Hot Brands Cool Places Festive Celebrations Dec 2016

HOT BRANDS COOL PLACES TRAVEL CULTURE LIFESTYLE

DECEMBER 2016

Festive Celebrations

EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome to our Festive issue packed full of gift ideas for friends, family and the home.

This year we have been promoting the slow route, taking time to savour things, and in this issue we have a feature about Planning a Calm Festive Celebration to help take some of the stress out of the holiday.

If you are planning a last-minute getaway, or are looking ahead to next year’s holidays we have plenty of suggestions in our Festive Escapes. We also have a special selection of special venues if you are planning a wedding, or special event in 2017.

We have reviews of our Top 10 Books for all the family and our Winter Beauty Round-up, full of gorgeous gifts.

As it is our 10th Year Anniversary this month, I have had a look back over the ten years in an interview, and as this is our last magazine for 2016 we would like to say a huge thank you not just for this year, but for the last ten years, to everyone who has contributed to our magazines throughout the years, to the fabulous companies in our Directory, the authors and the PR/publicity teams who always respond to our requests so promptly, and to YOU, our wonderful readers who always give us such positive feedback. We wish you all a very happy festive holiday and a peaceful and happy 2017.

Kaye, Louise and the whole Hot Brands Cool Places team xxx http://www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com Picture Credits: Front Cover courtesy of LINLEY http://www.davidlinley.com Other images throughout the magazine supplied by the various companies, or publishers featured.

Please Note All information about products and services are supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, or news items.

Inclusion in this magazine does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.

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LINLEY David Linley started Linley as a bespoke furniture company on the New Kings Road in 1985 working on private commissions. Now, as Linley has just celebrated its 30th anniversary year, the business has grown to include interior and yacht design, fitted cabinetry and kitchens, furniture and gifts and accessories. www.davidlinley.com

LSA INTERNATIONAL Founded 50 years ago in London’s swinging sixties, LSA International is a British brand specialising in mouthblown glass and porcelain. Materials are carefully selected to ensure the brand’s signature quality and complex artisan techniques are translated into distinctive products for dining, decorating and entertaining. Shop the latest collections at www.lsa-international.com

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ELLA JAMES Shop at www.ellajames.co.uk for pretty gifts and inspiration - a gorgeous selection of delightful gifts and items for the festive season. Exclusive discount code: HOTBRANDS16 for a 15% discount. www.ellajames.co.uk

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LOAF Brit-brand Loaf makes laid-back furniture for people to kick-off their shoes and lead happier, more relaxed lives. Having lost a whole Saturday trying to buy a bed, founder Charlie Marshall saw an opportunity to make the home shopping experience as quick and hassle-free as possible. Today Loaf offers hundreds of handmade designs for every room of the home. loaf.com / 0845 459 9937

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PAMPER HAMPER COMPANY The perfect hampers and gifts for celebrating the festive season. Choose from our wonderful selection of hampers and personalised gifts to create a very special gift. With fast turnaround times, courier delivery, selected delivery dates and gift message options ordering is quick and easy with Pamper Hamper Company. www.pamperhampercompany.co.uk

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ROBERT WELCH Robert Welch Designs is well known for the exceptional design, quality and functionality of its products. With 60 years of industry experience and award winning products from the in-house design team, Robert Welch offers a unique range of cutlery, kitchen knives, utensils and tableware. www.robertwelch.com

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RED HEN Red Hen’s collection of quirky and unusual gifts along with stylish accessories for the home are all available at: www.redhentrading.co.uk

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calm

Preparing a Festive Celebration

image courtesy of LSA International

This year there has been a lot of coverage about mindfulness and taking the slow route to living.

In reality the actual celebrations take place over a very few days, but the build up often induces a sense of panic. In adopting a calmer approach, there are a number of questions worth asking.

Do I really need to do this?

Would it matter if I didn’t?

Could someone else help me?

Can I buy it?

Would it be fun to make it?

Here are some suggestions about how to take a calmer approach to the festivities.

Create Lists The Festive season is time when lists really come into their own, use downtime when waiting for meetings to start, travelling, or watching television to create lists of things you need to do to prepare for the festivities. If you can involve other people in some of the actions, it can help to share the load.

Buying presents Many of us put gift shopping off to the last minute, only to find what would have made a perfect present is already sold-out.

Each year the numbers of people shopping online increases, we have fabulous examples of excellent online companies, run by dedicated people who want to make your shopping experience enjoyable and stressfree. Most of us can now access small local shops, artisan markets, galleries, fairs, and other opportunities to buy unique gifts.

If you are planning to visit a shopping centre, try to shop early or shop late, to avoid the peak times. If you can utilize a few hours within your working day it is well worth the effort, there are often mid-week offers available thus avoiding weekends, and the queues. Remember personalised gifts always need a longer lead-time. As you buy the gifts, wrap and label them, saves time later.

Preparing the house Decorating a house is a delightful way to start the festive season, to make it as stress free as possible, always label the decoration boxes so that you know what is inside, it may be too late for this year, but is a good way of preparing for next year. Also allow time to check the lights, buy new decorations, and source a tree.

The Festive season is a perfect time to fill the house with music, there are many compilations available, as well as other relaxing collections of background music that can be used when decorating the tree, writing cards, crafting or baking. If your life is normally frenetic, slowing everything down and relaxing can be beneficial for everyone.

If people are coming to stay, why not prepare the room in advance; think about the little touches that people appreciate, magazines, clean towels, and toiletries. If you are using the lounge or other areas for extra sleeping make sure inflatable beds still work, locate pumps, extra bedding etc.

Festive Cooking Think about what you would really enjoy making, or baking and what you would much rather buy and plan your menu accordingly. We have so little free time; no one really wants to spend time struggling with baking disasters! If you want to have a large family gathering, try and encourage other family members to get involved, perhaps each contributing something to the meal.

If you are cooking try and find tried and tested recipes, there are so many excellent books, magazines and television programmes sharing stress free cooking.

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Shop, or order early all the essential produce, preparation is everything, clear fridges and freezers, so that you have the maximum space available. Young people often have quite different food tastes, why not create a grazing buffet for them to select their own combinations. Above all try and enjoy the food! Relax and take time to really savour the meal after all the time spent preparing it.

Travel One of the biggest sources of stress during the festive season is travel. Some of us find it really hard to turn down invitations, especially at this time of year, why not try and arrange alternative ways to see family and friends, either pre or post the festive break so that you can avoid long arduous journeys up and down the country at one of the busiest times of year. If you do have to travel, equip your car for emergencies, or if travelling by public transport be prepared for delays and lack of refreshments.

Relaxing together Many families are often busy throughout the year, not just with parents working, but children often have weekend and after-school commitments, but during the Christmas/New Year holiday there is often more family time available.

There so many beautiful places to visit that are very special out of season, there is nothing quite like a bracing day at the seaside when you have a wide expanse of beach all to yourselves.

In many seaside towns, shops open up during this period, and have beautiful light displays in the harbour.

You will find other displays up and down the country, where forests, gardens and buildings are illuminated for the festive period. This is also a wonderful way of walking off the lunch on Christmas Day, or Boxing Day, or to celebrate the New Year.

Mindful Activities Throughout the year we have featured crafting books and during the holidays is a perfect time to spend time together creating cards, and other handmade gifts for friends and family. Be prepared with colouring books, pencils, and gathering together all the materials required before the holidays can make the projects easier to complete.

Be prepared for the unexpected Try and plan for everyone’s needs over the festive break. Have extra medical supplies, the right batteries for new toys. Make sure you know the emergency numbers. Have pre-recorded films, or DVD’s to slow the pace a little. Plan an easy walk.

Take time to relax and reflect As the holiday approaches, savour those moments either early in the morning, or late at night when the house is still and you get the chance to just stop running and enjoy the peace and quiet.

2016 has been a difficult year for many people, if you know neighbours who are alone at this time of year, visiting them and taking a small gift can really make them feel special.

As we move into 2017 think about your hopes and plans for the coming year.

Happy New Year!

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THE GREAT ENGLISH OUTDOORS www.greatenglish.co.uk is an online shop with a soul. We are specialists in hand made leather goods, old and new Welsh wool blankets and textiles; offering for sale a range of ethical tailored clothing and a collection of useful but beautiful home and gardening accessories.

Take a visual tour of our shop with our You Tube clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8kvX0XsSLA

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IN THE LINEN CUPBOARD In the Linen Cupboard is an online shop offering extremely luxurious bed linens and towels made in England. We also have a unique click and design feature. In just 5 clicks you can design your own bed linen in various designs. www.inthelinencupboard.co.uk / enquiries@inthelinencupboard.co.uk

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DOUGLAS THE BOY WONDER With attention to detail and contemporary styling at his roots, Douglas The Boy Wonder is the latest brand to be lovingly created by artist Anna Danielle.

With attention to detail and contemporary styling at his roots, Douglas products are both stylish and practical.

Dedicated to creating quality gifts with a service to match, The Little Dog always goes the extra mile to create a smile! www.thelittledog.co.uk

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RUFUS RABBIT Rufus Rabbit, the funny bunny whose gorgeously packaged baby gift range was lovingly created by Anna Danielle, co-owner of the family firm The Little Dog. Dedicated to creating quality gifts with a service to match, Rufus Rabbit always goes the extra mile to create a smile! http://www.rufusrabbit.co.uk/

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ATTICUS & GILDA Gorgeous Christmas gifts from Atticus & Gilda. Whether you’re headed for the sun or snow our Pjs, nighties and overnighters are perfect to pack. Add in a super cute animal sleepmask to their stocking for something a little different.

Visit www.atticusandgilda.co.uk

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LITTLE LUCY WILLOW Step into Winter with stunning handcrafted bedroom furniture by Little Lucy Willow. Our timeless, exclusive collections are designed in-house to suit toddlers through to their teens and many years beyond. Create beautiful bedrooms in perfect pastels. http://www.littlelucywillow.co.uk

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WHITE RABBIT ENGLAND White Rabbit England is a luxury childrens’ brand founded in 2001 by sisters Charlotte Thompson and Victoria Sullivan. We design and manufacture lighting and interiors for the nursery and special gifts for little ones. Our award winning White Rabbit lamp represents perfectly the uniqueness and quality of both the design and manufacture of everything we do to create heirlooms of the future. “Designed by us, made for you, keep forever” http://www.whiterabbitengland.com/

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DUSK LIGHTS We are contemporary lighting specialists with a leading range of modern lights available online and in our Exeter showroom/warehouse. At Dusk customer happiness is the bottom line. With customer home and project design ambitions at its core, Dusk provides contemporary lighting solutions, technical expertise and exemplary product support. www.dusklights.co.uk

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SCARLET & ARGENT Never leaving our family, the Hainsworth Mill story is intricately woven throughout 230 years of history across 7 generations. Scarlet and Argent connects our family to your own through our blankets, throws and finishing touches. Woven with generations of skill, dedication and knowledge, they are the perfect foundation for your own family memories. www.scarletandargent.co.uk

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CHH DESIGN British designer, Caroline Hely Hutchinson’s distinctive and fabulously exuberant, hand painted range brings joie de vivre to the home and garden. The finest bone china is for aficionados of the refined, chic and modern table.

Luxuriously gift boxed for wedding and birthday presents. www.chh-design.com

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TREASURE TROVE The Treasure Trove is the place to find shabby chic and vintage furniture with a unique style and Free UK Delivery! Lovingly hand painted and sourced by us ‌ why not see what treasures you can find for your home. www.thetreasuretrove.co.uk

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Interview with Kaye Thorne, Editor-in-Chief, Hot Brands Cool Places

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10 years

As it is Hot Brands Cool Places 10th Anniversary this month we invited our Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder to share some of her reflections on the past ten years.

INTERVIEW

It’s the 10th Anniversary of Hot Brands Cool Places this year, what can you remember about those first few months of business?

Like most businesses, there were a number of stages all happening at once, we had the beginnings of an idea, we needed to create a name and in 2006, the most challenging part of developing something online was convincing others that it could actually work!

We’ve always been fascinated by lifestyle and travel brands, and we love magazines. The opportunity to combine both and the freedom to create something new online was very seductive.

One of the most significant activities in our first months was planning and identifying the ‘look and feel’ of the website. We were approaching established brands and inviting them to join us, so from the very beginning we needed the site to look beautiful.

I was incredibly lucky that my daughter Louise had developed a wealth of experience in developing websites, both in the UK and Australia and was able to join me as Creative Director and CoFounder. It is her imagination and design ideas that form an important part of creating our style.

How did you identify what to include in the website?

We try to create an interesting mix of new, young and heritage brands. Part of it is intuition, part of it is driven by what feels right, across the site we look for a balance, an eclectic mix of lifestyle brands, boutique hotels, superb restaurants, specialist shops, and inspiring places to visit.

As well as showcasing established brands, Hot Brands, Cool Places has become a launch pad for new brands and their creators. We have met some wonderful people, many of them have made a career change and are now running very successful businesses. We try to provide information that is relevant, helpful and timely.

We also take care not to overfill the Directory; we have grown organically selecting companies that we think are different and interesting.

As we are offering both a magazine and a Directory we are able to channel information in different ways, so book and product reviews, features, regular gift guides, This Month We Love, News, as well as the Directory of Leading Brands. We are constantly evolving which is the greatest joy, as people approach us with new ideas, we form new partnerships.

With so much choice on the web, the feedback we often receive is that people love the fact that our site is edited. We help our visitors by presenting content in one place that we think they will find interesting and will meet their needs.

Online content is very accessible, and there’s the immediacy: we’re able to update the website daily, we can promote events in the week that they are happening or we can publish a book review on the day of publication. From the beginning we also wanted to try and give something back by promoting charitable events and other good causes through the News, or listings.

People send us amazing images and we love the opportunity to showcase the very best in lifestyle, design and travel and to create interesting magazines.

What have been the challenges?

As mentioned, in the early days convincing people that online could work, of which an element still remains.

Editing content can also present a challenge; we get sent so much brilliant information from PR companies, far more than we can ever include. Social media can help, where we can create sound bites of news, but this is something we are looking to develop in the future.

In terms of functionality, I think the need to create mobile friendly websites whilst important, does mean that for a website that is content rich and loves to create beautiful visuals it was like taking a map of the world and reducing it to the size of a postage stamp!

What have you enjoyed the most?

Without doubt building relationships with people, we are eternally grateful that people had faith in our concept; we have made some amazing friends, companies have grown with us, we have seen some wonderful book launches and we have been able to support some really important charities.

We are also a family business and we love involving the younger generation in reviewing books and helping them develop their understanding of how brands grow and develop, and of course their grasp of technology, the digital environment and social media is often in advance of ours!.

What are your plans for the future?

We are always developing Hot Brands Cool Places and responding to new opportunities.

We often have many more ideas that we can ever implement, but we also wanted to consolidate and bring some of our ideas into reality. As part of this process we have developed two other websites: http://www.littlebrandscoolideas.com Each week we receive more and more information about new companies just starting out and we felt there was an opportunity to create a sister company that could showcase these new and emerging companies as they take their first steps.

In the current climate more and more people are looking to set up their own businesses, and we want to create a place that will inspire them to create their own template for success. Where we could also share the successes and lessons learned by older and more established brands and so Little Brands Cool Ideas was born. http://www.seashorecreative.co.uk Seashore Creative is a celebration of all things coastal; places to stay, restaurants, events, markets and artisan food producers. Delightful and hidden little coastal shops and galleries, coastal interiors inspiration, showing how to create the spirit of the sea in your home. It’s also a place inspire creativity. We love the thought of an extended family, people who are like-minded, creative, who also want to encourage the next generation to experiment with their ideas, to create spaces where young people can leave the technology behind and enjoy being creative.

And so the concept of Seashore Creative grew, in this space we want to share and celebrate the art of creating and making, whether it is crafting, cooking, or finding inspiration.

What do you do to relax?

Sometimes I just sit still! I love early mornings at weekends when no one else is awake and I just sit and write, doodle with ideas, or do something creative. As a family we love the sea and whenever we have the opportunity to escape to the coast it provides an energy that I would like to bottle!

GO MODERN Go Modern specialises in contemporary, design-led furniture for the home and garden. Our team can help with everything from the materials and structure of a design through to fabrics, fitting and assembly. We work with interior designers, architects and homeowners ‌ in fact anyone who, like us, loves high quality luxury design. www.gomodern.co.uk

NATURAL RUG We supply bespoke Rugs made from Natural Fibres such as Sisal, Seagrass, Coir and Jute.

Our natural Rugs are handmade to order, just choose your favourite Natural product, add a border from our large collection and your Rug will be made exclusively for you.

More details on our web site: www.thenaturalrugcompany.com

GLAZEBROOK & CO. Glazebrook & Co. Classic Cutlery for modern living. Finest Stainless Steel designs with alternative dishwasher safe Cream and Black Handle Knives. A perfect wedding gift.

For more information visit: www.glazebrook.com Email: sales@glazebrook.com or Tel: 020 7731 7135 Free Sample Service. Delivery Worldwide

UNIQUEWORKS Treat yourself to some beautiful Uniqueworks Handmade Furniture. Expertly crafted at our small workshops in Pembrokeshire, we use the most delightful hardwoods from British trees such as cherry, elm or oak. Our classic furniture looks and feels gorgeous and will last a lifetime. www.uniqueworks.co.uk

THE HEADBOARD WORKSHOP The Headboard Workshop started making headboards 30 years ago in a garage in London.

They were all made to order, all in customers own material and always delivered on time.

THW have come a long way since then, but their principles remain the same; made to order headboards, beds, ottomans & chairs, backed up by outstanding service. The team design, develop and make all of their products in their factory in Wales. www.theheadboardworkshop.co.uk

GROHE GROHE is Europe’s largest and the world’s leading single-brand manufacturer and supplier of beautiful sanitary fittings, including taps for the bathroom and kitchen, showers from thermostatic mixer to electric, concealed valves and WC systems. GROHE’s products incorporate the brand’s innovative technologies, and many are award-winning. www.grohe.com/uk

DESIGNERS GUILD This season, our new collections celebrate the evocative and lyrical art of the botanist.

Taking inspiration from the 17th century explorers and botanists who journeyed to far-flung ends of the globe in search of undiscovered flora and fauna and then recorded their findings with breathtaking accuracy and stunning artistry, the new collection features exquisitely drawn flowers and bouquets, butterflies and birds in a painterly palette on a variety of base cloths. www.designersguild.com

THE FOOTSTOOL WORKSHOP Having been in the furniture business for over 20 years, TFW team are made up of skilled master craftsmen, designers and upholsterers who simply love to make beautiful things!

TFW offers a huge selection of styles, sizes, fabrics and legs, allowing you to build your footstool to exactly how you want it. www.thefootstoolworkshop.co.uk

DANGLY HEARTS Dangly Hearts is run by husband and wife team, Linzi and Jason, in the New Forest. They design and make beautiful heart themed textiles using UK sourced cotton and linen with appliquĂŠ and free machine embroidery decoration. Most items can be personalised making them perfect gifts for special occasions. www.danglyhearts.co.uk

CHRISTMAS BOOK REVIEWS Hello, is this planet Earth? by Tim Peake Synopsis: Hello, is this planet Earth? takes readers on a mesmerizing tour of astronaut Tim Peake’s historic and inspirational six-month Principia mission. Based on over 150 of Tim’s stunning photographs that he took on board the International Space Station, many of which have not been seen before, this lavish collection showcases the beauty of Earth from above, and is the perfect visual time capsule of Tim’s remarkable trip, which captured the imaginations of millions of children and adults across the world.

The book can be enjoyed by readers of all ages, and comes with a personal commentary from Tim, full of his characteristic warmth and charm. The book includes breath-taking aerial photos of cities illuminated at night, the northern lights and unforgettable vistas of oceans, mountains and deserts. The title of the book is inspired by Tim’s famous ‘wrong number’ dialed from space, when he accidentally misdialed a woman from the Space Station and inquired, ‘Hello, is this planet Earth?’

During his mission, Tim conducted numerous ground-breaking science experiments and engaged the British public in ingenious ways. Tim became the first British astronaut to complete a spacewalk and the first person to run the London marathon in space. He spoke to hundreds of thousands of school children back on Earth via events such as the Cosmic Classroom live from the ISS, engaging over 1 million children during the whole mission. He was also involved in other memorable events, such as presenting the BRIT Awards live from space in a dinner jacket. 24 million people watched Tim blast off and over 2 million fans continue to follow his updates across social media. In the Queen’s Birthday Honours, Tim was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George, an award given to those who have given distinguished service overseas, or, in Tim’s case, in space.

Tim is delighted to announce that all of his proceeds received from the book will be donated to The Prince’s Trust.

Tim Peake said, ‘It’s impossible to look down on Earth from space and not be mesmerised by the fragile beauty of our planet. During my mission I became determined to share this unique perspective of the one place we all call ‘home’. This book captures a journey of discovery, not just the discovery of planet Earth - a stunning oasis of life in the vastness of space - but also the discovery of a newfound passion for photography, which has had a major impact on me. I hope readers enjoy leafing through these pages as much as I enjoyed taking these pictures.’

Buy Hello, is this planet Earth? now from Amazon.co.uk Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict ‘Hello, is this planet Earth?’ is a wonderfully unique book. Tim’s very personal commentary and the absolutely stunning photographs give readers a once in a lifetime opportunity to see our planet in a totally different way.

We loved the view of the UK and Europe at night with the cities illuminated, the mesmerising sunrises and sunsets, the impossibly blue oceans. This is a book to treasure, a perfect Christmas gift for all generations. Highly Recommended! We are delighted that Hello, is this planet Earth? is our Book of the Month.

Planet Earth II by Stephen Moss Synopsis: On the 10th anniversary of the BBC’s genre-defining Planet Earth, this brilliant new book is an all-new look at our astonishing Planet Earth – from a completely new perspective. 10 years on from the first, groundbreaking, Planet Earth, we use the most incredible advances in technology and scientific discovery to bring you the most exciting and immersive picture of our world’s wildlife yet.

With over 200 breathtaking photographs and stills from the BBC Natural History Unit’s spectacular footage, this is an extraordinary new look at the complex life of some of the most amazing places on Planet Earth.

Buy Planet Earth II now from Amazon.co.uk Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict The photography in Planet Earth II is absolutely stunning; the book focuses on six very different environments, with fascinating new stories and characters, including the desert-dwelling blind ‘dune sharks’ and the pygmy sloths unique to one island, crab-killing crazy ants and pigeoncatching fish. From the most unlikely urban dwellers to mountain top survivors. This is a view of the world we are rarely able to see.

With a foreword by Sir David Attenborough, ‘Planet Earth II gives us a greater understanding of the natural world, the way it works and what it needs if it is to continue to survive.’ This book is a fabulous companion to Planet Earth II, a six-part series just started on BBC One. Highly Recommended!

Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Cookbook – Jamie Oliver Synopsis: Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Cookbook is packed with all the classics you need for the big day and beyond, as well as loads of delicious recipes for edible gifts, party food and new ways to love those leftovers.

It’s everything you need for the best Christmas ever.

Inside you’ll find all the classics as well as tasty alternatives, including: salmon pate, apple and squash soup; roast turkey, goose and venison; nut roast and baked squash; best roasties, baked mash, parsnips, glazed carrots, four ways to do sprouts; gravies and cranberry sauce, meat and vegetarian stuffings; turkey risotto; Christmas pud, trifles, pavlova; chocolate logs, Christmas cake, mince pies, gingerbread, baked camembert, smoked salmon bilinis, hot buttered rum and many, many more delicious recipes.

Buy Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Cookbook now on Amazon.co.uk Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict We love the way the book is organised,including everything you need to create delicious meals over the Christmas period. Chapters include: Smart Starters, The Main Event, Veggie and Vegan Plates, The Wonderful World of Potatoes, Scrumptious Vegetables, Gravy, Sauces and all the Trimmings, Incredible Leftovers, Spectacular Festive Puddings, Afternoon Tea and Sweet Treats, Cute Edible Gifts, Super-Fantastic Salads Dips, Bites and Handheld Nibbles, Perfect Christmas Drinks and a Guide To Roasting Meat.

Beautifully illustrated, with mouth-watering recipes, this gorgeous book is destined to become the essential book to create a wonderful and delicious Christmas food event. We loved it! Highly Recommended!,

Rick Stein’s Long Weekends - Rick Stein Synopsis: Cadiz, Palermo, Copenhagen and more... Rick Stein goes in search of good food in fabulous locations, and all of them just a quick hop, skip and a jump from the UK. Rick Stein’s Long Weekends will accompany the second half of the BBC One series, airing in Autumn 2016.

Rick Stein’s passion for using good-quality local produce and his talent for creating delicious flavour combinations in his books and restaurants have won him a host of awards, accolades and fans. As well as presenting a number of television series, he has published many best-selling cookery books, including French Odyssey, Coast to Coast, Far Eastern Odyssey, Rick Stein’s Spain and Rick Stein’s India.

In this new book Rick inspires in two ways, as a travel guide, to go out and discover these wonderful places yourself, but equally why not make time to have a long weekend at home to cook for family and friends.

Buy Rick Stein’s Long Weekends from Amazon.co.uk Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict Rick Stein’s Long Weekends is a beautifully illustrated book with stunning location photography, based on a television series in which he embarks on a series of weekends in search of good food and brilliant recipes. The result is a collection of over 100 delicious recipes divided by each day of the weekend, quick and easy for a Friday night supper, substantial Saturday brunches and lunches, Saturday evening entertainment dishes followed by Sunday lunch and dinners, plus coffee and teatime treats. Accompanied by Rick’s personal memories and travel tips for each city, this beautiful book will inspire you to create your own magical weekends either at home or abroad. Highly Recommended!

Cut it Out! by Poppy Chancellor Synopsis: Featuring 30 highly original and stylish designs by cutting edge illustrator and renowned paper cut artist Poppy Chancellor, transform a blank sheet of paper into a stunning work of art.

Forget complicated step-by-step instructions, no need for lots of expensive equipment, all you need is a sharp scalpel, craft mat, Poppy’s imaginative designs and a bit of creativity, and you can make cards, masks, invitations, partyware and presents for birthdays, hen dos, weddings, Halloween and Christmas.

Complete with a beautiful paper cut cover and stunning photography.

Buy now from Amazon.co.uk Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict In Cut It Out! Poppy Chancellor has created a stunning collection of original designs for every occasion, she also offers advice on paper and suppliers, including sensible safety advice for first time users, and also how you can frame and display your finished results. The book itself can be used to create the designs, or you can copy them if you wish to keep the book intact. The cover is also very inspirational! If you are looking for a new and original hobby for this Winter, this book is perfect!

V&A Twelve Days of Christmas Synopsis: Combining handpicked patterns from the V&A’s William Morris archive with stunning new illustrations in keeping with the timeless designs, this beautiful book brings the words of the classic Twelve Days of Christmas song to life.

With a gilded fabric cover, thick matte pages full of gorgeous finishes and brilliantly bold end papers, this edition is made to be treasured by children, parents, teenagers and adults of all ages.

Buy V&A: The Twelve Days of Christmas from Amazon.co.uk Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This is a very beautiful book, an absolutely delightful gift for all the family and an inspiration for all fans of art and design. We love the gorgeous illustrations and the production makes it a book that will become a special part of Christmas for years to come.

Highly Recommended!

The Official Strictly Come Dancing Annual 2017 Synopsis: Don your finest feather boa and be prepared to shimmy under the glitterball as series 14 of Strictly Come Dancing is back and more glamorous than ever...Daisy Lowe, Ed Balls and Laura Whitmore are amongst the allstar cast of celebrities this year.

Buy Official Strictly Come Dancing Annual 2017: The Official Companion to the Hit BBC Series now from Amazon.co.uk Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict If you love Strictly Come Dancing you will love this book! Packed full with details on all the celebrities and their professional partners, plus special Strictly features including, past winners, Strictly rituals, creating your own ballroom shoes, behind-the-scenes at Blackpool, ten years of the Strictly tour, and much much more! A perfect gift for all fans of Strictly Come Dancing!

Dork Diaries: Frenemies Forever - Rachel Renée Russell Synopsis: Nikki Maxwell, Queen of the Dorks, is back in the eleventh instalment of the bestselling series! Nikki is spending a week at North Hampton Hills as part of the school transfer programme. The good news is that NHH is super-cool and preppy. The bad news is that Nikki’s nemesis MacKenzie started there two weeks ago!

Buy Dork Diaries: Frenemies Forever - Rachel Renée Russell now from Amazon.co.uk Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict There was huge delight from our junior reviewer last week when the latest in the series of Dork Diaries arrived. Here is the verdict: “The Dork Diaries are my favourite books ever, I have been counting down the days until the new book came out, and I was so excited when it arrived.

I love this book so much, I wanted to make a special bookmark to go with it” They all highly recommended it! A perfect Christmas present for all fans of Dork Diaries!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Double Down – Jeff Kinney Synopsis: Book 11 in the phenomenally bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is out now!

The pressure’s really piling up on Greg Heffley. His mom thinks video games are turning his brain to mush, so she wants her son to put down the controller and explore his ‘creative side’.

As if that’s not scary enough, Halloween’s just around the corner and the frights are coming at Greg from every angle.

When Greg discovers a bag of gummy worms, it sparks an idea. Can he get his mom off his back by making a movie . . . and will he become rich and famous in the process? Or will doubling down on this plan just double Greg’s troubles?

Buy Double Down (Diary of a Wimpy Kid book 11) from Amazon.co.uk Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series are incredibly popular with our Junior Reviewers, their faces absolutely light up when a new one arrives.

This one is another hit with them, particularly with one of our reviewers who was a reluctant reader, and now always wants to be the first to read it.

The combination of humour, illustrations and ease of reading makes it an absolute joy for her as she proudly shares it with her friends at school. A great weekend read for children and their parents!

Dan and Phil Go Outside – Dan Howell and Phil Lester Synopsis: Dan Howell and Phil Lester, avoiders of human contact and direct sunlight, actually went outside.

Travelling around the world on tour, they have collected hundreds of exclusive, intimate and funny photos, as well as revealing and captivating side notes, to show the behind-the-scenes story of their adventure.

Buy Dan and Phil Go Outside from Amazon.co.uk Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict The arrival of Dan and Phil Go Outside, caused huge excitement with our young reviewers who are already fans following the publication last year of the hugely popular, The Amazing Book is Not on Fire.

Dan and Phil Go Outside is another really popular book with them, in their own words: “We were really excited to find out more about Dan and Phil’s lifestyle and loved their descriptions about being on tour, the book is packed full of photographs, and lots of fun information, it was if we were with them.

We loved it! ”

WINTER BEAUTY KORRES THE ABSOLUTE BERGAMOT PEAR COLLECTION GIFT SET SHOWERGEL / BODY MILK / HAND CREAM Triple body care scented with the juicy, sweet-bitter and heart warming essence of Bergamot blossom and sweet Pear.

Presented in a beautifully crafted gift box with a striking festive design for a holly jolly season.

Contains: Bergamot Pear Shower Gel 250ml Bergamot Pear Body Milk 200ml Bergamot Pear Hand Cream 75ml KORRES THE ABSOLUTE JAPANESE ROSE COLLECTION GIFT SET SHOWERGEL / BODY MILK / HAND CREAM Triple body care with velvet, sweet essence of rose buds. Presented in a beautifully crafted gift box with a striking seasonal design for a holly jolly season.

Contains: Japanese Rose Shower Gel 250ml Japanese Rose Body Milk 200ml Japanese Rose Hand Cream 75ml KORRES THE GREATEST MINI SHOWERGEL COLLECTION GIFT SET A refreshing bouquet of six favourite and best selling KORRES body scents. Presented in a beautifully crafted gift box, KORRES creamy-foam showergels hydrate the skin and have a lasting moisturising effect. Wheat proteins form a protective film on the skin, maintaining its regular hydration level.

Contains: Fig Shower Gel 40ml - indulge in the juicy scent of freshly cut figs Guava Shower Gel 40ml - an invigorating blend of tropical fruits Basil Lemon Shower Gel 40ml - a green spice of dazzling freshness with a vibrant lemon zest touch Santorini Vine Shower Gel 40ml - a distinct, naturally sweet aroma, influenced by volcanic soil & sea air Bergamot Pear Shower Gel 40ml - juicy, sweet-bitter and heartwarming notes Japanese Rose Shower Gel 40ml - velvet, sweet essence of rose buds All available to buy online from www.Debenhams.com

CRABTREE & EVELYN ROSE PINEAPPLE BODY CREAM 200G Feast your senses and quench your skin with this richly indulgent body cream – the ideal gift for friends and family in need of pampering.

Deeply moisturising, yet quickly absorbed, it’s playfully perfumed with a blend of warm pineapple, heady rose and sparkling pink Prosecco notes.

CRABTREE & EVELYN ROSE PINEAPPLE SHIMMER DRY OIL 100ML Sweep this shimmering argan and apricot enriched oil over skin and hair to leave it nourished, softened and veiled in uplifting notes of exotic pineapple, sweet rose and effervescent pink prosecco.

Micro golden particles add a sensuous gleaming finish.

Touch this nourishing dry oil over face, body and hair to impart a fragrant sheen.

CRABTREE & EVELYN A FEAST FOR THE SENSES CRACKER 3 x 10G The perfect stocking filler, our small individual Feast for the Senses cracker is filled with a trio of Hand Therapy must-haves, housed in charming festive packaging and scented with our limited edition Christmas 2016 holiday scents.

A treat for hands, this great gift promises to replenish, refresh and delicately scent the skin.

Contains: Rose pineapple hand therapy Festive fig hand therapy Spiced earl grey hand therapy CRABTREE & EVELYN ALL BUTTER GINGERBREAD MEN BISCUITS 200G A firm Christmas favourite, our All Butter Gingerbread Men now boast a newly improved all-butter recipe.

The festive keepsake gift tin includes 12 gingerbread men, baked to a traditional recipe by a fourth-generation, family-run business in Lancashire.

All available to buy online from www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk

KAT VON D ‘METAL MATTE’ EYESHADOW PALETTE MetalMatte is finally here! Get your hands on our brand new, super-limited eyeshadow palette: 22 to-die-for shades in two highcontrast finishes.

At KvD Beauty, we celebrate the two sides within everyone, whether it’s soft and romantic, rock ‘n’ roll, or both!

The top row is a gorgeous lineup of Metal Crush Eyeshadow in 8 new shades, plus ‘Synergy’ a bestselling bronze from the original collection. The bottom row features a rainbow array of buttery mattes in Kat’s signature eyeshadow formula, with a range of new tones, from dark and moody to pastel neutrals.

KAT VON D ‘STUDDED KISS’ LIPSTICK 3G Designed after Kat’s signature studded cuff, this ‘Studded Kiss’ lipstick is heaven on earth.

Available in 39 ground-breaking rebel-girl colours from black glitter and shimmering sea-foam green to iconic starlet reds and pretty doll pinks, each pigment-rich lipstick is formulated with colour cushion technology to keep lips feeling velvety soft whilst delivering bold, long-lasting colour and full coverage saturation.

Lips are also kept supple thanks to a powerful antioxidant complex infused with vitamins A, C and E. Parabens, sulfates and phthalates free KAT VON D ‘SHADE AND LIGHT’ FACE CONTOUR PALETTE This ‘Shade and Light’ face contour collection is a game changer for makeup mavericks everywhere.

Inspired by an artist’s palette, Kat has created six matte shades that look truly stunning on everyone.

The contour and highlight pairs are arranged by undertone, so you get neutral, warm and cool shades.

Use the deeper contour shades to add natural shadow and depth to your face, then accentuate your best angles with the brighter highlight shades.

Set contains: 3x shade powder in ‘Sombre’, ‘Shadowplay’ and ‘Subconscious’ 3x light powder in ‘Lucid’, ‘Lyric’, and ‘Levitation’ All available to buy online from www.debenhams.com

Festive Escapes

image courtesy of Carbis Bay Holidays

CARBIS BAY HOLIDAYS The New Year celebrations in St Ives are a must see event with the whole town parading the streets in fancy dress, spilling in and out of restaurants and bars, and all this culminates in a spectacular fireworks display over the sea in the harbour. Carbis Bay Holidays specialise in luxury 4 & 5 star self catering accommodation in St Ives and Carbis Bay, they are proud to offer a selection of over 150 properties. Short breaks available. enquiries@carbisbayholidays.co.uk 01736 630015 www.carbisbayholidays.co.uk

ABERCROMBIE & KENT VILLAS Abercrombie & Kent Villas offer a wide range of luxury villas throughout Europe, from French chateaux to Tuscan farmhouses. As well as beautiful properties, we can also help organise the finer things that make your holiday complete with everything from private chefs to local hosts to help you make the most of your stay. www.akvillas.com

SYKES COTTAGES Give yourself something to look forward to with a holiday from Sykes Cottages. With over 4,000 self-catering holiday cottages throughout the UK and Ireland, you’ll be spoilt for choice when planning your 2016/17 getaway. To find out more, visit our website or give us a call. www.sykescottages.co.uk

WILDERNESS COTTAGES Wilderness Cottages offer a variety of self catering holiday properties throughout Scotland. These range in size from small cosy cottages, ideal for honeymoon couples and romantic holidays, or larger holiday cottages to sleep from six to twelve. From remote crofts to stays in luxury apartments we have properties to suit all tastes. Many cottages are open all year, have log fires and make pets welcome. http://www.wildernesscottages.co.uk/

SUFFOLK COTTAGE HOLIDAYS Suffolk Cottage Holidays can guarantee a tailor-made recommendation to suit your holiday requirements. Whether you’re in need of dog-friendly accommodation or properties suitable for young children, our experienced team are always on hand to find the ideal property for you. www.suffolkcottageholidays.com/

ST MAWES RETREATS Boutique collection of private holiday houses sleeping 2 to 12 in unrivalled luxury in Cornwall on the idyllic Roseland peninsula. Our properties are ideal for 2 to 12 guests, couples looking for a relaxing holiday together or larger groups of families and friends gathering for a special occasion, reunion or holiday. Whether you are looking for a short weekend break of 3 nights, midweek break of 4 nights or a week or two week holiday we would be delighted to welcome you to St Mawes Retreats. http://www.stmawesretreats.co.uk/

TOAD HALL COTTAGES With over 600 wonderful holiday cottages throughout Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset, we’ve got something for everyone. For nearly 30 years, we’ve welcomed guests to the West Country and now also proudly offer over 100 properties in The New Forest, too. Over half of our properties welcome dogs, making us one of the ‘dog-friendliest’ holiday companies in the country, so, head over to our website today and find your perfect property for 2016. http://www.toadhallcottages.com/

UFFORD PARK

Winter Stopover Let us take the stress out of organising Christmas this year. Come and be our guest, for that home away from home feel. Situated in the perfect location to explore all that Suffolk has to offer, including Woodbridge, Sutton Hoo, Framlingham Castle or the coastal towns of Aldeburgh or Southwold. £65* room only or £75* bed and breakfast.

Available from 1st November - 31st March 2017 | Sunday to Thursday only.

*Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. Prices are based on double occupancy in a Classic room. These rates are not available online - book direct to take advantage.

Excludes 24, 25th, 26th or 31st December 2016.

No room at the Inn Available 24th, 25th or 26th December 2016 only.

Tired of travelling cross-country for a family Christmas meal and sleeping on the emergency air-bed? Get a room all to yourself this year from just £90* room only or £110* bed & breakfast.

*Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. Prices are based on double occupancy in a Classic room. These rates are not available online - book direct to take advantage.

Tel: 01394 383555 http://www.uffordpark.co.uk/

FOOTPATH HOLIDAYS Personally owned and run by Ian and Suzanne Newman, Footpath Holidays has been providing high quality walking holidays in Britain since 1983. Holiday options include guided walking as part of a group, self-guided holidays based in a single centre and self-guided holidays moving on each day and having your luggage transported. Every year Footpath Holidays organises a number of ‘tailor-made’ itineraries e.g. walks associated with pilgrimage routes, James Herriot’s Yorkshire, Daphne Du Maurier’s Cornwall, or the Arthurian Legends. http://www.footpath-holidays.com/

QUALITY UNEARTHED Something a little different... unusual holiday accommodations such as Treehouses, gypsy wagons, off-grid places, or cool glamping abodes are our passion. And these alternative, ecologically sensitive holidays are something more of us are seeking out. Increasingly we want things in life that are authentic and unique and our choice of holiday accommodation is reflected in this. www.qualityunearthed.co.uk

QUALITY COTTAGES The tight knit family business based in North Pembrokeshire represents over 300 fabulous holiday properties throughout the most stunning coastal, countryside and mountainous regions of Wales. Quality Cottages was the first company to be awarded a gold medal for services to self catering holidays in Wales. http://www.qualitycottages.co.uk

BEACON PARK BOATS Beacon Park Boats is a family-run business offering luxury narrowboat holidays on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal in the Brecon Beacons National Park, South Wales.

Alasdair and Sarah Kirkpatrick combine their love of design, craftsmanship, boating, engineering and hospitality to give you the very best in canal boat holiday experiences. https://beaconparkboats.com/

ST BRIDES BAY COTTAGES St Brides Bay Cottages offers delightful cottages in superb locations around the North Pembrokeshire Coast. “Welcome� might be a small word, but here it has a very big meaning.

The scenery is spectacular, the air is crystal fresh and the villages are full of character. The rugged beauty offers the perfect backdrop for a real get-away-from-it-all holiday. www.stbridesbaycottages.com

CARRIER Carrier knows that to travel is to make aspirations comes true; our curated selection is the perfect starting point to explore some of the finest family holidays. Time together is precious - allow Carrier to create the ultimate family getaway in 2016/17. www.carrier.co.uk

BAILEY ROBINSON Bailey Robinson are a British based luxury travel company providing tailor made holidays across hand-picked global locations. Our experts will create a holiday to match your requirements and help you choose the best location for you. www.baileyrobinson.com

EXPERIENCE TRAVEL GROUP Enriching the lives of the world’s most passionate travellers. Bespoke, luxury experienced based holidays in Asia. Experience is everything! www.experiencetravelgroup.com

INNTRAVEL Inntravel specialise in Slow holidays, which reveal the lesser-taken path and offer a truly individual holiday experience. From carefully crafted self-guided walking and cycling holidays, to inspiring winter snow holidays, uncover hidden corners and authentic local experiences along the way. www.inntravel.co.uk

NEW ZEALAND IN DEPTH Founded by Paul Carberry in 2003, New Zealand in Depth specialise in creating tailormade holidays to New Zealand. Paul has spent more than a year of his life on the ground in New Zealand and offers a genuine personal service, taking the time to understand his clients, their interests and their needs. This is the only way to create a truly bespoke honeymoon experience. http://www.newzealandindepth.com/

QUALITY VILLAS Winter sun just a short hop, skip and a jump away! Enjoy a fully staffed villa holiday at Villa Damali in Morocco. Quality Villas offer luxury villas with pools across the country, a perfect way to ditch the winter blues. Fully bonded members of ABTA: book in confidence. www.qualityvillas.com/morocco

OLIVER’S TRAVELS Oliver’s Travels has a fantastic selection of luxury villas with private swimming pools across Europe and the Caribbean. Perfect for a family summer holiday or break with friends www.oliverstravels.com/

AUDLEY TRAVEL Audley trips don’t come off the shelf, they’re tailor-made down to the finest detail. When planning a trip with us, you will speak to a destination specialist who has either lived or travelled extensively within the country or region that you are visiting. They will create a bespoke trip based on your tastes, interests and budget and with an absolute commitment to providing quality travel experiences. http://www.audleytravel.com

Special Venues

image courtesy of Deer Park

DEER PARK Our utterly delectable 18th Century Georgian House near Exeter is licensed for civil ceremonies and is perfect for exclusive use in Devon, accommodating up to 60 guests in the main house for intimate celebrations and up to 210 guests in our showstopping Orangery. Wonderful whatever the season, you can tie the knot in our secluded secret garden, surrounded by wild flowers; inside our vintage-chic country house; or in the light and bright Orangery with its toasty underfloor heating and ambient lighting. And as the night comes to a close, you can say a fond farewell to all your loved ones and spend your first night of wedded bliss in our luxury treehouse - ding dong!

Influenced by the best of British, our four-star accommodation is the epitome of a quintessentially English Country House www.deerparkcountryhotel.co.uk/devon-wedding-venues/exclusive-use-weddings-devon

THE TYTHE BARN The Tythe Barn, built back in the early 14th Century, provides the most amazing setting where you can create the wedding day of your dreams. With Jamie Oliver’s team as our in-house caterer, we are a small, friendly and dedicated team who are here to help you every step of the way. We listen, we sit down and talk and we are really passionate about getting it right - for you. Arrive with us in the morning and do the whole thing in one place, ceremony - indoor or outdoor, food - whatever you want and party - a civilised affair or a rave. The choice is yours. We’ve even created a unique and exciting place for the bride and groom to stay over...if you can’t bring yourselves to leave! http://www.thetythebarn.co.uk/

NUMBER ONE DART MARINA Number One Dart Marina is an exquisite home in a breath-taking location by the River Dart in Dartmouth, Devon. A stunning combination of views, luxury and style, within a few steps of Dart Marina Hotel & Spa, see more at www.dartmarina.com/NUMBER-ONE

INTERVIEW

HINTLESHAM HALL

Beautiful grounds, surrounding a graceful 16th Century Grade 1 listed Country House Hotel.

A warm welcome from friendly efficient staff, showing you through to a sumptuous lounge with a roaring log fires during the winter months, papers to read while you relax on deep sofas with a Traditional Afternoon Tea awaiting you after a stroll in the grounds. www.hintleshamhall.com

BOVEY CASTLE Bovey Castle is a five-star hotel set within a 275-acre private estate with its own championship golf course, offering guests the unpretentious grandeur and sumptuous dĂŠcor of true English luxury on Dartmoor National Park www.boveycastle.com

BRUISYARD BARN Set in 700 acres, Bruisyard Hall & Barn is perfect for your wedding. With uninterrupted views of Suffolk countryside, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Accommodating both small intimate weddings from 20 people to larger group weddings up to 200 people. www.bruisyardhall.com

MAISON TALBOOTH Step back, relax and indulge at Maison Talbooth. Twelve individual bedrooms, day spa, outdoor pool (heated to a sizzling 85 degrees all year), hot tub, pool house and tennis court. Guests dine at the award winning Le Talbooth restaurant beside the river Stour, just a minute away by courtesy car. www.milsomhotels.com/maison

KESGRAVE HALL Step back, relax and indulge at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall, a contemporary 4-star hotel with 23 fabulous bedrooms ranging from standard through to the ‘top grade’. Plenty of theatre can be found in the restaurant overlooked by the Engine Room, with head chef Stuart Oliver championing all that is great about Suffolk produce. https://www.milsomhotels.com/kesgrave-hall/

THE PIER The Pier stands proudly overlooking the picturesque harbour and the confluence of the Stour and Orwell rivers. Long established in Harwich, the hotel boasts four stars with two rosettes for cooking. The Harbourside on the first floor of The Pier, is renowned for using locally caught seafood, much of which is landed in the harbour opposite. Head Chef, John Goff takes much of his influence from the sea so Harwich lobster and crab are nearly always on the menu served whichever way you’d like. Stay over and capture the ambience of this delightful old town, a night in The Mayflower suite, complete with telescope is a must! http://www.milsomhotels.com/thepier

HOT BRANDS COOL PLACES www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com