Life Magazines (London editions) April 2020

THE HISTORY OF

JIMMY CHOO

FROM THE

Y

EDITOR

ou can trace its roots back to a bespoke shoemaker, Jimmy Choo, based in the East End of London in the early 1990s. The fashion designer was born Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat in Penang, Malaysia in 1961, and using the craftsmanship he learned from his father, also a cobbler, Choo made his first pair of shoes at the age of just 11.

His father wanted him to follow in his footsteps. Mr Choo recalls “When I first started, my father wouldn’t let me make a shoe. Instead, he said: “Sit and watch, sit and watch.” For months and months, I did that.”

A fine pair of Ken Preater game scene engraved 12-bore “Royal de Luxe” model self-opening sidelock ejector guns, built in 1975 by Holland & Holland is among the highlights of Gavin Gardiner Limited’s sale of Modern & Vintage Sporting Guns on at Sotheby’s, New Bond Street. The guns have 28inch chopper lump barrels and retain much of their original finish. They are expected to fetch £30,000-£40,000.

To celebrate its extraordinary partnership with Bentley Motors, Breitling has revealed a special limited edition watch, the Breitling Premier Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition. This exquisite new timepiece shares the inspiring values of Bentley’s design DNA as showcased in the pinnacle of luxury grand touring, the Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Convertible.

Recently, eBay conducted a survey on ‘school run’ fashion and asked 1,500 mothers who they thought was the UK’s best-dressed celebrity mum.

It should come as no surprise that Holly Willoughby - whose personal style is so popular she can cause items to sell out in a matter of minutes when she wears them on telly – was crowned the winner.

Faye Manning Editor

THE TEAM PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD

17, The Broadway, Old Hatfield, Herts, AL9 5HZ, UK

0844 800 8439

www.thelifemagazines.com

Get this issue online

© All Rights Reserved. Life Magazines are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers. Whilst Fish Media Group Ltd. takes every reasonable precaution, no responsibility can be accepted for any property, services or products offered in these publications and any loss arising therefrom. Whilst every care is taken with all materials submitted to Life Magazines, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for the loss or damage to such material. Fish Media Group Ltd. reserves the right to reject or accept any advertisement, article or material prior to publication.

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 ••••• Editorial Assistant Katie Miller ••••• Sub Editor Nicholas Peter ••••• Fashion Editor Lara Accison ••••• Design & Production Lisa Wade ••••• senior business development manager Vanessa Lane ••••• ACCOUNT MANAGERS Nicola Drew, Lisa Westerman Anita Hill ••••• ACCOUNTS Kathy Manning, Andree Georgiou ••••• Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith

CONTENTS OUT & ABOUT

15

YUMMY MUMMY MAGAZINE

39

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

57

THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE

73

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

99

We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month, plus enjoy food and drink in the local area and investigate beautiful homes and properties The luxury parenting publication for discerning mothers living in London The finest independent schools in the UK

Heading out of London to explore the rest of the world Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best

HOUSE & GARDEN

A collection of London’s finest interior companies

133

0844 800 8439

www.thelifemagazines.com

out & about – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – I M AG E : AIRBUS T E A M S U P W ITH ASTON M ARTIN

OUT & ABOUT

sotheby’s

buthe/polke: friends S

otheby’s S|2 gallery presents an exhibition of works by radical Post-War German artists, Michael Buthe and Sigmar Polke.

Born in 1944 and 1941 respectively, the artists each grew up against the backdrop of a Post-War society in flux. By the 1970s, they had embraced a liberal, transcendental way of living, which was in turn reflected in the experimental and otherworldly quality of their works. Each brimming with a heady sense of psychedelia, buthe/polke: friends will feature 20 mixed-media artworks, which together shine a light on the nonconformist lifestyles that connected the artists to one another, and to the network of avantgarde young creatives they lived and worked alongside, including Gerhard Richter, Martin Kippenberger and Rosemarie Trockel.

From the 1970s onwards, Buthe and Polke each abandoned the constraints of their respective realities, embarking on exploratory journeys to Africa and the Middle East. Polke spent time photographing his travels, infusing the people, bears and dancing Afghan monkeys he caught on camera with a surreal combination of word and collage (see Untitled (Cardplayers), 1975). He vacillated between artistic techniques, and took psychedelic drugs which pushed his work into new realms of tonal, material and chemical experimentation (see Untitled, 1994).

Likewise, in 1970, Buthe absconded from Cologne to Morocco in the hope of attaining a new level of artistic freedom. In 1972, he spent five months in the beguiling seaside city of Essaouria, its high-colour buildings and cornucopian souks saturating his art, which moved from quasi-

16 APRIL 2020

Until 28 May 2020 Minimalism to Bohemian exuberance. In Buthe’s later works, including Landschaft mit Schnecken (Landscape with Snails) and Untitled (wall object), found objects including branches, pine cones and snail shells burst beyond the limits of the canvas, reinterpreting and rearticulating the surrounding space. Elsewhere, Buthe painted faces over photographs of stones and, in a cult-like endeavour, combined them with poems in homage to a medieval Majorcan mystic (see Steine No. 63).

In 2016, a candid interview with Buthe’s friend, collector Ingvild Goetz, recalled: “Michael [Buthe] was living right in the main souq of Marrakesh, the liveliest part of town. His house had a beautiful courtyard with a fountain, and cats climbing on the trees all around. It was simply idyllic. Most of all I remember the hot evenings we spent outdoors, and the strange noises in the background. And I remember how Michael once concocted a drink with poppy seed in it that was so strong we could hardly get up from our chairs.

It just was a totally different world – and that was Michael’s world…he knew all the magicians, conjurors, soothsayers and witches personally – all the most interesting people”.

This quote was taken from michael buthe: constellations - a new artist monograph produced for the exhibition, in collaboration with Ted Bonin of Alexander and Bonin gallery, and Hannelore Kunert, a lifelong friend of the artist.

The exhibition will run until 28 May 2020 Tuesday-Friday, 10am-6pm. S|2 London, 31 St. George Street, London, W1S 2FJ www.sothebys.com

“buthe/polke: friends will feature 20 mixedmedia artworks, which together shine a light on the nonconformist lifestyles that connected the artists to one another”

APRIL 2020 17

COVER STORY

THE HISTORY OF

JIMMY CHOO

We take a look back at the history of Jimmy Choo, rising from humble origins in a cobbler workshop to becoming one of Britain’s best-known fashion brands.

2017 Bridal Collection’ Below: Mens Autumn Winter 2017 Collection; Right: Jimmy Choo

Y

ou can trace its roots back to a bespoke shoemaker, Jimmy Choo, based in the East End of London in the early 1990s.

The fashion designer was born Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat in Penang, Malaysia in 1961, and using the craftsmanship he learned from his father, also a cobbler, Choo made his first pair of shoes at the age of just 11. His father wanted him to follow in his footsteps. Mr Choo recalls “When I first started, my father wouldn’t let me make a shoe.

Instead, he said: “Sit and watch, sit and watch.” For months and months, I did that.”

After learning from his father about the craft of shoemaking, Choo made his way to England in the early 1980s to study at the Cordwainers Technical College in Hackney, where he graduated with honours in 1983. Choosing to remain in England, Choo opened his first shop in Hackney in 1986 in an old hospital building.

It didn’t take long for Choo’s reputation to build. The sexy cut, fashionable design, and exceptional Italian craftsmanship struck a chord with a sophisticated clientele, and the first collection enjoyed 18 APRIL 2020

immediate success. Jimmy Choo was among the first to bring shoes and handbags to Hollywood where the red carpet proved to be the ideal runway for the brand.

Soon, Choo became the darling of the celebrity world, in particular Princess Diana, who donned Choo’s footwear seemingly everywhere she went.

High-profile devotees also include the Duchess of Cambridge, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce and Kendal Jenner. The fictional Carrie Bradshaw in television series “Sex and the City.” famously sported Jimmy Choo shoes, boosting the brand’s status.

Within two years of opening his shop, Choo’s shoes were featured in an eight-page spread in Vogue magazine. And it was his relationship with Vogue that would prove to be instrumental in the rise of the Jimmy Choo brand. Despite the rise of his popularity, Choo was still a small operation, making just 20 hand-made pairs shoes a week.

But Tamara Mellon, an accessories editor at Vogue, who often hired Choo to make shoes for fashion shoots, sensed a larger market for Choo’s creations. She approached the shoemaker about partnering to create a line of ready-to-wear footwear -

“It’s a beautiful, distinctive art, and shoes are like the foundations. If the foundations aren’t right, the building won’t stand upright, and if a woman’s balance isn’t right, nothing else is.”

- Jimmy Choo

This image and Top Right: The Cinderella Collection

with a goal of creating a global luxury business.

In 1996, both Choo and Mellon quickly grew the business, keeping the focus on creating high-end footwear, but no longer relying on the idea that every single pair had to be made by Choo himself.

They contracted with Italian factories and opened their first boutique shop in Motcomb Street, London. Two years later, the company expanded to the US, securing locations in the premiere luxury shopping destinations of the world’s most prestigious cities including Madison Avenue in New York City and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, also creating a line-up of adoring Hollywood celebrities including Julia Roberts and Renee Zellweger.

International expansion continued with Jimmy Choo stores opening in Avenue Montaigne in Paris, Via Condotti in Rome, Ginza in Tokyo, and prestigious shopping districts Sloane Street and Bond Street here in London. And by the turn of the century, the Choo name was a global brand, with high-end retail clients that included Harrods and Saks Fifth Avenue carrying Choo footwear. The Choo brand had also expanded to handbags and other accessories.

But in the background, all was not well. Choo and Mellon were at odds about the direction of the company. In what would become one of the more fascinating rifts in the fashion industry, Choo didn’t think bigger was better. He questioned the quality of the shoes the company was making, and seemed to long for the days when he was back at his shop in Hackney making a small number of pieces of footwear for specific clients.

In 2001, Choo sold his half of the company to Robert Bensoussan of Equinox Luxury Holdings for $30 million. Jimmy Choo was then put up for sale in April after struggling to retain the status it held in the early 2000’s. Both Choo and Mellon departed in 2011 when JAB Luxury bought the firm for more than £500m.

Today, Jimmy Choo encompasses a complete luxury accessories brand. Women’s shoes remain the core of the product offer, alongside handbags, small leather goods, scarves, sunglasses, eyewear, belts, fragrance and men’s shoes. Jimmy Choo has a global store network encompassing more than 150 stores and is present in the most prestigious department stores worldwide.

This is what makes Jimmy Choo an interesting pairing with Michael Kors, as the former is known for its sky-high stilettos and glam, crystal-embellished designs, while the latter gravitates towards down-toearth leather goods and ready-to-wear.

Jimmy himself now concentrates on a very personal business, where he designs directly for clients in high-end couture. Jimmy Choo was awarded an OBE in 2002, and girls and women around the world continue to covet owning a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes! www.jimmychoo.com

2017 Ad Campaign

APRIL 2020 19

FEATURE

STUNNING BREITLING PREMIER BENTLEY MULLINER LIMITED EDITION Exclusive new watch marks the unique 17-year partnership between Bentley and Breitling

T

o celebrate its extraordinary partnership with Bentley Motors, Breitling has revealed a special limited edition watch, the Breitling Premier Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition. This exquisite new timepiece shares the inspiring values of Bentley’s design DNA as showcased in the pinnacle of luxury grand touring, the Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Convertible.

The new Breitling watch commemorates 17 years of collaboration – the longest-ever partnership between a watch brand and an automobile manufacturer – and focuses attention on Bentley’s Mulliner bespoke department which, since 1959, has crafted the world’s leading luxury car maker’s most unique tailor-made models.

A Breitling watch worthy of the Bentley and Mulliner names is a very special fusion between two brands attuned to the distinctive needs of their customers. The new chronograph has close links to the interior of the Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Convertible, the most luxurious GT ever designed, and particularly to the Breitling clock in the luxury

20 APRIL 2020

automobile’s dashboard.

The Breitling Premier Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition is limited to 1,000 pieces. It features a 42mm stainless steel case presented on a blue alligator leather strap echoing the Imperial Blue leather interior of the car. Its elegant silver dial recalls the Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Convertible’s dashboard clock. The watch boasts blue subdials – a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and a small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock – an indication of the Breitling Manufacturer Caliber 01, with an impressive power reserve of approximately 70 hours.

The dial features a white tachymeter scale on a blue inner bezel around the dial, with a red tachymeter inscription. The red second hand and centered 60-minute scale mirror the red stitching found throughout the interior cabin of the Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Convertible.

The links between the watch and the Continental GT Mulliner Convertible clock are further strengthened by their complementary sets of Arabic numerals: the dashboard clock features the numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9, while the watch has them at 1, 2,

About Breitling Since 1884, Breitling has established a global reputation for high-precision timepieces, its pioneering role in the development of the wrist chronograph, and its uncompromising commitment to design excellence. With the brand’s storied association with aviation, Breitling has shared the finest moments in humankind’s conquest of the skies. Renowned for its spirit of innovation, it has also earned a place of privilege in the worlds of science, sport, and technology. Breitling manufactures its own movements in-house and the quality of every watch is confirmed by its status as a COSC-certified chronometer, made in Switzerland

PREMIER B01 CHRONOGRAPH 42 BENTLEY MULLINER LIMITED EDITION 4, 5, 7, 8, 10 and 11. Sharing these numerals across these two pieces is a nod to the design DNA they share.

On the left side of the case is a plate with an engraved “Bentley” inscription, whose design is based on the engine spin dashboard found in historic Bentleys. Around the watch’s transparent sapphire caseback is an inscription saying “MULLINER EDITION – BREITLING – ONE OF 1000”. The Breitling Premier Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition is a COSCcertified chronometer.

Adrian Hallmark, Bentley Chairman and CEO, commented “The long-standing relationship between Bentley and Breitling is a reflection of the values we both share and our dedication to world-leading performance, luxury, innovation and refinement. The links between the new Breitling Premier Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition watch and Bentley’s Continental GT Mulliner Convertible can be seen in the exquisite engraving detail of the watch and the design features that reference the Breitling clock in the GT’s dashboard – a perfect display of Bentley Mulliner product craftsmanship.”

Georges Kern, Breitling’s CEO, says that the new chronograph underscores one of his brand’s most important partnerships: “The Premier Bentley Centenary Edition that we launched a year ago was warmly received, both by Bentley and Breitling fans.

The Breitling Premier Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition, with its clear links between Bentley’s and our DNA, is a logical next step in our shared story and it is also a testimony to Bentley Mulliner, whose

name is synonymous with heritage, craftsmanship and outstanding performance.”

While Breitling’s partnership with Bentley Motors can be traced back to 2002, there are historic links between the companies that go back even further. Willy Breitling, the visionary watchmaker and grandson of founder Léon Breitling, was a committed Bentley owner who, from the late 1940s, was a familiar sight on Swiss roads at the wheel of one of his beloved Bentleys.

Willy, a man with flawless design instincts and a stylish personal flair, could not have imagined driving another automobile.

For more information about the Breitling Premier Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition, please visit: www.breitling.com

WATCH MOVEMENT Caliber: Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 Diameter: 30 millimetres Depth: 7.2 millimetres Winder: self-winding mechanical, bidirectional with ball bearing Power reserve: approximately 70 hours Number of components: 346 Balance frequency: 28,800 a/h or 4 hertz Chronograph: columnwheel, vertical clutch, 1/4th second, 30-minute counter Display: hour, minute, second Certification: COSC-certified

CASE Material: stainless steel Diameter: 42 millimetres Height: 13.65 millimetres Water resistance: up to 10 bar (100 meters) Glass: sapphire, convex, double anti-reflective Case back: screwed steel, sapphire glass Crown: non screwlocked, two gaskets

DIAL/HANDS Silver with contrasting blue chronograph counters Super-LumiNova® luminescent hour and minute hands

STRAP Blue alligator leather strap with pin or folding buckle

Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition (1,000 pcs) with Silver dial, blue subdials, blue alligator strap with folding clasp CHF: 8,300 / GBP: 6,820 EUR: 8,100 / USD: 8,650 Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition (1,000 pcs) Silver dial, blue subdials, blue alligator strap with tang-type buckle CHF: 8,000 / GBP: 6,580 EUR: 7,900 / USD: 8,350 APRIL 2020 21

OUT & ABOUT

Taking dining to new heights with

LONDON IN THE SKY This summer, The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX

L

ondon in the Sky is an experience like no other; the unique open-air restaurant concept where guests dangle 100ft in the sky, is returning once again for its 2020

season.

This summer, daring diners will have the chance to eat at Sky Tables suspended 100ft above the ground, whilst enjoying unparalleled views of the capital’s skyline for a truly unforgettable experience.

Now in its tenth year, London’s most talkedabout dining experience has previously visited some of the capital’s most recognisable locations, including the Southbank and Tower Bridge. Summer 2020 marks its second season at the prestigious O2 Arena.

Guests at London in the Sky’s 22-seat tables can enjoy a range of specially-curated menus on one of eight flights a day, including breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, cocktails, wine and cheese and dinner.

So, whether you’re after an epic setting for a date night or the chance to treat friends or clients to an experience they’ll never forget, London in the Sky is sure to be the highlight of your summer!

On top of these flights, London in the Sky is proud to announce the return of its highlyacclaimed Sunday Sessions - all-day parties with celebrity DJs, live musicians and cocktails in the sky - along with a varied calendar of themed events and one-off flights to be introduced throughout the season. Details of these special events will be announced via Instagram and a weekly newsletter in the coming months The best selfie you will ever take!

London in the Sky flights run between 8:30am and 20:30pm from 1st May - 31st July.

Tickets start at £89 per person and corporate and group bookings are available.

For more information and bookings, visit londoninthesky.co.uk.

22 APRIL 2020

“Daring diners will have the chance to eat at Sky Tables suspended 100ft above the ground, whilst enjoying unparalleled views of the capital’s skyline”

Donna Engstrom is a self-taught, abstract expressionist. Driven by the power of words, her paintings are inspired by quotes, book passages and poetry. Color and texture are integral elements of her work, creating paintings full of energy and joy. The warm colors in ‘It’s Rhetorical’ glow with excitement and happiness. The cooler palette of the other pieces is a further exploration of mark making and color balance. ‘My goal, as an artist, is to create work that makes people feel positivity and wonder’. Engstrom’s mantra is ‘Good art does not have to match your sofa.’ Her paintings are the perfect accent to any room.

Engstrom’s work was recently seen in the January, February, and March issues of House & Garden UK magazine and she has work in both private and corporate collections.

Find out more: dj@donnajeanart.com www.donnajeanart.com Instagram: donnajeanart

hans johansson

Email: artelokation@gmail.com www.hansjohansson-lundeborg.com/wordpress

Title : Dante and Vergilius (paraphrase) Dimension: 130x97 cm Technique: 130 x 97 cm

FEATURE

8 Reasons to Choose an Exclusive Use Venue for your Wedding

W

hether you’re newly engaged or have been thinking about booking a wedding venue for some time now, you’ve no doubt done some venue research. As you’ll realise, there are several unique styles of wedding venues out there, all offering couples a different experience when it comes to their actual wedding day. The difference between non-exclusive and exclusive use venues may seem trivial during the wedding planning stages but, on your big day, it could add that little bit of extra something which every couple deserves. Exclusive use guarantees you your privacy for the duration of your wedding day. You’ll generally receive sole exclusivity of a wedding venue, the grounds, the staff and anything else you require. It means you can be sure that you’re not going to bump into anyone on the day that isn’t a guest, or a member of staff, at your wedding.

Some exclusive wedding venues will differ in terms of what they will provide within their exclusivity package. Hiring a blank canvas wedding

venue could mean that you need to bring in every wedding supplier yourself; from the tables, chairs, linen, catering team and more. Booking to have sole use of a wedding venue means that you and your guests will have the use of the whole property for the duration of the wedding. Feel like royalty for the day with a complete exclusivity where the only guests are the ones you have specially invited. Find a venue that has accommodation on-site too, and your wedding venue will be transformed into a special retreat for the duration of your celebrations.

If you’re unsure about how hiring an exclusive use wedding venue can enhance your wedding day, here are eight reasons which might just convince you to go for that exclusive use venue.

Privacy A wedding is a personal occasion for your family and friends, so it’s natural to want complete privacy to enjoy the day with only ‘your people’. There won’t be any strangers roaming around the venue staring while you’re all in your finery and you won’t find any strangers in the background when you’re flicking through your wedding photo album.

You will be able to choose exactly who you’ll be spending your day in the company of, giving your wedding the ultimate sense of intimacy.

Security Exclusive use venues tend to be a lot more secure and, with just your party on-site, it’s a lot safer and 24 APRIL 2020

“You will be able to choose exactly who you’ll be spending your day in the company of, giving your wedding the ultimate sense of intimacy”

you won’t have the fear of strangers gate-crashing your wedding reception.

Staff Exclusive wedding venues tend to lend themselves to better service because all of the staff at the venue are there to serve your party alone. That means you won’t have to queue up with strangers at the bar and you and your party will receive the undivided attention of the venue’s staff. It’s likely that the experienced staff will have seen every possible wedding-related mishap there is to see and they’ll know exactly how to rectify it; so you can feel safe in the knowledge that the happiest day of your life is being handled by the experts.

Travel From getting ready in the morning, to saying “I do” and have the last dance of the night, choosing exclusive venue hire means you don’t have to travel anywhere during your big day. Not needing to worry about travel makes everyone more relaxed. It also means there’s no need for taxis or designated drivers. You can keep the party going as long as you like, stay over and have breakfast together in the morning.

Attention When opting for an exclusive use venue, you can rest assured that you and your partner will be the centre of attention all day, without having to compete with other couples.

No Hidden Extras Exclusive use venues and all of their bonuses usually come as a package, so there are no hidden costs involved.

Location Some of the most beautiful venues in the country can be exclusively yours, but it’s not just the stunning barn or grand country house you’ll have, but the grounds and gardens too. Can you imagine celebrating in acres of rolling parkland, as Lord and Lady of the Estate? Amazing outdoor space could take your wedding to the next level.

“Few properties in England can claim to have been the home to two prime ministers, played host to George IV, Queen Victoria and the infamous Lady Caroline Lamb who introduced the Waltz to England in the Ballroom”

with a homely feel and endless privacy and security for an intimate atmosphere. It could just give you a wedding day that exceeds expectations and is unforgettable.

Set in 543 acres of idyllic Hertfordshire countryside, Brocket Hall has played host to a variety of special and important events. The elegant and romantic setting is the perfect location for your special day. The Brocket Hall Estate, designed by Richard Woods, with the meandering Broadwater Lake and charming Paine Bridge offers the perfect backdrop for your wedding photographs.

Few properties in England can claim to have been the home to two prime ministers, played host to George IV, Queen Victoria and the infamous Lady Caroline Lamb who introduced the Waltz to England in the Ballroom – which can seat from 50 – 150 guests for your wedding breakfast. The Ballroom is sumptuously decorated with fine paintings, including the stunning ceiling painted by Sir Francis Wheatley.

Your special day includes the traditional butler service, with our Head Butler and his team catering to your every need. There are 30 luxurious double bedrooms within Brocket Hall and a further 16 bedrooms in the Melbourne Lodge, sleeping a maximum of 88 guests on the estate.

On the Estate, we also have alternative venues to the Hall including our exclusive-use fine dining restaurant, Auberge du Lac (pictured above), and The Oak Room which is room-hire only.

For more information or to enquire about available dates please contact; weddings@brocket-hall.co.uk. 01707 368897

More Quality Time Being in the same venue for the duration of your wedding gives you more time with your guests and loved ones. It means the celebrations can last a lot longer too, as everyone can stay until it’s time to leave the following day. Since you’ll be at the venue for the duration of your celebrations, you can also build in extra time to capture more happy moments on camera too.

As you can see, there’s much more to selecting a venue than simply price and location. The benefits of having exclusive use of a wedding venue are genuinely compelling, so make sure you explore it as an option. Choosing an exclusive use wedding venue could add the perfect touch to your big day, APRIL 2020 25

FEATURE

Airbus teams up with Aston Martin

The ACH130 Aston Martin Edition, the first offering from the recently-announced partnership between Aston Martin Lagonda and Airbus Corporate Helicopters, was revealed at Courchevel in the French Alps.

T

his stylish special edition of the ACH130 helicopter comes equipped with a range of four interior and exterior designs generated by Aston Martin, which will delight helicopter owners and pilots who appreciate the pleasures of possessing and driving high performance bespoke luxury cars.

The aeronautical designers at Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) and the automotive designers at Aston Martin have worked closely together for over a year, marrying ACH’s key values of excellence, quality and service with Aston Martin’s commitment to beauty, handcrafting and automotive art to bring a new level of aesthetics and rigorous attention to detail to the helicopter market.

Available in four external liveries with complementary interiors, the helicopters are embellished with Aston Martin signature elements, starting with the iconic Aston Martin wings, which are embossed onto luxury leather features, tastefully positioned throughout the cabin. he Stirling Green-themed external scheme,

26 APRIL 2020

which is already flying on the first aircraft, features a painted gradient, which fades down into Jet Black on the underside of the helicopter with Skyfall Silver around the cowlings. Further external liveries are available with other Aston Martin paint colours including Xenon Grey, Arizona or Ultramarine Black exteriors.

Inside, the automotive-inspired cabin, which offers a higher level of comfort, is trimmed in Pure Black ultra-suede with a palette of selectable leathers comprising Oxford Tan, Pure Black, Cormorant and Ivory.

On the rear of the front seats the same brogue detailing that is found in a DB11 runs down the centre of the seat and the doors have been trimmed with leather to provide passengers with comfortable touch points during their flight. By using materials from the Aston Martin automotive palette the interior of this special edition of the ACH130 sits in harmony with the interior of Aston Martin sports cars.

Each of these special edition helicopters will have a plaque included on the instrument panel which shows the partnership logos, the edition number and the owner’s name, should they wish to have it included.

Aston Martin Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman, said: “We have our own set of automotive design principles but in recent years we have been learning how to apply our principles to other areas of design, such as architecture, motorcycles and now helicopters.

This first application of our design practices to a helicopter posed a number of interesting challenges but we have enjoyed working through them. Beauty is of vital importance to Aston Martin and to our customers and we think the ACH130 Aston Martin Edition is an inherently beautiful machine. It provided a wonderful canvas for our team to work on so we now look forward to seeing everybody’s reaction.”

The ACH130 Aston Martin Edition is available on request, for further information please visit: www.airbuscorporatehelicopters.com

“Inside, the automotive-inspired cabin, which offers a higher level of comfort, is trimmed in Pure Black ultrasuede with a palette of selectable leathers comprising Oxford Tan, Pure Black, Cormorant and Ivory”

T 020 8852 7343 | www.createforyou.co.uk

+44 (0) 208 290 6379

FEATURE

GAVIN GARDINER TO OFFER A FINE PAIR OF GUNS BY HOLLAND & HOLLAND Wednesday, April 22, 2020, Sotheby’s

A

fine pair of Ken Preater game scene engraved 12-bore “Royal de Luxe” model self-opening sidelock ejector guns, built in 1975 by Holland & Holland is among the highlights of Gavin Gardiner Limited’s sale of Modern & Vintage Sporting Guns on at Sotheby’s, New Bond Street. The guns have 28-inch chopper lump barrels and retain much of their original finish. They are expected to fetch £30,000-£40,000.

Also of note is a fine 12-bore “Bowood” model boxlock ejector gun, completed in 1981 as a limited edition to celebrate the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer by W & C Scott.

The gun is sold with a comprehensive file of original paperwork and receipts and appears unused (estimate: £1,200-£1,800).

The sale will include over 200 lots of fine sporting guns, rifle and shooting accessories, including a number of vintage guns, military firearms and a collection of heritage handguns.

Gavin Gardiner’s first sale of the year will also include a good selection of fine English and European sporting guns. A pair of 12-bore sidelever sidelock ejector guns by Stephen Grant & Sons is estimated at £5,000-£7,000, and a pair of 12-bore “Utility” model boxlock ejector guns, built with 25-inch barrels and retaining some original finish by 28 APRIL 2020

THE DETAILS For further information, please visit www.gavingardiner.com or call 01798 875300 You can follow Gavin Gardiner on Twitter @GavinGardiner Instagram @gavingardinerlimited Sotheby’s 34-35 New Bond Street, W1A 2AA www.sothebys.com

E.J. Churchill, carry an estimate of £3,000-£5,000.

Gavin Gardiner commented: “The pair were engraved by Holland and Holland’s head engraver, Ken Preater, with superbly realised scenes of game in landscapes and remain in excellent condition with perfect barrel dimensions. Preater specialised in this style and was responsible for many of the guns in Holland & Holland’s famed “Products of Excellence” series. The guns appear relatively little used.”

OUT & ABOUT

Hampton Court Palace Festival Announces world class line-up. 3-19 June 2020.

N

ow in its 28th year, Hampton Court Palace Festival is a truly special series of open-air concerts with artists performing in a 3,000-seat auditorium against the backdrop of Henry VIII’s stunning Tudor palace.

The world class line-up includes: • Brit Award nominees Bastille ReOrchestrated will launch the Festival on Wednesday 3 June.

• 80’s pop royalty Rick Astley will take to the stage on Friday 5 June.

• The Lighthouse Family will be performing for the first time on Saturday 6 June.

• Music legend Sir Tom Jones, with a career spanning over 50 years will perform on Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 June. With his vocal talent across a variety of musical eras and genres, the popular megastar appeals to all ages.

• International superstar Lionel Richie will take to the stage on Thursday 11 and Tuesday 16 June. Known for mega-hits such as Endless Love, Truly, All Night Long, Hello and Dancing on the Ceiling and The Commodores’ Three Times a Lady, Still and Easy.

• Dido will perform on Friday 12 June. Her No Angel album remains the top-selling debut by a British female artist worldwide.

• Global sensation Björn Again returns with a sensational show of much-loved ABBA songs and 70’s fun on Saturday 13 June.

• The 10 Grammy Award-winning George Benson is back with hits including Love All the Hurt Away, Turn Your Love Around, Inside Love, Lady Love Me (One More Time) and 20/20 will be gracing the stage on Friday 19 June.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see music icons up close and personal in the intimate setting of Hampton Court Palace.

30 APRIL 2020

VIP & Hospitality packages Arrive at the sumptuous Palace Gardens and enjoy a spot of picnicking in the spectacular surroundings - hampers are supplied by Fortnum & Mason and available to purchase when buying tickets online.

Relax and indulge in seasonal mouth-watering food from one of the most prestigious food stores in the world.

The exclusive Waterside Gazebos are a great way to add luxury to your evening, with dedicated waterside staff on hand to ensure you’re kept topped up and fulfilled on the night. Gazebos must be pre-booked ahead of the concert.

Exclusive dining and corporate entertainment packages in the palace’s spectacular state apartments begin with a welcome drink in the glorious East Front Gardens and exclusive access to the Palace’s magnificent state apartments. You will follow in the footsteps of Kings and Queens with an exceptional three-course dinner served where royalty themselves dined and entertained. Indulge in a setting of grandeur and flowing champagne and fine wines throughout the night, before taking your premium seats for the evening’s entertainment.

Guests are sure to leave with memories they’ll never forget.

THE DETAILS To purchase VIP and corporate packages call 0208 233 6701 or email hamptoncourtfestivalinfo @img.com (subject to availability).

General festival tickets can be purchased from www.hamptoncourtpalace festival.com (subject to availability).

Facebook @HamptonCourtPalaceFestival.

Twitter @HCPfestival Instagram @HCPfestival

FEATURE

BENTLEY MULLINER PRESENTS

THE CONTINENTAL GT CONVERTIBLE EQUESTRIAN EDITION

B

entley Mulliner has added to its new Collections portfolio with the creation of a truly bespoke Continental GT Convertible – the Equestrian Edition.

This one of a kind Continental GT Convertible embodies a myriad of distinctive features, building on the strengths of Bentley’s iconic open top Grand Tourer. Inspired by one of the greatest racecourses in the world and home to the prestigious event, The Cheltenham Festival, the sole example of the Equestrian Edition has been specially commissioned

by Bentley Bristol and hand built by Bentley Mulliner in Crewe. To celebrate the car’s inspiration, it was recently photographed at Jackdaws Castle – the famous state of the art equestrian training facility and home of Jonjo O’Neill Racing, just 10 miles from Cheltenham Racecourse.

Sumptuous embroidery and artisanal marquetry rarefies the Equestrian Edition. Horse and rider silhouettes adorn all four seats, that are finished in the aptly named sustainable Saddle hide. A Cumbrian Green secondary hide complements the bespoke theme. The same horse and rider silhouette accompanies Bentley Mulliner branding in the front fascia, where lavish gold detailing stylishly

32 APRIL 2020

accentuates the straight grain Walnut single veneer and box wood inlays.

Continuing the interior theme, the diamond quilting now synonymous with Bentley Mulliner is crafted utilising an authentic Tweed fabric, with a contrasting light blue stitch introducing a modern touch and providing a distinctive feature to the door inlays and rear quarter panels. Bentley Mulliner has applied their trademark branded treadplates to complete the bespoke interior of the Equestrian Edition.

To the exterior, a specially commissioned and distinctive shade of green called Spruce is paired with Blackline Specification, which replaces bright chrome with gloss black versions to all exterior brightware, bezels, radiator grill and exhaust outlets.

Bold 22-inch Mulliner Driving Specification wheels in gloss black complete the specification.

The car comes equipped with both suites of Bentley’s state of the art driver assistance technologies namely; Bentley Touring specification that includes Lane assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Bentley Safeguard Plus, Night vision and Headup display, and Bentley’s City Specification incorporating Top view camera, Traffic sign recognition, City assist, Pedestrian warning, Reversing traffic warning, Automatic dimming mirrors and Hands-free boot opening. www.bentleymotors.com

Bentley Mulliner Bentley Mulliner is renowned throughout the automotive world for crafting some of the most individual Bentleys ever created.

Bentley Mulliner is the birthplace of coachbuilding – the oldest automotive coachbuilder in the world.

Bentley Motors is the most sought after luxury car brand in the world.

The company’s headquarters in Crewe is home to all of its operations including design, R&D, engineering and production of the company’s four model lines, Continental, Flying Spur, Bentayga and Mulsanne.

The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury car brands such as Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best.

OUT & ABOUT

A Wealth of Elegance S

loane Street is internationally recognised as one of the world’s most exclusive shopping areas, attracting a global clientele spending vast amounts of money. Situated in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the street is almost a kilometre long and runs from Knightsbridge in the north to Sloane Square in the south.

Sloane Street’s origins can be traced back to 1777 when Charles Sloane, then Earl Cadogan, granted a lease to architect Henry Holland for the development of Hans Town – the area of fields between Knightsbridge and the King’s Road.

Holland created Sloane Street, Hans Place and later Sloane Square as well as designing the street layout, building houses and selling speculative building rights on the development.

Sloane Street remains part of the Cadagon Estate, which has been in existence since 1717 when Charles, 2nd Baron Cadogan married Elizabeth Sloane, daughter of Sir Hans Sloane, who had purchased the Manor of Chelsea in 1712.

The premier street is undoubtedly for the wealthy. Renowned for its elegant catwalk of iconic luxury brands, the street houses flagship stores from the world’s most prestigious brands including Giorgio Armani, Cartier, Gucci, Fendi, Hackett, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana (to name but a few!) all offering stylish collections from the runways of London, Milan, New York and Paris. Some of the finest jewellery, footwear and accessories in the world are located here such as Arije, Gina, Berluti, Graff, Hogan, Bottega Veneta and Bulgari.

Luxury brands are interspersed with chic townhouses, beautifully manicured gardens and characterful side streets. As one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, buying property costs a fortune. From grand terraces of white stucco houses in Lowndes Square to elegant crescents of period properties, portered mansion blocks and

34 APRIL 2020

“The street houses flagship stores from the world’s most prestigious brands” Image: Beppe Raso

neat conversions, this sought-after area contains some of the world’s most desirable residential homes currently on the market. A stunning 3 bed apartment is currently on sale through Oliver James for a cool £5.8million.

Sloane Street continues to evolve, with Cadogan, in partnership with the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, are investing £40million to transform the iconic Street and secure its future as a vibrant residential area and one of the world’s most beautiful luxury shopping destinations.

Further details can be viewed online at www.sloanestreetfuture.co.uk The three year development follows the transformation of Pavilion Road, a mews running parallel to Sloane Street and home to small, independent artisan shops – including a butcher, baker, grocer, cheesemonger and wine merchant.

An ice-cream shop, ‘General Store’, barber and fishmonger. www.cadogan.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

National Trust to open Parklands and Gardens for free Notice the calming effects of spring blossom

T

he National Trust is closing its houses, shops and cafes but aims, wherever possible to keep its parks, gardens and open spaces in the countryside and coastal regions open free of charge during coronavirus social distancing period.

Following the increasing numbers of safety measures advised by the government to limit the spread of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, The National Trust has announced that it plans to keep as many of its parks and gardens open and free of charge.

“The National Trust was founded 125 years ago for the benefit of the entire nation,” says the National Trust’s director-general Hilary McGrady.

“We want to honour our mission – to enable people and nature to thrive. Over the coming weeks we will do all that we can to keep on providing public benefit through caring for places and giving people access wherever possible.”

“While we will close our indoor areas to help fight the spread of coronavirus, we recognise that people are likely to need access to open space.”

This follows the UK government’s advice to stop non-essential contact with other people and avoid all unnecessary travel, known as social distancing.

Whilst social distancing, people should work from home when possible, spend less time in public places, and avoid social venues.

Self-isolating is a different measure, where people need to cut themselves off from the rest of the world, even avoiding leaving the house to buy food or essentials.

36 APRIL 2020

Spending time in nature can also improve your wellbeing. Research has shown that just 20 minutes could help to improve your mood. When the apple blossom is in bloom, you know that spring has truly arrived.

Apple Trees - Apple blossom appears from March-April and is white with a hint of pink. It grows in hedgerows and scrubland in moist, heavy soil. It’s a short tree with greyish-brown flecked bark and a gnarled (‘crabbed’) shape. Crab apple trees often indicate past human habitation – the apples can be used in cooking and the wood is good for carving and firewood.

Cherry Trees - Wild cherry produces small baubles of white flowers covering the tree in AprilMay with a confident flourish. It loves sunlight and fertile soil, typically growing singly in hedgerows or at woodland edges. The bark is a stunning reddishbrown marked with horizontal ‘scars’.

Blackthorn Shrubs - Blackthorn is one of the first shrubs to burst into flower in March. The white blossom appears before the leaves. The tree is short with smooth, dark brown bark and found in hedgerows and scrub in full sun. The tree can often last up to 100 years and traditionally was used for making walking sticks or shillelaghs in Ireland.

“Apple blossom appears from MarchApril and is white with a hint of pink. It grows in hedgerows and scrubland in moist, heavy soil”

Yummy Mummy magazine

Image: Holly Willoughby

YUMMY MUMMY

NEW ATTRACTION CELEBRATING DREAMWORKS ANIMATION’S TROLLS WORLD TOUR

Shrek’s Adventure! London Unveils first-look images of its new interactive experience: Find Your Beat

P

ut your hair in the air because an exciting new musical attraction is about to rock, pop and funk when it opens this month in London.

To celebrate the upcoming release of DreamWorks Animation’s new film, Trolls World Tour, Shrek’s Adventure! London is unveiling a new Trolls World Tour attraction: Find Your Beat.

Opening ahead of the Easter holidays, beginning Saturday 4th April, Find Your Beat will allow kids and their families to step into the rainbow-coloured world of the Trolls for the first time, where they will be immersed in a new musical walk-through experience.

Taking its cue from the much-anticipated new film Trolls World Tour (opening 13 April), in which Trolls Poppy and Branch discover that they are one of six Troll tribes scattered over six different lands, guests will be invited to discover which musical genre—and Troll Tribe—best fits their own style and personality, from Rock to Funk, Techno to Pop, and more.

Guests will listen, dance and sing at interactive music stations that coordinate to each unique Trolls Tribe. The attraction, complete with an amazing rainbow-coloured carpet, will provide fans with lots of photo opportunities, including a chance to meet Poppy and Branch in person during the Easter school holidays.

40 APRIL 2020

Richard Quincey, Head of Performance at Shrek’s Adventure! London, said: “We’re so excited to welcome kids and their families into the first DreamWorks Animation Trolls World Tour themed experience to launch in the UK. After visiting Far Far Away, guests will step into a rainbow-coloured world of glitter and song where they will meet characters from the movie and discover which of the many musical genres from the film best suits their own style.”

Shrek’s Adventure! London is a must-do family attraction where kids and their parents play their own part in a live-action adventure in Far Far Away, helping Shrek and his squad of DreamWorks characters defeat the evil Rumpelstiltskin.

The adventure begins as guests board a magical 4D flying bus with the loveable, yet mischievous Donkey. They then journey through Shrek’s Swamp, down Drury Lane and even pop by the Muffin Man’s House, where they become part of a brilliantly bonkers interactive escapade.

Advanced booking is recommended.

For more information visit: /www. shreksadventure.com/london Shrek’s Adventure! London is located on the South Bank close to Waterloo and Westminster station. Open seven days a week – times vary please check the website for the most up to date information.

YUMMY YUMMY MUMMY MUMMY

What age should you let kids start wearing make-up?

With an insistent tweenage daughter, Claire Spreadbury asks an expert when it’s OK for beauty rituals to begin.

C

hildren seem to grow up so fast.

Parents have been saying that for decades - but in 2020, when kids are so grown-up they’re leading the climate change movement, running a hectic social life and constantly surrounded by imagery on TV, social media and the internet, wanting to look a certain way can start seeming important at a young age.

I’m a fan of fashion and beauty, but I’m also keen on slobbing around in my comfies and wearing no make-up. Despite my ‘take it some days, leave it others’ attitude though, both my daughters are very interested in looks.

I remember my eldest, Rosie, gasping at a pair of red patent Mary Janes at the tender age of four. And when my youngest, Poppy - now seven - was allowed to wear a little blusher for her Christmas gymnastics stage show, she gazed lovingly at her reflection as she told me how ‘adorable’ she thought she looked.

42 APRIL 2020

Rosie is now 10, and desperate to have her own make-up. I’ve been struggling with the requests for a few months now, repeatedly telling her how beautiful she is without it - but apparently, she tells me, ‘everyone’ else has products of their own. One friend felt so sorry for her, she gave her a manky old used concealer stick as a ‘present’, which was kept hidden away in Rosie’s bedroom, until Pops grassed her up and I threw it in the bin...

So, is it time to succumb?

Should I let her have a little make-up stash of her own, or tell her to stop asking

until she’s a proper teenager?

“From the moment we first glimpse a glamorous woman carefully applying her lipstick, most of us know it’s something we want to try sooner rather than later,” says make-up artist and mum-of-two, Susan Fox. “But when is the right time to join in the age-old ritual of wearing make-up? The truth is, there is no hard-and-fast rule,” she notes, adding that teens and tweens all develop differently, and what fits for one might be different for another.

“From the age of 11 or 12, most teenagers are already using gloss, concealer and mascara,” says Fox. “And in the fast-paced world we live in, with so much emphasis on beauty and a myriad of YouTube tutorials at their fingertips, it’s hardly surprising teenagers often look way older than they are.

“I know every generation has gone through this, but we’re now faced with kids who have better knowledge, better products, and much better skills than we ever had. However, I do believe makeup before the age of 12 should be reserved for Halloween and dress-up games.

“It is so important to allow our children to enjoy the freedom of childhood.”

Starting out When and if the time comes, and your children want to start wearing make-up, it’s really important to talk to them. Ask them about it - what do they like about make-up, and why do they want to start wearing it?

If you don’t feel comfortable with them wearing anything too grown-up, you could compromise. Giving them a make-up bag containing tinted lip balm, some face and body moisturiser, and a brow and lash gel might make them incredibly happy, but will barely be noticeable to anyone else.

Don’t let make-up become a mask

issues going on.

“Get the inner beauty going on, and the outer beauty will be so much more fun.

“Make-up is a lifestyle choice. No one has to wear it. It’s really good for our skin to have make-up-free days too - not only to allow our skin to breathe, but also so we can be happy with the way we look naturally.”

Fox lists NYX as “a great affordable range, full of loads of colours”, while “Catrice is a budget-friendly option, with super products and fantastic choice”.

She also rates Barry M (especially for foundation) and Urban Decay (“It’s a bit more expensive, but their products really work well and their range is superb - it will satisfy even the most creative”).

You could pop along to a make-up shop or counter as well. Many offer makeover sessions, which can help teach your teens how to apply make-up, while recommending products appropriate for their age, skin type and colourings.

If kids are going to start wearing make-up, they need to ensure they’re ready to properly look after their skin, particularly when they’re at an age when hormones are raging, and wearing make-up can cause spots if it’s not removed correctly.

“The Body Shop Tea Tree range has been around for years but it’s a fantastic product for teenage skin, as well as being very budget-friendly,” says Fox. “They also do moisturisers with an SPF, which is so important to protect the skin.”

For those able to splash the cash, she recommends Elemis’ Super Food skincare range, and says the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive 3-step Routine is a very good starter kit for teenage skin.

Susan Fox’s top tips for teenage skin and make-up 1. When cleansing, use clean cotton pads, as using a cloth can harbour bacteria.

2. Always keep all your brushes spotless, especially as it’s so easy to transfer bacteria. Use disposable sponges as opposed to a brush when applying foundation, if you’re suffering with troubled skin.

3. Make sure your face and hands are clean at all times - it’s amazing how much we touch our face over the course of an average day.

4. Use antibacterial wipes to keep your phone clean, as old make-up transfers on to the screen.

5. Pillowcases and towels need to be changed once a week.

6. Always take your make-up off before going to bed. A gentle facial wash or cleanser, used with plenty of lukewarm water, is way kinder to your skin than micellar water or make-up wipes, as these can dry your skin out.

7. Drink lots of water during the day to keep hydrated.

8. Eat a healthy diet, with plenty of fresh veg and fruit, to keep skin looking clear and healthy.

As parents, it’s important to guide our kids, while at the same time not taking away their creativity and confidence, says Fox. “Being a make-up artist, I wanted to let my girls enjoy make-up, and when they insisted on using the black eyeliner on the inside of the eye waterline, I left them to it - only to be asked a year later why I let them out like that! Trial and error, ladies!”

Do instil body confidence in your kids whenever you can. Some might want to wear make-up because they’re not happy with themselves.

“There is no doubt make-up can give confidence when a little extra is needed,” notes Fox, “however, when it starts to become a mask, or hours are being taken to apply it every day, then it might be a good idea to have a chat and make sure there are no other APRIL 2020 43

YUMMYMUMMY MUMMY YUMMY

Avoiding pre-eclampsia Obstetrician Dr Pat O’Brien discusses how pregnant women can take steps to avoid developing the potentially dangerous condition pre-eclampsia. words: Lisa Salmon

I

had pre-eclampsia in my first pregnancy, and I’ve just found out I’m pregnant again. What can I do to reduce the risk of getting it during this pregnancy?

Speaking after a large study found eating a diet rich in vegetables and fish is associated with a lower risk of a pregnant woman developing high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia, consultant obstetrician Dr Pat O’Brien, spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), says: “Pre-eclampsia occurs when the placenta doesn’t work properly. It usually occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy and is a combination of raised blood pressure and protein in urine; blood tests may show the liver, kidneys and clotting systems are affected too. Although it’s usually mild, easily managed and has very little effect on pregnancy, it can sometimes develop into a more serious illness which can be life-threatening for both the mother and baby.

“Around one in six women who’ve had preeclampsia will get it again in a future pregnancy.

A woman should be given information about her individual risk of developing pre-eclampsia in a future pregnancy and about any additional care she may need. She should take low dose aspirin (75mg or 100mg a day), starting before 15 weeks of pregnancy. This will significantly reduce her chances of developing pre-eclampsia again.

“A woman has a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia if her blood pressure was high before pregnancy, her blood pressure was high in a previous pregnancy and/or she had a medical problem or a condition that affects the immune system. If a woman has any of these risk factors, she will be advised by her doctor to take low-dose aspirin.

48 APRIL 2020

“The importance of other factors is less clear, but a woman is more likely to develop pre-eclampsia if it’s her first pregnancy, her last pregnancy was more than 10 years ago, she’s very overweight, her mother or sister had pre-eclampsia during pregnancy and/or she’s carrying more than one baby. If she has more than one of these risk factors, she may also be advised to take low-dose aspirin.

“More recently, it’s been shown that early in pregnancy a combination of a blood test, ultrasound scan and factors in a woman’s history can predict her risk of developing pre-eclampsia later in pregnancy. If a woman is at increased risk, she should take low-dose aspirin.

“High blood pressure and pre-eclampsia can result in harmful complications for mother and baby. The latest study findings are encouraging as it shows there are additional steps a woman can take to reduce her risk of these conditions by eating healthily. It’s also vital that women and their partners are encouraged to manage their weight and to have a healthy diet ideally before conception, to ensure the healthiest possible pregnancy and best start to their child’s life.”

“A woman has a higher risk of developing preeclampsia if her blood pressure was high before pregnancy, her blood pressure was high in a previous pregnancy and/or she had a medical problem or a condition that affects the immune system”

YUMMY MUMMY

The Enduring Appeal of Winnie-The-Pooh’s Wisdom WORDS: Abi Jackson

A

s anyone who’s spent time on the internet will know, there are lots of inspirational quotes and affirmations rattling around in cyber space.

From carefully crafted memes with illustrated backdrops, to basic Tweets that rack up likes and shares; we can’t get enough of comforting, empowering and heart-warming sayings - but one of the most popular sources might at first seem an unlikely one.

Sure, the words of Gandhi and Rumi pop up a lot, along with contemporary wisdom super stars like Brene Brown and Dolly Parton (seriously, a true voice of reason). A very significant proportion though can be credited to none other than a small yellow bear named Pooh.

50 APRIL 2020

“I can remember my dad reading Winne-thePooh to me as a child, I remember the book itself, the voices he’d make to dramatise the characters, and how the stories have stayed with me into adulthood.”

Shereen Low, 40, a journalist from London, incorporated a beloved Pooh extract into her

L

ondon-born A.A. Milne had been a prolific writer long before Pooh Bear hit the scene, inspired by his own real-life son Christopher Robin and his stuffed toy bear (originally called Edward). But once the first Winnie-the-Pooh collection was published in 1926, its success defined Milne’s name as one of the most popular children’s authors of all time - and our love for Pooh, Piglet and co has well and truly endured.

Nearly a century on, the original tales have been translated into more than 50 languages and never gone out of print: Pooh and Christopher Robin’s adventures in Hundred Acre Wood are still a solid bedtime story choice. But it’s not just kids keeping the honey-loving bear alive. It’s us grown-ups, who still find deep comfort in Pooh and his pals’ sweet philosophies.

Harriet Collins, 35, a teacher from Dorset - and also my sister! - is one of the biggest Pooh Bear fans I know (unsurprisingly, we shared the same childhood bookshelves). Although her own words are endlessly buoying, in many low moments she’s propped me up with a perfectlytimed Winnie-the-Pooh quote.

One of her favourites - ‘Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think’ (Christopher Robin to Pooh) - hangs on a wall in a print, a gift from a friend during a challenging fertility journey. And while those words helped her weather the storms, she chose another snippet (this time a quote of Pooh’s) to mark the next chapter. “’Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart,’ was the opening line to my Christening speech, celebrating my beautiful, tiny, miracle twin babies being born. I was just bursting with pride,” Collins explains. The ‘braver than you believe’ quote, she adds, “has become my mantra in all things, and again something I want for my girls.

wedding speech - ‘If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you’ - and a quick look at Etsy and Pinterest is all it takes to see Pooh quotes star for all occasions.

Pooh calls himself a ‘bear of very little brain’, but as his fans know dearly, he is incredibly wise and has a lot to teach us.

He knows friendship is more important than status and possessions (‘A friend is one of the nicest things you can have and one of the best things you can be’), and his stories embodied the value of simple joys, gratitude and mindfulness long before they became ‘trends’ (‘Don’t underestimate the value of doing nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering’).

One of my favourite things about Pooh and co is that they have their priorities right (“It’s more fun to talk to someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like, ‘What about lunch?’”), and how they deal so simply and beautifully with each other’s off days and moments of doubt and worry. No judging, no over-thinking, no attempting to fix and solve everything. Well, apart from with a stroll, a nap and a bit of honey perhaps.

‘I don’t feel very much like Pooh today,’ said Pooh.

‘There, there,’ said Piglet. ‘I’ll bring you tea and honey until you do.’

BABY CLOTHES WITH ZIPS

www.zippyup.com

@zippy.up

YUMMY MUMMY

HOLLY WILLOUGHBY IS VOTED

BEST-DRESSED CELEBRITY MUM HERE’S WHY SHE’S SUCH A STYLE ICON

The TV presenter beat the likes of Victoria Beckham and the Duchess of Cambridge, says Katie Wright.

R

ecently, eBay conducted a survey on ‘school run’ fashion and asked 1,500 mothers who they thought was the UK’s best-dressed celebrity mum.

It should come as no surprise that Holly Willoughby - whose personal style is so popular she can cause items to sell out in a matter of minutes when she wears them on telly - came out on top, taking 30% of the vote.

In second place with 17% was the Duchess of Cambridge, who’ll be taking Princess Charlotte to school for the first time this month, while Victoria Beckham and Emma Willis each scored 15% of the vote.

52 APRIL 2020

Willoughby shared an Instagram post yesterday as she dropped off son Chester for his first day of school, writing that she was “full of a whole host of emotions watching him walk through the classroom door”.

The mum-of-three didn’t disappoint with her school-run style either, wearing a chic grey blazer, pink printed shirt and a cool leopard print crossbody bag.

But it’s Willoughby’s on-screen outfits that fans love the most.

In fact, the 38-year-old gets so many comments from viewers asking where the clothes are from that she always makes a point of sharing her ensembles

“The mum-of-three didn’t disappoint with her school-run style, wearing a chic grey blazer, pink printed shirt and a cool leopard print cross-body bag”

on Instagram with the tag #hwstyle and listing where items are from.

On the whole, her style is typically feminine - a pretty printed dress that’s slightly cinched at the waist is a HW staple.

Whether it’s floaty and midi length or an A-line mini, the shape really suits her figure.

Similarly, if the bubbly blonde wears a skirt, she always chooses one that emphasises her waist, often pairing a floaty midi style with a fine knit jumper.

As for shoes, Willoughby keeps it simple with single-strap sandals in summer and an array of ankle boots in winter. That’s one of the major reasons she’s such a style icon - simplicity.

Focusing on block colours and clean lines (with very few accessories) means that whether she’s sat on the This Morning sofa or being team captain on Celebrity Juice, Willoughby never overdoes it.

Likewise, when the occasion calls for something a bit more glam, Willoughby knows how to bring the glitz.

While presenting Dancing On Ice, she gave us 10 weeks of incredible floor-length gowns, showcasing everything from powder pink Peter Langner to sexy black Versace.

The stylish star always delivers on the red carpet, too, and has a penchant for fairy-tale princess frocks.

Designer dresses aside, if you want to get the #hwstyle look, it’s actually quite accessible, because Willoughby tries to wear high-street pieces as much as possible.

She recently partnered with Marks & Spencer on the Holly Loves edit, showcasing a selection of pieces each season that get the HW seal of approval.

The summer collection includes a cream A-line denim mini skirt, a monochrome midi dress and linen belted shorts - we expect the autumn edit will be unveiled soon.

As for knitwear, Willoughby wears a lot of jumpers from J Crew and Pure Collection, while her dresses and skirts are from brands like Reiss, And

“The stylish star always delivers on the red carpet, too, and has a penchant for fairy-tale princess frocks”

Other Stories and Oasis.

Footwear is the only area where the presenter has rather expensive taste, favouring the like of Stuart Weitzman for suede court heels. But she also sometimes chooses high-street brands like Office.

With Holly back on This Morning, there’s lots more #hwstyle to look forward to this autumn, so keep your eyes peeled for more fashion tips from the UK’s best-dressed mum.

APRIL 2020 53

YUMMY MUMMY

KONNIE HUQ: ‘Women shouldn’t feel guilty for finding time to exercise’ As the presenter and author teams up with Parkrun, Jenny Stallard finds out why she believes mums need to prioritise fitness.

W

hen it comes to exercise, we can all be a bit mercurial, hitting the gym religiously and then falling off the wagon when something else takes over. And ‘something else’ can be anything from work and home life, to parenting.

But one form of exercise that seems to be uniting the world is parkrun. At 9am every Saturday, thousands line up to take part in a free, marshalled 5k run, walk or stroll in local parks and open spaces.

Parkrun is a hugely popular activity - there are 696 Saturday 5k parkruns in the UK and more than 6.5 million people have registered worldwide.

Anyone can register, and it’s free, with no judgement on how fast you run, if you stop for a bit, or even give up halfway.

But while there are more women registered than men, many of them fail to turn up on the day. A new partnership between Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign and parkrun for International Women’s Day follows the discovery that 36% of women who register for parkrun fail to attend on the day.

One woman who is aiming to change that is author, TV presenter and screenwriter Konnie Huq. 54 APRIL 2020

“Women can end up not giving themselves ‘permission’ to exercise, while their husbands or partners do, Huq adds. “In a partnership, often the onus is on the female to do the childcare and domestic chores.

Even if we don’t like to admit it, that’s how it works. All my mum friends, their husbands go for a run or a bike ride and don’t think twice about it, but the women feel guilty. It just shouldn’t be like that.”

As part of the new partnership, she is preparing for her own parkrun initiation and encouraging other women to take part too.

Speaking ahead of the event, she confesses that her husband Charlie Brooker finds time for exercise when she doesn’t. “My husband goes running regularly, whereas I do nothing! I am that person, where everything I do, I try to do between 9 and 3, whereas the dads don’t,” says Huq. Women can end up not giving themselves ‘permission’ to exercise, while their husbands or partners do, Huq adds. “In a partnership, often the onus is on the female to do the childcare and domestic chores. Even if we don’t like to admit it, that’s how it works. All my mum friends, their husbands go for a run or a bike ride and don’t think twice about it, but the women feel guilty. It just shouldn’t be like that.”

She believes women are more prone to put off exercise because of the rest of the things on their life to-do list. It’s not just women who are mums, but all women, she says.

“Lots of the barriers are subtle, it’s institutionalised stuff. We found that the number one issue is fear of judgement. It can be daunting if you’re not a regular gym-goer or haven’t been shown the ropes before. That’s one obstacle, but there’s also confidence - you may have issues over body confidence.”

Huq can relate to those who don’t get round to doing parkrun - she is one of the thousands who have signed up but never made it on a Saturday morning. It’s not just about feeling fit enough, but about feeling like you fit in, too, she says.

“I think physical and mental health come hand in hand. It’s well known that the more you do, the more you want to do, because you’re in that mindset. But mentally, it’s all about routine.”

Take, for example, the time Huq and another mum friend decided that once their children were at school, they’d go to the local park and use the free equipment provided there for a workout. “We got into a habit, but then it was half term or Christmas holidays and before you know it, you’re out of practice,” she confesses.

Parkrun helps with that because you can register and then just turn up. “The fact that anyone can come, if you get a gang of people, it can be a laugh and a social thing,” says Huq. “If you want to get back into sport, you can see how quickly you can do it. It’s whatever you want it to be, really.”

And if you’re feeling like a newbie, she has a revelation for you. “I’ve never done parkrun!” laughs Huq and, referring to that 36% of sign ups, “I’m one of ‘the’ women!”

Sign up to take part at parkrun.org.uk

56 APRIL 2020

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE A P RIL 2 0 2 0

THE FINEST SCHOOLS IN your area

EDUC ATION

Championing Sports & Wellbeing with Queen Ethelburga’s

R

ecently recognised by the Tes Independent School Awards 2020, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate is demonstrating its commitment to excellence and participation in sport, and promoting health and wellbeing with its students, through an innovative approach.

The Collegiate, based in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, promotes healthy lifestyle choices within a specially developed curriculum and co-curricular opportunities. Students develop their levels of responsibility, resilience and leadership through sports participation and are challenged to achieve at the highest level.

The curriculum is supported by an experienced and dedicated team of 30 sports staff and coaches, catering to all abilities and encouraging students

58 APRIL 2020

“The Collegiate, based in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, promotes healthy lifestyle choices within a specially developed curriculum and co-curricular opportunities”

to engage with the many and varied opportunities on offer, such as: archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, cheerleading, cricket, cycling, dance, fencing, fitness, football, gymnastics, hockey, martial arts, netball, rounders, rugby, spinning, swimming, table tennis, tennis, trampolining, volleyball and wrestling.

The Collegiate’s THRIVE@QE programme has been similarly developed, with the aim of improving mental health amongst students.

A key aspect of the Pastoral Care provision at QE, THRIVE@QE consists of a range of sessions, activities and workshops all aimed at promoting and supporting the well-being of its students.

The programme is delivered from a purpose built centralised Pastoral Care area, which offers a comfortable and welcoming space, open seven days a week, where students can receive support or have time-out.

Steven Jandrell, Principal of the Collegiate said: “Our great commitment to students’ health and well-being is supported by a specifically developed curriculum to ensure that every child is introduced to a wide variety of activities. All of our students are encouraged to be active and understand the benefits of healthy pursuits, such as sport and exercise, to their wellbeing. Participation is key and we are very proud of the level of commitment we inspire across all areas.”

The Collegiate is an ‘Excellent’ rated, vibrant and supportive school community, welcoming day students from 3 months to 19 years and boarders from 6 years to 19 years. www.qe.org

EDUC ATION

MODERN BOARDING T

his academic year Cranleigh celebrates 20 years of full co-educational boarding.

Lots of changes have taken place over the last two decades under three Headmasters. Girls first joined the boy’s houses at sixth form in the 1990s, there are now four dedicated girls’ houses to match the four boys’ houses and the genders take part in every aspect of school life together. Academic lessons and some sports are mixed sex, pupils all eat together in the dining hall and cheer each other on in house activities. Each house is paired with one of the opposite sex, so there is great support for every house competition, from hockey to chess. But the houses themselves are single sex spaces where pupils can feel completely at home, equipped with comfortable furniture and state of the art kitchens and bathrooms.

Deputy Head Pastoral, Dr Andrea Saxel, says, “The paired houses provide that sense of family and togetherness that makes the school special, and the fact that it is a small school with less than 700 pupils means that everyone gets to know one other. It makes the environment very much more supportive.

Modern boarding is all about the children having opportunities they would not have outside of our environment, they have time to find the things they are passionate about. The children who board here are really making the most of their school day. Rather than being stuck in a car commuting to school they are out on the pitches and in the studios rehearsing, or attending evening lectures from visiting speakers or simply hanging out with friends in the boarding house.” Boarding at Cranleigh is weekly, so pupils aged 13-18 arrive on Sunday evening and stay in school until they’re collected by parents after matches on Saturday. Around 70% of the 670 pupils board, and even day pupils generally stay until after prep at 8.45pm because there is so much to pack into the day.

At Cranleigh Prep School the boarding is flexible, pupils aged 7-13 are encouraged to try boarding and can stay for just one night a week or five.

Boarders return on Monday morning and around one third of the school community of 340 pupils flexi board. A gentle start to boarding in this cosy environment can often be easier than boarding for the first time later on, when school life is busier and regimes less flexible. Neil Brooks, Cranleigh Prep’s Headmaster, says “We welcome boarders of all ages.

Some start on just one night a week and many will go on to flexi or weekly board as they move up the school. Pupils, particularly those arriving at 11+, are advised to build up to weekly boarding in their final two years if they are planning to board at their senior school at 13+. Boarders benefit both socially and academically from our nurturing boarding environment.” www.cranleigh.org

60 APRIL 2020

“The paired houses provide that sense of family and togetherness that makes the school special, and the fact that it is a small school with less than 700 pupils means that everyone gets to know one other. It makes the environment very much more supportive”

EDUC ATION

High fliers H

aving chosen a less than cash-soaked career in teaching, the financial investment market remains an almost entirely closed book to me. But one concept from the world of stocks and shares has huge resonance in education right now – the ‘flight to quality’, namely what happens in the financial markets during times of uncertainty or instability when the smart money pours from speculative, higher-risk investments into reputable, long-established safe havens such as gold or US government bonds.

Now the same thing is happening in higher education. The dramatic expansion in undergraduate places in the UK and the disruptions caused by innovations such as tuition fees, degree apprenticeships and ‘conditional-unconditional offers’ has led to real uncertainty about the true value of degrees and the benefits of going to university at all. And, less confident than any solid degree from any decent university is a rock-solid ticket to the middle classes, young people are gravitating to quality, well-established degrees that offer a secure pathway to professional life.

Courses such as law, architecture, pharmacology and radiology have all seen increased applications, but the highest ‘flight to quality’ by far is towards medical, dental and veterinary school.

Applying to medical school and undergraduate dentistry and veterinary courses has never been more competitive or more complex. Bristol’s Medical School receives 14 applicants per place, at Exeter it is 11 per place and Edinburgh Vet School gets a dozen applicants per place. Entrance requirements have increased steadily from ABB in my day to as high as A*AA today. Some medical schools will not consider applicants who have retaken any part of their A-levels, whilst others have announced that if you apply after a prior degree, realistically you should have achieved first class honours.

Desperate to allocate their golden tickets as fairly as possible, the universities apply an idiosyncratic range of criteria and qualifying tests to choose

62 APRIL 2020

Brian Schofield, Acting Head of Higher Education explains how Hurst College supports its students on their ‘flight to quality’ to study medical, dental and veterinary courses.

between the queue of candidates. There are aptitude tests, interview tasks and, particularly for aspiring vets, a brutal requirement to complete work experience. It can feel as if applying to join one of the clinical professions has become a full-time job in itself.

Which is why we devote so much time and energy to our medics, dentistry and vets programme. Our team of specialist advisers offer students the best advice on where to apply, and provide rigorous preparation for personal statement writing, aptitude tests and interviews. It starts early, as Year 11 students are invited to attend talks and presentations on medical careers, current affairs in the sector and an introduction to ethics. Sixth Formers receive regular sessions on medical ethics, situational judgement, current affairs, imaging methods, international systems and practice business models. They take part in a medics and vets careers ‘speed dating’ session, a discussion with a local GP, an online course via The Medic Portal and a presentation from a postgraduate medic on their experience of applying to university. There are also practice sessions, with experts in medical/ veterinary/dentistry careers, for multiple mini interviews, Oxbridge-style interviews and a panel interview. Students have one-to-one sessions with our careers advisors for their UCAS applications and personal statements, and we provide support on highly selective universities as well as other routes into medicine.

The programme is hard work for our students but it pays off. Last year 85% of our aspiring medics and vets successfully secured an offer from at least one university and 100% were called to interview.

We celebrate every offer, as the great achievement it undoubtedly is. Watching these young people work so hard for their goal serves as a further reminder, if required, that, however gratifying it might be to moan about snowflakes and millennials, we probably had it a little easier in our youth. www.hppc.co.uk

“Applying to medical school and undergraduate dentistry and veterinary courses has never been more competitive or more complex”

EDUC ATION

70 APRIL 2020

We believe that tuition is best led by professionals.

That is why all of our personal tutors are experienced and qualified teachers, who plan each tutorial with the care and attention of a lesson.

We offer a range of support from school entrance examinations through to GCSEs and A levels. As subject specialists you can rest assured that our teachers not only have expert subject knowledge, but also detailed examination experience.

In addition, we run popular revision seminars for a range of ages and subjects to help our students achieve their potential.

Visit argenteducation.co.uk to find out more

What our parents say: “Argent are a young talented group who provide excellent tutoring over a wide range of subjects to all ages and instil confidence in both students and parents alike” Peter

“My daughter attended an 11+ revision seminar and really enjoyed the day. She came away feeling much more confident and with a clearer understanding in the areas she was having problems with” Ninya

“Great tuition to prepare for the scholarship exams in Harrow and Eton. Enriching and fun classes in Philosophy and applied ethics. Online works perfectly” Ksenia

OUT & ABOUT

72 APRIL 2020

THE LUXURY

travel GUIDE

– Heading out of London to explore the rest of the world – i m a g e : Z URICH

LUXURY TRAVEL

The secrets of Amsterdam architecture. See it on the Hidden Gems walk (E62.33/£53pp).

Seeing Red No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without at least a short stroll through the Red Light District.

Formerly known as The Wallen, the historical area has a racy past and one that evokes a lot of questions and curiosity. It’s also a corner of the city heavily under threat with tour groups being banned from next year, but it’s still possible to discover the truth of Amsterdam’s most infamous enclave and the women who work there. The intimate Hidden Gems walk (E60.83/£52pp), led by a city local, is a rare opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of this polarising industry in a way that’s both revealing and, more importantly, respectful.

Paddle Power

Despite grumblings of overtourism, there are still ways to find hidden corners of this popular city break destination.

T

hey say the more the merrier, but that might not strictly be the case in Amsterdam.

With more than 19 million people visiting last year alone, overtourism is a hot topic for many of the 850,000 residents of Europe’s most liberal and tolerant capital. Local politicians are calling for a reversal of the ‘Disneyfication’ of the city, which begs the question: Should we all stay away? “Absolutely not,” says Nick Boulos, travel writer and founder of city adventure website MakeMyDay (makemyday. travel). “We all have a duty to travel more responsibly and that means thinking more creatively and engaging with a destination in a more original way.” With that in mind, here’s Boulos’ pick of the most original experiences that will ensure you escape the crowds and discover a secret side to Amsterdam...

74 APRIL 2020

Escape to the country Famously as flat as a pancake, the Dutch countryside is not only a complete joy to cycle but also a revelation in its beauty and charm. The Cycle The Country (E34/£29) bike tour reveals some of the best and most picturesque countryside that awaits just beyond the city limits. The route is leisurely, covering 30km (18.5 miles) through quiet villages, fields filled with cows and windmills, and glorious coastal pathways with sea breezes that will put a real spring in your step.

Around the world Decades of immigration from places are far flung as Indonesia and secretive Suriname in South America has changed the very fabric of Amsterdam and the Multicultural Marvel tour (E68/£58pp) celebrates its multicultural present through its cuisine. Not only will you discover emerging neighbourhoods, including Indische Buurt, but you’ll also hear stories and sample delicious delicacies from individuals and communities that have settled here hoping for a new life, including a sit down with an Iraqi greengrocer and a portion of mango hummus that will change your life.

Northern Light While the vast majority of visitors can be found blushing in the Red Light District and queuing outside Anne Frank’s house, very few have heard of the NDSM Wharf district. Even fewer visit.

This former shipyard, located a 20-minute ferry ride away from the city centre, closed in 1984 and remained empty until squatters moved in during the 1990s. It’s since become a thriving cultural centre, with warehouses converted into studios covered with bold murals, trendy waterside cafes and fine examples of early 20th century Amsterdam

The canals of Amsterdam played a crucial role in the city becoming the wealthiest in the world during the fabled Golden Age. This is your chance to explore them like never before - on a stand-up paddleboard (Paddle Power tour from E50/£43).

Perfect for all levels, including wobbly complete beginners, this guided tour covers around 5km of quiet waterways while taking in sights such as the only surviving windmill in the city centre, old spice warehouses, an 18th century cargo ship and even some elephants (you’ll paddle past the zoo, so keep your eyes peeled).

These experiences and more are available from MakeMyDay (makemyday.travel).

Eurostar (eurostar.com) offers direct services to Amsterdam from London St. Pancras from £35 one-way. Double rooms at the Victoria Park Plaza (parkplaza.co.uk) start from £180 with breakfast.

LUXURY TRAVEL

ARCTIC BATH SWEDEN’S COLD THERAPY SPA HOTEL Surrounded by forest and river, this fairy-tale property is one of the most exciting openings of the year, says Sarah Marshall. spa floats or freezes in Swedish Lapland’s Lule River - depending on the season. An architectural masterpiece which demands deep pockets, it’s destined to grace multiple Instagram feeds. But a commitment to it’s cultural context makes 2020’s most exciting hotel opening much more than a pretty face.

The not-so-chilling story As synonymous as the sauna is with Finnish culture, taking a cold bath is at the core of Swedish wellbeing. The pair go together, in fact, like ying and yang: diametrically opposing but complementary in so many ways.

Based on the teachings of 19th century Bavarian priest Sebastian Kneipp, who cured his tuberculosis by taking regular river dips, there’s a theory switching between hot and cold can boost your immune system. Contrary to popular belief, the cold can be good for your health.

The idea to create a hotel dedicated to the wellness tradition started with a conversation 10 years ago over dinner at neighbouring Treehotel, an equally striking and fantastical project featuring cabins suspended between the pine trees.

F

or as long as I can remember what it feels like to shake and shiver, I’ve been taught to fear the cold. Always wrap up warm.

Don’t leave home without a coat. And never, ever go out with wet hair.

Even the fact a cold is called a cold seems a little unfair. Why should a temperature drop get the blame for sneezing and a snotty nose? And since when did the weather become contagious - can you really catch a chill?

A subject of superstitious old wives’ tales more fearsome than the bogeyman, we’ve been conditioned to dread and detest “the cold”. There’s even a name for extreme cases - frigophobia, where sufferers believe sub-zero conditions could lead to death.

But what if we were to turn the tables and embrace the very thing that scares us?

“There’s nothing to be frightened of,” assures therapist Nina Medin, as I slowly crunch through ice and slip into a skin-prickling pool of 4C river water - the centrepiece of new highly-hyped, highend design hotel Arctic Bath.

Clad with logs - like a doughnut sprinkled with hundreds and thousands - the property’s circular

76 APRIL 2020

“There’s a theory switching between hot and cold can boost your immune system”

LUXURY TRAVEL

Bertil Harstrom, the architect responsible for the outrageous Bird’s Nest (a tangle of twigs with beds), had ambitions to build a cold bath in an imaginative and innovative style. “He spent years searching for the right location,” says AnnKathrin Lundqvist, an interior designer and one of Arctic bath’s cofounders. “Watching how the Lule River flowed and how the ice formed and melted.”

Developing a spa addiction Sauna etiquette is second nature to Scandinavians, but for many of us, it’s a mystery. A SaunaGus spa ritual is the perfect introduction. Moving between Arctic Bath’s wood pellet-fuelled saunas, Nina throws essential oils mixed with water onto hot rocks and circulates the steam by swinging a towel above her head.

I’m invited to breathe and meditate before heading outside to the cold bath, a circuit which becomes addictive after a couple of days. Starting with a tentative toe wriggle, I soon progress to full immersion, tilting my head back and gazing at the stars. Eventually, I even manage a short swim.

The feeling? Like a million electrodes pulsing through my body; my mind cleared of all thoughts bar one. As Nina explains: “When your body kicks into survival mode, that’s when you really see results.”

At present, the spa has only one treatment room (although there are plans to build a separate building in the next few years), with a menu of facials and massages curated by eco and vegan Swedish skincare brand Kerstin Florian.

Sleeping with dreamy designs From bespoke, pollutant-free, organic cotton swimsuits (every guest gets one; you can’t wear your own), to furnishings supplied by classic Swedish brands, every design detail of the property has been finessed with meticulous care.

There are 12 rooms, divided between water and land - all with endlessly-pleasing, spine-tingling views. On land, larger split-level cabins can sleep up to five, with spiral staircases leading to a mezzanine.

Warm honey-toned lighting and use of natural materials are as comforting as a cuddle, while a sedum roof signifies a change in seasons with an array of budding flowers.

Suited to two, smaller water rooms also have year-round appeal: north-facing windows are perfect for aurora watching, while in summer, guests are invited to swim or kayak from their private deck.

Dining the sustainable way Sticking to locally-sourced food is a challenge this far north - especially in winter. But Kristoffer Astrom, who’s been lauded as Scandinavia’s only gourmet Sami chef, and his kitchen partner, Maarten De Wilde, have committed to using whatever Mother Nature gives them.

Their creations are showcased in nightly fivecourse menus (included in the room rate): six-day 78 APRIL 2020

cured trout rests on a bubbly pillow of celeriac puree and lingonberries glisten on a surprisingly tasty reindeer blood pancake. Squeamish for some, but this is sustainability; typical of Sami culture, nothing goes to waste.

Putting the property in context A 10-minute walk away, 600-person village Harads has points of interest: a dusty museum filled with antique looms and rat traps, a church with an eyeball painted above the altar, and an Iranian pizzeria where reviews swing like a pendulum from dreadful to excellent. Learn about community quirks from local guide Thorbjorn Enberg, who’ll invite you into his home for Swedish fika (coffee - Swedes drink an eye-popping average of eight cups a day - and cake).

An hour’s drive away, Pite River’s Storforsen rapids tell the story of this region’s “timmerflottning” industry, where logs were floated from forests to sawmills. (It’s a slice of history that inspired Arctic Bath’s design.) A walkway hugs the raging water, and on frosty days evaporation dresses trees with crystal tips.

But perhaps the most memorable activity on offer at Arctic Bath is a morning spent with Sami reindeer herder Anna Kuhmunen in Jokkmokk.

After feeding her herd with fuzzy, soft bundles of lichen, we sit around a fire in her lavvu listening to folkloric tales and learning about the modern day struggles of the original inhabitants of “Sapmiland”.

“I will die to protect my reindeer, until my last breath,” insists Anna, tearing a piece of Sami flatbread gahkku to share. “They keep my people alive.”

Fluctuating temperatures and an uncharacteristically warm January have created problems for her herd, whose main food source is currently locked beneath a layer of ice on the forest floor. “We hope for more snow soon.”

Eyes bluer than glacial pools and with cheeks rubbed crimson by the wind, Anna is at home in the cold. Having quelled my fear of low temperatures, finding new strength in sustaining shivers, I think I’ve become a fan of it too.

How to plan your trip Rates at Arctic Bath (arcticbath. se) start from 9,600 SEK/£774 per night, based on two sharing water accommodation on a halfboard basis, including breakfast, a five-course set dinner, spa access, Arctic Bath spa robe and spa bathing suit or shorts, slippers and a spa ritual kit. Spa treatments start from 1,795 SEK/£145.

For further information on Swedish Lapland, go to swedishlapland.com.

For further information on Sweden, visit visitsweden.com.

LUXURY TRAVEL

STRESS-FREE SABBATICAL From negotiating time off with your boss to picking the right insurance policy, Sarah Marshall reveals everything you need to know.

HR department. Beyond A Break (beyondabreak. com), who specialise in advising on career breaks, have a Sabbatical Pitch Pack online, which you can use to help frame a proposal.

Do some number crunching Your grown-up gap year doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. Set aside time to work out a budget, and whether you can afford to do it now or have a financial goal to reach first.

Start thinking about a travel insurance policy

G

oing on a gap year has almost become standard practice for post-uni students keen to bridge the gap between education and a long life of work. But with more people taking control of their own destiny, rather than following a formulaic career path, a new type of long-term traveller has emerged: the grown-up backpacker.

Outbacker, specialist travel insurer for backpackers and gap year students, has found a 17% rise year-on-year in 30-somethings taking extended time off to travel.

Whether you’re in between jobs or simply keen to press pause for a few months, these are some considerations to make when planning an adult sabbatical.

Start by asking yourself some questions Are you losing engagement or satisfaction in your work? Do you have an imbalance in your personal versus work life? Are you in danger of experiencing work burnout? If you answered yes to these questions, a grown-up gap year could be the answer, to help recharge your energy and refocus motivation for the next phase of your career.

Consider what type of career break would work for you Do you want to travel the world and immerse yourself in new experiences? Would you like to achieve something like climbing Everest or learning a new language? Would you benefit from a rewarding experience like volunteering or helping the environment? Once you’ve figured out your priority, start planning.

Weigh up how long you’ll need off work Decide if you need a couple of months or more than six. Any extended break from work will take you outside of your normal routine and expose you to new cultures, environments, people and ideas. Many companies have schemes for sending employees on extended breaks, so it’s worth investigating with your 80 APRIL 2020

Set the start date to earlier than the start of your travels, to ensure you’re covered for any pre-trip issues, such as medical or flight disruptions.

It’s worth trying aggregator sites like MoneySuperMarket (moneysupermarket.com) and Compare The Market (comparethemarket.com) to find a good deal.

Check your medical cover Medical issues are one of the main reasons people have to make a claim whilst travelling. Basic cover will ensure you’re protected, but if you’re planning an active trip to multiple destinations for a considerable period of time, it’s better to go for more cover. Be as detailed as you can with any preexisting medical conditions to save unwanted hassle if you end up making a claim. It’s definitely worth evaluating the policy cover against the excess, too.

Excess is the amount you will be required to pay in certain situations if you need to make a claim.

Ensure you’re happy with the amount you’ve been quoted and the level of cover it comes with - or even better, go for a policy with zero excess.

Think about phone and gadget cover The average individual takes up to £1,000 worth of gadgets away with them, so it’s worthwhile extending your baggage cover to protect your valuables from damage, loss and theft, at the right amount.

“Do you want to travel the world and immerse yourself in new experiences?

Would you like to achieve something like climbing Everest or learning a new language?

Would you benefit from a rewarding experience like volunteering or helping the environment?”

LUXURY TRAVEL

Taste The Authentic Side Of Serbia With fresh produce in abundance, this Balkan state is becoming a top destination for foodies.

Jonjo Maudsley gets stuck in.

W

ith an emphasis on fresh, organic, high-quality ingredients, Serbia champions a farm-to-fork culture.

No matter where you go, you are sure to come across exceptional flavours - and always in epic quantities.

I start my journey in Serbia’s second city, Novi Sad. Overlooked by the striking 17th Century Petrovaradin Fortress, the old town unfurls like a labyrinth of intimate corridors and sky-high spires.

No wonder it’s destined to be European Capital of Culture 2021.

But the foodie highlights lie beyond the city, so I head 30 minutes south in the direction of Vinska Kuca Kovacevic restaurants in Krstasice. Featuring grapes grown in Fruska Gora National Park, I’m excited to sample their five-wine tasting menu (vinarijakovacevic.com; five wine tasting menu 2,900 RSD/£22 per person). I delight in their zesty 2010 Brut, their 2017 Orpheline Riesling and, with my gooey cream slice dessert, their 2017 Bermet - this secret Serbian recipe contains herbs and spices and was, I’m told, the dessert wine of choice aboard the Titanic.

It’s at this table that I learn flavour is only half the story in Serbia; mealtimes here are as animated as Roman theatre battles. Forks probe from all sides of the table, stabbing at mounds of oozing goat’s cheese, crunchy vegetables and hunks of juicy sausage. Drinks are spilled, conversations get heated, and every morsel evokes the taste of the local, authentic side of local culture.

I hit the road again. No journey through Serbia is complete without a visit to its capital, Belgrade, which is shaking off its troubled history to re-establish itself as a punky party city. With its contemporary coffee shops and ornate, antique architecture, Belgrade embodies Serbia’s ambition to establish itself as a top European destination - and that, of course, means plenty to delight the taste buds, too.

I enjoy a wonderful dinner on the banks of the Danube at the historic Stara Carinarnica in New Belgrade (staracarinarnica.com; mains from 680 RSD/£5). The menu is rich with local fish, but before I’ve had a chance to consider it properly, I’m bombarded with samples of local rakia.

What is rakia, you ask? A nostril-stinging, gutcleansing brandy, available in dozens of different flavours. Every Serbian, I’m told, starts their day with a good measure, and with so much delicious choice on offer, I can understand why.

The next morning, I head further south into the Morava Valley. Here, I discover the Aleksandrovic Winery, one of the most renowned in Serbia - not only for its exceptional wine, but for the impressive history of the brand.

After the original vineyard collapsed during the communist regime, it was revived in 1992 and now produces half a million litres of wine per year. My 82 APRIL 2020

cellar tour concludes with a feast of fresh food and a six-wine tasting session, featuring the 2017 Prokupac, made with a unique Serbian grape, and the sumptuous 2018 Triumph, a sparkling wine often found at the table of the Serbian royal family (vinarijaaleksandrovic.rs; six wine tasting menu 2,900 RSD/£22 per person).

I spend my final night in Belgrade at Ambar, a glam restaurant on the banks of the river Sala with a breathtaking view over the glitzy heights of New Belgrade (ambarrestaurant.com; eight course menu 2,900 RSD/£22 per person). On a weekend evening, expect to find it packed with the local hoi polloi sharing stories over rakia. Eight courses consist of warm breads and freshly churned dips, fried zucchini, pulled cabbage salad and beef sirloin, each with a memorable flavour that firmly establishes Serbia as my new favourite destination for fresh, local, organic (and, of course, delicious) food.

How to plan your trip...

Regent Holidays offers an eightday fly-drive holiday to Serbia from £1,150pp.

Fly with AirSerbia to Belgrade from £225 return.

Hire a car with Enterprise from £50.28 per day.

LOOKING FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL PLACE FOR A DREAM HOLIDAY? Take a look at our collection of luxury villas - all unique and able to fulfil your expectations. Feel Luxury Holidays create special stays and experiences for your holidays, company seminars and special events: engagements, weddings, birthdays, bar mitzvah...

Our team have carefully selected the most beautiful properties in the South of France, Spain (Catalonia), Morocco (Marrakech) to comprise our 2020 collection!

Provençal farmhouses, renovated sheepfolds, bastides, residences, duplex apartments and architects’ villas can accommodate 1 to 32 people comfortably. You will find originality and authenticity in these charming and luxurious villas that await you, your friends, family and co-workers.

feelluxuryholidays.com

A family business providing exclusive valet parking at Gatwick Airport since 1992.

KANDY, SRI LANKA

Welcome to Sri lanka’S Premier luxury aWard Winning Boutique reSort

Try our hotel…

Have your car collected from the Terminal Forecourt and walk direct into check-in. On your return your car is delivered to the Forecourt and you can drive straight home.

No Buses – No Waiting Our customised car park is only 3 minutes from The terminal enabling a prompt and reliable service. Car Park vetted annually by Surrey Police and holder of Trading Standards ‘Buy with Confidence’ award.

Book online at: www.tudorrose.co.uk or telephone 01293 822844

10% Discount Code TRLM010

@aarunyaresort | www.aarunyaresort.com reservations@aarunyaresort.com

LUXURY TRAVEL

Stay calm and kickstart your holiday at The Connaught The Connaught offers the ultimate stress-free “The Night Before” sleepover to eliminate pre-holiday travel tension

T

he Connaught in Mayfair, known for its legendary five star Butler service, has launched ‘The Night Before’ the ultimate pre-holiday sleepover to ensure early rising globe-trotters experience the smoothest, stress-free start to their holiday. ‘The Night Before’ carefully thought out series of rituals, turns the dreaded early morning flight call into a joyous holiday start.

The Connaught takes charge from the moment guests are collected from their homes by chauffeur driven car armed with the essential 10 point travel check list; passport...check, sun-cream... check, iron off...check.

Arriving at the hotel, guests are met by their butler who whisks their suitcases away to be pressed and repacked using secret Connaught techniques honed over the years, ensuring the wardrobe arrives spick and span ready for the beach club – no travel irons necessary. Guests are then escorted to the legendary temple of relaxation, the Aman Spa, deep in the heart of The Connaught where a series of treatments and rituals ensures the stress of travelling is gently massaged away allowing them to return to their rooms for a light evening supper and early turn down and a good night sleep.

84 APRIL 2020

ABOUT THE CONNAUGHT In the heart of London’s Mayfair, The Connaught, part of Maybourne Hotel Group, blends contemporary style, classic English character and impeccable service to create the ultimate in sophistication. Rooms and suites to suit every mood, exquisite cuisine from Hélène Darroze, the charm of The Connaught and Coburg Bars, and Europe’s first Aman Spa make this the perfect place to rest, relax and dine in style.

ABOUT MAYBOURNE HOTEL GROUP Early next morning ensuring no flights are missed, a gentle wake-up call with soothing cup of morning tea and a destination bound weather forecast, wakes guests who are then tucked into airport bound chauffeur car, complete with take away breakfast and a warm farewell from The Connaught doorman.

The holiday can officially begin…Connaught style. ‘The Night Before’ includes, a one-night stay for two people, chauffeurdriven car from home to The Connaught within a 40 miles radius, pre-travel checklist, treatments for two people at the Aman Spa, Butler to re-pack suitcase, early morning takeaway breakfast with chosen reading material and chauffeur-driven car to London airports or railway stations. Rates start from £1,060 per night for a Deluxe King Room (inclusive of tax). Offer must be booked two days in advance.

Maybourne Hotel Group owns and manages Claridge’s, the Connaught and the Berkeley, three of the world’s most legendary five-star hotels, located in the heart of London. Maybourne Hotel Group is committed to delivering authentic and unique guest experiences that reflect the individual nature of its hotels, its guests and its staff whilst maintaining a timeless elegance and intuitive service style that are the hallmarks of its properties.

THE DETAILS To book “The Night Before” please call the Reservations Team on +44 (0) 20 7107 8945 or email reservations@the-connaught.co.uk www.the-connaught.co.uk

MALDIVES´ NO 1 PRIVATE ISLAND RESORT ANYTHING, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE

Kudadoo Private Island . Tel +960 662 2000 . reservations@kudadoo.com . kudadoo.com

A P R / M AY 2 0 2 0 8 5

LUXURY TRAVEL

WHY ZURICH SATISFIES EXPENSIVE TASTES

Perfection comes at a cost, as Claire discovers on a trip to Switzerland’s scenic financial capital.

Spreadbury

I

’ve been in Zurich for less than an hour and am talking about Tina Turner for the third time. I have so far met three different people, and each and every one of them has told me that the 80-year-singer has a house here, and also apparently goes shopping without bodyguards because it’s so safe.

Clearly she’s a big deal in these parts, but chatting about Tina isn’t the only thing to surprise me on a weekend break in Switzerland’s largest city.

Sandwiched between Germany, France, Italy and Austria, Switzerland isn’t a place I’ve really thought of coming to before. I thought it was only for skiers and hugely expensive - which it is - but there’s a captivating charm here that’s worth exploring.

Known for being the financial capital, Zurich has a great transport system and is impeccably clean. The city centre’s main shopping street, Bahnhofstrasse, links the train station to beautiful Lake Zurich, where everyone swims in the summer.

The closer you are to the lake, the more expensive the shops, and minutes after climbing off the public

86 APRIL 2020

boat (a Zurich Card costs 53 CHF (£35) for 72 hours, and includes all transport on trams, buses, trains, boats and cable cars, as well as admission into 43 museums), I suck in the sights of Dolce & Gabbana, Chloe and Tiffany.

But, as you continue into the city, there are designer labels around every twist and turn of the cobbles. Apparently it’s like Oxford Street come the weekend, but on a fresh and wintry Friday, I almost have the shops to myself.

It feels quiet and safe as I explore the views from Lindenhof, a tree-covered park in the city, looking out over the River Limmat. Green spires, church domes and colourful facades flank the doubletowered Grossmunster church, the technical school where Einstein studied, and the university.

Quaint shuttered buildings housing extortionate flats lead us back down to the squares in Zurich’s centre. My favourite is Munsterhof, which gets all lit up for a festive market come Christmas, and the beautiful Fraumunster church - with its Chagall and Giacometti stained-glass windows - overlooks a funky double fountain, the smallest of which can be adapted to spurt out free-flowing wine for incredibly important people and parties.

The water here is so clean, you can drink from the lake (though you probably shouldn’t) and there are over 1,000 drinking fountains right across the city, so there’s never a need to buy plastic bottles.

Food and drink It’s easy to forget how delicious Swiss chocolate is, but Switzerland is, of course, home to Lindt - a must-buy while you’re here. And the Luxemburgerli mini macarons at Spruengli are simply sublime. Bitesized and beautiful - though not cheap, at 1.50 CHF (£1.20) each - they’re the perfect mouthful.

Swanky department store Globus is worth a wander, too. Head down to the food hall and watch the rich do their weekly shop as you ogle glorious displays of fruit and veg - half of which I have never seen before, from all over the world.

Homemade pasta, decadent flowers, stunning breads and delicacies are yours if you can afford it. A tiny pot of olives costs 7 CHF (£5.60) and a generous serving of dried mango will set you back 25 (£20), but it’s a perfect spot for people watching.

Art lovers can happily amble around the 100odd galleries here, and you can even take a seat in Zurich’s first coffee shop in the edgier old town, where you can legally buy cannabis.

It’s here, in Swiss Chuchi, where I taste my first

“Quaint shuttered buildings housing extortionate flats lead us back down to the squares in Zurich’s centre”

LUXURY TRAVEL

Swiss fondue. Traditional wooden cuckoo clocks coo on the hour, while I’m warned I will both stink and need a lie down once I’ve finished my food.

We opt for the traditional Moitie-Moitie fondue (29.50 CHF/£23.85 per person), into which we dunk and swirl chunks of rustic bread and boiled potatoes, and wash it all down with a Turbinen Brau Start - a fresh and zesty wheat beer from Zurich (6.50 CHF/£5.30). We should apparently be drinking white wine with it (not red), but the beer is so good here, and I’m heeding my warning about needing a lie down afterwards - wine might just finish me off.

For vegetable lovers, a reservation at Haus Hiltl restaurant is a must. Founded in 1898 and managed by the Hiltl family since 1904, it’s the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world. Renowned for its huge a la carte selection, and the buffet, where you can fill up your plate to be charged by weight 5.30 CHF/£4.29 per 100g, or all you can eat for 59 CHF/£47.70 - starters, mains and desserts. Come on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night, and once dinner service is over, the tables are moved aside to make way for a dance floor.

Out and about Switzerland breeds outdoorsy types, so around 8km from Zurich city centre, you can head off on a big old hike.

We hop on a cable car from Adliswil Luftseilbahnstation (free with the Zurich Card) and slowly make our way up the mountainside. It only takes about five minutes to Felsenegg and from there, you can walk the trail path to Uetliberg.

There are uphills and downhills, but the track is easy to follow, so everyone from families with tiny children, to solo Nordic walkers, couples, friends, and crazy runners are out and about. It takes around an hour and a half, and at the end you can climb the steep steps and reward yourself with a Swiss beer (7.50 CHF/£6), a sense of achievement and the most amazing view.

Where to stay After a day of exploring, the Alex hotel - which opened last summer - makes for a beautifully boutique bolthole. With just 44 rooms, set right on Lake Zurich, it’s 20 minutes from the city centre and an hour from the ski slopes.

The small-but-perfectly-formed spa houses a sauna and steam room, a tiny infinity pool and one treatment room, where therapist Elfie works her magic using local and natural Swiss Line products.

The decor couldn’t be more 2020. Rooms are generously splattered with Pantone’s colour of the year, Cool Blue. Furnishings are art deco, 1920s fabulous, with gold trimmings adorning every bathroom tap and coffee table you see. It’s very beautiful, yet very cool.

The wooden staircase carries you to seven floors of rooms and suites, each with its own mini kitchen, and there are laundry facilities here too, all free to use.

88 APRIL 2020

On the lower level, over 100 individual pottery flowers are set into the walls, crafting a unique work of art, and nautical nods and themes can be found around the hotel.

The Boat House restaurant is the star of the show, and keen to be a part of the community: it’s open to everyone - not just residents. Floor to ceiling windows invite a view overlooking the lake as diners gaze up at snow-capped mountains.

The food is good, with huge, beautifullypresented portions. The Bouillabaisse is a delight (45 CHF/£36), but vegetarians are better asking the chef to go off-plan, as there’s not a lot of choice on the menu. Start your meal with an aperitif from head barman Luis (his take on the Aperol Spritz, using Crement rather than Prosecco, is divine - but you’ll have to ask for it - it’s not on the menu).

Breakfast is a relaxed affair, served in the same place. As I spoon off a slab of honeycomb, fresh from the hive, I look out of the enormous windows - the Swiss Alps rising above us one end and Zurich sitting proud at the other. Opposite, mindbogglingly expensive houses sit like music lovers at a concert, jostling for a view of the lake.

“That’s the Gold Coast,” my waitress tells me.

“Tina Turner lives there.”

How to plan your trip For more information on Switzerland, visit MySwitzerland.com or call the international freephone on 00800 100 200 30. Swiss International Air Lines (swiss.com; 0345 601 0956) offers oneway fares to Zurich from £74.

, en om op . c w la6 ing no yvil ok s y o l ar m b ai di x@ ird et 21 ela y b t d 20 l r rl un ai ea co r s em fo di

You Deserve a Reward.

Treat yourself to a luxury villa holiday.

Visit somewhere you may not have thought of, The Western Algarve.

Nestled into a hillside in an exclusive Spa resort with the benefit of a 24 hour reception and completely remodelled in 2019, this is luxury at a price you can afford.

relax@myvilla6.com | www.myvilla6.com Follow us on

myvilla6.com

LUXURY TRAVEL

Are we there yet?

F

2020’s top family holiday destinations

amily holidays make for some of our fondest childhood memories. The excitement, the days off school, flying in a plane and the sunny beach! To create the perfect place to make these memories can be the difficult part. Family holidays that keep everyone happy can be hard to come by, especially if you want to go luxury. It depends on the ages of your kids, time of year and what your family interests are.

We’ve picked some of the best family holidays destinations for 2020 - with some real gems you may not have even thought of…

HAWAII Aloha! With gorgeous beaches, tropical waves and child friendly activities, you will be surprised to find so many home comforts in Hawaii. Whether you are visiting with babies, toddlers or active teens, families will find plenty of ways to keep busy, or as relaxed in a Hang Ten state as they wish. From donkeyriding on Molokai, visiting Pearl Harbour or Waikiki on Oahu, snorkelling off Molokini and riding the sugar cane train on Maui, or building sandcastles on the black sand beach on the Big Island, Hawaii is a family paradise.

BALI, INDONESIA Bali is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the world. From the rice terraces of Canggu to orangutan encounters in Kalimantan and Sumatra.

There is snorkelling and sailing and stunning waterfalls that are worth exploring with little ones.

In keeping with the relaxed vibes of Bali, there are yoga classes and spas that cater for children.

There are also many opportunities for kids to learn about Balinese culture and traditions just by walking around and exploring. It’s definitely worth experiencing this side of Bali.

Koh Chang, Thailand

THAILAND There is so much more to Thailand than the infamous streets of Bangkok. Head out to a smaller, quieter island like Ko Chang which literally translates as ‘Elephant Island’. It is an amazing location to visit and people of all ages can find something appealing in this place of natural beauty.

Besides the famous diving and snorkelling, there are also cruising, sailing and yachting available for a marine time fun. For land lovers, Koh Chang has Tree Top Adventure Park, cave exploration, biking and trekking or elephant and horse riding in store.

For the family & kids who just want to relax, the white sandy beaches are amazing.

MEXICO Direct charter flights have made Mexico increasingly popular with British families over the last few years.

With over 5,300 miles of shoreline, many travellers flock to the country’s gorgeous sandy beaches.

The American influence in the resort of Cancun means great service and lots of child-friendly food options, so even the pickiest of children tend to enjoy Mexican food, with tasty choices like tacos, quesadillas, and grilled chicken or steak available on most menus. There is also no shortage of activities, with historic Aztec sites such as Chichen Itza nearby and a Wet ‘n Wild park in Cancun itself.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA Every child’s dream! Their wildest fantasies are 90 APRIL 2020

“Direct charter flights have made Mexico increasingly popular with British families over the last few years. With over 5,300 miles of shoreline, many travellers flock to the country’s gorgeous sandy beaches”

LUXURY TRAVEL

Orlando, Florida

brought to life right before their eyes. From SeaWorld® and the magical Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Universal Orlando Resort, to meeting Mickey, Minnie and friends at Walt Disney World Resort. Discover attractions you can’t experience anywhere else! Orlando has something to excite every member of the family so parents can relive their childhood with the ET and Back to the Future attractions. But there is more to the Sunshine State than theme parks. There are clean, sandy beaches, buzzing cities such as Miami and wildlife parks to explore. Getting around is easy in a hired car, and a multi-base trip is a great way to see a lot in a short time..

SOUTH OF FRANCE

NEW YORK The city that never sleeps and a fantastic adventure for families. Do a tour! Guides are great at making it fun and interesting for kids (and adults). A visit to Central Park and Legoland, the Empire State Building with its dazzling city views and Bronx Zoo, home to 4,000 animals, many in open natural settings. The iconic children’s toy store, FAO Schwartz is filled with an overwhelming choice of toys and the iconic walk-on piano – made famous in the hit film ‘Big’ with Tom Hanks. Catch one of the many iconic shows on Broadway or take the Cupcake Tour of Greenwich Village. 2 hours of cupcakes and gelato from 6 different shops! The ultimate day out in NYC is to take a helicopter trip for the most spectacular views and an unbelievable experience.

“The ultimate day out in NYC is to take a helicopter trip for the most spectacular views and an unbelievable experience”

92 APRIL 2020

When you think of the South of France, a few things may spring to mind. The glamour of the French Riviera, the blindingly beautiful lavender fields in Provence, the snow-capped mountains of the Midi-Pyrénées or the vineyards of Languedoc, there’s space for everyone. With sandy beaches, imposing castles, horseback riding and aquariums, families are truly spoilt for choice. For something a little different, pay a visit to Argelès Aventure in Languedoc – this high-wire adventure park is one for the whole family to enjoy. Even children as young as two can have a go with the unique ‘Ouisiti’ course, so nobody needs to miss out.

LUXURY TRAVEL

PIGS, PUTTS AND PARADISE:

GOLFING IN THE BAHAMAS Hurricane Dorian caused devastation when it swept through the Bahamas. But it’s business as usual in Great Exuma, discovers David Young.

I

t’s a question sure to interrupt any daydream.

I’m enjoying a lavish breakfast in the Bahamian haven of Great Exuma, ruminating about swing flaws and missed putts, when my wife comes across a guidebook entry she feels merits my attention.

“What should you do if you’re chased by a swimming pig?” she reads deadpan, coffee in hand, without a glance away from the page.

Kerri’s query conjures a somewhat alarming prospect.

I’m in the Bahamas ostensibly to brush up on a flagging golf game at Sandals Emerald Bay resort; not flee the trotters of an enraged waterborne hog.

Thankfully, she moves swiftly to the guidebook’s recommended answer.

It transpires the world-renowned swimming pigs who’ve made an uninhabited Bahamian island their home are not aggressive pursuers; they’re just not very good at stopping.

As they’ve only been at it for around 15 years (swimming, that is), I suppose evolution hasn’t yet had a chance to equip them with physiology more suited to the amphibious lifestyle they’ve unexpectedly embraced.

There are several local legends as to how a small group of pigs ended up on Big Major Cay, one of around 360 islands that make up the idyllic Exumas region of the Bahamas.

Some say they were left by sailors who intended to return to cook them but never did; others claim they were washed ashore from a shipwreck.

As the tour boat approaches ‘Pig Island’, our

94 APRIL 2020

guide MJ insists it was the work of a local farmer, who thought its water hole and ample vegetation made it a perfect place to plump up his livestock.

The engine noise rouses the resident 20 pigs and piglets from their midday sunbathe. Snorting loudly, they trot down to shore and start paddling out toward us.

“The pigs were smart,” MJ continues. “They learned to swim and saved themselves. No one’s going to eat those pigs now.”

And he’s right. The swimming pigs have become a tourism sensation in recent years, drawing thousands of visitors keen to tick off what has become a surprise ‘bucket list’ experience.

“We call him Kung Fu Panda,” MJ shouts, a bucket of vegetables under his arm as he wades between the inquisitive stingrays gliding around our feet.

He’s pointing at a hefty black and white chap who’s chugging at pace in my direction.

“Watch out - he’s a kicker!”

Luckily, I avoid a kick from the pig named after a panda. He instead halts his momentum by clumsily bumping his snout into my stomach. A couple of carrots and an obligatory selfie later and he’s off again, paddling unsteadily towards his next foodbearing human buffer stop.

Swimming with the pigs is the highlight of a packed afternoon trip around the Exumas with Island Routes tours - a rollick that also includes reef snorkelling; peaking at the island homes of the rich and famous; and a stop at a beach populated by hundreds of endangered Bahamian Rock iguanas.

It comes midway through our week on Great Exuma, the largest of the Exumas.

Our home is a fabulous beach-side house at Sandals’ acclaimed all-inclusive resort, which sits like a jewel on the mile-long stretch of unspoiled sand that wraps around Emerald Bay. And our plan, swimming with pigs aside, revolves around golf and relaxation.

Not that Rich Gibson goes in for much relaxation on the range.

The veteran golf pro at Sandals’ championship Greg Norman-designed course, delights in keeping his students on their toes.

“Great Exuma is indeed stunning, but the island’s character is arguably just as compelling as its setting - doors lie unlocked, there are no fast food outlets, just one main road, and there’s never been any need for traffic lights”

LUXURY TRAVEL

“Imagine you’re swinging at the girl who stole your lunch money at school,” he jokes, employing another colourful metaphor to urge Kerri to hit the ball harder.

My wife’s a complete novice and I’m seriously out of practice.

Gibby, as he’s known to the sun-seeking golfers who come back to play this spectacular ocean-front course year after year, tailors our block of lessons accordingly.

“Why are you lying to me?” he demands with faux outrage, as Kerri pings a drive 150 yards down the middle. “A beginner? You’re no beginner?”

His disarming manner makes learning fun and explains the popularity of his coaching programme.

“I guess this is the best job in the world,” he concedes as he joins us at the end of a lesson to play a few holes on a course that hosts a PGA toursanctioned tournament every January.

Watching the boats bob in the azure sea around the rocky outcrop that cradles the 13th green, I find it hard to argue.

But not everything in Great Exuma’s recent past has been plain sailing.

Rich rolls his eyes as I enquire about an infamous episode that made headlines around the world - the Fyre Festival.

“That’s where it was, over there,” he says, pointing to a non-descript strip of concrete on the other side of Sandals’ marina.

The disastrous music party has become a byword for how not to stage an event, in no small part due to two coruscating TV documentaries on the debacle.

Announced in a blaze of publicity and promoted by an array of supermodels and social media influencers (the launch video even starred the swimming pigs), Fyre Festival turned out of be one giant flop.

Fans who shelled out thousands on the promise of the world’s best acts, luxury villa accommodation and gourmet dining arrived in April 2017 to discover the reality was a scattering of damp tents, prepacked sandwiches and a mass pull-out of the billed stars.

Jeremy Mutton, the English-born general manager of Sandals Emerald Bay, is relieved he trusted his gut and resisted multiple approaches to participate in the event.

Despite the shambles, he believes the festival’s notoriety may ultimately benefit the Exumas.

“It has shown a whole new generation of people just how beautiful this place is,” he explains as we chat back at the hotel.

Great Exuma is indeed stunning, but the island’s character is arguably just as compelling as its setting - doors lie unlocked, there are no fast food outlets, just one main road, and there’s never been any need for traffic lights.

“I describe it as an innocence,” says Jeremy, highlighting what he considers the defining feature of the Exumas.

96 APRIL 2020

“Back home, we lost that years ago. I hope it’s never lost here - it’s that innocence that’s so special.”

Sandals bought its property on Great Exuma a decade ago, with the aim of combining that innocence with its own brand of understated opulence.

With around a dozen restaurants, six bars, a huge zero-entry pool, tennis courts, a luxuriant spa and well-equipped gym, and even the services of a team of attentive butlers if desired - you can easily find reason never to step foot outside Sandals’ real estate.

But Sunday afternoon served up a persuasive exception, when a short boat trip took us to nearby Stocking Island and the charming Chat ‘n Chill - a rustic and lively beach restaurant famed for its Bahamian roast and conch salad.

Our time at Sandals comes weeks before Christmas - a day when the resort hosts around 70 orphans, flown to the island by Bahamas Air pilots who volunteer their time to give some of the country’s most needy children an unforgettable experience.

That we spot several guests helping to wrap presents ahead of the big day speaks to a sense of community the hotel aims to unobtrusively foster.

Like the resort’s weekly guest trips to read to local school children, it’s an initiative of the Sandals Foundation - the philanthropic arm of the company that only months earlier was involved in the emergency relief response to one of the worst natural disasters in the Bahamas’ history.

Hurricane Dorian devastated several islands in September, including Abaco and Grand Bahama.

Though it was the strongest tropical cyclone to ever hit the Bahamas, most of its 700 islands escaped unscathed, including the Exumas. The destruction was confined to the northern tip of a country that spans 500 miles of ocean.

While rebuilding is now the priority in the areas pummelled by Dorian, for the rest of this tourismreliant nation there is an understandable desire to get the message out that paradise still awaits.

And await it does - nowhere more so than in the Exumas.

Just watch out for those kicking pigs...

How to plan your trip...

A seven-night all-inclusive stay for two at Sandals Emerald Bay Golf, Tennis and Spa Resort (sandals. co.uk; 0800 597 0002) in a Beach House Luxury Club Level Room costs from £2,160 per person.

Price includes return economy flights from London Heathrow and resort transfers. Price is valid for travel on select dates between August 31 and October 18.

Golf lessons per couple are $60/£46 for 30 mins and $100/£76 for an hour. Green fees for two rounds of golf are complimentary for guests staying at the resort. Guests staying for seven nights or more get free green fees for multiple rounds of golf.

The Swimming with Pigs half day adventure with Island Routes is priced from £158 per person. It can be booked via the Sandals UK website or via the call centre 0800 742 742.

Further information on the Exumas visit bahamas.com/uk.

fashion, HEALTH

& beauty – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i m a g e : BRIGITT E BARDOT

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Gorgeously natural bath & body products for a better way of living of course had her own penchant for milk baths to beautify her skin but also with mineral-rich water.

But it wasn’t until the 1900s baths became temples of leisure and then by mid-20th Century spas became the havens they are today.

Evocative of the very best self-care retreats With our homes our very own havens – and with No Secrets within reach - we can all embrace the joy of a sensual and therapeutic bath or shower. Just like Cleopatra! Unwind and slowdown, and step into your very own deluxe ‘me-time’ spa. Breathe in, inhale the aromas, and relax both body and mind.

A SELECTION OF SOME OF OUR FAVOURITES

N

o Secrets is a British beauty brand with a difference. Think pure, plant-based bath and body products that bring the most luxurious of spas – straight to your bathroom. With innovative and sensual formulations that are pushing the boundaries of bathing and cleansing, No Secrets is fast becoming a cult – and award-winning – brand.

Clean products with a clean conscience The brand uses only the finest natural ingredients.

This was core to founder Lorna’s vision. After being diagnosed with intolerances to multiple synthetic ingredients, Lorna was astonished to find most of her favourite beauty and bath products contained hidden toxic ingredients. With No Secrets, every single ingredient used in the formulations is explained on the brand’s website – where you’ll find no chemicals and ‘no secrets’, just pure products that look, feel and smell amazing.

A love affair with bathing Bathing was known by the Romans as Hydrotherapy (water therapy), a therapeutic treatment for body and mind using steam baths and salts. Cleopatra 100 APRIL 2020

No Secrets Bath Jelly, £18 for a duo set or £45 for six (available in blends, ‘One’ and ‘Four’) The ultimate in bathing heaven. Super-indulgent and essential oil infused. This amber-toned ‘jelly’ turns into a decadent bath oil. Pour directly into running water or massage onto skin before stepping into the bath.

No Secrets Bath Sugar, £30. This sugar is a twist on traditional bath salts. Delicately ground with a beautiful spa scent, add the sugar to a warm bath and wash away any woes.

No Secrets ‘Four’ Hand Cleanser, £25. A rich, creamy hand wash that keeps hands thoroughly cleansed and soft, and with a beautiful scent that lingers on the skin.

All No Secrets products are proudly made in England, 100% vegan and 100% gorgeous.

No Secrets is available online at www.nosecretsbeauty.com. You can also follow the brand on Instagram @nosecrets_beauty and at Facebook @nosecretsbeauty.

Meg & Bee London

www.megandbee.co.uk @meg_bee_london

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

HOW THE A-LISTERS GET

RED-CARPET READY DURING AWARDS SEASON Katie Wright reveals

the beauty secrets that help celebs shine in front of the cameras.

From skincare to make-up, here are five ways to get the A-list look...

1. Skin prep Renee Zellweger’s skin was glowing when she picked up the Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Judy Garland, which make-up artist Dana Hamel put down to QMS Medicosmetics’ luxurious three-step collagen system. The night before the ceremony, Hamel applied the exfoliating mask for 15 minutes, followed by the Night Collagen serum.

The next morning, she added the Day Collagen serum to create the perfect base for Zellweger’s Pat McGrath foundation.

QMS Medicosmetics Collagen System Sensitive, £199 Not all celebs rely on premium products, however. Ahead of the Golden Globes, make-up artist Frankie Boyd prepped Scarlett Johansson’s skin using serum and eye cream from The Inkey List, which cost less than £9 each.

The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream, £8.99, Boots; The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum, £5.99, Boots

Collagen System Sensitive, £199, available from QMS Medicosmetics

E.l.f. 16hr Camo Concealer Rich Chocolate, £5, available from Boots

2. Foundation Billy Porter is fast becoming a red-carpet icon, and not just because of his incredible outfits. The actor was giving us beauty inspo at the Oscars with his flawless complexion, which came courtesy of make-up artist Anna Bernabe and E.l.f. cosmetics.

“We wanted his beautiful facial structure to

W

hen Hollywood’s finest are strutting their stuff on the red carpet and beaming for the cameras, it’s easy to think that their radiant looks are the result of good genes, rather than the army of facialists, make-up artists, nail technicians and hair stylists, who work tirelessly behind the scenes.

Make no mistake, there’s a lot of work that goes into getting actors ready for their close-up, especially during the gruelling awards season, which starts with the Golden Globes and ends with the Oscars.

That said, it doesn’t take an entire glam squad to bring a bit of Tinseltown magic to your beauty routine - we’ve got the inside scoop on the products that celebrity pros love to use on their famous clients.

102 APRIL 2020

he Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream, £8.99, available from Boots

The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum, £5.99, available from Boots

E.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation Nutmeg, £6.50, available from Boots

Jackie Maguire is a ready to wear collection of unique, contemporary coats and jackets for women.

Founded by creative director, Jackie, exdesigner for Maxmara, Italy.

The brand goes beyond fleeting fashion trends to solve the dilemma of finding your ultimate forever coat. By creating timeless investment pieces with individuality for modern women looking for well-made, quality pieces with huge style credentials. With the ease of contemporary cut that promises to fit and flatter beautifully, and finished with an unparalleled attention to detail.

Classic silhouettes embrace modern femininity, and seasonal collections are cut from the finest luxury natural fibres. Pure wools and linens sourced from the British Isles, fabrics renowned for their rich patterns, enduring beauty and durability.

With loyal fans of the brand (celebrities among them) growing at a pace, and limited-edition lines selling out quickly to those in the know, women can now feel forever stylish and effortlessly elegant in Jackie Maguire. Discover more at: www.jackiemaguire.com Instagram @jackiemaguire_

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Lip Lustre in Pillow Talk, £19, available from Charlotte Tilbury

Lip Lustre in Pillow Talk, £19, available from Charlotte Tilbury

shine through, so we used radiating products that complimented and accentuated his natural complexion,” she said, starting with Flawless Finish Foundation and adding Camo Concealer under the eyes, to create a matte but glowy finish.

E.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation in Nutmeg, £6.50 (was £7.50), Superdrug; E.l.f. 16hr Camo Concealer in Rich Chocolate, £5, Superdrug

Eyes to Kill Stellar Eyeshadow in Stellar, £31, available from Armani Beauty

“Regina King was a vision in pink at this year’s ceremony, and had make-up to match”

3. Eye make-up Actor and singer Cynthia Erivo has been killing it on the red carpet this season, and her Oscars smoky eye is the kind of glam look that’s easy to try at

Le Vernis Ballerina, £22, available from Chanel

Eye Tint Eyeshadow in Sunset, £27, available from Armani Beauty

home. Start with Armani Eye Tint liquid shadow, then top with the shimmering Eyes To Kill Stellar powder shadow, and finish with several coats of mascara, or extra-long false lashes like Erivo’s.

Armani Beauty Eye Tint Eyeshadow in Brown Vulcano, £27; Armani Beauty Eyes To Kill Stellar Eyeshadow in Stellar, £31 We also loved comedy actor Maya Rudoplh’s Oscars eye make-up. Another Armani Beauty look, the pinky-purple shade is Eye Tint liquid eyeshadow in Sunset.

Armani Beauty Eye Tint Eyeshadow in Sunset, £27

4. Lips Regina King, winner of the supporting actress gong at last year’s Academy Awards, was a vision in pink at this year’s ceremony, and had make-up to match.

Make-up artist Latrice Johnson created the look using products from Charlotte Tilbury’s new Pillow Talk collection, combining Pillow Talk Medium matte lipstick (a shade slightly darker than the original), adding Lip Lustre on top for a glossy finish.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk Medium, £25 Charlotte Tilbury Lip Lustre in Pillow Talk, £19

5. Nails Eye Tint Eyeshadow in Brown Vulcano, £27, available from Armani Beauty OPI Nail Polish Alpine Snow, £8.78

104 APRIL 2020

The French manicure has made a comeback recently, and Margot Robbie is the latest celeb to rock the classic look, created by Hollywood’s favourite nail guru Tom Bachik. For the base, Bachik used classic Chanel shade Ballerina, with Pure White on the tips. The latter was a limited edition that’s no longer available, but OPI Alpine Snow is a high-quality alternative.

Chanel Le Vernis in Ballerina, £22 OPI Nail Polish in Alpine Snow, £8.78 (was £13.50), NailPolishDirect.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

BEFORE

AFTER

Addressing the true reason for Facial Ageing O

ver time, the tissues of the face begin to sag, which is why the face can appear aged.

If your face is experiencing more laxity than you’d like, we have an exclusively new treatment that is non-surgical and will lift your face without leaving any trace or scars No matter how well you look after yourself and your skincare regime, the tissues of the face will begin to sag as you get older, which is why the face can appear aged. We are the only clinic in the UK that can offer this exclusive Infinite-Thread® treatment. This is the first facelift using threads without any surgery or scars.

The Treatment Infinite-Thread® is a non-surgical facelift which takes place under local anaesthetic and you can return home on the same day. The Infinite-Thread® Lift’s unique design repositions the tissue on your face, back to their original positions to support the natural shape of your face. Ordinary painkillers are all the post-treatment aftercare that you’ll need….

What areas does it treat?

• Cheeks and cheekbones • Jowls • Sagging skin

The Parallel Technique This procedure can only be carried out by specifically trained doctors, using what is known as the Parallel Technique. Dr Ravi Jain has championed

106 APRIL 2020

the introduction of this new treatment to Riverbanks Wellness and he is the first doctor in the UK to master this treatment.

The Parallel Technique places 3 threads on each side of the face, independent of each other, in order to treat different areas, e.g. the malar zone which is responsible for the collapse of the cheekbones and creation of nasolabial folds. They are also placed along the jaw line to improve the appearance of jowls and marionette lines. If the neck area is being treated, 4 threads will be inserted on each side of the neck. Once these threads are placed, they are invisible. These threads superior to other absorbable threads on the market in that it is a permanent thread and the effects are lasting for more than 7 years and counting, other threads last from 6-12 months.

You’re in good hands We are thrilled to offer this new and exclusive treatment to patients at Riverbanks Wellness. If you’re worried about the condition of your skin or are nervous about surgical treatments to give your face the spring of life again, this could be the perfect treatment for you.

Award-winning suspension thread treatment Infinite-Thread has been honoured with the 2019 Best Suspension Thread award. This is an amazing award and we are extremely proud that this permanent tensor thread has been elected by a panel of experts composed of plastic surgeons, cosmetic doctors and dermatologists around the world.

Dr Rav i 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 01582 762877 to book in.

Do you have a friend that is looking to revitalise their skin? Do you know of anyone that is uncomfortable with their body but doesn’t know where to turn?

When you refer a friend to us, you can both receive

10% off

your next visit.

All you need to do is ensure your friend quotes your name when they are booking a treatment and we’ll do the rest.

If you’ve got any questions, please talk to reception or contact us: Reception@riverbankswellness.com 01582 762877

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Review: Honor Band 5 Fitness Tracker Lisa Salmon

gives her verdict on the wallet-friendly wearable.

Apart from buckets of sweat and frequent breathlessness, the results of exercise can sometimes feel intangible in the short-term, which can make maintaining motivation tough.

That’s where fitness trackers come in. If you want to see the distance you’ve covered or how many calories you’ve burned, all you need to do is look at your wrist.

These days there’s a huge selection of fitness trackers on the market.

We tried the Honor Band 5 to see what it offered.

What does it look like?

The Honor Band 5 is a sleek and lightweight wristband with a rectangular face featuring an AMOLED display - a type of screen technology with an integrated touch layer and a high image quality.

It features a number of attractive, easily changeable clock faces, and you can simply swipe up or down from the clock to access the band functions.

The band has a comfortable single-prong strap buckle with plenty of adjustment holes so it can fit a variety of wrist sizes. I tried a black wristband, but it’s also available in smart navy and pink options too.

What does it do?

The Honor Band 5 boasts a multitude of functions that are on a par with (or in some cases even better than) its more expensive rivals.

As well as recording my steps, monitoring heart rate and telling me how many calories I’ve burned, the band logs how long I’ve slept using ‘TruSleep’ technology. The software records light, deep and REM sleep, letting me know both the quality and length of my sleep during the night.

It also has a SpO2 Blood Oxygen sensor, which measures the blood oxygen saturation in the body - a good blood oxygenation level is an indicator of muscles that are functioning well.

In addition, the band can be set to 10 different workout types - indoor or outdoor walking, running and cycling, swimming, rower, cross trainer and free training. It works 50m under water (so I don’t have to worry about taking it off in the shower), and once I’ve downloaded the Huawei Health app onto my mobile it notifies me of calls or texts.

What did I like?

Like other fitness bands, the Honor Band 5 really makes you aware of how much you’re moving and encourages you to stay active - for instance, if I’m close to 10,000 steps before bed time, I jog on the spot until I hit the target. I like the continuous heart rate monitoring, particularly after a workout when it’s interesting to see how high my heart rate climbed (161 bpm is my highest).

108 APRIL 2020

The sleep quality record is another handy feature, as it shows a graph on the app recording how many times you’ve woken up during the night, and how deeply you’ve slept. And as my average night’s sleep is usually around four hours, the band correctly tells me that I’m not getting enough. It also supplies me with some tips on how to sleep better, which does make me try to get to bed a little earlier.

Another plus point is the battery - although it claims to have a battery life of up to 14 days, I find that in reality, it lasts about four to five days when all its functions are enabled. However, it only takes about an hour and a half to fully charge, meaning you can just pop it on charge while you’re sitting at your desk and it doesn’t miss any of your movements.

What could be better?

It’s hard to fault this band, particularly when you consider it’s low price. The only thing I found disappointing was that as my main form of exercise is working out at the gym, and it isn’t able to record upper body reps, other than how they affect your heart rate.

So although you might have lifted 50kg or held a plank for four gruelling minutes, it’s not reflected in your workout data other than to show the spike in your heart rate and extra calories you’ve burned. But if you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful tracker that will cover the basics (and more), this might just be the fitness partner you’ve been looking for.

The Honor Band 5 is available from Argos, £29.99.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

CREATING BRIGITTE BARDOT’S ICONIC BOUFFANT HAIRSTYLE The French film star’s famous ‘do is as popular today as it was in the 1950s.

W

hen it comes to famous hair styles throughout history, has their ever been a more influential ‘do than Brigitte Bardot’s?

While cuts like Mary Quant’s sharp pixie crop or Jennifer Aniston’s The Rachel may come and go, the Bardot bouffant looks as cool now as it did when the French movie star shot to fame in the 1950s.

Now, a new range of products from the Brigitte Bardot Foundation aims to help you get the movie star look - whether you’re blonde or not.

“Tousled, teased, textured... Bardot had the finest bedhead that ever was,” says hairstylist and Bardot ambassador Paul Herrington.

“With modern relevance, Bardot’s iconic look has been emulated by successive generations of supermodels like Claudia Schiffer, Giselle Bundchen, and Kate Moss.”

Combining a bouffant shape at the crown of the head and loose, messy waves, the style gives volume to the locks while framing the face.

So how’s it done? Here, Emmanuel Esteban, session stylist at Salon Sloane, offers a step by step guide on how to create the iconic Brigitte Bardot look...

110 APRIL 2020

1. Starting with clean, damp hair, spray with Bardot Lift + Volume Spray (£19, Pretty Little Thing) on the roots to give enough lift and achieve natural body, then spray heat protection on midlengths to ends.

2. Dry your hair upside down using a paddle brush (I like to use natural bristle brushes) with downward strokes ensuring you are smoothing the cuticle and creating volume on the roots.

3. Once hair is dry, divide it into two sections.

First, the top section of hair from the temples to the nape of the neck. The second section is the rest of your hair.

4. On the lower part of your head spray with Bardot Texture Spray (£19, Pretty Little Thing) at least six inches away from your head and curl in large sections using a curling wand to achieve a wavy, textured, messy look.

5. On the top section, curl your hair with a large barrelled tong starting from the back of your head, sectioning horizontally through to the front towards your face focusing on achieving root lift.

6. Backcomb the very top section of your hair.

Start with gentle combing at the front, gradually building up the volume towards the back, including the crown - this will create the Bardot bouffant shape. Then spray lightly with hairspray. Brush all of your hair gently with a paddle brush.

7. Without being precise, take the top part of your hair and pin it at the back of your head to achieve a half up-half down look - secure the pin pushing upwards to create more volume. To finish the look, pull out fine pieces of hair around your face to frame it.

Visit Blue Velvet Shoes at 174 Kings Road, SW3 4UP or call 020 7376 7442 buy online www.bluevelvetshoes.com

Blue Velvet, the home of contemporary and Luxury footwear direct from the heart of Europe. Always one step ahead, they have established themselves on their quality and first-rate service.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Beautiful Jewellery that Resonates Positive Vibes

I

n a world of such rapid change, it is important Healer, LYL gemstones are individually purified now more than ever to remain calm and and supercharged through an 11-step cleansing optimistic about what the future will bring. and healing process. This eight-hour ritual offers a Creating such positive vibes through healing unique combination of Japanese healing techniques, crystals and Reiki energy, Lisa Young Lee brings to positive intentions and prayer. the UK the world’s finest collection of luxury Endorsed by Hollywood celebrities healing jewellery. and embraced in Britain’s top fashion Carefully selected for their exquisite magazines, their healing gemstones quality through a Master Reiki foster a bespoke combination of READER style and healing whilst attracting OFFER: SAVE positive energy, calm, love, optimism and so much more.

Rest assured that at Lisa Young Lee, no detail is overlooked with each item carefully prepared in exquisite faux suede packaging with a surprise gift included with every order. Shopping from the comfort of your home, our ordering gives peace of mind through the highest level of customer satisfaction, taking online shopping to the next level.

During such times of transition, Lisa Young Lee offers ladies, men and children not only a fashion statement but also the assurance and comfort of positive vibes.

Visit www.lisayounglee.com and use discount code: SAVE30 and save 30% off your order.

Code expiry date is 30 June 2020.

30%

112 APRIL 2020

“Lisa Young Lee brings to the UK the world’s finest collection of luxury healing jewellery”

Styling - Mike Stalings | Model - YO RJ | Photographer - Hamadi Price

For more info contact iurish_blacklabel@hotmail.com

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Poison Pure Silk

P

oison Pure Silk is an Italian brand based in Noto (Sicily.Italy) born on January 2020. The creator of this young brand, the stylist Eugenia Marescalco, consider her first production “The Kimono Collection” as an intercultural project that mixes Japanese Kimono’s timeless elegance with Sicilian tailoring tradition.

After attending a prestigious tailoring school, Eugenia spent a couple of months in Japan, an adventurous backpacking trip that allowed her to get closer to Eastern culture and its beautiful creations, including Kimonos.

She decided, back from the trip, that her own creations would be an imaginary bridge between the East and the West, able to dialogue thanks to the choice of pure silk Made in Italy (a fabric, one of the finest in the world, that is undoubtedly of Eastern origin but which is also a symbol of the great Italian merchants and craftsmen).

“The Kimono Collection” is a colorful and refined selection of handmade Kimonos, all unique pieces manufactured inside a small home craft workshop. Eugenia takes care of all the processing phases, from the paper pattern design to embroidery. Being an handmade Kimono means that no piece is the same of another, so you can be sure you’ll wear something exclusive in the world.

The Kimono proposed by Poison Pure Silk is a particularly versatile garment, you can have fun creating several original and sophisticated outfit for

116 APRIL 2020

many occasions and seasons.

You can use it as a comfortable ( but stylish!) dressing gown or as a beachrobe with your favourite swimsuit and denim shorts, maybe for a poolside party.

You can wear a it with a little black dress, heels, a nice bag and it’s done, you’re ready for your night out. And why not, a cozy chic outerwear to absolutely match with a pair of jeens and the classic white shirt.

In other words, this Kimono is something that should never miss from your closet!

As we already told, all Kimonos are one of a kind, but you can make your own kimono even more special by choosing your favourite silk from a specific section on Poison’s website (Our Silk) or asking for a custom-made request: you can ask for an obi, the traditional Kimono’s belt or you can request a custom label with your name embroidered on it.

The exclusivity of a Poison Kimono is right here: it is born as a unique handmade product, you can make it customize and you can keep customizing it yourself by combining it with the accessories you prefer.

Visit www.poisonpuresilk.com to discover “The Kimono Collection” sign up for the newsletter and stay up to date with promotions and news about the latest collection.

Follow @poison.pure.silk on Instagram and on Facebook Poison PureSilk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Eastwell Manor,

Champneys hotel & spa

L

ocated in the stunning ‘Garden of England’ Kent countryside, and just one hour from the bustle of London, Eastwell Manor, Champneys Hotel & Spa is the hotel that offers it all.

If you’re looking for fine dining, pampering and rambling in acres of breathtakingly beautiful landscaped gardens, Eastwell ticks every box.

A long sweeping tree-lined drive leads you to the Neo-Elizabethan Manor House in all its glory.

The newly opened Eastwell Manor restaurant, ‘The Brasserie at the Manor’, will not disappoint if fine dining is high on your list, and the Eastwell Manor afternoon tea is well known throughout the area – often booked up for months – and you must place high on your to-do list one of their signature cocktails!

Classic Bedrooms and suites are decorated to reflect the 450 year history of Eastwell Manor, many with four-poster beds and freestanding baths.

The bedrooms provide spacious accommodation

118 APRIL 2020

and are truly beautiful with some rooms having private terraces overlooking uninterrupted views of the North Downs.

The new mews rooms based in the courtyard are converted Victorian stables, comprising of 39 ensuite bedrooms which offer alternative and quirky contemporary-styled accommodation.

The Country House is also one of the most popular choices for couples to say ‘I do,’’ with many stylish and picturesque locations to use for that picture-perfect wedding. Their recent wedding show proved a massive hit.

Packages start from as little as £8,780 including accommodation for the wedding party, reception drinks and 50 day guests, and 70 evening guests.

If pampering is high on your self-care list the world-renowned Champneys health spa boasts a hydrotherapy pool, steam rooms, and of course, the highly lauded spa treatments. Opt for a massage to soothe weary limbs. or a signature facial to rejuvenate a lacklustre winter complexion.

As with most Champneys locations, they have a state-of-the-art gym and fitness classes - but like us, pampering and relaxing will always be number one! www.eastwellmanor.co.uk

“The Eastwell Manor afternoon tea is well known throughout the area – often booked up for months – and you must place high on your to-do list one of their signature cocktails!”

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Is heartburn and indigestion leaving a bad taste in your mouth?

Meet Dr RISHI GOEL, a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Parkside Private Hospital who shares his expertise on Acid Reflux

Dr Rishi Goel is a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Parkside Private Hospital. He graduated from Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’ Medical Schools in 2004 and spent 3 years at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospitals where he undertook clinical research into the Genetics and Microbiology of inflammatory bowel disease and gained advanced endoscopy experience.

During his career, he has been fortunate to undertake clinical attachments in Australia, India and Japan.

Dr Goel has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles, presented at international meetings and written a textbook chapter. He has also participated in a multiple international inflammatory bowel disease treatment trials as a principal investigator and is currently involved in clinical research.

Dr Rishi Goel, also specialises in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Colonoscopy, Endoscopy, Video Capsule Endoscopy, Crohn’s disease, Colitis and general Gastroenterology.

120 APRIL 2020

What is Acid Reflux?

Busy lifestyles, late nights, eating and drinking habits can leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable.

Up to 25% of people in the UK suffer from heartburn and reflux symptoms on weekly basis having a poor impact on their quality of life. This is known as Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GORD).

Severe symptoms can lead to abdominal pain and even feeling sick and vomiting.

What causes Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is caused by stomach contents (such as food and acid) riding up into the oesophagus (food pipe) leading to a burning discomfort.

This is caused by a muscular valve (or sphincter) between the stomach and oesophagus becoming lax and so allowing stomach contents to enter the oesophagus upwards rather than going down. There are a number of factors which lead to acid reflux including poor eating habits, being overweight and excessive intake of certain foods and alcohol. The sphincter between the stomach and oesophagus can also become lax over time as the muscles age, allowing the stomach to ride up (known as a hiatus hernia), leading to reflux.

What can I do about my Acid Reflux?

The first step is to identify and recognise your symptoms. Reflux is common but lifestyle changes can sometimes considerably improve symptoms: • Eat small regular meals and don’t skip meals • Take time to eat slowly and chew food properly • Avoid excess tea, coffee, alcohol and highly spiced fatty foods • Avoid late night meals

• Avoid bending or lying down immediately after eating • Lose weight • Stop smoking How do you treat Acid Reflux?

Over-the-counter preparations such as Gaviscon can bring about relief. Simple tablets such as medications called ‘proton pump inhibitors’ can be highly effective. Occasionally, acid reflux can lead to inflammation in the oesophagus, and although rare, can develop into a more serious disease.

One possible consequence is the development of Barrett’s oesophagus, where the oesophageal lining undergoes changes to cope with acid exposure. This can be a pre-cancerous condition and once detected, it can be effectively treated and surveyed.

Investigation with endoscopy (also known as gastroscopy) is useful in checking for conditions such as a hiatus hernia, inflammatory changes, h. pylori infection, stomach and small bowel ulceration. This is a simple test which usually takes less than 5 minutes to complete and can be performed with sedation. This allows the detection of any serious problems and helps guide treatment.

Other options for reflux treatment are also available such as keyhole surgery.

If your symptoms persist, there is a full upper GI assessment and endoscopy service available at Parkside Hospital, where we can offer advice and treatment, as well as perform a rapid endoscopic assessment.

To book an appointment call 020 8971 8026 or email info@parksidehospital.co.uk www.parkside-hospital.co.uk

Sheila Westera creates edgy, glamorous, and colourful jewellery in a way that has never been done before.

Her uniquely distinct pieces attract true individuals.

Having worked in the fine jewellery field for years, Sheila felt the urge to introduce a new type of jewellery. Over the years, she developed her own technique and started to create one-of-a-kind rings, using her carefully picked collection of precious and semi-precious stones. A large collection of her cocktail rings are woven masterpieces, and entirely created by Sheila. Each ring is a reflection of her mood, resulting in a collection of statement rings that range from a pure setting to elaborate works of art with a stone. Due to Sheila’s raw touch, every jewel she makes has its own distinct character, and she never recreates a piece. Her preferred materials are 14 karat gf, sterling silver and 18 karat gold.

You can follow Sheila on Social Media or you can subscribe to her newsletter. www.sheilawestera.com

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

A leading centre for

K

ing Edward VII’s Hospital is one of the UK’s leading centres for urology, bringing together an exceptional multidisciplinary team of consultant urologists who are all leaders in their specialist field.

Collaborating to offer an integrated service, and with the very latest in diagnostic and surgical technology at their fingertips, the Hospital’s specialists work together to provide outstanding personalised, patient-centred care at the cutting edge of modern medicine.

Conditions treated include prostate cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, incontinence, erectile dysfunction, stone disease and benign diseases of the prostate.

The Hospital was the first in the Harley Street area to acquire the da Vinci xi© robot, allowing

122 APRIL 2020

its expert surgeons to perform precise, minimally invasive robotic procedures. At the forefront of diagnostic and surgical technology, and with specialist urology nursing, it can deliver the very best end-to-end care to patients no matter what their condition.

The most advanced diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer Focal therapy and robotic surgery at King Edward VII’s Hospital offer patients the most advanced and minimally invasive prostate cancer treatment available.

In the UK, approximately 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime.

It can be confusing for men to know whether

“The Hospital recently welcomed the London Urology Specialists to the team. Learn more about our amazing consultant urologists at kingedwardvii.co.uk”

urology in the UK

they should be checked for prostate cancer, and having any symptoms that might be related to prostate cancer can be worrying.

If you’re concerned about prostate cancer, there are tests that can be carried out by your medical specialist to check for any signs of the disease including MRI, Ultrasound and biopsy.

If a definitive diagnosis of prostate cancer is made, there are many treatment options and while this might feel bewildering, the wide range of options represents a chance to choose the right one, along with your medical team, to successfully treat or manage your cancer.

King Edward VII’s Hospital brings together a team of internationally renowned prostate specialists and has invested in cutting-edge diagnostic and surgical technology to facilitate the highest standards of diagnosis and minimallyinvasive treatment for prostate cancer.

Focal therapy for prostate cancer Focal therapy is a treatment suitable for men who have medium (intermediate) risk prostate cancer, ideally in one part of the prostate. As it treats only the cancer, and a small area around the cancer, the side effects of treatment are much less than those for traditional prostate cancer surgery or radiotherapy. This treatment option requires a careful assessment of the prostate using MRI and biopsy information.

For men who are suitable, it is done as a day surgery procedure. Follow up includes careful monitoring using MRI scans and sometimes biopsy.

In many cases it allows men to continue to have good sexual and urinary function, whilst treating the cancer. As it’s a small treatment, it can be repeated, and if necessary, surgery or radiotherapy can be used at a later date.

There are a number of different energies used in focal therapy for prostate cancer, including ultrasound (High Intensity Focussed Ultrasound, or HIFU) and electroporation (or NanoKnife, passing an electrical current across the tumour to treat it). King Edward VII’s Hospital is one of the few private hospitals in the UK to offer these cuttingedge treatments.

Robotically assisted prostate surgery Prostate surgery is offered to men with prostate cancer that hasn’t spread further than their prostate, or that has only spread a short distance. It aims to cure prostate cancer by completely removing the prostate and all of the cancerous cells.

King Edward VII’s Hospital has recently invested in a da Vinci Xi© robot which enables your surgeon to perform minimally-invasive surgery with an advanced set of instruments. Surgeons using the da Vinci Xi© are able to remove the prostate gland through a few small incisions (cuts).

The benefits of this advanced technology include smaller scars, a shorter hospital stay, less pain after the operation and a greater likelihood of sparing the nerves around the prostate which control erections and urinary continence.

THE DETAILS If you are concerned about your prostate health, or you have received a diagnosis for prostate cancer and are considering private treatment, call a member of the dedicated patient services team at King Edward VII’s Hospital to discuss your options: 020 7467 4344 Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm www.kingedwardvii.co.uk

APRIL 2020 123

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Discovering the presence of a lump: what next?

D

iscovering the presence of a lump in your breast can be an extremely worrying time.

Breast symptoms are very common and the majority of patients who attend the Breast Health Centre at King Edward VII’s Hospital have benign conditions (meaning they do not have breast cancer).

However, although benign breast lumps are far more common than malignant ones (cancerous), breast cancer is still the most common cancer in women in the United Kingdom, with 1 in 8 women in England expected to develop the disease in her lifetime.

Over 80 per cent of patients seen at the Breast Health Centre with a lump have a benign lump, but a full urgent triple assessment of any breast lump is highly recommended to rule out cancer.

It is quite often that a cancerous lump may look or feel the same as a benign one, and only triple-assessment in a Rapid Access specialised breast clinic would make the diagnosis.

Triple-assessment breast screening with a multi-disciplinary team on-site is considered the gold standard and includes rapid assessment by a leading breast consultant, breast imaging (mammogram &/or ultrasound) and cytology/ histology assessments all in the same place at the same time.

Sue Milner is the Breast Service Manager at King Edward VII’s and explains the significance of having everything in one place: “We offer a one-stop clinic here at King Edward VII’s Hospital. This starts with a mammogram; if there is cause for concern an ultrasound will be performed. From there a biopsy will be taken to be examined, all during the same visit.”

If you are concerned about your breast health and would like the advice of a specialist

124 APRIL 2020

consultant, the King Edward VII’s Hospital Breast Health Centre can provide rapid access to a onestop, gold standard breast assessment service.

To enquire about paying for your assessment or using your private medical insurance at King Edward VII’s Hospital, 5-10 Beaumont Street, Marylebone, London W1G 6AA, contact the dedicated patient services team. www.kingedwardvii.co.uk; 020 7467 4344.

“Over 80 per cent of patients seen at the Breast Health Centre with a lump have a benign lump”

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Self-Pay at Parkside Hospital medication for up to 14 days.

• One post-discharge outpatient visit for wound dressing or stitches removal.

• One follow-up consultation with your consultant.

• For weight loss patients - Two dietician appointments.

• For Orthopaedic patients - Hydrotherapy during your stay, physiotherapy & one set of mobility aids for post discharge rehabilitation.

If I need surgery how long will I need to wait?

For most procedures it is usually possible to arrange surgery within 2-3 weeks of your initial Outpatient consultation.

What is Self-Pay? Self-pay is the option to pay for your own treatment.

This alternative solution allows you quick access to high quality treatments with little or no wait time without the need for private insurance. Paying for your own treatment also allows you the freedom to choose the consultant who will look after you. At Parkside Private Hospital we offer a range of selfpay fixed price packages allowing you to fund your own treatment with no unexpected additional costs.

Do you offer any finance options?

Yes, subject to status we can offer monthly payment options for one-off private treatments through Chrysalis Finance. This allows you to spread the cost of your treatment using an interest free low APR finance option which can be arranged in advance.

When can I choose to pay for myself ?

• If the NHS doesn’t cover the treatment you require.

• If you are not eligible for NHS-funded care.

• You are on a waiting list and would like to be treated quicker and at time that is convenient to you.

• If you don’t have private health insurance

• Choice of over 100 expert Consultants who offer a £200 fixed price consultation • Caring nurses • No waiting lists • Transparent pricing • Comprehensive pre and post-surgical care • Flexible finance options available

“This alternative solution allows you quick access to high quality treatments with little or no wait time without the need for private insurance”

Benefits of choosing self-pay at Parkside: • Rated No.1 Private Hospital in London in 2018* by our patients across 15 Categories (*Survey compiled by HWA- Howard Warwick Associates)

Do I need a referral?

We have over 100 expert consultants across a range of specialities, who offer consultations for a fixed fee of £200 without the need for a referral letter.

If my consultant recommends further tests, how do I find out costs?

If at the time of your Outpatient consultation you are recommended to have further tests i.e. blood tests, scans or minor procedures we have a cashier in our Outpatient department who is available until 8pm on weekdays, and can provide you the cost of your treatment, allowing you to make an informed decision before proceeding.

If I need surgery do you have any self-pay packages available?

We have self-pay fixed prices packages for over 80 procedures across a range of specialties.

What is included in your fixed price packages?

• Pre-operative assessment prior to admission*.

• All clinical costs associated with your stay, including consultant & anaesthetist fees for your inpatient care, nursing care and theatre fees.

• Standard prosthesis, if required.

• 24hr on-call doctor.

• Test & scans required during your stay & postdischarge.

• Medication & dressings including take-home 128 APRIL 2020

To find out more about self-pay at Parkside Private Hospital call 020 3740 2767 or email: selfpay@parkside-hospital.co.uk www.parkside-hospital.co.uk Please note: Terms & Conditions apply on the self-pay fixed price packages. *This does not include initial consultation fees, diagnostic tests and scans prior to admission

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

LATEST THERAPY FOR ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER Lutetium-177 PSMA

BIOGRAPHY Dr Yong Du has treated the largest number of patients with Lutetium-177-PSMA in the UK and practises at Cancer Centre London, one of only three hospitals in the UK that offer this treatment.

Dr Yong Du graduated from Shandong Medical University. He was awarded a PhD in Cancer Sciences at the University of Southampton for his work on lymphoma and completed his nuclear medicine specialist training at the Institute of Nuclear Medicine, University College Hospital in London. Dr Yong Du also has extensive experience in radionuclide targeted therapy.

He is interested in combining the fast advancing functional imaging technology with multidisciplinary expertise to help develop and optimise radionuclide targeted therapy for cancer patients.

Dr Yong Du is a Trustee of the British Nuclear Medicine Society.

He was the first recipient of the UK HEFCE Clinical Senior Lectureship award in the Nuclear Medicine speciality. He lectures in national and international medical conferences regularly.

130 APRIL 2020

What is Lutetium PSMA Therapy?

Lutetium Prostate Specific Membrane (PSMA) therapy is an innovative targeted therapy used to treat metastatic prostate cancer. Lutetium PSMA therapy aims to reduce the size of the prostate cancer metastases and stop them from spreading.

This results in a decrease of the symptoms that people may get with metastatic prostate cancer.

“Lutetium PSMA is most often used when the disease has metastasised�

How does Lutetium PSMA Work?

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a type of protein found on the prostate cancer cells. When someone has prostate cancer there is an increased amount of PSMA protein on the cell. PSMA will also appear in other parts of the body where the prostate cancer has spread or metastasised. Lutetium-177 PSMA Therapy uses a molecule which attaches itself to the PSMA receptors on the cancer cells. Before it is administered, the PSMA molecule is bound with Lutetium-177, which releases beta radiation, a destructive type of radiation that damages the cancer cells when it is in close proximity to them, with minimum damage to healthy cells.

Prior to starting the therapy, a diagnostic scan is performed (Gallium 68 PSMA PET/CT) to highlight areas that have high levels of PSMA and

ensure the radiation will target the right areas during treatment.

Who should have Lutetium PSMA Therapy?

Lutetium PSMA is most often used when the disease has metastasised and when other therapies are poorly tolerated or have stopped working. This therapy aims to reduce the size of the cancer and stop it from multiplying, as well as to ease the symptoms that people may get with metastatic prostate cancer. Clinical trials have demonstrated this treatment to be highly effective in a significant number of patients. A substantial number of patients have experienced long term remission after PSMA therapy.

How will this improve quality of life?

Patients undergoing Lutetium PSMA therapy often experience a noticeable relief from pain caused by mestastic prostate cancer, especially in the bones. A number of patients who have had Lutetium PSMA therapy have also experienced long term remission.

With the reduction in symptoms, patients can carry on with their activities of daily living and enjoy time with family and loved ones.

There are very few side effects from Lutetium PSMA therapy. Some patients may experience a dry mouth, tiredness and a brief decline in the production of blood cells. Blood tests are performed intermittently to ensure the radiation is not damaging healthy tissue. .

To book an appointment call: 0208 247 3428 Email: info@cancercentrelondon.co.uk www.cancercentrelondon.co.uk

Agnes Bethel is a tribute to the core essence of who my mother is and my dedication to her sacrifices to put her family first.”

Stephen & Leslie Bessent’s goal is to build a brand of diversity and inclusion. Pronounced Agnes (Beth – Elle), our mission is to be a representation of all. This husband and wife team nurtured Agnes Bethel to fill a void of new luxury fashion brands with family roots and life’s inspiration.

Branded as the “Rebels of Luxury Footwear”, the Agnes Bethel woman is not afraid of taking risk and knows that luxury is more of an experience rather than a price tag. Our application to luxury footwear is one that is inclusive and focused on providing an unforgettable experience. We take pride in what we design for you. Our designs are exclusively unique and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Our passion for design is raw, authentic and rebellious. Our silhouettes are unconventional and patterns are meticulously made to fit to perfection. We are rebels reinventing footwear bringing back creativity, individuality, and freedom of expression through the art of style and slow fashion.

For more information visit www.agnesbethel.com Follow us on social media: Instagram @agnesbethelshoes Facebook @AgnesBethel Twitter @agnesbethel_

HOuse &

garden SPONSORED BY

Expert property solicitors for all aspects of residential conveyancing. www.slatergordon.co.uk/property

– Keep it local for everything house and home – I M AG E : CHA P LINS

H OUSE & GARDEN

[NEWS]

INTERIORS INDUSTRIAL CHIC

A trendy industrial leather and iron dining chair that would look great in a loft style setting. This dining chair features a tubular iron frame which is coloured black to complement the leather upholstery. The vertical channel tufted design with stitched detail gives the chair a cool vintage look. www.decoville.co.uk

SPRING SALE AT FISHPOOLS

Fishpools are excited to announce that the Spring Sale is now on. With up to 25% off across all departments including on-trend furniture, dining, flooring and accessories, there has never been a better time to refresh your home. Fishpools has over 120 years’ experience of serving customers with excellent quality products, renowned brands and a variety of styles, all with an impeccable, personalised service from their experts. Shop the sale on Fishpools website, or alternatively take a look around their 62,000 square foot showroom in Waltham Cross. Pictured: Kew Low Footend Bed Frame 135cm WAS £1099 NOW £769. www.fishpools.co.uk

call of the wild

WE LOVE

This Birds Of Paradise Wall Paper byPlum Retail Ltd. www.plumretail.com

FROM THE FUTURE

Contemporary bisque porcelain LED table lamps, from “Earth to Humanity” collection from Portuguese luxury brand Vista Alegre.

A striking innovative design, inspired by the logic and beauty of nature. www.micucci.co.uk 134 APRIL 2020

We absolutely love these Ceramic vases available in zebra, cheetah and giraffe designs! By Ella James and shipped globally. www.ellajames.co.uk

tick tock

We’re all slaves to time, but now it’s on your terms with these stylish Brick Click Clocks. Just click your fingers or gently tap your bedside table and the time will appear and looks like the time is magically floating on these lovely bricks. No longer does your room have to be illuminated by a constant blinking digital glow, nor do you have to fumble to find your smartphone in the darkness.

The Brick Click Clock can display the time, date and temperature alternatively or you can also set it on permanent time display. www.plumretail.com

RollER ShuTTER GaRaGE dooRS Sun awninGS and RE-covERS SEcuRiTy ShuTTERS, BaRS and GaTES

www.drathmore.co.uk Tel: 01708 755667 | Email: sales@drathmore.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

KITCHEN FLOORING THAT’S MADE TO LAST natural wood floor co -v

W

White Mist Oiled, priced from £69.00 per sq m.

hen it comes to kitchen projects, flooring is as important as the kitchen cabinets. The flooring will be down for a long time and will be expensive to change, so it makes sense to get it right first time round. A good quality wooden floor is hard to beat. It’s hardwearing, durable, family friendly and there’s a massive choice of designs and colours. With wood flooring ticking all the right boxes, the only real dilemma is which style to choose. Peter Keane, Director of The Natural Wood Floor Company, shares his advice.

“Simple shaker cabinets and parquet flooring are two classics which won’t date, so with this combination there’s no danger of it going out of fashion. If you fancy a change, the cabinets can be revamped with a lick of paint and the parquet floor can be sanded and sealed with a different coloured finish. We can’t imagine anybody tiring of these subtle grey pebble tones, but it can be reassuring to know that the option is there.”

“Simple shaker cabinets and parquet flooring are two classics which won’t date” Introducing pattern is going to be big in 2018 and the good news is that wood flooring is a great way to achieve this. Parquet is the obvious choice 136 APRIL 2020

here as you can lay the blocks in a variety of designs, like this classic herringbone pattern, or there’s also basket weave and brick designs. “Parquet is on the top of everybody’s wish list at the moment. It’s been making a steady comeback for years now and is definitely here to stay. It’s a sign of true quality.

Nobody can resist the charms of a well-made parquet wood floor,” says Peter.

For a light and bright floor, Peter recommends The Natural Wood Floor Company’s White Mist Oiled boards. “The cool white and grey tones of our White Mist flooring give the oak a modern feel, but the knots and swirls of the wood’s grain mean that you still get all the character. As for the finish, oils are the most practical sealers for areas of heavy use, like kitchens, as it’s easy to carry out spot repairs. A small area can easily be re-sanded and sealed without it having an impact of the rest of the floor” says Peter.

THE DETAILS

The Natural Wood Floor Company, 20 Smugglers Way, Wandsworth, London Sw18 Ieg www.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk; 020 8871 9771

H OUSE & GARDEN

Hand Forging Magic In Hertfordshire…

T

ucked away in the quiet, quaint Chiltern Hill’s is the ever-evolving Elliott of London studio. Behind the doors are a small team of craftsmen creating some of the most enticing sculptures.

On one of the workshop benches, one of the clever team is creating a stunning copper rose, another is working one of the unique & quirky commissions that have come in for the team to sink their teeth into. There is a busy hype in the workshop today & the studio is ramping up for their up & coming Spring Studio Open Day. Elliott of London was created & founded by Charles Elliott, who is now an internationally renowned British sculptor making a serious mark on the scene & industry. Charles works closely with his small team of dedicated craftsmen to push the boundaries, crafting bespoke handmade bronze & metal sculptures.

Charles’s passion to break sculptor boundaries is clear & I’m looking forward to attending the Spring Studio Open Day to see what new creations they have.

The Spring Studio Open Day is open to everyone, the gates will open Saturday 4th April & Sunday 5th April at 9.30am – 4.30pm both days.

Not only will you be able see all the sculptures up close & personal, there will be a selection of

138 APRIL 2020

local stalls with handmade crafts, gifts & local made goodies.

There will demonstrations, displays & talks through out the day so you can see Charles & the team in action, purchases & commission conversations will be welcomed throughout the day.

THE DETAILS For more information on Elliott of London & our Spring Studio Open Day please look at: Spring Studio Open Day: 4th & 5th April 2020 www.elliottoflondon.co.uk Instagram or Facebook: Elliott of London – British Sculpture Email: info@elliottoflondon.co.uk Studio: 01494 758896 Elliott of London, Bluebell Farm Shootersway, Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 3GW

Bespoke design & build treehouses, playhouses and elevated platforms.

Commercial & International commissions welcomed

TEL: +44 (0)1403 732452 www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.com

H OUSE & GARDEN

weird & wonderful Take a breath of fresh air Move over cacti because air plants are on the rise.

They don’t need soil, just a humid environment, so a bathroom or steamy kitchen would be ideal and you just need to mist them a couple of times a week. They can be used to trail or just form part of a display in a glass container, provided there’s plenty of air circulation around their base. Crocus offers air plants in quirky upside-down sea urchin shells to give a jellyfish effect. (£12.99 per air plant jellyfish at crocus.co.uk)

Find a rainforest favourite

Move over spider plant - we have amazing bat flowers, a palm tree and an air plant jellyfish.

I

f your spider plant has lost its lustre, you’re done with your devil’s ivy and have lost your appetite for your Swiss cheese plant, it’s time to seek out some more unusual houseplants.

You could go for a tropical look with parrot-shaped flowers, or something architecturally onpoint, or even a plant that grows coffee beans. So, what’s out there that you probably haven’t tried?

The parrot plant, also known as the Congo cockatoo (but officially Impatiens niamniamensis), is a striking plant which produces unusual red and yellow flattened tubular flowers with a green hooded mouth, dangling below leaves to provide an eye-catching display. Originally a stalwart in the African rainforest, it prefers a humid environment and is ideal in a heated greenhouse or frost-free room but keep it away from central heating because it needs moist air. It will sit happily outside in summer in a shady spot. (£6.99 for a 9cm potted plant, Thompson & Morgan)

Go Hawaiian tropical It may be rare, but the Hawaiian palm can bring a dash of the exotic into your home with its rich green leaves and sweet-scented jasmine-like flowers which bloom in October. This succulent, which doesn’t need much watering, makes its main growth in the winter months and is easy to grow indoors. Give it a light position inside in winter and a sheltered position in the house or garden in the summer, when it is dormant. When the lower leaves turn yellow, snap them off to emphasise the characteristic of the trunk. (£17.99 for a 12cm pot from Amazon)

Leaf through spots Variegated leaves are nothing new in the plant world - but what about spots? There’s a begonia out there

140 APRIL 2020

to give you spots before your eyes. The Begonia maculata ‘Wightii’ has a white dotted upper leaf and deep red underbelly and will do well in bright light but not direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist, watering once the top two inches of soil have dried out, but don’t let the plant dry out completely, and give the plant good humidity. (£19.99 for a 10cm pot from The Ginger Jungle)

Explore elephant ears Alocasia are proving popular at the moment, thanks to their tropical-looking veined leaves in a variety of colours and leaf markings. Try the Amazonian elephant’s ear (Alocasia x amazonica), a dramatic addition to any room, with its arrow-shaped evergreen leaves which reach up to 60cm (24in) long. They do well in a warm, lightly shaded room or conservatory. (£9.99 for an 11cm pot, Thompson & Morgan)

Go batty The bat flower (Tacca chantrieri), so called because it mimics a bat in flight, is a striking houseplant whose large, rich leaves surround an almost black bloom with long ‘whiskers’ during summer. Plant it in well-drained soil, positioned in a shady spot with high humidity, so place the pot in a tray of wet gravel to keep the air around it humid. It will need repotting annually as it doesn’t like to be potbound. It’s a great alternative to an orchid. If you’re growing it from seed, soak the seeds for 24 hours before sowing. (£4.99 for five seeds, Suttons)

Fancy a coffee?

Ever thought of bringing your own taste of heaven into your home with a coffee plant? The Barista has luscious green leaves to add a tropical touch to a shady spot in your home. Its attractive clusters of sweetly scented white flowers are followed by glorious red berries, which are in fact coffee beans.

Sow seeds from January to December but you’ll need to be patient as they are slow-growing. (£3.99, 10 seeds available from January, Suttons)

Specialist plastering company that has been established for over 30 years.

Recently, the firm were selected in LUXLlfe’s 2018 Leading Designers Awards where they were awarded the accolade Most Outstanding Plastering Firm in London. They also won the Plastering Company of the Year award in LTG Lifestyle Awards 2018/2019 and the Best Plaster Restoration Company South East England award of BUILD 2018 Construction & Engineering.

Established in 1990, London Plastercraft Ltd have the largest range of stock cornice patterns anywhere with over 200 Victorian patterns, more than 100 Edwardian and over 100 Georgian, along with many other modern and period designs. Currently they have been developing cornice patterns to incorporate L.E.D lighting and also air conditions flow through designs.

H OUSE & GARDEN

Kelvin LED Table Lamp by Flos, £315

Get To Work On Your Home Office With Our 2020 Style Guide Words by: Anna Howell, Chaplins

Beetle Swivel Chair

by Gubi, £1,131

Interiors Editor

I

t’s no secret that the world of work is changing. With the rise of co-working and freelancing, it’s now possible to get down to business in just about any location.

And yet if we’ve learnt anything from the sterile interiors of the early 90s, it’s that environment matters. Recent studies suggest that a well-designed space can lead to significant boosts in productivity and cognitive function — quantitative evidence of the “feel-good” factor of great design.

With 50% of the UK now working remotely at least once a week, creating a functional home office has become an essential task if we wish to maintain boundaries between work and play.

Here at Chaplins, we’ve been giving it some thought and have come up with our Home Office Style Guide to help you get it right first time.

Plan Like An Executive When designing your home office, it’s good to take some time to visualise how everything will work together. Don’t forget to incorporate some sort of breakout zone — a space in which to think or read when you’re not obliged to be sat behind a keyboard.

In smaller offices, this could be as simple as a generous pouf. In larger homes, a small sofa, armchair or (if you’re feeling particularly psychoanalytic) chaise lounge. Incorporating these elements ensures your office is a space you’ll actually enjoy spending time in, while accommodating for both active and passive work.

142 APRIL 2020

Wolf Keramik Desk by Cattelan Italia, £1,757

Are You Sitting Comfortably?

While the majority of offices are characterised by orthopaedic-looking chairs, designers have a long history of producing statement styles.

Some of the best date back to the mid-century, including iconic collections such as the Eames Aluminium Range and Knoll’s Executive Saarinen collection. Both offer top-notch ergonomics and a timeless design language to boot.

Sustainable design lovers might also want to consider Vitra’s N02 Recycled Office Chair — crafted entirely from circular polypropylene and recycled aluminium. Lightweight and compact, it’s a great choice for those who are short on space.

No More Boring Desk Jobs A great desk is the backbone of any contemporary

THE DETAILS 477-507 Uxbridge Road, HA5 4JS www.chaplins.co.uk 020 8421 1179

home office. And whether small or stately, there are a variety of exciting options.

For homes in which every square inch counts, look for compact desks with clean lines, hidden storage and handy charging points. In order to maximise the available floor space, opt for a chair with a lithe base like Gubi’s Beetle Swivel Chair.

If space isn’t an issue, you can experiment with bold sweeping desks such as Zanotta’s Cavour or Cattelan Italia’s Wall Street — each offering a real interior power play.

Where you position your desk is equally important.

If your home office benefits from lots of direct sunlight, be sure to orient your desk so that any screens aren’t out of action for portions of the day.

Experimenting with layout can also affect how you experience your space. Try to avoid being cramped up against walls where possible. One option is to float your desk in the centre of the room, creating a focal point that will compel you to sit down and get things done.

Doo-Wop Pendant Light by Louis Poulsen Eames EA 108 Aluminium Chair by Vitra, £1,760

Make Light Work of Your Daily Tasks Modern task lighting is another must for any productive home office. As well as allowing you to work into the evening, it’ll help create a snug and inviting atmosphere – the perfect place to ponder all those frustrated souls on their morning commute.

If your work involves sketching, drawing or examining projects, you’ll want to opt for a versatile lamp that allows you to shape and direct the light.

Artemide’s Tolomeo and Flos’ Kelvin collections are particularly revered in this regard.

For laptop-based work, any lamp that provides a soft gush of down-ward illumination will do the trick.

If you don’t quite have room for a table lamp on your desk, consider experimenting with some strategically hung pendant lights. We love Louis Poulsen’s PH 5 and Doo-Wop Collections for office spaces.

Master The Art of Storage

Air Desk by Gallotti & Radice, From £1,392

Clutter can come in many forms. But whether it’s an overflowing inbox or a mass grave of admin, the effect is equally draining. Finding the right storage will help you keep your home office organised and a joyous place to work.

Before diving in, it’s wise to think about how accessible the documents that need storing will need to be. If they are items that you refer to constantly, then some linear shelving might be preferable to under-desk units or sideboards.

One of the most flexible options available is USM’S Haller system. Modular in nature, it can be added to or subtracted from in accordance to your needs, making it ideal for homes of all sizes.

Need some additional help planning your contemporary home office? Be sure to make an appointment with our friendly design team and take advantage of our INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE at Chaplins.

APRIL 2020 143

H OUSE & GARDEN

IURI&JANE-HOME A

cclaimed international designers Iuri Shubladze and Jane Wilson-Marquis have launched their first collaborative collection, IURI&JANE-HOME. The line debuts with their new collection of midnight black and barely off white pillows. Their original designs and surface treatments such as hand painting and silk screening give a one-of-a-kind beauty and quality to their pillows.

Iuri is an innovative New York fashion designer creating one-of-a kind clutches, bags, scarves, and other accessories for men and women. His work has found a following among people all over the world and is regularly featured in shows and galleries. He is a graduate of New York’s elite Fashion Institute of Technology and, while at FIT, studied international fashion design in a special year-long program at the Politecnico de Milano in Milan, Italy.

Jane, who is also based in New York, designs clothing for women who want a distinctive and original look. Her clothes have been featured in

film, theater and television and exhibited in London, New York City, and Singapore.

Jane, from the United Kingdom, comes from the world of modern dance and mixed media theater, and Iuri, from the country of Georgia, is a mixed media artist and painter as well as a fashion designer. They share a passion not just for fashion, but for everything HOME Now, in partnering to create their first IURI &JANE-HOME Collection, they have joined their artistry and talents to produce a unique pillow collection that reflects Jane’s and Iuri’s distinctive cultural heritages and design sensibilities.

THE DETAILS For further information and order inquiries including custom orders: Contact London-based: Koulla Constantinou, sales UK and EUROPE Email: koullaconstantinou@hotmail.com.

Cell: 07496669186 NYC -based Iuri and Jane, sales USA and Canada Iuri iurish_blacklabel@hotmail.com Jane jane.wilsonmarquis@gmail.com 001 917 678 5537 www.iuriandjanehome.com

144 APRIL 2020

THE ASpEn poRcELAin Wood TiLE RAngE

1A Brickwall Lane, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 8JR - 01895 621 651 18 King Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1EF - 01628 624 546

info@spacers-uk.com | maidenhead@spacers-uk.com

H OUSE & GARDEN

Keeping London Magnificent

W

hen I first got involved in the security door and window industry, I thought I knew at least a bit about doors and windows, having used them all my life. As it turned out, I had a bit of an eye-opener when it came to the ease and speed with which criminals can gain entry to a property through various types of locks and doors.

Everything I saw from lock picking to purely just kicking down the door made me realise that my front door had given me a false sense of security all this time.

Affluent counties have reported year-on-year increases in burglaries during the latest release of annual crime stats and there are currently neighbourhoods in London where we’re helping to combat burglaries from mopeds crashing through front doors. There’s never any harm in being proactive and taking precautions to ensure your family and possessions are protected. A high quality security door can do so much more than just keep

146 APRIL 2020

“When you’re designing a property, you need to be able to personalise the security aspects so they fit seamlessly into the overall look and feel, without detracting from it”

intruders (not to mention wind, fire, water, cold and noise) out. It can improve a property’s aesthetic, raise its value and decrease the cost of insurance.

We’re starting to see a trend where new builds and refurbishments are including an element of panic rooms, security doors or security windows as standard. When you’re designing a property, you need to be able to personalise the security aspects so they fit seamlessly into the overall look and feel, without detracting from it. Our bespoke design service and ability to literally incorporate any door furniture into the manufactured product, gives you all the flexibility you’ll ever need.

Why Magnificent Security?

• Truly bespoke - freedom of choice regarding design, materials, colour, finishes and features.

• Security - incredibly durable panic rooms, security doors and security windows with bulletproof or triple-glazed security glass.

• Listed buildings - we have a track record of replicating existing doors for high profile clients.

• Peace of mind - our doors have been tested and certified and our products have a warranty.

• Full service - we design, manufacture in the UK, deliver, install and service your new security doors, security windows and panic rooms, whilst removing and recycling anything that is being replaced.

• Free consultation at home - our showroom is near Kings Cross station. www.magnificentsecurity.co.uk Jacques du Preez 07804 456965 jacques@magnificentsecurity.co.uk

Security doors, windows and panic rooms

Truly bespoke - freedom of choice regarding design, materials, colour, finishes and features.

Security - incredibly durable doors and windows with bulletproof or triple glazed security glass.

Listed buildings - we have a track record of replicating existing doors for high profile clients.

Peace of mind - our doors have been tested and certified and our products have a warranty.

Free consultation at home - our showroom is near Kings Cross station Full service - we design, manufacture in the UK, deliver, install, and service your new doors and windows, whilst removing and recycling your old ones.

www.magnificentsecurity.co.uk Jacques du Preez | 07804 456965 jacques@magnificentsecurity.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

Adding a touch of shine to a building Awnings in a new metal look as a special highlight

T

he metal style has long since been a focal element in the furnishing world – whether furniture, accessories, wall colours or façade elements. Now awnings too are starting to appear in the hip metal style.

Metallic paints are now embellishing three models from manufacturer markilux, giving awnings a sense of anything from classic to modern chic.

Metal is elegant and robust. And that is why it has become popular for furnishings and in interior design. The trend has now spread to the awning world. Manufacturer markilux is offering its awardwinning models MX-3, MX-1 and MX-1 compact as a metal version with a new colour range: the “Selection MX”.

“The surfaces, which range from natural to elegant, and the timeless design of the awnings result in a harmonious duet” Style suits every building The colours are intended to further underline the individual chic of the three awnings. The front panels of the models now feature real metal paint and are radiant in earthy copper tones, bronze and brass. The high metal content means the special paints naturally develop an attractive, almost artistic patina the older they get. This rustic charm, encased in a modern awning design, particularly suits older buildings and country house architecture. As does

148 APRIL 2020

Nowadays not only tables, chairs or walls feature the trendy metal look: awnings are now also beginning to appear in this style.

Manufacturer markilux is offering three of its models with a completely new panel colour range: the “Selection MX”. Its colours suit every type of building.

the version in black/silver or white/silver effect paint with a metallic grain. Luxurious colours, which are more on the classic side, team up with metallic shades in warm ruby red and amber, in emerald green and pebble beige. They add pure elegance to the understated colours of the awning housing, something that perfectly suits current living trends.

The surfaces, which range from natural to elegant, and the timeless design of the awnings result in a harmonious duet – all corresponding to the colours and materials of the garden, patio and furniture.

Choosing colours made simple To ensure customers quickly find the perfect awning, the “Selection MX” range offers ten coordinated recommendations for colour combinations of panel, housing and awning cover.

The MX-3 also comes in eight additional tonein-tone options from the “Special Architecture edition”. This edition focuses on vibrant shades of the previous colour variants, which are still also available, and on non-colour accents. Naturally, customers can arrange all colours individually to suit their own particular taste in the range offered.

This means everyone can express their preference for special colour effects and materials in their own personal style, right down to their awning.

For further information, please visit: www.markilux.com

H OUSE & GARDEN

150 APRIL 2020

H OUSE & GARDEN

STATEMENT

LIGHTING

Established in 1990 by Peter Bowles, Original BTC began life as an Oxford based home lighting brand and has secured two further lighting brands; heritage marine lighting manufacturer Davey Lighting and LED lighting manufacturer Beadlight, under its umbrella.

Exports account for 50% of the production, supplying both the retail and contract markets around the world with an emphasis on the hotel, restaurant and aeronautical industries. With a family history steeped in retail, manufacturing and design, Peter designs the company’s products in conjunction with his son Charlie who became Director in 2012.

152 APRIL 2020

O

riginal BTC, Davey Lighting & Beadlight each offer a diverse and unique range of lighting designs. All brands draw inspiration from Britain’s rich post industrialisation history as well as incorporating modern tastes and trends with our very latest innovative designs.

Quality, detail and an interesting mix of materials are integral to each brand’s designs. These are created by using the best quality raw materials to their upmost capability, paying great attention to the concept and form. From using centuries old techniques to the very latest technology, all lights are handmade and manufactured in the UK. Six production facilities include a metalworks, glassworks, and a Stoke-on-Trent bone china factory rescued from closure in 2002. It is here where the lighting designs, whether crafted from versatile bone china, the finest aluminium, copper, brass and iron, come to life. The detailing of cotton braided cables, satin chromed bases & contrasting coloured shades make Original BTC, Davey Lighting and Beadlight’s products uniquely distinctive and popular in Europe and beyond.

“When it comes to scale, dramatically

proportioned lights are the most obvious way to create impact. A generously sized pendant will create a talking point, whether lit or not. While scale is one way to make statement, it’s not always feasible to fit a grandly proportioned pendant in lower ceilinged rooms, so it’s worth exploring alternative approaches with your lighting scheme. Introducing colour via your light fittings is a sure-fire way of creating interest. It’s also particularly effective in contemporary kitchens and bathrooms where rows of shiny cabinets can look a little austere. Often referred to as jewellery for the home, the right light fittings can complete or transform your interior scheme. Just like jewellery, a flash of brass, copper or gold can lift your room, bringing a touch of opulence”, explains Peter Bowles, founder/MD, Original BTC. “Three is the magic number when it comes to multiple light fittings. Over a kitchen island or over a dining table – a row of three pendants will always create a strong visual impact. If you’re looking for a central lighting source, you can push the boat out even further with a grouping. Hung from a single ceiling rose, they do all the hard work for you,” concludes Peter. www.originalbtc.com

H OUSE & GARDEN

‘Refresh Your Front Door’ a DIY Workshop at the Little Greene Notting Hill Showroom

I

Wednesday 29th April, 10am – 12pm

f you’re looking to refresh your front door this Spring and don’t know where to start, this practical and inspiring workshop is perfect for you. Plus, each guest will receive a 1L tin of Intelligent Exterior Eggshell in a colour of your choice to complete their front door project at home.

This workshop will teach you everything you need to know about updating your front door from start to finish. Learn how to prepare, prime and paint your door right through to advice on choosing the perfect Little Greene colour to reflect your personality. Your front door is the perfect place to experiment and create an impact with colour.

Lead by their in-house Professional Decorator and assisted by a Colour Consultant, you’ll be shown a step by step demonstration of how to correctly update a wooden front door. At the end of the demonstration, you will put your new skills

154 APRIL 2020

into practise on ‘model doors’ as you try your hand at each process.

After the practical session, you will then get the chance to speak to the Little Greene Colour Consultant. She will guide you through choosing a colour for your front door while considering the natural surroundings and how these will complement your chosen colour. Once you have selected your colour, we will tint your complimentary 1L tin of Intelligent Exterior Eggshell to take away with you.

Taking place in the spacious event room downstairs in the Notting Hill Showroom, the workshop will last for two hours in total.

Refreshments will be provided.

To book your place on the workshop, contact the Notting Hill Showroom: Tel: 0207 792 1751 nottinghill@littlegreene.com

“This workshop will teach you everything you need to know about updating your front door from start to finish”

H OUSE & GARDEN

EFFECTIVE GROUND COVER Hannah Stephenson looks

at ground cover plants that’ll help suppress weeds and add colour and form to borders.

A

s spring begins, it may be a good time to think about how to reduce the weeding you have to do in future years - and good ground cover is essential if you want to lessen the backbreaking work of constant weeding. Densely-planted areas should keep weeds at bay because the dark stops seeds from germinating. Well-chosen ground cover plants can also give a softer appearance to hard surfaces such as brickwork and paving.

Here’s a few pointers to keep in mind...

Use the right plants There are many obvious perennials to use, which will quickly take up space and add colour to the border, such as the wild geranium (cranesbill), but some need more work than others. Many make excellent permanent edging, such as Alchemilla mollis, Bergenia cordifolia ‘Purpurea’ and Saxifraga x urbium. Check first, however, that such plants will be suitable for your soil. And remember that deciduous ground cover plants lose their leaves in autumn, so if you are using them in abundance you may find yourself with some ugly gaps in your border during the winter months.

Research fast-growers Other quick-growing varieties include Persicaria affinis, which thrives in sun or light shade and provides up to a 24-inch evergreen carpet, with pinkish-purple flowers emerging in summer.

Helianthemum ‘Praecox’ produces small yellow flowers above a 6-inch evergreen carpet of greygreen leaves, flowering between June and August.

Other relatively trouble-free ground cover plants include Ajuga reptans, astilbe, Calluna vulgaris, Erica carnea and Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Gaiety’.

Watch out for invasive species Vigorous ground cover has its pros and cons.

The advantage is that vigorous plants will fill an area quickly at less cost - but if you ever decide to change your scheme, they may be difficult to get rid of. Periwinkle (vinca) is extremely hard to get rid of, snow-in-summer will fill a sunny site in just one 156 APRIL 2020

season but will also take over everything else. And lily-of-the-valley, while wonderfully fragrant, has deep vein-like roots which are almost impossible to eradicate should you wish to do so. Perennial geraniums are also quite vigorous, but they are easier to contain and do provide some welcome colour during the summer.

Fill difficult spots If you have a difficult spot to fill, such as a steep bank in shade, Ajuga reptans (bugle) is a strong evergreen, which carries spikes of blue flowers from late spring to midsummer. It spreads quickly, forming a carpet which will easily act as ground cover under shrubs and trees. Other shade-lovers that make good ground cover include heucheras, which come in a range of colours from almost black to acid green.

Their flowers are also a magnet to bees.

Infill with reliable favourites When planting a border and graduating it from taller plants at the back to lower-growing varieties at the front, you can always add interest by placing a number of taller species forward into the middle ground, which applies particularly to tall hardy perennials such as lupins and delphiniums.

Good infill plants, once you have established the framework of your border, include potentilla, rosemary, spiraea, cystus, acanthus and rudbeckia, while at the lowest level towards the front of the border you could use dwarf hebes, alchemilla, epimedium and lamium. Plant carefully enough and you should soon have a riot of colour, without the need for too much hoeing or hand-weeding.

H OUSE & GARDEN

Come And See Morgan Ellis’ New Showroom At Beaconsfield’s Sky House Design Centre M organ Ellis Lifts are opening a brand new showroom at Beaconsfield’s Sky House Design Centre next month, showcasing their most luxurious lift yet - The PVE Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator. The new showroom will give customers the chance to view the lift face-to-face before they buy, see it in action and ask Morgan Ellis’ experts any questions about buying a new home lift.

Morgan Ellis are a leading Home Lifts company in the UK, providing whole-project management for lift design, purchase and installation for residential properties. As official partners and approved suppliers of Stiltz home lifts, the Aritco home lift range, the bespoke Altura range and, of course, PVE’s vacuum elevators, they are a must-visit for anyone looking to future-proof their home.

Their showroom will provide an insight into their vacuum range, showcasing the PVE Pneumatic Elevator in all its glory. The PVE Vacuum Lift is a residential elevator that is powered entirely by air. With minimal energy consumption, the lift uses turbines and pumps to raise and lower the stylish elevator cabin between floors for a smooth, effortless journey. Vacuum lifts are some of the most eco-friendly on the market and with an elegant yet modern design to match, they are a valuable

“Their showroom will provide an insight into their vacuum range, showcasing the PVE Pneumatic Elevator in all its glory.”

158 APRIL 2020

addition to any home renovation or building project.

PVE’s vacuum lifts feature a polycarbonate, self-supporting outer tube in which the elevator car can travel up and down using vacuum technology.

Passengers will get 360-degree, panoramic views with this lift too, which only adds to it’s luxurious, convenient and accessible nature. It comes in three different capacities - single-person, two-person, and three-person or wheelchair, all of which can travel up to 15m, or five floors, offering all-round accessibility for most homes.

Morgan Ellis’ new showroom provides the perfect opportunity to book an appointment and see this lift for yourself. Whether you’re ready to order your very own vacuum lift, or are still in the research stages of an upcoming construction project, the showroom will be open to all with an expert on hand at all times to advise you in your search and help you determine the right size or design to suit your home best.

Come and visit Morgan Ellis at the Sky House Design Centre from April/May. For exact opening times, you can visit their website at morganellis. co.uk for updates, or contact the team to discuss the perfect time to visit. You can also begin booking appointments with them directly, or via the Sky House Design Centre.

For more information about the PVE vacuum lifts, the showroom, or to get a free, noobligation quote on your home lift, contact Morgan Ellis on 01702 780002 today.

H OUSE & GARDEN

British-led design preserves Belgravia coach house style A

bespoke up and over garage door beautifully designed and manufactured

by Rundum Meir has brought 21st century functionality, access and security to a Grade II listed property in London’s exclusive Belgravia.

One objective of the renovation project by RDB Architecture & Interiors sought to provide improved access to the garage of the property, which is located on one of the capital’s most desirable residential streets close to Eaton Square Gardens. This had to be done in a way that was sympathetic to the local architecture and compliant with the house’s listed status.

The garage doors of the properties lining this cobblestone street are fine examples of the 19th century coach house tradition. Hence, any attempt to dramatically alter the external appearance of the doors would be detrimental to the elegant appeal of this upmarket neighbourhood and flatly refused by council planners.

This was the ideal project for Rundum Meir, who custom manufacture every one of their garage doors to a suit a project’s exacting requirements.

Here, the client brief was to retain the look of the existing swing opening garage door, but enable up and over automated functionality for improved access and to make best use of the available space.

A timber engineered door was the solution, finished in traditional black and complete with the original heavy cast iron Charles Collinge hinges.

The door was manufactured by Rundum Meir’s skilled craftsmen at its factory in Germany, who also designed and built the overhead mechanism to comfortably accommodate its significant 160 APRIL 2020

“This was the ideal project for Rundum Meir, who custom manufacture every one of their garage doors to a suit a project’s exacting requirements”

weight. Once manufactured, the garage door was weighed to enable the design of the correct spring counterbalance system and deliver many years of reliable operation.

Danesch Missaghian, owner manager at Rundum Meir (UK) said: “The coach house is one of the most defining features of the British Victorian mews house, so it is vital that we preserve this tradition whilst making such properties suitable for today’s world. In being able to manufacture every garage door to meet very specific requirements, satisfying planners in the process, our customers do not have to make compromises as the bespoke up and over door at this property in Belgravia clearly demonstrates.”

All Rundum Meir garage doors are designed here in the UK, manufactured in Germany and transported to the UK for assembly in readiness for installation. Every door is manufactured using the highest quality materials such as solid timber and tough extruded aluminium which can be insulated.

To achieve the best possible garage door solution, architects in the UK, as well as across Europe and in the USA, can take advantage of Rundum Meir’s specialist design advice and expert technical support to help turn design concepts into reality.

To find out more visit www.rundumgaragedoors.co.uk or call 0151 280 6626.

Order now for Spring / Summer installation, many models available for immediate delivery.

Having established the Hydropool brand into the UK over 24 years ago, our friendly staff have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Relaxation & Hydrotherapy. We promise to give you the best advice, best service & best value when considering a Hot Tub or SwimSpa for your home.

Enjoy our purpose built indoor showroom filled with models to suit all budgets & requirements, which is also equipped with private changing facilities should you wish to test a Hydropool Hot Tub or SwimSpa first hand.

Open 7 days per week (Mondays by appointment).

Our exclusive “Price Promise� ensures we will beat any equivalent like-for-like Hydropool Hot Tub or SwimSpa, including any promotional or show pricing. Buy Now Pay Later, 0% Finance available over 12 months*

facebook.com/hydropoolsurrey

Visit our extensive Indoor Showrooms at

H OUSE & GARDEN

Working from Home?

This may well make life easier

S

tudyBeds provide you with an instant office area, a very large desk, plenty of storage, AND of course, an extra bed, all in the same compact footprint.

The key to their success, is that due to the clever but simple mechanism, everything can be left in place on the desk as well as the bed, and the transformation process takes less than 3 seconds.

The StudyBed Company will deliver and install the product for you and they come with a 5 year guarantee.

Many customers have written in saying that more than ever, their StudyBed is proving a great addition to their household in these challenging times. Dr Phil Murray says he wished had bought one years ago, “The StudyBed is fantastic, the fact that you can drop the desk and open the bed without having to tidy the stuff away and the desk area is vast. The build is first-class and the guys who assembled it were great”

“Everything can be left in place on the desk as well as the bed” There are a wide range of sizes and matching accessories to choose from, but why not just start with the StudyBed and add extra furniture later.

A visit to the website, www.studybed.co.uk provides a comprehensive amount of information along with a configurator tool to help you visualise both the product and the finish options.

There is a showroom in Thame, Oxfordshire, open 6 days a week where you can view and sample the whole range of possibilities. www.studybed.co.uk 162 APRIL 2020

The perfect Home-Working solution?

Visit our showroom: International House, Thame, OX9 3UH

OUT & ABOUT

164 APRIL 2020