blowing process that give unique character to each piece. In this Trio, three variations of the pendant lights hang from a single ceiling rose, creating a chic cluster.

Add a playful touch to your children’s room with the pink Done by Deer pendant. With a classic, vintage-inspired form, the metal pendant light

124 NOVEMBER 2018

offers a vibrant spin on industrial style.

The elegant Funk pendant is minimalist in design, allowing the beauty of the natural woodgrain to shine. The fine veneer shade, in either maple or walnut, provides a warm translucency when lit, giving it an element of Norse forest mysticism. Each of these shades are handcrafted to the highest standards.

Handmade in Italy by design studio ILIDE, the warming Africa pendant light is composed of two overlapping ceramic bodies. The white glazed inner element emerges from the angular opening of the grey, matt shell that surrounds it. The impeccably finished light emits a directional glow, providing a warm atmosphere and timeless elegance to its surroundings.

The cool twisted glass Gala pendant light is hand-blown in Italy using traditional glass making techniques. Gala Rigata has an emerald green stem and a diagonal ribbed texture, lending it an elegant antique feel. For a striking contrast, combine both it with the contrasting red stemmed Gala Liscia in a cluster or a row. The Gala Pendant is a beautiful design, intended to be used with long vintage-style bulbs for ultimate effect.

Whether you’re searching for a statement pendant to illuminate the dining table or kitchen island or an ambient light for relaxing, Urban Avenue will have a bold shape or colourful shade that will create a strong accent for any interior. www.urbanavenue.co.uk

“The cool twisted glass Gala pendant light is hand-blown in Italy using traditional glass making techniques”

Misted up sealed units? discoloured door panels? original company no longer trading?

Let us Put it riGht!

15,000 local customers can’t be wrong!

WindoWs • doors • Conservatories FasCias Gutters • PorChes • CarPorts • over 40 years experience, an established family run business • discounts for pensioners and the retired • Friendly, no pressure, advice • no deposit - payment only on completion and satisfaction

BARRY BOLTON WINDOWS

01727 866678 01438 771736 www.barryboltonwindows.co.uk

H OME & PROPERTY

Autumn Winter Interest in the Garden Autumn and Winter in the Garden can be Enthusing and is a Time to get things Done

“Deciduous plants, those that drop their leaves in the autumn are best planted during the winter.

Good preparation before planting is important for long term success”

benefits including increasing plants ability to get through summers like the one we have just had, but they will still need watering the first growing season to aid establishment. The dormant season November to late February is the ideal time to plant as long as plants are hardy to UK weather or near to hardy. With weather patterns changing the plants that forefill this criteria are increasing and plants 15 years ago that were deemed tender often go through the winter largely unscathed var a little dieback, ideally these should however be planted in more sheltered spots. Exceptional winters like the last did impact many plants but generally speaking this is an exception to rule.

Deciduous plants, those that drop their leaves in the autumn are best planted during the winter.

Good preparation before planting is important for long term success.

Trees and some shrubs including hedging can be barerooted stock in the dormant season rather than containerised plants. Younger trees and shrubs establish more quickly than specimen plants and generally require less maintenance in establishing.

Over tidy gardening is bad practise

This gives varying shape and form in the autumn into early winter The background fastigiate Cupressus sempervirens’Stricta’, domed trained Kowkwitzia amabalis with rusty peeling bark with the Stipa gigantea in front with feathery plumes and grassy dome hummocks with interjections of Teasals (Dipsacis sylvestris) with great seed heads and Euphorbia polychroma whorled groups of leaves in flashes of yellow and pinky orange.

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his time of the year need not be dull; it can be lifted by foliage, berry, stem and bark and flower interest in the garden.

Combining textures and different habits of plants in swathes can further accentuate interest and a wow factor.

Using Vertical elements, an often underused asset Vertical elements are often poorly used and can really lift a garden whatever size.

House walls are underused assets for this purpose, they will soften hard surfaces and in some cases aid house insulation.

Boundaries can be aided by pleaching (training of tree laterals, horizontally to create a raised hedge with the lowest horizontally trained branches approx 1.25metres from the ground). The underneath can be planted with berrying evergreen shrubs or even productive plants such as gooseberries, blackcurrents and redcurrants

Winter’s a Great Time for Planting It’s well known in the Horticulture Industry, winter is a great time for planting having a multiplicity of 126 NOVEMBER 2018

Hornbeam Pleaching with Underplanting of alternate Pyracantha coccinea cultivars and Holly (Ilex aquifolium) under hedge

Removing leaves from all borders and beds removes winter cover for overwintering insects and a source of food for birds; it also acts as protection for various plants and will in time increase soil fertility and moisture holding capacity of soils. Where leaves are removed these can be decomposed in leaf piles or chicken mesh clamps and this can often give hibernating places for hedgehogs.

Over tidy gardens can also make trees more vulnerable to predation by parasitic fungus like honey fungus, leaving twigger material can enable other friendly fungus thus enabling natures balance to act.

Happy winter gardening. Gardening is for all seasons. Enjoy Produced by Kevin Pressland (Professional Gardeners Guild Member) www.kevinpressland.com and www.pgg.org.uk

Euonymous europeous (spindle tree) a native used in diverse native species hedges. Can also be a wonderful multistemmed specimen plant.

Incredible autumn foliage and dual fruit colours of pink calyces and orange central fleshed pips

KEVIN PRESSLAND Garden and Estate Consultancy Services provided • Overall garden planting plans or single borders, set up of pleaching screens • Aid your maintenance gardeners to enhance/ improve your garden further • Advise builders/estate agents on enhancing outside areas to aid property sales • Advise on Organic Management, on soils, plants and pest and disease control • Advise on Permaculture Techniques and Management agroforestry, alley cropping

Achieved Favourable National Press coverage and in the finals competition for Professional Gardener of the Year Nationwide in 2008 through Horticulture Week

• Advise on Orchard Creation, Wildflower Meadow Creation and herbal leys • Advise/Design on Forest Gardens, surveys organised • Advise on Pond Creation and Planting (Ornamental/Native)

www.kevinpressland.com, email - kevinpressland@gmail.com or phone/txt 07775932754

H OME & PROPERTY

Rebecca Clark Interiors

choose from, as well as carpets, rugs and shutters.

Rebecca Clark offers free of charge Interior Design service with access to thousands of international brands. Only asking for a deposit to cover their design time of £250 which is fully redeemable against purchases of over £1000.

The showrooms are incredibly sumptuous and feature Zoffany fabrics, wallpapers and paints throughout and are available to purchase, as well as Ralph Lauren wallpapers. New at the showroom is a huge amount of stunning crystal chandeliers and unique table lamps. The furniture collections are unlike anything else you’ll find on a high street, with a lot of stunning ‘Drift Wood’ finish console and coffee tables.

“Rebecca Clark offers free of charge Interior Design service with access to thousands of international brands”

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ebecca Clark Interiors exciting new venture take’s them to a stunning new location in Berkhamsted , with only just a opening under a year ago on the high street and already successfully moving location . The new showroom boasts a larger scale premises over a magnificent two floors. Rebecca Clark Interiors has been so well received in the area from day one. They have had so much on going support with their move and the local community is happy to have such an incredibly beautiful shop on their High street.

A dedicated Interior Design Studio and an Interior Design Presentation Lounge, as well as a ‘Sourcing Room’ which houses an abundance of designer fabric and wallpaper books and samples to

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The Interior Design Presentation Lounge is the perfect place for you to experience your own bespoke personalised design, and product catalogue with a carefully curated edit of pieces to fit your space and to create your dream home. You can will sit back on the luxurious sofa’s and watch the presentation on their cinema room style screen, and be able to take home your personalised glossy large scale printed brochure ‘coffee table book’.

Just Wait till you see the Silk Flower Bar, its a great nook in the basement where you can pick your own fresh looking seasonal stems or Rebecca Clark are able to create bespoke arrangements of some of the most incredibly lifelike flowers The showroom is open 7 Days a week. www.rebeccaclarkinteriors.com

Rebecca Clark interiors is a Hertfordshire based design studio specialising in luxury residential interiors throughout the UK for both private clients and commercial clients and developers store on Berkhamsted High Street. During our free consultation in your home we will help you identify which pieces are right for your space, and then we will create a digital presentation for you to select from, which we will go through in our showroom where you will experience our furniture and lighting and accessories in person.

Led by Rebecca our experience team provide a personalised design service to create details given, luxury interiors that perfectly suit the clients needs and will stand the test of time.

H OME & PROPERTY

Creating a

Stylish Bathroom

Bathroom design has come a long way in the last 20 years. Whilst the importance of functionality remains; many more homeowners are now spending time and money to ensure striking aesthetics within their bathroom.

Designer bathrooms are a common site in many homes and such a project can add real value to the property.

If you are seeking to create a modern designer bathroom look in your home then the tips below will help you achieve that goal.

A STYLISH BATH The first bathroom suite item to deal with is the bathtub. This is the piece of furniture that you will get the most enjoyment from and it is important to ensure that it provides comfort to the user.

However, going for a practical model doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice style and there is a vast range of bathroom models, from twin baths that allow two people to bathe side by side, to corner baths that serve to maximise available space. If you prefer the more traditional rectangle shaped bath, there are still options available that provide that designer feel. Going for a separate tap installation also serves to create a unique look.

THE SHOWER OPTION Whether you have enough space to install both a bathtub and a shower, or prefer to just have the latter in your bathroom; your choice of design will have a huge impact on the room. Quadrant shower enclosures that fit into the corner of the room with an arc shaped glass enclosing the two sides, give an elegant finishing look to the suite. If you are planning to splurge on your bathroom and you have the space, you might like to consider a walk-in shower enclosure. Walk-ins give you greater mobility and access, and look grand as well as plenty of space to really relax and unwind. It is a good idea to have glass on as many sides of the shower enclosure as the bathroom allows. This will greatly help to increase the light in the room, which will in turn give the illusion of spaciousness.

AN APPEALING BASIN Although you probably consider the bath or shower as being the most important of furniture in your bathroom, it is also the basin that acts as a central item in designer bathrooms. This is due to the fact that it will almost always have a mirror placed above it, which immediately draws the attention of anyone 130 NOVEMBER 2018

who enters the room. As such it is important to install a basin that looks fantastic. One option is to fit a vanity unit, with the basin sunk in so that it is flush with the surface. Alternatively you could add to the aesthetics by mounting the basin on top of the vanity unit and go for an unusual design, such as a funnel shaped basin. However, if you are going for an ultra-modern look and want to keep furniture down to a minimum, then a vanity unit may not be the right choice for you. In such instances a hovering sink with hidden pipes is a good option. If you have a big enough bathroom and enough wall space, you could even decide to go for the double sink, which not only look great, but are also useful in a busy household.

LUXURY TOUCHES Carefully coordinate your towels with the colour of the walls and bathroom suite. Add a stylish looking towel rail electric element to heat up the towels for added luxury, which also comes with an added advantage of warming up your bathroom. Decanting your soap and shower products into matching bottles is a simple way to create a stylish look in your bathroom. Coordinate other accessories such as the toilet roll holder and toothbrush holder. Get a sleek and stylish cabinet or matching boxes to hide away less attractive products or those you don’t want to show. A wellchosen bathroom rug, a potted plant in the corner, or a framed picture hung on an empty wall; small pieces which can completely revamp the look of your suite. Strike a balance by picking just a few significant pieces of bathroom furniture which will contain a certain colour. Offset it by choosing a neutral or contrasting colour in other accessories.

By ensuring that your accessories are attractive and functional, along with some good, soft lighting, you can create a calm and relaxing retreat, right inside your home.

H OME & PROPERTY

DULUX COLOUR OF THE YEAR FOR 2019

SPICED HONEY

Whether spread across rooms or dipped into on borders and accents, Marianne Shillingford talks to Gabrielle Fagan about Dulux’s sweet new hue.

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sweet, new look is coming to our homes thanks to Dulux, who’ve revealed Spiced Honey as its Colour of the Year for 2019. An earthy, caramel hue, according to the experts at the paint brand, it’s versatile enough to introduce into a wide range of home interiors - because it can be “calming and nourishing” or “stimulating and energising”, depending on the palettes and light surrounding it. “Spiced Honey is a warm caramel with notes of amber, that perfectly reflects our new sense of optimism and resilience for 2019,” says Marianne Shillingford, Dulux’s UK creative director.

“While 2018 was seen as unsettled and unpredictable and saw us retreating and hiding behind our sofas, next year is one where we’re ready to ‘let in the light’,” she adds. Here, Shillingford shares her guide to using the colour to create successful settings...

What is Spiced Honey?

“Spiced Honey has a raw, natural quality that works like a warm neutral, which makes it so adaptable to pairing with different materials and styles of decoration,” she enthuses.

“It looks especially good when teamed with whites and off-whites in furniture and furnishings, which gives it a contemporary feel.”

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What can it do for rooms?

“Its rich caramel tones visually turn up the thermostat a few degrees, and so it’s perfect for creating a relaxed, cosy atmosphere in places where we like to think, dream, love and act,” Shillingford notes.

“Its the colour of warm woods, and while there’s something reassuringly familiar about it, which may pay a nod to Seventies retro, this is a new colour with a fresh, modern spin. Paired with off-whites and a dollop of deepest inky Cobalt Night, Spiced Honey offers a room a fresh contemporary bite, but introduce soft warm greys and muted pinks like Angora Blanket and Soft Stone, and you achieve a look that is as sweet and delicious as honey on hot buttered toast.”

DECOR TIP: For a sophisticated living area, use the shade as a backdrop and add touches of soft pink, intense burgundy and sophisticated deep blue.

Polished woods, mid-century furniture, graphic rugs and textiles will emphasis will enhance this look.

How can this shade be used in rooms?

“It’s a colour that’s happy to play the supporting role rather than being a full immersion shade on all the walls, but it could be a wrap-around colour in a small room where you want an intimate atmosphere.

Otherwise, feature it in bands and blocks, as well as on interior woodwork or for painted furniture,” Shillingford adds. “Be guided by when you most use a room, as well as the light levels it enjoys. If it’s mostly used during the day and there’s little light, its bronze tones will be more pronounced and it will be more dominating. If, however, your room is northfacing with large windows and ample light, you could decorate a larger area. Light has such a lovely effect on this shade - which is in fact predominantly yellow in its make-up, so in full sunshine it has an invigorating, uplifting feel. As the light fades and it’s seen in lamplight, it takes on a gorgeous cocooning, soothing, almost textile finish. “ DECOR TIP: For an energising atmosphere, partner Spiced Honey with richly pigmented shades, including deep forest green, bold teal and

intense terracotta red. With wooden furniture and botanical prints, the effect will be a cosy but lively space.

Where could you use it?

“I’m loving the idea of using this colour on a ceiling, possibly in my bedroom. It’s such a liberating way of decorating because the ceiling is the most uninterrupted space in a room,” says Shillingford.

“Focusing the colour overhead allows you to be much more more creative with walls, so you can hang more art and other decoration. Interior designers are starting to call the ceiling the fifth wall!”

DECOR TIP: To create a serene space, pair the shade with romantic powder pinks and blues. Plain pale woods, simple hand-thrown vessels and pretty fabrics will add to the contemplative, centred feel.

What other ways are there to feature the shade?

“Think of this Spiced Honey as flavour for a room. There’s no need to overdose on it, just as you wouldn’t if it was a spice in cooking. It works equally well in small doses. Using it that way is the ideal starting point if you want to experiment and see if it’s to your taste,” suggests Shillingford. “Paint a shelf, create a painted border around a door frame, or feature it as a low band of colour at dado height on a wall to ground a space. Alternatively, pick up on it with accessories.”

DECOR TIP: Be playful with Spiced Honey and enliven it with pops of vivid red and green among pale pinks, blues and crisp greys and whites. Partner with reclaimed, personalised furniture and bold graphic shapes for an on-trend eclectic look.

H OME & PROPERTY

The Retro Walnut Trend

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hip up a walnut frenzy with the Shiro furniture range from Wooden Furniture Store. This dark wood collection has pieces for every room in the house, including TV and media cabinets, hallway and shoe storage solutions and a sturdy yet stylish dining table. Perfect for creating a co-ordinated look throughout your home that is bang-on trend for winter.

Made from solid, environmentally-friendly walnut, which has been given a hard-wearing varnish, each item is finished with bronze antiqued handles for a contemporary luxe touch.

Having the family over for Christmas? Entertain in style with the modern Shiro Walnut six seat dining table and matching chair set. The chunky table is made from solid walnut, which has a beautiful dense grain - perfect for a dark and decadent look for your dining room. Shown here with six co-ordinating chairs upholstered in a soft grey linen with button and stud detailing, there are two other chair options available to suit your style.

For the living room, the Shiro Walnut widescreen TV cabinet offers plenty of storage with two large

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cupboards each side and a single shelf in the centre.

This stunning piece of furniture has been designed to hold up to a 72” TV - perfect if you’re a movie lover!

If you have a TV on the wall, the Shiro Walnut entertainment unit is the perfect choice. With four open shelves and a large drawer at the base, this cabinet has been specially designed to use with a wall mounted television, as it stores all the ancillary units you require for a luxury home entertainment system.

If you need some substantial shoe storage for the hallway, the Shiro Walnut tall shoe cupboard is a great option. The shoe cupboard can hold up to 16 pairs of shoes across seven shelves (one of which is adjustable for boot storage) and is finished with a handy wicker basket for accessories.

But if you’re looking for shoe storage that also offers a table top to house keys or a bouquet of flowers to welcome you through the front door, the stylish Shiro Walnut shoe cupboard is ideal. Built to hold 12 pairs of shoes across four fixed shelves and fitted with a useful accessory shelf, this practical piece of furniture is perfect for the hallway. www.wooden-furniture-store.co.uk

Beautiful traditional & contemporary kitchens EstablishEd 1978.

Established 1978.

OvEr FOrtY YEars Over thirty yearsOF of ExcEllEncE excellence

Tel: 01707 262966 www.johnladbury.co.uk Showroom at Unit 11, Alpha Business Park, Travellers Close, Welham Green, AL9 7NT

H OME & PROPERTY

Beautify beautifully relaunched Beautify.co.uk buying team are so excited about what is undoubtedly our best ever Autumn Winter collection, with over 100 new products launching to coincide with the opening of our new online store. Our small but dedicated team of designers and buyers have created an exclusive collection of Beautify products and our firm favourites and best sellers have been refreshed and given the unique Beautify touch. Gifting is a big part of this coming season, but we’ve made sure that you won’t leave without treating yourself too!”

CEO Mark Januszewski says: “We’re massively excited about the launch of Beautify.co.uk. For DOMU Brands it represents the next step in

“This brand will offer beautifully designed products and provide engaging creative content that will really resonate with our target market”

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OMU Brands has announced the relaunch of Beautify. Relaunching into the UK with a fresh, contemporary aesthetic and a current and engaged outlook - Beautify is stepping out of the shadows and into the fore, with perfectly manicured feet, naturally.

Beautify launched in 2013 as part of DOMU Brands, the home of VonShef and VonHaus. Since then, Beautify has grown into an international company, selling in the US and European markets, and inspiring beauty fans across the world. Where previously Beautify has only been available through the DOMU website and Marketplaces, the relaunch will include a dedicated UK Beautify website, designed in-house, keeping our target demographic in mind every step of the way.

In keeping with the demands of 2018, Beautify is evolving into a more culturally aware, diverse and outspoken brand, offering a refreshing and youthful yet considered approach to beauty storage and homewares.

As always, DOMU products are always designed with longevity in mind, allowing great quality products for a reasonable price. Beautify 2.0 will be no different, and the new range will continue to offer an affordable way to store makeup and beauty products, as well as incorporate stylish accessories into any home.

Don’t worry – our best performing products and customer favourites are here to stay, but we will be offering a hugely expanded range, just in time for the festive season. Beautify’s primary concern will always be finding stylish and innovative solutions to makeup storage, however, the brand will now be evolving into more of a lifestyle brand, taking on interiors, home decoration, and homewares.

Head of Product, Catherine Paul says: “The

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the evolution of the business, which places the customer at the centre of everything that we do.

This brand will offer beautifully designed products and provide engaging creative content that will really resonate with our target market. As we get in to 2019, our aim will be to raise the bar in terms of design whilst continuing to extend the range of categories within the brand.” www.domu.co.uk

PROPERTY H OME & PROPERTY

Twin Peaks

Uphill Road, Mill Hill

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win Peaks is a pair of exquisite modern houses beautifully built to the highest specification.

These five bedroom luxury homes set behind landscaped driveways are fitted to the highest specification, boasting two TV rooms and a vast entertaining room leading to beautifully designed gardens.

The stunning architecture is more than just a design statement. These beautiful homes have been designed around living spaces that truly enhance the resident’s quality of life.

A room to celebrate: The combined kitchen / dining area leads out to a private landscaped garden, creating the ideal entertainment space.

Light & Space: The bright spacious top floor bedroom benefits from huge full height windows and skylights that flood the room with natural daylight.

Bedroom Suite: With every bedroom in the house a spacious and luxurious suite, you’ll be debating which one to choose. This first floor bedroom suite has an en-suite bathroom, a dressing area and a balcony with garden views.

Location: Mill Hill is well served by public transport, including the ThamesLink trains from Mill Hill Broadway connecting to St Pancras in just 18 minutes or further afield to Bedford, Brighton, Wimbledon and Ashford international.

The Northern Line tube from Mill Hill East or Edgeware offers convenient routes to the West End or The City. From 2019 you’ll be able to join the Crossrail at Tottenham Court Road, giving quick access to Heathrow, Stratford and beyond.

From £3,250,000

Please contact New Homes on 020 8441 9555

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From Cottages to Country Estates FOR OUR EXTENSIVE RANGE OF PROPERTIES FOR SALE, PLEASE VISIT WWW.STATONS.COM

hadley Wood

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Freehold Sole Agents Spaciously Planned In Excess of 5,500 sq ft 5/6 Bedrooms West Facing Rear Garden Approx. 160ft Carriage Sweep Driveway

hadley Wood office 020 8440 9797

elsTree

£1,700,000

FH Sole Agents Detached 5 Bedrooms Open Plan Living Large Rear Garden with Swim Spa Quiet Cul-Du-Sac Location Close to Amenities

radleTT office 01923 604 321

cuffley

£1,375,000

Detached Family Home Immaculately Presented 4 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms 2 Reception Rooms Kitchen/Breakfast/Family Room Utility Room Double Garage South Facing Rear Garden

Brookmans Park office 01707 661144

WheTsTone

£2,750,000

Sole Agents Imposing detached family home Extended and refurbished Character features 5/6 bedrooms 4 bathrooms Carriage driveway 120ft west facing garden

ToTTeridge office 020 8445 3694

hadley Wood

£1,395,000

Freehold Sole Agents Double Fronted Detached Family Home Open Plan Kitchen/Super Room Delightful South Facing Rear Garden Off Street Parking 4 Bedrooms

hadley Wood office 020 8440 9797

hadley green

£1,200,000

Freehold 4 Bedrooms 3 Receptions 2 Bathrooms Guest WC Open Plan Kitchen/Diner Utility Room Garden Room/Studio/Summer House Close To Amenities Excellent Schools

BarneT office 020 8449 3383

radleTT

£1,850,000

FH Sole Agents 4 Bedrooms Large Plot 150’ Rear Garden Well Presented Rarely Available Swimming Pool

radleTT office 01923 604 321

ToTTeridge

£1,375,000

Sole Agents Family home 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 4 Reception rooms Potential to extend STPP Generous rear garden Close to all amenities at Totteridge and Whetstone

ToTTeridge office 020 8445 3694

Brookmans Park

£1,150,000

Detached Family Home 4 Bedrooms Family Bathroom 3 Reception Rooms Open Planned Kitchen/Conservatory Separate Utility Room Carriage Driveway Garage South Facing Rear Garden

Brookmans Park office 01707 661144

SaleS OfficeS at: BaRNet 020 8449 3383 tOtteRiDGe 020 8445 3694 HaDleY WOOD 020 8440 9797 BROOKMaNS PaRK 01707 661144 RaDlett 01923 604321 NeW HOMeS SHOWcaSe HaDleY GReeN 020 8441 9555 PReMieR lettiNGS HaDleY GReeN 020 8441 9796

Associated Offices in Mayfair, Moscow, China, USA & Monaco

CEDaRS CLOSE, HENDON, NW4 A five bedroom, three reception room, four bathroom fully detached family home located in a cul-de-sac in Hendon.

£3,000,000 FREEHOLD

THE OWNERS LOVE “Cedars Close is a wonderful place to live, very private and secure, with fantastic neighbours” ”In the summertime we often open up the folding doors to get a feeling of being outside while inside. Our South facing rear garden is a real delight where our kids love to play” ”We extended the property ourselves and spared no expense to make sure that the flow of the house suited the demands of our standard of living” WE’VE NOTICED Cedars Close is a quiet residential cul-de-sac off of Parson Street.

The property is in excess of 3000 SQ. FT. EPC Rating - F

Contact Scott Henderson at our Finchley Central office on 020 8346 0102 martyngerrard.co.uk

Do Not Disturb Until 2019

Between Christmas and the New Year the MG website, Zoopla and Rightmove see a huge spike in the number of searches from buyers and tenants looking for their next home.

Waiting until 2019 means you miss the influx of new buyers and tenants beginning their property search online over the holidays.

Call us NOW and get the ball rolling, let us prepare the marketing for your property including our unique, True Video Tours and set it to go live on Boxing Day. We will look after all the enquiries leaving you to enjoy the festivities in peace whilst your property gains interest.

Get ready to sell or let NOW... We won’t disturb you until 2019.

Only Martyn Gerrard offer all of this: • Unique ‘The Owners Love’ – to make your home stand out • True Video Tours – to show off the property’s best bits • Professional pictures and full colour floor plans

• Network of 12 offices marketing your property • Award-winning service and over 50 years’ experience

Call your nearest branch NOW – we’ll be happy to talk through the process so you can enjoy Christmas and start the New Year knowing you haven’t missed out on a potential buyer or tenant.

Barnet 020 8440 2444

North Finchley 020 8445 2222

Southgate 020 8886 2094

Crouch End 020 8348 5135

Kentish Town 020 7267 3737

Whetstone 020 8446 2111

East Finchley 020 8883 0077

Mill Hill 020 8906 0660

Land & New Homes 020 8349 0515

Finchley Central 020 8346 0102

Muswell Hill 020 8444 3388

Commercial 020 8444 3445

H OME & PROPERTY

Living the high life UK’s most expensive home valued at £160million

“In effect he has purchased his own property. The stamp duty alone is £20 million”

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n ultra-luxurious £160million penthouse has become Britain’s most expensive home. It has recently been remortgaged by British property tycoon Nick Candy — who developed the spectacular One Hyde Park development with his brother Christian. It has been revealed that Candy has sold the property to offshore companies he controls, in order to remortgage it with an £80m loan from Credit Suisse. So in effect he has purchased his own property. The stamp duty alone is £20 million.

Candy, 45, previously lived in the luxury apartment with his wife, singer and actress Holly Valance, before selling it to PHB London Holdings Ltd in Guernsey. It has been unoccupied since the couple moved to a £75 million mansion in Chelsea.

The transaction is recorded by the Land Registry as a sale, making it by far the most expensive property ever sold in the UK. A spokesman for Candy explained that the tycoon owned PHB London and therefore still owned the penthouse.

According to reports he is looking to rent it out for a staggering £150,000 a week - another recordbreaking figure in British property. If such a rent is secured it would be the highest price ever paid by a tenant.

The apartment occupies the top two floors of block B and has two wine cellars, heated marble floors, a pedicure room. a steel car lift, two underground parking spaces and balconies overlooking Hyde Park. Harrods and Harvey Nichols are metres from the glass lobby, and the five-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel next door offers residents room service.

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Residents are protected by a multi-million pound security ring of steel with flats featuring panic rooms, bulletproof glass and bowler-hatted guards trained by Special Forces. There is also iris recognition in the lifts and all mail is X-rayed.

It has a 21-metre swimming pool, a cinema, saunas, gym, golf simulator, valet service and room service. There is also a full concierge service, a conference/function room and even a library.

The £160million recorded price by far exceeds the previous UK record of £140million for Park Place, a stately home near Henley-on-Thames, bought by Russian billionaire Andrey Borodin in 2011. And the previous One Hyde Park record selling price was £140m for the penthouse in block A in 2014.

All images illustrate One Hyde Park apartments, some may not specifically be the penthouse.

LAND, HOMES & PROBATE Selling property with potential is easy, but how do you avoid being taken for a ride?

Sell now, or after Brexit? That is the question . . .

Do you get planning first or sell subject to planning?

What’s the property market like?

When you’d like someone with integrity and experience to help you work through some difficult questions, please give The Land Office a call.

From our Hertfordshire base we cover a wide area and have developers looking for land where you are. For probate sales we sell in the South of England and use rightmove to reach buyers quickly and efficiently.

Pick up the phone for a chat on 01582 461581 or make an appointment to pop in to discuss your land, home or probate sale on one of our red sofas.

We don’t promise to know the answer to all your questions, especially not on Brexit, but we can help you develop a good strategy to sell your property now or prepare it for marketing when you think the timing is right for you.

Phone: 01582 461581 Email: sales@thelandoffice.co.uk EXPERIENCE, INTEGRITY & ENTHUSIASM

“Call me for a chat about selling your property” Lance Trendall, Principal and Chartered Marketer

H OME & PROPERTY

An oasis on your doorstep A guide to London’s most expensive garden squares

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Park Crescent, W1

iving or working in London can create a buzz like no other.

Commuters, residents, prestigious stores, vibrant bars and restaurants - the atmosphere for some can be electric.

In contrast, in some of the most exclusive areas of London are private, tranquil green spaces….the city’s garden squares.

They’re a protected species, some accessible only with a key and surrounded by some of the most expensive homes on the market.

Many are period properties often constructed in crescents, terraces and squares. So important are they that, in 1931, the London Squares Preservation Act was introduced to protect more than 400 from being built over.

Let’s take a look at the most expensive and how much its privacy and exclusivity will cost you…

Eaton Square, Belgravia £5.88million

One of the most prestigious addresses in London.

Famous residents include Prime Ministers Neville Chamberlain and Stanley Baldwin. More recently, advertising mogul Charles Saatchi and football managers Jose Mourinho and Sven-Goran Eriksson are all thought to have lived there. Eaton Square is a stone’s throw from Sloane Street – home to luxurious brands such as Gucci, Cartier, Dior and Versace.

Wilton Crescent Garden, Belgravia

£5.35million

Eaton Square Gardens

Carlton House Terrace Gardens, Westminster

£8.79million

Kensington Square, W8

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Top of the list is this exclusive road just a short stroll from Buckingham Palace. A property will cost you an average of £8.79million. Former residents include Prime Ministers William Gladstone, Earl Grey and Lord Palmerston. It is the location of what is thought to be Britain’s most expensive home, with rumours six years ago that a Saudi prince had sold 18 Carlton House Terrace for £250million.

Wilton Crescent was named after Thomas Egerton, 2nd Earl of Wilton. It has been home to royals, political leaders and celebrities ever since.

Surrounded by a semi-circle of graceful whitestucco houses, it’s a calm and tranquil place. Among its most famous residents were Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, a British Royal Navy officer and uncle of Prince Philip, who was infamously assassinated by the IRA in 1979.

St James’s Gardens, Notting Hill £3.81million

The gardens are laid out in an informal woodland style, dominated by fine chestnut and lime trees dating back to the 19th century. The garden is in the heart of the Norland Conservation Area, with the premiums surely pushed up by its close proximity to

H OME & PROPERTY

the open spaces of Holland Park, attracting many wealthy businesspeople and celebrities such as Sir Richard Branson and David Beckham.

Thurloe Square, Brompton £3.76million

The square is named after John Thurloe, an advisor of Oliver Cromwell, who owned the land in the 17th century. Sir Henry Cole (1808–1892), the first Director of the V&A Museum, lived at No. 33. The building is marked with a blue plaque.. Not only is the square dog-friendly, it also has a children’s playground and a stroll from the shops, restaurants and museums of desirable Knightsbridge.

St James’s Gardens, W11

“These exclusive gated gardens are steeped in history and treasured sanctuaries”

Rosmead Garden, Notting Hill £3.64million

Perhaps one of London’s most famous garden squares, having featured heavily in the Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts film Notting Hill. The space is quite unique among its contemporaries, with many of the homes surrounding it having direct access onto the green via a backdoor, making it a rear garden of sorts.

Kensington Square, Kensington £3.16million

With an average property price of £3.16million, it was originally known as King’s Square, built in honour of the reigning monarch at the time, James ll. The garden is private and not open to the public, though it has taken part in the annual Open Garden Squares Weekend. Former residents include composer Hubert Parry, philosopher John Stuart Mill and John Simon the sanitary reformer.

Park Crescent, Marylebone £3million

This crescent is among the most prestigious in the capital, in a desirable location at the north end of Portland Place and south of Marylebone Road.

It comprises beautiful stuccoed terraced houses designed by the architect John Nash, and forms into a semi-circle. The original plan was to build a circular building, but only the bottom half was completed. Between the arms of the crescent is a private garden, recognised as being of historic interest.

Hanover Gardens, Notting Hill £2.97million

This peaceful woodland garden is situated within the Ladbroke Estate. Among its famous former residents was Dame Sylvia Crowe, the noted landscape architect. This communal garden used to be known as Hanover Terrace Garden, Hanover Terrace being the old name of Lansdowne Walk.

Markham Square, Chelsea £2.73million

One of Chelsea’s finest garden squares, situated north of King’s Road, and a short walk from Sloane 146 NOVEMBER 2018

Markham Square, Chelsea

Square. The building of the original square began in 1836 on the site of the old Box Farm orchard – owned by the Markham family. In 1935 the garden was laid out as a cherry orchard. After WW2, the square was redesigned by the Royal Hospital Chelsea’s head gardener to resemble a private country garden.

These exclusive gated gardens are steeped in history and treasured sanctuaries amongst the hustle and bustle of our capital. Wealthy buyers from around the globe continue to be attracted to London’s squares, mainly due to their scale, style and timeless beauty.

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