The Christmas Issue

NEW SEASON FASHION FOR COSY DAYS & NIGHS MENSWEAR: THE NEW LOOK TRAVEL: ESCAPE TO NEW YORK SHOPPING: OUR PICK OF THE BEST GIFTS

CHRISTMAS THE

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Available online and in store at...

Available online and in store at...

LIVERPOOL - CHESTER - BIRKENHEAD w w w . m o c o c o .c o .u k

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WELCOME TO THE CHRISTMAS EDITION OF HIS & HERS MAGAZINE.

While many people like to start thinking about Christmas fashionably late (and certainly not before December), I have a festive confession to make. Here at His & Hers we’ve been researching (or as some would say obsessing over) Christmas ever since our favourite brands started unveiling their festive must-buys way back in July.

Emma Hill Editor

So by the time we sign off this issue, we’ll know far more about the food, drink, decorations and gifts everyone will be buying than we really, technically speaking, need to. You’ll find a few of our favourite Christmas gifts featured on p18-19.

In between enjoying our virtual Christmas shopping, all in the name of editorial research, we were excited to join forces with Next again to bring you our edit of our favourite winter pieces from the brand. Special thanks are due to: Chantelle Craig, Alice Gregory, Jennie Blake, Robin Clewley and the teams at So Coco Rouge, Electric London and the Pullman for making this shoot (featured from p8) so much fun.

As we near the end of 2016, it seems like the perfect time to say some very big thank yous. I’m enormously grateful to everyone who’s been reading His & Hers since our launch back in 2011, to our amazing advertisers who make it all possible and to Jennie Blake, Jean Hill Bryan Harrop and Robyn McGlinchey for all the fantastic features.

We’ll be back in the New Year with our new edition. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this issue, please tweet about it: @HisAndHers_Mag #ChristmasStyle Wishing you a beautiful, peaceful Christmas.

Emma Hill

Editors picture by Viktorija Grigorjevaite

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THE SCENT OF THE SEASON WITH JO MALONE LONDON

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NEXT HAS CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP WITH COSY WINTER-WEAR

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ACCESSORIES INSPIRATION FROM SILVERBERG OPTICIANS

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HIS & HERS MAGAZINE’S INDESPENSIBLE GIFT GUIDE

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ESSENTIAL NEW YORK: HIS & HERS MAGAZINE’S CITY GUIDE

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OUR PICK OF GAP’S MOST DESIRABLE NEW SEASON WARDROBE ESSENTIALS

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FOOD & DRINK INSPIRATION WITH JEAN HILL

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THE MARVELOUS MENSWEAR SHOOT

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CHRIS DANKS, OUR ‘TECH INSIDER’ SHARES HIS CHRISTMAS MUST-HAVES

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HEALTH & FITNESS TIPS TO SEE YOU INTO THE NEW YEAR WITH ROBYN MCGLINCHEY

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THE CHRISTMAS EDITION

CONTRIBUTORS

Editor Emma Hill

Creative Director Jennie Blake

Style Editor Bryan Harrop

Food & Drink Editor Jean Hill With special thanks to contributors

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Robyn McGlinchey & Robin Clewley

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Winter Obsessions Our pick of Next's most wearable new looks for men and women.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ROBIN CLEWLEY, STYLING & CREATIVE DIRECTION: JENNIE BLAKE, HAIR: TOMAS MASON FROM ELECTRIC LONDON HAIRDRESSING MAKEUP: ROBYN DUNBAR FROM SO COCO ROUGE MODELS: ELLIS DUKE AND HENRY UNDERWOOD FROM BOSS MODEL MODEL MANAGEMENT.

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HENRY WEARS: Shirt, £22 & skinny fit trouser, £50, both by Next.

ELLIS WEARS: Playsuit, £55, by Next.

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ELLIS WEARS: Jumper dress, £36, by Next.

HENRY WEARS: Cable knit jumper, £35 & checked trouser, £30, both by Next.

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ELLIS WEARS: Wool blend coat, £60, by Next.

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HENRY WEARS: Roll neck jumper, £22, jeans £35, coat, £100 & scarf, £16, all by Next.

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ELLIS WEARS: Wool blend coat, £90 & trouser, £30, both by Next.

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HENRY WEARS: Roll neck jumper, £22, jeans £35, coat, £100, scarf, £16, & umbrella, £20, all by Next.

ELLIS WEARS: Wool blend coat, £90, & bag, £35 both by Next.

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ELLIS WEARS: Lace dress, £85, by Next.

HENRY WEARS: Roll neck jumper, £22, waistcoat £29, jacket, £50 & skinny fit trouser, £29 all by Next.

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ELLIS WEARS: Velvet lace dress, £70 & earrings, £10, both by Next.

HENRY WEARS: Bib fronted dress shirt, £26, skinny fit jacket, £75 & velvet bow tie, £8, all by Next.

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Neal’s Yard organic grooming collection, £30.

Aspinal of London handmade Italian leather credit card case, £55. Personalise with initials for an even more special gift.

The Spicery subscriptions, from £19.95 for three months. High quality spices & recipies from all over the globe are delivered for a different three-course meal each month.

Links of London leather watch, £350.

Otis Batterbee luxury travel set, £180.

Features an inflatable travel pillow, wash bag & lavender infused eye mask, perfect for the global traveller.

Taylor of Old Bond Street gift box, £35. A luxury gift for wet shavers.

THE ART OF GIVING Harvey Nichols hamper, £150. Incuses the finest picks from Italy and Britain to create a match made in hamper heaven.

Peckham Rye at Harvey Nichols silk scarf, £85.

F. Hammann travel shoe shine kit, £75, available from amara.com.

River Island leather gloves, £22.00

Ombré Leather ‘16, 50ml, £148. A textural, sensual take on the most precious leathers.

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Printed silk-satin pocket Square, £50, available from mr.porter.com.

Percy Nobleman premium Beard Oil, £24.99.

The Folio Society books, from £19.95. Beautiful & authoritative editions of great literary works with unique typography & illustrations.

Marks & Spencer gin & tonic cocktail gift set, £35.

Dries van Noten jacquard envelope clutch, £480, available from Selfridges.

Helen Moore faux fur scarf, £84.

Murad Merry & Glowing, £60 (worth £117.50). Protects against environmental aggressors for youthful radiance.

Rosie for Autograph at Marks & Spencer Camisole, £35 & shorts, £20.

Pixi Palette Rosette, £22. An all-in-one colour set of silky powders for a flawless look.

Here’s our pick of the most desiable gifts to ensure there’s something special for all your loved ones under the tree (or to covet for yourself).

The White Company Winter botanical scented candle, £26.

Otazu from Cadenzza gold-plated earrings with Swarovski crystals, £99.

Smythson pocket address book, £35.

Yves Saint Laurent gift set, £25, available from John Lewis.

Arbonne Olive Blossom and Eucalyptus Body Butter, £24.

Holistic Silk eye mask, £52.00. Filled with lavender for a relaxing sleep.

Dior: From Christian Dior To Raf Simons by Farid Chenoune hardcover book, £165, available from Net-a-Porter. A newly updated, monumental book for fashion enthusiasts.

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CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY AT JO MALONE LONDON

His & Hers was transported to a timelessly beautiful Christmas at the Jo Malone London Christmas press day.

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HIS&HERS LUXURY

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s Christmas draws closer, we’ve seen so many stunning campaigns from fragrance houses and high street retailers that we’re almost blind to their charms. However, one brand can be relied upon to dazzle even the most jaded of journalists: the inimitable Jo Malone London.

This year, their Christmas press day celebrated the theatre of Christmas, with harlequins and stunningly intricate packaging which seemed to give a gentle nod to the Victorian era.

For the first time, Jo Malone London unveiled a limited edition fragrance for Christmas: Orange Bitters, featuring bright citrus, sweet orange and a burst of ripe mandarin complemented with rich prune and a base of sensual sandalwood and amber. We suspect that this fragrance, like much of Jo Malone London’s Christmas collection, will sell out rather swiftly.

However, even if you’re not fast enough to snap up one of the limited edition pieces, such as the Christmas Cracker (£33) which tends to fly out of stores, we still think Jo Malone London remains one of the best places for festive gift inspiration.

From the perfect boxes and tissue wrap to the scents of the season (such as Pine & Eucalyptus), the brand is perfect for those who like their Christmas celebrations to feel sophisticated and opulent, and never gimmicky. In a world of throw-away fashion and celebrity fragrances with a very short shelf life, Jo Malone London has gone against the grain, creating packaging so carefully designed that you could almost imagine handing down some of their gifts to the next generation.

Sadly we don’t think we have the willpower for that (our fragrances will be being spritzed far too soon to share them) but it’s always nice to see gift suggestions that you know will stay relevant long after the Christmas holidays are over.

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Orange Bitters Christmas Candle, £120

Christmas Miniatures Candle Collection, £66

Christmas Miniatures Soap Collection, £34

Bathtime Collection, £48

House Of Jo Malone London, £130

Christmas Ornament with Peony & Blush Suede Cologne & Grapefruit Body Crème, £22 Christmas Cracker, £33

www.jomalone.co.uk/christmas-limited-editions 24

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Pattie Boyd:

’George, Eric and Me’ K Pattie Boyd’s ‘George, Eric and Me’ photography exhibition at The Beatles Story, which was due to finish in October, will now stay in the city until 9th January 2017 due to popular demand.

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attie’s fascinating collection of images has been extremely popular and The Beatles Story has welcomed more than 126,000 visitors since the exhibition opened in May this year.

The photographer and former model, who was famously married to both George Harrison and Eric Clapton, is delighted that her unique collection of photographs has been so well received. She said: “The collection of images looks fabulous in situ at The Beatles Story Gallery at The Pier Head with the city’s Three Graces providing the perfect backdrop. I have been truly overwhelmed by the public reaction and I am thrilled that the exhibition is being extended until the New Year.”

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Pattie’s ‘George, Eric and Me’ photography exhibition features a fascinating collection of images with intimate portraits of the late Beatle George Harrison and musician Eric Clapton by the woman who shared both their lives.

George and Eric were close friends, but during Pattie’s marriage to the Beatle, Eric, who found fame in the 1960s with his rock group Cream and also as a solo artist, George fell in love with her.

The exhibition also includes candid photographs of the musical icons and their rock ’n’ roll star friends such as The Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood.

Martin King of The Beatles Story said: “Pattie has had an absolutely fascinating life and the exhibition documents that beautifully with each picture telling its own story. These photos are more than just icons in a frame, they are incredibly intimate and heartfelt – perhaps some of the most moving and intriguing in all Beatles and musical lore.”

On a recent visit to The Beatles Story, Pattie added two of her most iconic outfits to the exhibition. One of the outfits, a jacket and short skirt, was made especially for Pattie by The Fool, while she bought the other outfit, a floaty Thea Porter dress, while in Italy on an Italian Vogue shoot in 1970.

www.beatlesstory.com

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HIS&HERS FASHION

GAP’S NEW SEASON MUST HAVES K If Gap doesn’t instantly come to mind when thinking of wardrobe updates, we think it’s time it did. The relaxed, easy fits are flattering and perfect to build your basics.

Gap’s latest collection features beautifully soft knitwear and cosy outerwear, ideal for layering to fight the winter chill.

Funnel neck jumper, £39.95

Stripe turtleneck sweater, £49.95

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Parka, £109.95

Velvet & denim jacket, £59.95

Cable knit jumper, £39.95

Stripe rib jumper, £39.95

Wool coat, £199.95

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HIS&HERS WELLBEING

WINTER WELLBEING

How to support your immune system:

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Tipper Lewis, Neal’s Yard Remedies Naturopathic Herbalist, has shared her top tips for healthy skin and how to support your immune system through the winter months.

Eat your antioxidants! You can easily spot these through the intense pigments in both fruit and veggies, they support your immune system helping you fight off invaders.

rosehip, and thyme. I blend them either as a tea or tincture (alcohol extract); they make a great blend to help fend off the winter bugs by improving your vitality and defenses. If I do get sick I simply add Echinacea into the mix, which has been proven to shorten the duration of colds and flu.

Cut out as much sugar as possible, thinking of hidden sugars in most processed foods. Sugar depresses the immune system making it less effective. If you want something sweet go for a smoothie and try adding in some of the natural remedies mentioned here.

On the superfood side there are 2 key players I think of: Astragalus, a tonic that strengthens your defenses, and camu camu that has the highest known levels of highly absorbable vitamin C in its natural form. These can easily be added to smoothies or even your porridge!

Some useful herbs that I frequently use are: elderberry, A great supplement is olive leaf that has proven antibacterial and antiviral properties and vitamin C is tried, tested and a truly fantastic immune supporter.

Camu Camu Powder, 50g, ÂŁ7.50

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Try to manage your stress levels, as this can negatively effect your immune system.

HIS&HERS WELLBEING

How to revitalise dry and dull skin:

Our skin can have a hard time in winter, becoming dehydrated from the cold and central heating, chapped from extreme weather and wind. I always use a pure plant based facial oil like Orange Flower facial Oil underneath my moisturiser, boosting protective essential fatty acids, helping your skin to hang onto its precious moisture and increasing the dewy look!

Rejuvenating Frankincense Firming Mask, 50ml, £31

I like to use our Frankincense Hydrating Mask at least once weekly throughout winter, it’s packed with sodium hyaluronate called the moisture magnet, helping to boost moisture and prevent its loss. Combined with marine algae extracts, peptides and nourishing baobab oil to strengthen tone and replenish parched winter skin.

As your skin cells mature they dehydrate and become keratinized, these dead cells act like mini sponges absorbing your skin care products so they can’t penetrate efficiently to protect and nourish the skin.

Weekly exfoliation buffs away these dulling skin cells improving the efficacy of your skincare helping to keep your skin nourished all winter.

If you suffer with dry skin, one of the best ways to remedy it is by taking essential fatty acids or omega oils internally. Organic Beauty Oil is a perfect blend of Omega 3, 6 and 9 from purely plant sources, you can take it directly or add it to juices / smoothies – just don’t cook with it, as these precious oils are extremely delicate.

Orange Flower facial Oil, 30ml, £24.75

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How to maintain skin health:

Organic Greens Complex, 100g, £20

After a few months of cold weather and rich foods our skin often looks congested, giving our system a super boost of nutrients can work wonders to bring back our inner glow. Organic Greens Complex is a complete, super-food source of vitamins, minerals, protein, fatty acids, antioxidants and chlorophyll, which are essential for healthy skin.

It also helps the body to gently detoxify, getting it ready for throwing off winters excesses.

Organic Beauty Oil, 200ml, £12.50

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HIS&HERS STYLE

Handcrafted Moroccan trinket box, £17.50

Antique gold photo frame, £19.50

Brass feather drawer knob, £6.50

THE DEN & NOW’S WINTER WONDERS This winter we’re visiting online emporium Den & Now for affordable homeware updates and stocking fillers for friends with stylish homes. The Den & Now continue to bring together an impressive wealth of handpicked pieces, from one-off vintage and reclaimed finds to contemporary items. Here are a few of our favourites...

Available from www.thedenandnow.co.uk

Handcrafted Moroccan print cotton rug, £36.50

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Gold Pineapple, £19.50 & set of six faux leather hardback Vintage Books, £19.50

Concrete & Gold Candlestick, £19.50 each

HIS&HERS STYLE

THE PRESENT FINDER

HAS YOUR CHRISTMAS WRAPPED UP 4.

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FOR HIM 3.

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THIS YEAR’S MUST HAVE GAME

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FOR TEENS

Celebrate the magic of present finding and gift giving this festive season with The Present Finder. Whether searching for an awkward Aunt or that person who has everything, you can be sure to find just what you didn’t know you were looking for.

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FOR THE SECRET SANTA

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FOR THE FOODIES 1. Bike Phone Holder, £8.99 2. iBed Lap Desk – £19.99 3. Retro Games & Controller, £12.99 4. Gourmet Flowers Grow It Kit, £14.99 5. One Line A Day Five Year Diary, £11.99 6. Sunrise Mindful Alarm Clock, £19.99 7. Mug Cakes Book, £7.99 8. Speech Bubble Light Up Box, £19.99 9. Immerse Plus Virtual Reality Headset £29.99 10. The Great Christmas Present Game, £14.99 11. Wide Angle Selfie Lens, £8.99 12. Football’s Strangest Matches Book, £9.99 13. Godminster Cheese Hamper, £89.99 14. Eat 17 Jam Set of Four Bacon Chilli Onion & Chorizo Jam, £14.99

www.thepresentfinder.co.uk 33

CLASS ACT Whether you want to make a fashion statement or subtly elevate your look, here are a few of our favourite stylish investments that will take you from the office to the evening.

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS DAVIS, STYLING: BRYAN HARROP, STYLIST’S ASSISTANT: CHRISTINE, HAIR AND GROOMING: CAROL MCKITTY AT BOSS CREATIVES, MODEL: ADAM COWIE FROM BOSS MODEL MODEL MANAGEMENT. A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO GARETH BANCROFT AT BOSS MODEL MANAGEMENT.

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This page: wool suit jacket, £110, wool suit trousers, £50 & roll neck jumper, £50, all Topman. Opposite page: three piece suit, £195, jumper, £20 & printed shirt, £30, all Topman.

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Geometric-jacquard cotton trousers, £450, Herringbone-jacquard cotton blazer, £1,005, both by Neil Barrett from Harvey Nichols Manchester & pin-collar shirt, £290, by Dsquared at Harvey Nichols Manchester.

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Appliquéd blazer, £960, leather and wool blend coat, £1,320, both by Neil Barrett from Harvey Nichols Manchester, print detail shirt, £245 & jeans, £395, both by Alexander McQueen from Selfridges Manchester.

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HIS&HERS FITNESS

ROBYN MCGLINCHEY’S HEALTH & FITNESS SECRETS FOR WINTER: MAKING A WELLBEING CHANGE

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he twinkly lights are up, the cupboards stocked with delicious treats and we’ve already partied our dancing feet off. But, this year, as the festive season peaks, I encourage you to take a minute to slow down and think about the coming year. I don’t mean setting the same old New Year’s resolutions but make 2017 a time for real change.

This January, set a decisive goal to look after your body better. Not just for January (or however long you might keep up your usual resolutions), this time do one thing to improve your health and well-being for ever. It could be eating related, exercise related or even about relaxing more. What about better sleep habits, cutting out some caffeine or drinking one extra glass of water each day? Make it something small, something easy but something good for your body and your mind.

Make 2017 a year of new. No, not new shoes, new knowledge. Learn something new about your body or mind or about how you can improve your wellbeing. Do you have a muscular imbalance in your body that means you always have pain in one side of your back? Have you ever noticed a digestive intolerance to a certain food? Are your hamstrings always tight no matter how much you stretch them?

Have you ever tried mindfulness or a meditation technique? Knowledge is powerful and can really help you make a positive impact on your body.

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While we are talking about learning, why not explore a new relaxation technique. We all lead crazy busy lives and can do with some means to unwind.

Find something that you can do that doesn’t involve staring at a screen of sorts. It will be so beneficial for your mind and much kinder to your eyes.

On your new road of self-discovery, it’s time to tackle that issue that you’ve been just living with all these months (or years). You know that knee pain that comes and goes or your back that’s usually OK until it just suddenly “pulls”? Or what about the ache in your jaw that is now creating headaches that you usually never get? Time to stop ignoring it and see an appropriate specialist. This is your body’s way of telling you it needs attention. Listen!

One more thing that ties everything together; get your shiny new 2017 diary out and schedule in at least one hour every week to do something you absolutely love doing. It really doesn’t matter what it is as long as it makes your insides sing with twirly happiness. Keep diarising this time until it becomes such an integrated part of your life that you wonder how you ever lived without it!

Cheers to a brand new year. Cheers to your twirly happiness!

For more information on Robyn’s classes, email: robynmcglinchey@gmail.com

HIS&HERS FITNESS

KICK-START YOUR EXERCISE REGIME WITH ROBYN MCGLINCHEY’S PILATES CLASSES His & Hers magazine’s fitness columnist, Robyn McGlinchey, is holding several weekly pilates classes. Her classes provide the perfect way to look after your body and mind, leaving you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, more toned and healthy.

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Wednesday 4-5pm at Penny Lane Community Centre

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Wednesday 5:45pm at Exchange Station, Tithebarn St

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Tuesday 9:30am and 6pm at Core Clinic, Crosby

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Monday 6pm at Childwall Sports Centre, on Fiveways

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Thursday 10am at Penny Lane Community Centre Thursday 7:30pm at Lowlands, West Derby Village Friday 9:30am at Core Clinic, Crosby Robyn provides several lunchtime classes at venues across the commercial district.

For more details on her classes and to book a space, contact Robyn at: Email: robynmcglinchey@gmail.com Twitter: @Balanceandmove Facebook.com/balancedmovement 39

HIS&HERS ENTERTAINMENT

A night of celebrations at the

Northern Design Awards It’s an iconic event that has established its own traditions. Wayne Hemingway, judge at the awards for the past three years, believes in the importance of the event, and describes it as a relaxed, glamorous, fun evening. TrombÊ is proud to be associate sponsors and wants to encourage more designers to get involved.

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he His & Hers team arrived in time for a champagne reception at the Royal Armouries Museum, where you can see the weapons and armour of warriors through the ages from early medieval knights to the modernday soldier.

On the night, it was quite a lively, friendly, and elegant crowd, that are passionate about design. Dinner took place in star-studded surroundings, and the starter of ham-hock terrine and onion chutney set the tone, followed by succulent beef, and a delicious apple crumble. The evening began with entertainment: a performance artist, who produced a real piece of art. There was a sense of growing excitement; the judges had decided, and the award ceremony began.

Shelley Bond, of Jazz Events (the organisers), in a frock that looked wonderfully sculptured, waved the flag for Northern design, and made me reflect on the importance of design in everyday life, and Wayne Hemingway who picked up the baton, continued with the theme of collaborative design.

There were stand-out winners: Product Design went to Bisca Staircases for their spectacular Floating Staircase. There was a gasp when the audience saw the image appear on the big screen: art nouveau meets contemporary design. The Luxury New Build Home award went to Tsiantar Architects Ltd and DS Building Projects Ltd, which was a traditional build with a contemporary twist that included a state of the art kitchen, and a stunning spiral staircase.

A garden in Worsley won the Residential Landscaping Design award. It was designed by David Keegan 40

WORDS: Jean Hill IMAGES: Al Man & Jennie Blake

HIS&HERS ENTERTAINMENT Garden Design & Landscape Consultancy. It’s an eco-contemporary garden, described by the designer as a space that visibly connects, (with plants spilling over and herbs in ornamental pots), where when the sun shines, the air fills with birdsong as the bees and the bugs make this garden home. The Kitchen of the Year award went to Diane Berry Kitchens Ltd, for a Cheshire family kitchen. It’s white, it’s light, the swivel seating of steel and leather is spectacular.

The whole is totally modern. The Commercial Landscaping Design award went to Sunderland City Council for St Peter’s Church. It boasts spacious lawns and cobbles, with a ‘space to grow’ community garden. The evening ended with a great live band, lots of excited chatter, and extreme dancing and I can’t wait for next year’s awards.

For more details & to see images of all of the finalists & winners projects, visit: www.northerndesignawards.com

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HIS&HERS FASHION

Embellished and lace dress, £89, Topshop

Sequined dress, £59, Warehouse Sequined dress, £85, Topshop

Lace dress, £90, Y.A.S

Fluted sleeve bodycon dress, £38, Next

Bow heels, £38, Next

Earrings, £15, Olivia Divine

Plunge lace dress, £335, Three Floor available at Harvey Nichols Lace cami top, £115, Karen Millen

Velvet pencil midi skirt, £17.99, New Look Bow top, £60, Next

Woven satin clutch, £129, Ted Baker

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Faux fur scarf, £39, Coast

Velvet & lace dress, £165, The Kooples

Velvet dress, £55, Oasis Velvet dress, £55, Archive by Alexa at Marks & Spencer Leopard print heels, £79.95, Moda in Pelle

Black glittery bow clutch, £25, Debut at Debenhams

AFTER DARK DRESSING Get set for party season with the crème de la crème of eveningwear and accessories available on the highstreet.

Gold embroidered bodycon dress, £60, River Island

Lace bustier, £24.99, H&M

Drop earrings, £20, Jon Richard at Debenhams

Lace pencil skirt £29.99, H&M

Tie front dress, £130, Phase Eight available from John Lewis

Polka-dot pointed-toe flats, £395, Jimmy Choo available at Selfridges

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K I N G S D O C K , L I V E R P O O L L 3 4 F P – T. + 4 4 ( 0 ) 1 5 1 9 4 5 1 0 0 0 H9227@ACCOR.COM • PULLMANHOTELS.COM

P U L L MA N L IVE R P O O L

DINNER, DANCING AND DECADENCE IN THE HEART OF THE CITY CHRISTMAS PARTIES AND DINING IN AN EXCLUSIVE WATERFRONT VENUE Pullman Liverpool is the ideal setting for your winter celebrations: perfectly located, stylish and contemporary, and with a mouth-watering selection of festive cuisine.

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PullmanLpool •

@Pullman_Lpool •

@pullman_liverpool

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HIS&HERS BEAUTY

CREATING PERFECT SMILES WITH DR MARK JONES

This winter, Dr Mark Jones, a leading dentist working at Tracey Bell Liverpool, who they call ‘The Composite King’, spoke to His & Hers about the next generation of dentistry and the huge sense of satisfaction he gains from giving his patients the kind of smile they’ve always wanted.

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HIS&HERS BEAUTY

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After

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ark greeted His & Hers warmly, and when asked about his favourite aspect of his job, there was no hesitation: “Often patients come to see me and they tell me that they’ve never smiled in photographs because they’re so self conscious about their smile.

Using composite bonding I can create whiter, more even looking teeth in as little as an hour and it’s a great feeling seeing patients leaving the clinic looking confident with a natural, healthy looking smile.”

Although veneers were traditionally the most popular option for those wanting to cosmetically enhance their teeth, advances in the use of composite bonding (which first came to prominence for its use in white fillings) mean that the appearance of patients’ teeth can be transformed without any drilling.

The use of composite bonding to create more even, symmetrical smiles is still relatively new, so dentists like Dr Mark Jones who is well known for his skills with composites are in very high demand. Mark explained: “I had one patient who’d travelled all the way from Essex a few days ago. He’d seen the results I’d created for other patients on Instagram and couldn’t get anything similar in Essex (where veneers are still a very popular option) so he’d made the journey for the treatment he wanted.”

Mark added that composites are “hugely popular” these days and can help patients to achieve the smile they want without damaging their teeth. He has some patients whose composites are still looking great after 20 years (although he’d generally tell his patients that composites are expected to last for up to 10 years).

He always gives patients a consultation before undertaking treatment and will occasionally recommend braces or veneers (or a combination of different treatments) to create their desired results.

Mark concluded: “Technology’s moved on so much that I’m in the really fortunate position of being able to give lots of patients confidence in their smiles for the first time. I’m excited to see what the next few years bring, and am sure that composites will continue to be very popular.”

To find out more about ‘The Composite King’ or to enquire about other treatments available at Tracey Bell, Liverpool, call: 0151 7070340 or visit: www.traceybell.co.uk 47

HIS&HERS FASHION

THE ULTIMATE DAY-OUT DESTINATION Local designer outlet Cheshire Oaks is all set for the festive season with a series of new store openings and an impressive array of Christmas activities.

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cArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks has revealed an allnew Christmas Corner, Europe’s largest walk in Christmas tree and an incredible charity partnership. In addition, there has been a flurry of new store openings, refittings and a complete refurbishment to part of the centre – all to ensure that McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks is the ultimate day-out destination at the most wonderful time of the year.

The iconic Christmas tree (which stands as tall as 7 buses) has been brought to life with over 100,000

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decorations and twinkling lights. Inside the tree you can marvel at the interior that glitters with over five miles of illuminations. The tree is staffed by volunteers from local charity Claire House Children’s Hospice, and though entrance is free, any donations help support their fantastic work.

The centre’s Christmas Corner has also returned for 2016, bigger and better than ever. The Après themed bar is decked and decorated in traditional style, and also hosting a carousel, and German bar selling beers & gluhwein, festive swing grill, hot chocolate, crepes and pick & mix.

NEW STORE OPENINGS:

Over the last few months, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks has seen dozens of new store openings including Thomas Pink, Hackett, Carluccio’s, Lyle & Scott, TOMS, Rituals and Hotel Chocolat.

We were extremely excited when The Kooples opened in November. Blending Parisian charm with British heritage translates into effortlessly cool designs. Look out for tailoring inspired by Savile Row. The most recently opened is leading British brand Paul Smith. The store features both men’s and womenswear, renowned for immaculate tailoring and distinctive detailing.

So, whether you’re treating yourself or searching for the perfect gifts, there is an amazing selection of some of the most sought-after names in luxury, premium and lifestyle fashion (with discounts against RRP) for you to choose from.

www.cheshireoaksdesigneroutlet.com Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH65 9JJ 49

HIS&HERS FASHION

CHECK MATE Standing out during the men’s Autumn / Winter 2016 runways in London, Milan and Paris was a revival of the check trend. For an easy way to encorporate this into your winter wardrobe, wear plaid trousers with layered knitwear as the temperatures drop. And, for the bolder among you, mix together checked seperates. Here is our pick of the best form the high-street.

Robe, £40, by John Lewis, shawl neck Jumper, £25, by Marks & Spencer, cashmere rollneck jumper, £195, by Reiss, skinny suit trousers, £40, by River Island & loafers, £95, Hammond & Co. by Patrick Grant from Debenhams.

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PHOTOGRAPHY & STYLING: JENNIE BLAKE, HAIR: PATRICK WILSON FROM ELECTRIC HAIRDRESSING MODEL: HARRISON GILES FROM BOSS MODEL MANAGEMENT. LOCATION: AROUND THE WORLD BAR, LIVERPOOL ONE.

HIS&HERS FASHION

Mac, £85, by River Island, wool scarf, £25, by Marks & Spencer, cashmere rollneck jumper, £195, by Reiss & skinny suit trousers, £40, by River island.

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For Her

Gifting

REIMAGINED

For Him

KURT GEIGER RRP £75/Outlet £55

FOSSIL RRP £135/Outlet £87

LULU GUINESS RRP £375/Outlet £187.50 DR MARTENS RRP £105/Outlet £70

COAST RRP £35/Outlet £12

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 4 – 6 November VIP Shopping Save an extra 20% on outlet prices.

9 November Tree Lighting Entertainment from 6pm and tree lighting from 7.30pm.

Discover the season’s most-wanted fashion treats for up to 60% less Dreaming of the perfect Christmas? Dream bigger, at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. You’ll find fabulous gifts from over 145 sought-after brands - all for up to 60% less. We’re the region’s premier shopping destination, whether you’re looking for gorgeous gifts or just want to update your winter wardrobe.

A few of our favourite things

9 November – 1 January Christmas Corner Après ski bar, swing grill, crêpe stall, carousel and much more.

TED BAKER RRP £69/Outlet £40

24 November Black Friday Preview Take advantage of Black Friday offers before anyone else.

Plus Shop until 9pm in November and 10pm in December JAEGER RRP £235/Outlet £155

#GiftingReimagined cheshireoaksdesigneroutlet.com

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JACK JONES RRP £30/Outlet £30

FURLA RRP £510/Outlet £255

HIS&HERS STYLE

Three of our Favourites From store launches to getting creative in the kitchen, these are three of His & Hers’ 2016 highlights!

Goldsmiths, the luxury high street jeweller, has launched its new look Liverpool ONE showroom near His & Hers’ HQ this winter, in a redesign of the existing showroom and an expansion of the space with a Rolex room.

Goldsmith’s new Rolex lounge opened at Liverpool ONE

The Goldsmiths store, located on Paradise Street, has recently undergone a refurbishment, temporarily closing and re-opening in October. It reopened in style on Saturday 19th November.

This summer, the team at Sapporo Teppanyaki decided to get involved with the Pokécraze, and they did it in style.

Chefs at the Duke Street restaurant crafted sushi rolls with a distinctive Poké-twist - made using coloured sushi rice, seaweed and cherry tomatoes.

When Sapporo took the Pokémon Go craze to the next level

The new Goldsmiths showroom and Rolex lounge can be found at 2 Paradise Street, Liverpool ONE, L1 8BQ. Goldsmiths is the UK's largest luxury high street retailer with over 110 stores nationwide and online at goldsmiths.co.uk, and was the first official Rolex retailer in the country.

The Japanese eatery was encouraging players to enjoy a spot of fresh sushi, refreshing cocktail or even a meal at its flaming teppanyaki hotplate, while waiting for their game to ‘refresh’ - it takes five minutes for the app to ‘refresh’ and reward players with more treats once they reach a PokéStop.

To book a table at Sapporo Teppanyaki go to www.sapporo.co.uk Brown Turner Ross solicitors spread the festive spirit with a Christmas drinks reception in aid of Mencap Liverpool at the Museum of Liverpool.

Brown Turner Ross celebrated their Mencap partnership with a festive night at the museum

Over 120 people attended the evening to be greeted with all of the classic Christmas essentials including mulled wine, mince pies and Christmas carols sung by local choir, Mersey Harmony, in front of the famous Blackler’s Santa which is on display in the foyer of the museum.

The festivities were followed by a luxury auction & raffle with prizes kindly donated from local businesses including The Beatles Story, Viva Brazil, Auberge Restaurant & Liverpool Football Club, the proceeds of which were donated to Brown Turner Ross’s charity partner, Mencap Liverpool.

The evening was hailed as a success with £1,500 raised for Mencap Liverpool. The Brown Turner Ross team will be further fundraising for the charity with a sponsored Christmas Jumper Day on Monday 12 December.

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HIS&HERS FASHION

SILVERBERG OPTICIANS DESIGNER SUNGLASSES:

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU!

His (top to bottom): Santos de Cartier, £795, Moscot Lemtosh, £220, Tom Ford Holt, £240

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HIS&HERS FASHION

Join us and add a pair of designer sunglasses from Silverberg Opticians to the top of your wishlist, or if you’re looking to imress this Christmas, imagine a loved ones delight upon finding the ultimate designer sunglasses under the tree.

Browse in store: 40 Whitechapel, Liverpool, L1 6DZ Tel. 0151 709 2012 www.silverbergopticians.co.uk

Hers (top to bottom): Tom Fod Livia, £240, Chanel 5359, £230, Chloe 129s, £249

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HIS&HERS TRAVEL

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HIS&HERS TRAVEL

His & Hers Does New York If you like to travel, there’s really only so long you can hold out against the siren call of New York. Eventually, it’s time to pack your bags and surrender yourself to the charms of what is surely still one of the most exciting cities in the world.

GETTING THERE

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is & Hers travelled with British Airways, hopping on a brief domestic flight from Manchester Airport to Heathrow and then settling in for just over a seven hour flight between Heathrow and JFK Airport. BA have mastered swift and efficient transfers between Manchester and Heathrow, helping those of us who are based in the North West to land in New York almost as swiftly as Londoners. On a long-hall flight, little details like having plenty of leg-room, being served surprisingly tasty dinners (sometimes we forget just how far airline food has come in the past few years!) and being plied with soft drinks which kept us feeling nice and hydrated all added up to make a big difference. The cabin crew were exceptionally friendly, and although our requests were pretty straightforward (really we just kept saying a resounding ‘yes’ to caffeine and carbohydrates whenever they were offered), we did notice that a fellow passenger with unusual dietary requirements was given plenty of help and advice to ensure that he didn’t go hungry! We felt that the comfortable conditions, friendly service and efficiency all added up to ensure that we landed at JFK Airport feeling surprisingly refreshed.

His & Hers’ travel companion had thoughtfully booked a car from the airport with Blacklane and our driver, Muhammad, gave us the warmest of New York welcomes having waited patiently while we cleared customs. We know that many savvy travellers like to save every penny on transport and splurge on hotels, but we found that an enjoyable journey really did help us to start and end our New York trip feeling relaxed and refreshed, and there are some bargains to be had if you book your BA flights in advance or wait for their seasonal sales and offers.

www.britishairways.com 57

HIS&HERS TRAVEL

WHERE WE STAYED

The Conrad

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e’d heard good things about the Conrad in Lower Manhattan, so decided to check out this hotel’s modern minimalist style and rather inviting rooftop lounge. On first impressions, the airy atrium lobby was impressive and the hotel’s design credentials don’t disappoint. However, unlike some ultra-contemporary hotels we can think of, you really don’t need to worry about finding style over substance at the Conrad. Our room not only looked great – it also functioned perfectly and somehow felt very cosy despite its uncluttered aesthetic. We headed down to dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Atrio, which, much like the hotel itself felt cool and contemporary, but not so cool that the friendly staff won’t go out of their way to ensure that you’re served with delicious food and very good cocktails.

The service within the restaurant and the hotel as a 58

whole was excellent but unobtrusive and if you’ve just completed a long journey to New York, you really will appreciate their ridiculously comfortable beds. We didn’t find out what their mattresses were made out of (clouds, perhaps?) but we really should have! As the rooftop lounge was busy during our stay, we decided to watch the sunset from one of the benches outside the hotel that overlook the waterfront. It’s a great location from which to watch the world (or at least the occasional jogger and ferry driver) pass by, and if you’re tired from your travels (or simply from spending lots of time at the heart of the action in Times Square) you just might crave the quieter surroundings of this hotel – perfect for soaking up those views and enjoying New York at a more leisurely pace.

www.conradnewyork.com

HIS&HERS TRAVEL

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HIS&HERS TRAVEL

The Roger Smith Hotel

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HIS&HERS TRAVEL

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ur next stop was the charming Roger Smith Hotel on Lexington Avenue. Before even entering the building, we were smitten with its 1920s architecture and excellent location. This is described as a ‘boutique hotel’ and although this is a description that may be thrown around a little too frequently these days, this hotel really does live up to the label. Its interior design is quirky and unique and we quickly fell for all the period architectural details. We were blown away by our bedroom suite, which was spacious and elegantly decorated. However, the most exciting element was having our very own balcony – perfect for devouring fresh bagels from the nearby Ess-a-Bagel (which is rumoured to be one of the best bagel places in the city) or for a spot of yoga in the gentle sunshine. The only thing we couldn’t work out how to do from our balcony was to mix the perfect mojito, so a journey to the rooftop where you’ll find Henry’s bar beckoned.

This bar is relaxed, intimate, friendly and just busy enough to create a lovely ambiance. The cocktails aren’t bad either! If you spend a lot of time staying with the same hotel brand, why not shake things up a little with this warm and welcoming independent hotel.

www.rogersmith.com 61

HIS&HERS TRAVEL

The Peninsula

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he Peninsula is something of a New York institution and with its imposing architecture (and excellent views towards Fifth Avenue) it certainly has stopping power. His & Hers arrived here on our travel companion’s birthday, so we found out several things about the Peninsula very quickly. Firstly, if you need a candle delivering to your room in a hurry, the staff will happily oblige! Secondly, the Peninsula’s rooftop bar (Salon De Ning) serves the perfect birthday cocktails with some pretty spectacular 62

views and thirdly, should you find yourself waking up at the Peninsula with a slight hangover, their extensive room service breakfast menu will provide the perfect antidote. Although the rooms here are so comfortable you’ll be a little reluctant to leave, we couldn’t resist a brief stroll to Central Park (and just a wayward glance at all those enticing store fronts).

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or not, a trip to Magnolia Bakery is a New York staple for a reason – their red velvet cakes really are worth travelling for. And back at the hotel, we don’t know

HIS&HERS TRAVEL

whether it’s the amazing beds, the curtains that block out every spot of light, the immaculately regulated temperature of the room or perhaps just the easy access to excellent cocktails and cake – either way, there’s something about this hotel that makes for a perfect night’s sleep, an important consideration when you’re in a city where you’ll want plenty of energy to explore.

newyork.peninsula.com 63

HIS&HERS TRAVEL

YOTEL

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f you’re seeking an informal, stylish, and surprisingly high-tech hotel, Yotel is the perfect choice. Located just two blocks from Times Square, we chose this hotel for the last night of our trip. We’d never experienced anything quite like the airline-style automated check in kiosks at reception, and the hotel even has a mobile concierge app and ‘Yobot’ (the hotel’s friendly luggage-storing robot). If you want, you can check in with just the click of a key-pad, but if you quite like to see a friendly face when you check in (or, like us, are keen to charm your way into your room a little earlier than the official check-in time) there’s a chic reception area upstairs where the Yotel team offer a warm welcome for those who still like to do things the old fashioned way. The rooms (or cabins, as the Yotel team call them) are very modern and very stylish. You’ll find everything you need and nothing you don’t in them.

We loved the upstairs bar, where we sipped on cocktails on our last night in the city), then enjoyed the complimentary teas and coffees and muffins in the morning. We hadn’t heard of the YOTEL brand before, but thoroughly enjoyed this hotel’s unusual design and layout, and its price point is surprisingly affordable, making it perfect for longer trips.

www.yotel.com 64

HIS&HERS TRAVEL

SEEING THE SIGHTS WITH OUR NYC PASSES While planning our New York trip, we’d been advised to pick up some popular NYC PASSes. These passes cover some of the most frequently visited attractions in the city (such as the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and the Guggenheim Museum). They provided plenty of inspiration for sightseeing and we also enjoyed skipping the queues for tickets at attractions such as the Empire State Building where this really will save you a lot of time. We’d definitely use these passes again, as they saved both time and money, leaving us with more of both of these resources to reinvest for cocktail drinking! NYC PASSes can be booked online at: www.citypass.com 65

HIS&HERS FOOD & DRINK

GOOD FOOD & SERVICE REALLY MATTA’S

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t’s 32 years since the Matta family first set up shop on Bold Street. None of them in the family business quite know where the time has gone but they have packed a lot in!

Granby Street back in 1965 to become what we’ve always wanted to be…something for everyone…a melting pot of different classes, cultures, creeds shopping and socialising in the shop!

So says Dalip Matta, youngest in the family and one of the most visible in the shop over the years. In an exclusive interview with My Planet Liverpool he said:

“Liverpool’s increasing diversity has enabled us to expand our range of fresh produce and packaged foods ten fold over the last 5 years.

“My brother, sister, father, mother and I have always loved the business in spite of the challenges.

“In addition, we’ve seen a new ‘sub-culture’ emerge in the city, dedicated to leading a life of health and wellness. Its age range is diverse too and its created a buzz amongst many of our long-standing regular customers not so familiar with products like extra virgin organic coconut oil, chia seeds, maca, hemp, wheatfree bread, gluten-free products and coconut s u g a r- s w e e t e n e d chocolate.

“Of course, there’s been the early mornings, in at 7am and leaving 12 hours later but lots of people do that in retail, commerce and all kinds of professions.

“The joy for us has been that we’ve all enjoyed relatively good health and during most of those 12 hours, 7 days a week, we’ve been helping people.”

“Whether it’s been cooking for their families, friends for a dinner party… sometimes it’s been about widening people’s horizons about different cultures and their food or expanding people’s knowledge of leading a healthier lifestyle…we’ve become much more than a grocery store on quirky, largely independent Bold Street.”

On the latter two points, Liverpool as a city has of course, grown increasingly cosmopolitan, especially over the last 10 years.

We asked Dalip how that’s helped him and the family.

“It’s enabled us from my dad’s roots and vision in 66

“We’ve added more than 100 new products to our health & wellness range and whilst we’ve reacted to a certain degree to demand, we’ve created that demand too to an extent by being the first or by being an exclusive supplier of these products.

“You probably won’t visit a grocery store in Liverpool with more people wearing lycra after a yoga or gym session!”

Dalip added: “All that said, our ethos has always been overwhelmingly about healthy living.

“We spend a fair proportion of time in any one week explaining to customers for example, what fresh

HIS&HERS FOOD & DRINK working day, so we’ve expanded our resources to absorb this and it’s generated further growth for us.

“All of this was crucial having made the decision five years ago to expand our range of foods that could be purchased as healthily prepared breakfast, lunch or evening meal items i.e. an alternative to the raw ingredients that we’ve become famous for as a stockist.

“Looking forward, we can only see the health & wellness and more artisan-led product ranges expanding further.”

“Plus year on year, we attract a large and new student audience who then become loyal customers for three years or much longer! That’s really important to us because it reaffirms that we remain price competitive. herbs and spices match the kind of meal they’re looking to prepare. We really enjoy that aspect of the business and we know from feedback that customers appreciate it and indeed, comment on the rarity of the experience in today’s fast moving world. “‘Fast moving’ isn’t quite us. I guess that’s why it has taken us 30 years to get to where we are now…i.e. with record sales in the last 18 months in spite of recession and increasing competition.

“We regularly get told that we’re a throwback to a bygone era when retail was much more of a personal experience that allows people to spend quality time on themselves, family and friends in buying what they need and want when food shopping.

“We also know this remains the case from feedback via our canny community shoppers, many of whom have stayed shopping with us for 30 years!

“The future operation of the business will now be largely left to my brother, his growing family and myself as mum and dad are now retired.”

Matta’s emergence and success from 1954 to date is an amazing innings in retail and the Matta’s family remain as humble as ever in spite of their achievements. Long may they continue because its grocery shopping at its finest in our opinion.

www.mattas.co.uk 51 Bold Street, Liverpool

“In spite of how good that makes us feel, we also have many customers running their own businesses (and we know what that does to people’s time) or who need to make a ‘pit stop’ during a frantic

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WORDS: Jennie Blake

Food for the soulCuban style Revolucion de Cuba Liverpool is a place of ambient charm.

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ituated on the beautiful waterfront, the two floor rum bar and Cantina (that opened its doors earlier this year) is the perfect place to eat, drink and dance.

After we were promptly greeted and seated by one of the friendly team, we took in the warm and cheerful atmosphere and live music.

The interior design enhances the experience here; the space has been lavishly redecorated yet still feels elegant and sumptuous.

Bringing together unique flavours from Cuba, Spain, Mexico and South America, the menu offers a wide range of tempting dishes from tapas to larger plates. There is also currently a selection of limited edition specials designed to bring a taste of Cuban sunshine to your winter. We enjoyed a selection from the tapas menu,

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which combined bold, complementary flavours in generous portions. Some of our favourites were the Pork & Chorizo Quesadilla; a crisp grilled tortilla with tender roasted pork belly, rich, smoked chilli jam, chorizo, cheese and sour cream, Salmon Ceviche; a refreshing dish with bold flavours including orange and lime all delicately balanced and Cajun Cream Mushrooms; Sautéed garlic mushrooms in a beautifully rich Cajun cream sauce with subtle spices and topped with a kale drizzle.

As the night drew in and lights started to twinkle along the waterfront, inside Revolucion de Cuba the transition from dinner to drinks was seamless.

Famous for its cocktails, the extensive and exciting list exudes quality. Whether a classic or their own creation, there’s something for everyone. They specialise in rum, too, with a selection of some of the world’s finest.

One of the things that made our night in Revolucion de Cuba special was the staff. They were delightful, passionate and seemed like a family, helping to leave a lasting impression.

If you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, a romantic meal or a family get together, we’d definitely recommend paying Revolucion de Cuba Liverpool a visit. If your planning a night out with friends or a big celebration, visit on a Friday or Saturday night to witness the spectacular samba dancers.

Tel. 0151 203 6101 www.revoluciondecuba.com

HIS&HERS FOOD & DRINK

A LUNCH TO REMEMBER AT DISTRICT HOUSE

WORDS: Jean Hill

It’s an imposing building that speaks of a distinguished past and is the perfect place for brunch, lunch or a drink after work. District House would also provide a stunning setting for a private event, with the space and hospitality for any occasion, day or night.

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istrict House opened in 2016; it’s located in the historic commercial area for which it wants to cater and it’s also close enough to Liverpool ONE to be very much about pleasure mixed with business.

The full scope opens up by degrees: The beautiful main restaurant has a separate bar, and seats up to 350 for dinner or up to 600 for a reception or event. There is a VIP mezzanine that provides private dining for guests. It is a vast, yet the seating booths in the restaurant create an intimate space. The décor is spare and yet the lighting, exotic plants and wall decorations are quite theatrical, making for a sense of occasion. Live entertainment was excellent on the day His & Hers had an invitation to share a family Sunday lunch.

There were six of us and we were graciously welcomed and served with a Sunday lunch that would satisfy a Tudor court and king. There were joints of gammon, beef and chicken, root vegetables, roast potatoes, and the largest Yorkshire puddings I have ever seen (and gravy too, with the right consistency and great flavour, undoubtedly made from meat stock). The chicken tasted the way I remember it, when my mother cooked Sunday dinner. The gammon was beautifully

roasted, with an impressive glaze and good strong flavour that comes with basting the juices over the joint. The beef was ‘medium’ rather than rare, and the quality of the meat made it special (melt in the mouth succulent). The Yorkshire puddings tasted delicious, having been cooked to a delicate crisp.

There should not have been room for dessert, but the brownies proved too tempting. A visit to District House is a lovely way to spend Sunday with the family, or as part of a romantic two-some, or with friends. There are endless possibilities!

Tel. 0151-2366141 www.districthouse.co.uk 69

HIS&HERS FOOD & DRINK

C H A O P H R AYA , LIVERPOOL ONE: A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

Chaophraya takes its name from the main waterway in Thailand, with each recipe designed to capture the essence of the country’s different regions.

WORDS: Jean Hill

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is & Hers received an invite to sample the new menu – the first change to the menu in over three years – and when you realise what went into it, you realise why a menu change doesn’t happen too often. Kirsty Luter, Marketing & Outreach Manager, explained that to ensure authentic flavours, chefs and restaurant managers are sent to Thailand where they travel through the different regions, finding inspiration and collecting recipes. They then return to the UK to practise these dishes, a process which can take months to perfect.

The restaurant itself is classic and elegant.

Chaophraya staff are traditionally dressed, whilst the décor: jade, understated elegance, welcomes you in. The ladies’ powder room contains a wall to wall aquarium and beautiful small circular porcelain bowls, decorated with exquisite blue fish. This is an experience for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

We made a start with a Maeklong Platter between two: chicken satay, prawn and pork dumplings, chicken spring rolls, and sweetcorn cakes. All delicious.

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My companion chose Massaman Lamb which comprises pieces of tender lamb stewed with Massaman curry, coconut milk, carrots, potatoes and baby onions, topped with cashew nuts. It is made with turmeric, star anise, cardamom, cinnamon and chillies and is one of the favourite dishes of the Thai Royal Family, dating back to the 16th Century. The skill is that no one flavour overwhelms: which means a subtle layering of tastes that depend on the quality of the lamb to hold it all together.

I decided on King Prawns with Ginger & Samphire: Goong Pad Khing & Het Horm King prawns sautéed with shitake mushrooms, Thai ginger, spring onion, red and yellow bell peppers. Spicy and fabulous.

Desserts are a new departure: The Chocolate Bombe, with lime undertones, disintegrates into loveliness, complemented by whiskey ice-cream, whilst the melt in your mouth Coconut Panna Cotta, with lemon sorbet as a sharp side-kick to make a memorable whole, is a life experience.

Tel. 0151 7076323 www.chaophraya.co.uk

DOUGLAS

LIVERPOOL

CASTLETOWN

*Terms and conditions apply

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www.traceybell.co.uk

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BIRKDALE

01624 613323

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HIS&HERS FASHION

TOPSHOP

LIVERPOOL’S PERSONAL SHOPPERS SHARE THEIR

STYLE SECRETS

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is & Hers met with Topshop Personal Shoppers Faye Hort and Emily J Bull during a busy day at the store, as shoppers were vying to pick up those perfect pieces to see them through the party season in style.

Although the rest of the Liverpool ONE Topshop store was a hive of activity, the moment you step into the Personal Shopping suite, suddenly all is quiet, calm and peaceful. Faye and Emily help pull together different looks to suit their customers’ unique styles, leaving their suggested outfits in the chic changing rooms. They offer refreshments (including Prosecco) and there’s none of the queuing, jostling or having to use your elbows to secure the last dress in your size that you might generally associate with shopping at busy times!

Catching Faye and Emily during a quiet moment between Personal Shopping appointments, we asked them a few questions about how they secured their jobs, begged them to spill their Christmas style secrets, and then snapped their outfits.

How did you get your first break in fashion?

Faye (28): I worked as a Personal Shopper at the Trafford Centre and as a Manager at Urban Outfitters, having studied fashion at uni. At Urban Outfitters I was always thinking of interesting ways to style outfits and I used to come to this personal shopping suite and think ‘I’d love to work here’.

When a job came up, I was so pleased!

Emily (23): I studied fashion and marketing and worked part time in the Shoe department at Topshop and then for Whistles where I was a supervisor and personal shopper. I also worked as an assistant Personal Shopper for Topshop at the Trafford Centre before moving to the Liverpool store and 72

being promoted to a Personal Shopper. It’s a job I’ve always wanted.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Faye: I love drawing people out of their comfort zones and encouraging them to try new looks. We have clients of all ages, and it’s brilliant getting to chat to people across all age ranges. Also, I love it when mothers and daughters come in together.

That’s always really good fun.

Emily: I really enjoy showing customers different ways of styling their outfits and it’s great when they leave looking happy and confident with pieces they probably would never have tried before.

What will we be wearing this Christmas?

Faye: Maribu jackets and bags are absolutely flying out of the store at the moment. There’s a lot of play on texture and it’s not all about the little black dress – there’s a real focus on separates for Christmas.

Emily: The ‘80s trend is absolutely massive – think over the top, yet refined.

HIS&HERS FASHION

Get Party Ready with Topshop: On Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th December Topshop Liverpool ONE will be hosting a Get Party Ready weekend.

Customers who spend over £40 instore that weekend will be eligible to receive a complimentary express gel manicure, mini party makeover and the opportunity to book an appointment with the Personal Shopping team to discover this season’s hottest party pieces.

ABOUT PERSONAL SHOPPING

Faye (left): Frill High Neck Satin Blouse in wine, £32, Psych Swirl sequin Mini Skirt, £45, Lolita heels, £52, Black Velvet Choker, £6 & Marabou Crossbody Bag, £40.00.

Emily (right): Scuba Seam V-Neck Tee, £32, Velvet Wide Leg trouser, £55, Raphael Black & Gold Sandals ,£42, Gold Spot Skinny Scarf, £12 & Plush Crossbody Bag, £39.

Topshop’s complimentary Personal Shopping service offers customers a premium shopping experience without any hassle. In the privacy of their own changing room, within the personal shopping suites, customers will have their own personal shopper to help them find exactly what they need, from the perfect pair of jeans to the ultimate capsule wardrobe. Specific appointments are available, ranging from a complete wardrobe overhaul, a quick lunchtime fashion fix or helping to find the perfect outfit for a special occasion.

• Customers can book their Topshop Personal shopping appointment using the following link: http://www.topshop.com/en/ tsuk/category/topshop-personal-shopping4886705/home • Topshop personal shopping is a complimentary service. Customers do not need to book for the event on the 17th and 18th, this is first come, first served and appointments will book up fast. The offer is only available to 16+ year olds. On Saturday the event will run 12-6pm and Sunday 115pm Follow @Topshop on Instagram for the latest trends and global style, or follow @topshop_personalshopping for your daily dose of inspiration from the Topshop Personal Shopping team.

PICTURES: Jennie Blake, WORDS: Emma Hill

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HIS&HERS STYLE

T INSIDER ECH With Christmas just around the corner, our Tech Insider Chris Danks has shared some of the best new tech gifts available this year.

Playstation VR, £349.99.

Amazon Echo, £149.99.

A hands-free speaker you control with your voice. Echo connects to the Alexa Voice Service to play music, provide information, news, sports scores, weather and more. All you have to do is ask. Available from amazon.co.uk.

Apple Airpods, £159.

Wireless and effortless. Just take them out of the charging case and they’re ready to use with all your devices. They can sense when they’re in your ears and pause when you take them out. Get great-sounding music, movies and more with rich, high-quality AAC audio. And when you want to be heard, dual beamforming microphones filter out background noise when you make calls or talk to Siri.

Available from Apple.

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Immerse yourself in extraordinary new worlds, put yourself at the centre of an incredible gaming universe and experience a new way to play with PlayStation VR. Available from Game.

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